Definition: And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Luke 9:23. It’s a really important message about following Jesus! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is saying: “If you want to truly follow me, you need to be honest with yourself and make a choice.” It’s not enough to just say you believe in Jesus; you have to live as if you do. "You need to take up a 'cross' – that means a daily commitment to following me." A cross is a symbol of sacrifice, and this verse suggests it’s about willingly giving up something for the sake of Jesus. “Don’t be afraid to deny yourself.” This means you have to stop doing things that don’t align with your faith – things that are distracting or harmful – and start focusing on what truly matters. It's about self-discipline and choosing to walk in a way that honors Jesus. Think of it like this: Imagine you want to enjoy a beautiful sunset. You don't just look at the sunset; you actively choose to be present, appreciate its beauty, and maybe even join in on a little activity. That’s what Jesus is asking us to do – to truly engage with him and his teachings. The key takeaway is that genuine faith requires personal commitment and a willingness to make choices that align with our beliefs. --- Do you want me to: Explain the context of this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how to take up a cross in your own life?