Cocoa Farmers “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." Mark 8:34 Chocolate. Really, really good chocolate is one of my weaknesses. I'm talking about Godiva, Lunt, and from the Equal Exchange Co-op. I'm also talking about Snowflake Chocolates , Jericho, VT, and Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Ice Cream. When I announced to my congregations I was giving up chocolate for Lent, it seemed like a significant sacrifice. However, Jesus never meant denying something as trivial as chocolate. Deny Yourself Jesus is laying out what's needed to fully grasp ones identity as a disciple. Jesus says denying ourselves is separation from what defines us and embracing a new understanding of our identity. For example, when the disciples followed Jesus they became a community defined by association with Jesus. Self-denial means you have completely redefined your identity. Take up your cross. Taking up your cross implies rejection. I...