Read Luke 9:18-36

“²³ And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.””

Jesus’ challenge to deny ourselves appears to be in complete opposition to our culture. So much of our media, advertising and conversations are about indulging ourselves not denying ourselves!

In fact, some go further and say that to deny ourselves rather than following our deepest desires is harmful and repressive. However, denying self isn’t diminishing self. Rather, it’s about following Jesus’ example and learning to find meaning and purpose in meeting the needs of others, not just yourself.

This is the point at which the contrast between Jesus and culture is strongest. If only you matter, then denying yourself makes no sense. However, if those around us matter like God says they matter, then there’s truly something divine in the idea of denying our own desires and following in Jesus’ example.

We know from the record of Jesus’ life in the Bible that he didn’t want to be crucified. Yet, He went through it to fulfil His Father’s plan to unite us all together as one family. He believed that his sacrifice would free us from the divisive and destructive power of sin in our lives.

Take time to think of someone who has put your needs above their own. It may have been a mother, father, relative, sibling, friend or mentor. These people are similar to the ‘heroes’ we mythologise in our greatest books and movies. The ones who saved us from ourselves and the perils around us. While our day-to-day culture encourages indulgence, the timeless stories that we revere across all nations and tribes are almost always about heroes who deny themselves for the sake of others.

This is why the story of Jesus has transcended 2,000 years of history. He is exactly what our hearts know we need – someone to not just show us the way, but to make a way for us in the world.

I encourage you to take Jesus’ invitation seriously. Embrace his challenge to take up your own opportunities to act with heroic love for the sake of those around you. It’s never just about denying or diminishing ourselves. Rather, it’s about dedicating our lives for the sake of others, just like he has modelled for us all.