Lenten Devotional: March 19, 2026

by Rev. Elyse Nielsen

Scripture: Matthew 16:24-25 ESV: 

Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me..."

This Lenten season we are called to remember denial as a key theme. We are to consider denial from many sides and it as a multi-layered element in the passion narrative of Jesus. We know of the denial of Peter that turns to repentance and re-commitment. Jesus denies his power and authority to achieve his mission- to save us all from sin and death. We, too, are called to deny our desires, our wills, our preferences and replace it with what God wants, wills, and prefers for us. 

Our selfish desires lead to death. Our desires are often one-sided and limited in scope. God's plan and desires are bigger than we can fathom. How poor life would be if we got exactly what we thought we wanted. 

Our will protects us but also curtails the healing God wants to do in and through us for our own good. Since God imbued us with free will, He will not overstep that and stoop to coersion. Jesus's life, mission, and love invite us to deny our will. Instead, we pray, not my will, but yours. 

God's preferred future for us is one full of hope. We must choose to take up our cross- the spiritual struggle, the thing that threatens our confidence in the Lord, and daily follow Him. When we do this, we deny ourselves, so that Christ can fill us, our lives be transformed, and we may finally live into the life eternal this side of heaven. 

Reflection questions:

What is your cross?

When was there a time that what God provided (a resource or opportunity) that was better than you imagined?

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, reign in our hearts and lives. Have your will, your way, and give us the preferred future you have for us. Help us to deny ourselves to make room for you. Amen.