The Road to the Cross (Part One): Self Denial

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Thursday, April 2, 2026

Today’s Text: Luke 9:18–27

Key Verse: “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.” — Luke 9:23 (KJV)

As we begin this Easter series, “The Road to the Cross,” we are not merely approaching a holiday on the calendar; we are entering the sacred path of Jesus’ intentional journey toward redemption. The road to the cross was not accidental, hurried, or forced upon the Lord. It was the path of divine love, holy obedience, and willing surrender. In Luke 9, Jesus begins to reveal the cost of discipleship to His followers. Before He ever carried the wooden cross to Calvary, He taught them that the cross is not only something He would bear, but something every true disciple must embrace. The road to the cross begins with a revelation: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and because He is who He is, following Him demands more than admiration; it demands surrender.

This first step on the road to the cross is the call to self-denial. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself.” That is where the journey begins—where self stops ruling and Christ begins reigning. Many people want resurrection power without crucified living, but Easter cannot be understood apart from surrender. The cross confronts our pride, our preferences, our comfort, and our need for control. It asks us to lay down the throne of self so that Christ may have first place in every area of life. On the road to the cross, we learn that discipleship is not about preserving our own life at all costs; it is about losing our life for Christ’s sake in order to find true life in Him.

Jesus then says, “Take up his cross daily.” Notice the word daily. The cross is not only a moment of emotional conviction or a seasonal sermon theme; it is a daily posture of obedience. The road to the cross is walked one surrendered decision at a time—one act of forgiveness, one act of humility, one refusal of temptation, one quiet yes to God. To carry the cross means accepting the cost of faithfulness even when it is inconvenient, misunderstood, or painful. It means following Jesus not only when He multiplies bread, but also when He leads us through rejection, sacrifice, and holy pressure. Yet the same road that leads to Calvary also leads to victory, because every cross God permits in obedience becomes the doorway to His greater purpose

Action Steps: Today, begin this Easter journey by asking the Lord where self still resists His rule in your life. Surrender one area you have been holding back—your will, your habit, your fear, your relationship, or your future. Choose one practical act of obedience that reflects taking up your cross daily. Meditate on Luke 9:23 and pray through it slowly, allowing the Holy Spirit to expose anything that competes with Christ’s lordship. Walk through this day remembering that the road to the cross is also the road to transformation.

Quote for the Day: “The road to the cross begins where self ends and Christ takes over.” — (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Lord, as I begin this Easter journey, teach me the meaning of Your cross. Deliver me from shallow religion and self-centered living. Help me to deny myself, take up my cross daily, and follow You with a whole heart. Let this road shape me, humble me, and prepare me for the glory that follows obedience. I surrender my life afresh to You today. Lead me on the road to the cross, and let my life bring You honor—in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

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Thank you for threshing the Word with me today. For further study on this topic, please read: Mark 8:34–38; Philippians 2:5–11; Hebrews 12:1–3.

With love and prayers,

Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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