Take Up Your Cross!

Jesus told a simple parable with a profound truth: the Kingdom of God is worth everything. When we see what He sees and value what He values, our hearts and priorities change. As we prepare to give, we’re reminded—nothing is more valuable than people, and no price is too high for love.

REVIEW: Nothing is more valuable than people.

READ: 1 Peter 1:18–19 –
“For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.” (NLT)

DISCUSS: Why do you think people matter so much to God? How does remembering the price Jesus paid for you change the way you value others?

REVIEW: When it comes to people, no price is too high.

READ: Philippians 2:6–8 –
“Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a servant and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” (NLT)

DISCUSS: What does it mean for you to “take up your cross” and follow Jesus in your daily life? What sacrifice might God be asking of you right now?

REVIEW: Giving changes everything.

READ: Acts 20:35 –
“Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

DISCUSS: How has generosity brought joy, freedom, or purpose to your life? How does giving connect us to God’s heart for people?

ASK

What is one way you can “take up your cross” this week by loving people sacrificially?

PRAY

Jesus, thank You for showing us what real love looks like. You gave everything for us—Your life, Your blood, Your glory—so that we could be redeemed. Help us to love people the way You do, to live generously, and to give sacrificially. Use our lives and our church to reach more people with Your love. Amen.

INVITATION TO RESPOND

This week, take a step toward living and giving like Jesus:

• Value what Jesus values: Ask God to give you His heart for people.
• Take up your cross: Choose obedience even when it costs you something.
• Give through Build His House: Pray, pledge, and bring your first gift next Sunday as we take a bold step of faith together.
• Trust God’s provision: Believe that as we build His house, He will build ours—stronger, deeper, and full of His presence.
• Live on mission: Let every dollar, every decision, and every relationship point people to Jesus.

The Kingdom of God is worth everything. Jesus gave His life for people—and now He invites us to do the same. Let’s take up our cross, give with faith, and build His house for His glory.

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