Discipleship: The Path of the Cross
Inspired by Chapter 13 of "The Green Letters" by Miles J. Stanford
"Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'”
— Matthew 16:24
Imagine a river flowing through a dry, barren desert. Along its banks, life begins to flourish—trees grow tall, the ground turns green, and birds find shelter in the shade. The river does not create life by itself but brings the water that enables it. Likewise, our discipleship springs from the life of Christ flowing through us. The cross is the channel through which this life comes.
Jesus made it clear that discipleship requires denying ourselves and taking up our cross. Yet this "cross" is often misunderstood. It is not a heavy burden of trials, illness, or difficult circumstances. Instead, it is the place where the memories or living patterns of our crucified old self, with its desires and attempts at self-sufficiency, is put to death, so that Christ may live in and through us (Galatians 2:20).
The Cross Clears the Way
Discipleship begins with the fellowship of the cross. It is there that we experience freedom from all that enslaves us and prevents us from experiencing the fullness of Christ's life. As Miles Stanford points out, “The cross alone can keep the hindrances to holiness in the place of death.” The process may feel like cutting away overgrown branches to make room for healthy growth, but it leads to true liberation.
Jesus Himself is our model. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, knowing that it would lead to resurrection and glory (Hebrews 12:2). Our path is no different. The cross leads us to newness of life—freedom to walk in fellowship with our risen Lord.
Dying to the Self-life, Living in Christ’s Life
Taking up the cross daily means choosing to rely on Christ as the sole source of life. It is a moment-by-moment recognition that we have died to sin and are alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11). When we cling to self-effort or seek to harness our crucified old nature for God’s purposes, we release it from the cross, allowing it to reassert control. But when we reckon ourselves crucified with Christ, we allow the Holy Spirit to keep self, or the flesh, in the place of death and Christ as the Master of our lives.
Stanford writes, “There cannot be two masters in our lives. If the old ‘I’ is in active possession of us, then Christ cannot be.” Discipleship is not about improving the old self but about recognizing its death and embracing the life of Christ within us.
Walking the Narrow Path
This journey is not about stoic endurance but joyful reliance. The cross is not the end; it is the beginning of a life marked by victory and intimacy with God. As we take up our cross, we enter the narrow path where the Lord walks with His disciples, drawing near and leading us in His triumph.
A Prayer of Trust and Gratitude
Father,
Thank You for the cross, where my old self was crucified with Christ, and for the newness of life I now have in Him. I trust You to guide me on this path of discipleship, keeping me in the fellowship of the cross and leading me to deeper fellowship with my risen Lord. Thank You for the freedom and life You have already given me through Christ. May I walk in this truth today and every day. Amen.
Final Thought
Discipleship is a daily surrender to the finished work of the cross. As we rely on Christ and not ourselves, we discover the joy and freedom of living as His bond-slaves, and as His friends, walking in the triumph of His life within us. The river of His life flows, bringing transformation and bearing fruit for His glory.