Meaning of Taking Up Our Cross in Christian Discipleship
The phrase "taking up one's cross" is a metaphor for the radical commitment required of Christian discipleship, signifying a willingness to endure suffering and self-denial, even to the point of death [6, 7, 11]. Jesus used this expression multiple times, notably in Matthew 10:38, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, and Luke 14:27 [1, 7]. In Luke 14:27, Jesus states, "Whoever doesn’t bear his own cross, and come after me, can’t be my disciple" [2].
Historically, the cross was an instrument of Roman torture and execution [9]. When Jesus spoke of taking up the cross, it conveyed a readiness to face crucifixion, much like he himself carried his cross to Calvary [7]. This imagery implies a complete surrender of one's own will and ambitions to God's will [8]. It means loving Christ above all else and being prepared to follow him regardless of physical or social consequences [9].
While "taking up your cross" is a metaphor for devotion, it also acknowledges martyrdom as a potential outcome for followers of Jesus [8]. It involves a "death to self," where believers are willing to die to their own desires and live for God, even if it costs them their lives [11]. This commitment is not merely about enduring general trials for Christ's sake, but specifically about a preparedness for extreme suffering [7].
Discipleship, in this context, means believing Christ's doctrine, relying on his sacrifice, adopting his spirit, and imitating his example [4]. It requires a daily commitment to follow Jesus' teaching and example [6]. John Gill notes that "cross" refers to all forms of affliction, reproach, persecution, and even death, particularly the ill-will and hatred from close relations that may arise from a faithful testimony for Christ [10]. This self-denial is a test of devotion to Christ and is necessary for following him [5]. Paul also speaks of the "cross of the Christ" in 1 Corinthians 1:17, emphasizing its central role in the gospel message [3].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Cross — In the New Testament the instrument of crucifixion, and hence used for the crucifixion of Christ itself (Eph. 2:16; Heb. 12:2; 1 Cor. 1:17, 18; Gal. 5:11; 6:12, 14; Phil. 3:18). The word is also used to denote any severe affliction or trial (Matt. 10:38; 16:24; Mark 8:34; 10:21). The forms in which the cross is represented are these: 1. The crux simplex (I), a "single piece without transom." 2. The crux decussata (X), or St. Andrew's cross. 3. The crux commissa (T), or St. Anthony's cross. 4. The crux immissa (t), or Latin cross, which was the kind of cross o”
- Luke “Whoever doesn’t bear his own cross, and come after me, can’t be my disciple. -- Luke 14:27”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 1:17 (Rotherham) — For Christ sent me not, to be immersing, but to be telling the good news,—not with wisdom of discourse, lest, void should be made, the cross of the Christ.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Disciple — A scholar, sometimes applied to the followers of John the Baptist (Matt. 9:14), and of the Pharisees (22:16), but principally to the followers of Christ. A disciple of Christ is one who (1) believes his doctrine, (2) rests on his sacrifice, (3) imbibes his spirit, and (4) imitates his example (Matt. 10:24; Luke 14:26, 27, 33; John 6:69).”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 8:34: 8:34-38 Jesus’ invitation to his disciples and the crowd lays out the cost of being his follower. • To give up your own way involves letting Jesus determine your goals and purposes in life. To take up your cross is metaphorical (cp. Luke 9:23); it indicates that faithfulness to Jesus must extend, if required, even to the point of death. To follow Jesus’ teaching and example is a continual commitment.”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 10:38: And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me--a saying which our Lord once and again emphatically reiterates (Mat 16:24; Luk 9:23; Luk 14:27). We have become so accustomed to this expression--"taking up one's cross"--in the sense of "being prepared for trials in general for Christ's sake," that we are apt to lose sight of its primary and proper sense here--"a preparedness to go forth even to crucifixion," as when our Lord had to bear His own cross on His way to Calvary--a saying the more remarkable as our Lord had not”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 16:24: 16:24 give . . . take . . . follow: These three imperatives use different images to speak of the same radical commitment of confessing one’s sinfulness before God in humility, surrendering one’s personal ambition to God, and living according to his will (see also 5:20; 10:34-39; 18:1-5; 20:20-28). • Take up your cross is a metaphor for devotion (see Luke 9:23) rather than a call to martyrdom, although martyrdom is an ever-present possibility for Jesus’ disciples (Matt 5:10-12; 10:21). • In Matthew, follow is used both literally (9:19; 26:58) and metaphorically. ”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 10:37: 10:37-39 The cross was a Roman instrument of torture and execution (27:27-55). To take up your cross and follow Jesus involves loving him above all other things and being willing to follow him regardless of the physical or social consequences.”
- Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 10:37: And he that taketh not his cross,.... By the "cross", which was a Roman punishment, whereby malefactors were put to death, are meant all sorts of afflictions, reproaches, persecutions, and death itself; and particularly the ill will, hatred, and persecution, of near relations and friends, which must be expected by such, who bear a faithful testimony for Christ. Every minister of Christ, or professor of his name, has "his" own cross, his own particular afflictions, appointed by God, and laid on him by Christ, and which he should cheerfully take up, and patiently bear”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 9:23: 9:23-27 If any of you wants to be my follower: After predicting his own suffering and death, Jesus taught that all who follow him must also experience death to self. 9:23 take up your cross daily: This did not simply mean carrying a heavy burden, but suffering a violent death by crucifixion. Believers must be completely willing to die to themselves and to live for God, even at the cost of their lives.”