ready to take up your cross

What does it mean to take up your cross? 

After writing about Peter’s declaration that Jesus is the Messiah, Mark adds, “from that time on, Jesus began to explain” some things to His disciples. While preparing them for His coming crucifixion, He also spoke to them about their own cross. 

He left no doubt about what discipleship meant: “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me’” (Matthew 16:24). The disciples were part of the “crowd“ that followed Jesus, and it was to all of them that the Master spoke those words.

Jesus gave them all a word picture that they likely understood better in those ancient times than Christ-followers do today. No doubt many in the multitudes — even the disciples — believed Jesus was about to bring a glorious and powerful kingdom to earth. Some in the crowds had already drifted away; they were only following Jesus for the miracles and meals anyway, and His teachings grew more puzzling. But those who remained misunderstood God’s timetable for prophecy, so they were likely shocked to hear Jesus’ words.

What Does Matthew 16:24 Mean?

Was “cross-bearing” different in Jesus' day than today? Why did Jesus use such a tough metaphor to describe discipleship?

Two thousand years ago, Romans forced convicts to carry their rugged, wooden crosses to their own place of execution. As they bore the crosses of crucifixion, crowds laughed and ridiculed them. Today, except perhaps in rare cases in some third-world countries, people do not carry wooden crosses to their death, but Jesus’ meaning went beyond that tool of execution anyway. His statement to the disciples involved self-denial, surrender, and servanthood.

1. Self-denial

Jesus said we must first deny ourselves. In today’s terms, it’s called “dying to self.” Many Christians only vaguely understand the concept but know the “self” can cause problems. Some believe that simply by denying ourselves material goods, accomplishments, or meaningful things, this will make us better recruits for discipleship. Maybe, but it’s more than that. 

By “self,” Jesus wasn’t referring to a person’s personal identity. God created each of us, and we are beautifully and uniquely known to Him. The “self” Jesus referenced is the sinful, rebellious, unredeemed self — the fleshly and corrupt “old self.” Paul recognized this “self” when he said, “I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh” (Romans 7:18). At salvation, we are clothed in the “new self” of righteousness (Eph. 4:24), but there is still no goodness in ourselves. Self-denial includes rejection of self-sufficiency and self-will.

Jesus calls us to crucify — to put to death — our own plans and desires. We’re to stop trying to gratify the flesh. Jesus further calls people to face the potential loss of family, friends, reputation, material goods, career, and personal dreams in following Him — perhaps to even face martyrdom. Jesus didn’t say we would face all these losses or death, but only that we sincerely needed to be willing to lose all things for His sake. It wasn’t and still isn’t a popular message.

2. Surrender

Jesus said we must take up our cross. Our taking up is really a matter of bowing down. Jesus never hid the cost of discipleship. He calls us to bow in absolute surrender to Him. This isn’t a mystical deeper life activity for some spiritual super-elite; it’s for all who desire to follow the Lord. It’s for anyone willing to count the cost of bearing His reproach. 

Surrendering is easy when life runs smoothly, but surrendering to God’s will can be more difficult during struggles and trials. Jesus said we would face many troubles (John 16:33). We will likely suffer in some way as we follow in His footsteps.

Taking up our cross means sacrifice, laying everything on the altar. It’s not a half-hearted commitment; it is a full surrender to God’s terms of discipleship. It’s a choice to live out the truth that we are “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20), even if it means shame, rejection, or persecution. It means being willing to share in the sufferings of Christ — and it’s a choice to be made daily.

3. Servanthood

Jesus said we must follow Him. The disciples were called individually, leaving family, friends, and occupations to follow Jesus. No doubt in the crowd, as Jesus spoke that day some had still not come to Him for salvation. In calling people to salvation, Jesus called them to a life of loyal obedience and service. He clarified the terms: if we don’t deny ourselves, carry our cross, and follow Jesus, we cannot be His disciple (Luke 14:27). 

There is no such thing as a no-cost, no-sacrifice form of discipleship. The hymnist wrote, “Must Jesus bear the cross alone, and all the world go free? No, there’s a cross for everyone, and there’s a cross for me.” Discipleship requires service to the Master and obedience to His will. The Lordship of Christ becomes the daily reality of the believer’s life. It’s clear cut in Scripture. The true disciple will live like and ultimately resemble the Master, and those who do not desire to do the will of the Father cannot rightly call Him “Lord” (Matthew 7:21).