Take up your cross

Question

What does it mean to carry my cross? What is my “cross”?

Answer

Almost everyone who genuinely wants to follow Jesus has asked this question at one time or another, and there is a good chance that you’ve heard a lot of different ideas, possibly including physical abstinence or self-denial.

This specific phrase occurs only twice, in Luke 9:23 and 14:27. Look at both verses in their entirety.

“If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

“Whoever does not carry his own cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:27)

Notice a few things about these verses. First, both times Jesus was explaining what it means to follow him, to be his disciple. In both verses, to become Jesus’ follower/disciple, a person must do two things: carry his own cross and follow Jesus. That means that being a disciple is more than words and more than faith. We receive salvation through faith alone; there is nothing we can do. Discipleship (spiritual growth), though, requires action. We will never grow if we don’t actively carry our cross and actively follow in Jesus’ footsteps.

The second thing I notice is that Jesus said this positively (“Do this to become my disciple”) and negatively (“If you don’t, you can’t be my disciple.”) I think this emphasizes its importance. This is not an option if you want to grow in your faith. This is not just one of many things to do; it is the primary thing.

So, what is my cross?

In Roman culture, prisoners (including Jesus) would carry their own crosses to their place of execution. Now, the context shows that Jesus did not mean we need to build a literal cross for ourselves and carry it around. So, what does it mean?

Carrying your cross means at least two things: 1) following Jesus no matter where he leads and 2) intentionally sacrificing your agenda for God’s.

At Theology is for Everyone and Oak Tree Community Church, this is explained in step two of our Discipleship Path based on 2 Peter 1:5-8. The step of “Excellence” is when a believer dedicates himself or herself to God for spiritual growth. This must come after salvation and is the foundational decision on which the rest of the Path (spiritual growth process) stands. Paul explains this decision in Romans 12:1-2, where he encouraged the Roman Christians to present themselves to God as a sacrifice, committing to spending the rest of their lives changing to becoming like Jesus (see also Romans 8:28-29).

Jesus is looking for believers to do whatever it takes to walk the Path, grow spiritually, and be faithful in whatever situation we find ourselves. What is it that is holding you back from following him completely?

You can find out the basics of the Path in our free booklet (download the PDF here) or in more detail in my book, Biblical Discipleship. You can also contact me with your questions.