New Testament
Luke 9:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then he said to all of them, "If anyone wants to follow me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.
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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.
What Luke 9:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is teaching that true discipleship requires self-denial and commitment. To 'deny oneself' means to put aside personal desires and ambitions in favor of following Christ. 'Taking up one's cross daily' symbolizes the willingness to endure hardships and sacrifices for the sake of faith. This daily commitment is essential for anyone who wishes to truly follow Jesus. It emphasizes that following Him is not just a one-time decision but a continuous journey that involves challenges and perseverance. Jesus invites everyone to join Him, but He makes it clear that it comes with a cost. The call to follow Him is a call to live a life that reflects His teachings and values, often in the face of opposition or personal struggle. This verse encapsulates the essence of Christian discipleship, highlighting the importance of prioritizing faith over personal comfort and desires.
How to apply Luke 9:23 to your life
To apply this teaching, consider what personal desires or habits you may need to set aside to follow Christ more closely. Reflect on daily practices that help you grow in faith, such as prayer, reading scripture, and serving others, even when it’s challenging.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jesus Foretells His Death (Luke 9:22–27)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Plain Meaning
Jesus sets out what it costs to follow him. First, a person must deny himself — set aside his own wants and comfort as the main thing driving his life. Second, he must take up his cross daily — carry the hardship that comes with following Jesus, not just once but every day. Third, he must follow Jesus, meaning go where Jesus leads. All three steps go together.
Read It in Context
Jesus has just told his disciples that he will suffer, be rejected, be killed, and rise again (verse 22). Right after that, he turns to everyone present and says this. The call to follow comes immediately after the announcement of his own suffering — the two are connected.
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 9:23 mean?
Luke 9:23 means that to truly follow Jesus, one must prioritize Him over personal desires. It emphasizes self-denial, taking on challenges, and committing to a daily journey of faith.
What does 'deny himself' mean in Luke 9:23?
'Deny himself' means to set aside personal wants and ambitions to follow Jesus. It involves making sacrifices and choosing faith over comfort.
What does 'take up his cross daily' refer to in Luke 9:23?
'Take up his cross daily' refers to the willingness to face hardships and challenges for the sake of faith. It symbolizes the ongoing commitment to live according to Jesus' teachings.
What is the main message of Luke 9:23?
The main message of Luke 9:23 is that following Jesus requires a continuous commitment that involves self-denial and the readiness to endure difficulties.
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