*THE CHRISTIANITY AND THE ROUGH ROAD.*(Series 2) *Scripture Reading:* Matthew 10:21, Mark 13:12, Micah 7:1-7 Not only does this theme of cross bearing appear again and again, but the idea of division, of a sword appears all over the gospels, as in this text for today Matt. 10: 21 it says, *"Brother will deliver up brother to death,and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death;"* and again in Mark 13:12, it says; *"And brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child and children will rise against parents and have them put to death,"* and we find similar text in Luke as well as John. Also in the Old Testament we find such texts as in Micah 7:1-7 and we could go on and on. Do you see, do you get the point!!! Jesus is saying life will not be easy as you follow me. Don’t look for a life of roses, don’t look for the easy way, but the narrow road. Carry your cross, be ready to speak against even your father, your children, your parents and also be ready for them, your father, your children, your parents to speak up against you because of your faith, your belief in Me. Not only did Jesus tell His disciples about the kind of life they would live for Him, but on Good Friday, He demonstrated that life by dying on a cross, by experiencing death, by facing pain, by being humiliated as He died a death of a criminal. *This was not an easy life, this was a rough road for Jesus.* Now, we need to pause for a moment and ask a question. *WHAT KIND OF PERSON WAS JESUS??? Was He a good person, or a bad person??* In Hebrews 4:15 it says: *"For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sinning."* Christ is like us, but different is that He was perfect, without sinning. Further in Hebrews 2:17; *"Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people."* For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted. Romans 5:19 says; *"For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous."* Jesus was the righteous, obedient, sinless son of God, but at the same time He had to suffer. To be continue tomorrow morning by God's Grace. Good morning and do have a great Friday, peace *Prayer point:* May I not fail in responding to your call upon my life even as I carry the cross daily in Jesus Christ name. Amen! T.S. AFOLAYAN