S – Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. ²⁴ For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it

Luke 9:23–24 CSB

O – Commentary: 

Jesus then discussed the deaths of His followers. They were to have the same attitude toward death and life that He had. Each one must deny himself, that is, not think about his own good. Also he must take up his cross daily, that is, admit that the One for whom he carried the cross was right (see comments on 14:27). And he must follow Jesus, even to death.

The words Jesus spoke in this setting must be understood in their historical context. Not long before this the disciples had been actively engaged in telling the nation about the Messiah and His kingdom program. No doubt many thought the disciples were throwing their lives away. They had given up their sources of income and were in danger because they associated with Jesus. Jesus assured His disciples that they were doing the right thing. 

“Luke,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Following Jesus is not easy.  It counter-intuitive to our way of thinking.  It puts things that we deem important in a different priority.  If we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, who came to earth in human form, crucified and resurrected, then we deny ourselves of our own thinking, ways of doing things and will for our lives. 

R – Heavenly Father, we recognize that Jesus is who claimed to be.  That causes us to surrender our thoughts, words and actions to align with Him.  We choose Jesus as our Savior.  We accept You as our God.  We will serve you today.