What Must I Do to be a Disciple of Jesus?

This one verse breaks down into three separate phrases:

1-- "Deny Yourself"

We must deny ourselves and our desires in order to follow Christ correctly and wisely. We cannot follow Jesus properly if we do not trust Him wholly and solely devote our hearts to His Will, not ours.

2-- "Take Up Your Cross"

Second, we must realize the weight and cost of sin. As Jesus carried His cross and bore our sin, so we must identify with Him as we die to self and rise again in newness of life. The willingness to both live AND die for Jesus is sewn into the fibers of this phrase.

3-- "Follow Me"

Finally, we must commit to faithful action in the living out of God's Word. Jesus made the way, God the Father calls His children to Himself, and the Holy Spirit leads and convicts as we approach the day of the Lord.