The Heart of Submission

By: Wendy Sanders

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

During Jesus’ time on earth, a cross wasn't the symbol it is today. To a Christ follower, the cross symbolizes victory, hope, love, and forgiveness. To the people of Jesus' day, a cross symbolized a death sentence. When Jesus used the cross as a visual reference, He was telling the disciples to "die to self and follow me."

Surrendering our will over to God is much the same. We're still human, so denying ourselves doesn't come easy. Instead, we want to always be in control... We want to make our own decisions, and we like to do things "our way."

...Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. Matthew 26:55-56

These verses tell us that the disciples fled when Jesus was arrested. Later, some of them even denied they were His followers. Being arrested wasn't something they envisioned, and it shook their faith to the core. They were uncomfortable because they weren't in control of the situation.

But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. Matthew 26:58

The disciples were afraid, and their future seemed uncertain. All they knew was their current circumstance was dire. But when things look bad to us, we often do the same. We become fearful, we flee, or we watch from a distance. Instead, we must learn to tell God, “Lord, I'm letting go of my fears, worries, and doubts and giving them to you. I'm denying myself and following you so I can pursue the path you've laid out for me.”

"For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" Matthew 16:25-26

What a glorious day it will be when Jesus returns! It will be the day we've been waiting for; the day we get to see our Savior face to face. It's also the day we'll receive our heavenly reward. Not because we did amazing things for Jesus, but because we denied ourselves and submitted to HIS will.

Following Jesus requires our complete and total surrender!