Alicia Alliance Church — CAMACOP Inc.
From the Cross to the Commission | The Disciple-Making Journey
Day 5 — Take Up Your Cross Daily
Group Objective
Opening Prayer
Begin your session with a short, sincere prayer. You may use this guide or pray in your own words:
Icebreaker
Share with the group: Think of a time when you had to give up something you wanted in order to do what was right. What happened, and how did it affect you?
Scripture Reading
Read aloud together or ask a volunteer to read:
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’”
Short Biblical Background
In the time of Jesus, the cross was not a piece of jewelry or a church symbol — it was an instrument of execution and public shame. When Jesus told His followers to “take up their cross,” they understood exactly what He meant: total surrender, even to the point of death.
The word “daily” is significant. Jesus is not describing a one-time decision made at conversion. He is describing a continuous, moment-by-moment choice to place Him above our own desires, ambitions, and comfort. True discipleship is not passive agreement with Christian teaching — it is active, costly, daily obedience.
Three Main Biblical Truths
Jesus is not asking us to have no value. He is asking us to surrender the final say over our own lives. When we deny ourselves, we declare that our desires, ambitions, and feelings are no longer the highest authority — He is.
The cross represents sacrifice, suffering, and complete surrender. Taking it up daily means choosing to remain faithful to Christ even when obedience has a cost — in relationships, finances, reputation, or personal comfort.
Discipleship is more than agreeing with Jesus. It is trusting Him, obeying Him, and walking in His direction — even when the road is difficult. We are saved by grace through faith, and that faith shows itself in a life willing to follow.
Discussion Questions
- Jesus says we must “deny ourselves.” In practical terms, what does self-denial look like in your daily life — at home, at work, or in your relationships?
- What is one desire, habit, ambition, or relationship that has been competing with Jesus for first place in your life? What would it look like to surrender it to Him?
- Is there a command from God that you have been avoiding because it seems too difficult or too costly? What would obedience in that area require?
- How does understanding that we are saved by grace — not by our sacrifice or good works — change the way we think about taking up our cross?
- What is one specific, concrete step of obedience you can take this week to follow Jesus more faithfully?
Personal Application
Following Jesus is a daily decision — not a one-time event. This week, ask the Lord to show you any area of your life where your own will has taken His rightful place.
This week, I will:
Group Action Step
As a group, identify one shared act of obedience or service you will do together this week — something that requires sacrifice, costs something, and reflects the example of Jesus. Share it with the group before you close and agree to report back next session.
Prayer Requests
Give each person a moment to share one prayer request — especially anything related to areas of surrender or obedience discussed today.