A Memorial Day Reflection on Real Sacrifice
- Chad Dupin
- May 25
- 2 min read
Before we get into the fun of the long weekend — the food, the golf, the sunshine — we’re taking a minute to remember why this day matters.
Today, we honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. We can never repay their debt, and our prayer this morning is one of deep thankfulness for their sacrifice—for the freedom it brings and the courage it reminds us to carry.
But we’re also reminded of another sacrifice that changed the world forever.
Jesus on the Cross. The ultimate act of mercy and grace is given for us.
It makes you stop and think — could I do that? Could I lay down my life in defense of Christ?
That question isn’t theoretical for the twelve disciples. History shows us they didn’t just talk about faith — they died for it.
Peter – Crucified
James – Killed by sword
Andrew – Crucified
Philip – Crucified
Bartholomew – Flayed and beheaded
Thomas – Speared
Matthew – Stabbed
James (son of Alphaeus) – Stoned and clubbed
Jude – Clubbed or crucified
Simon the Zealot – Sawn in half or crucified
John – The only one who died of natural causes
Judas – Suicide
In John 21:18-19, Jesus tells Peter: “…when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go… to indicate the death by which Peter would glorify God.”
They understood Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:24-25 not just as a metaphor, but as a call to real surrender: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me…”
So today, in between bites of burgers and moments with family, think about this:
What is God asking you to lay down?
What cross is He asking you to carry?
What sacrifice are you being called to make — in your home, community, faith?
Let’s live lives worthy of the sacrifices made on our behalf.
Let’s thank those who’ve stood in the gap for us—whether veterans, parents, or spiritual mentors.
And most of all, let’s remember the Cross.
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