The Meaning of Taking Up One's Cross in Christianity
The Greek word σταυρός (stauros) refers to an upright pale or stake, and in later writings, specifically to the Roman instrument of crucifixion [7]. In the New Testament, "the cross" is used both literally for the physical cross on which Christ was crucified and metaphorically [1].
The literal meaning of the cross as an instrument of execution is evident in passages describing Christ's suffering [7]. Historically, the cross was viewed with profound horror as an emblem of a slave's death and a murderer's punishment [6]. However, after Constantine's vision, the cross became a revered symbol, even appearing on imperial standards [6].
Metaphorically, "taking up one's cross" signifies a radical commitment to Christ, involving self-denial and a willingness to endure suffering for his sake [9, 12]. This phrase implies loving Jesus above all else and being prepared to follow him regardless of physical or social consequences [8]. It is a metaphor for devotion, though martyrdom remains a possibility for disciples [12].
Key passages illustrate this metaphorical usage:
- Matthew 10:38 states, "And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me" [10]. This means being prepared for trials and persecution for Christ's sake, even to the point of crucifixion [10, 14].
- Mark 8:34 and Luke 9:23 present similar calls to discipleship, indicating that faithfulness to Jesus must extend, if required, even to death [9]. It involves letting Jesus determine one's goals and purposes in life [9].
- Matthew 16:24 connects taking up one's cross with denying oneself and following Jesus, representing a radical commitment of humility and surrendering personal ambition to God's will [12].
The "cross of Christ" also refers to the doctrine of salvation through Christ's crucifixion [13]. Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 1:17-18, stating that he was sent to preach the good news, "not in wisdom of words, so that the cross of Christ wouldn’t be made void" [2]. The message of the cross is considered foolishness by those who are perishing but is the power of God to those who are being saved [4, 5, 13]. Christ's death on the cross is understood as a righteous act of obedience to the Father's will, offering new life to all who receive it [11]. The cross also symbolizes reconciliation, bringing humanity into agreement with God [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”
- 1 Corinthians “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Good News—not in wisdom of words, so that the cross of Christ wouldn’t be made void. -- 1 Corinthians 1:17”
- Ephesians “Ephesians 2:16 (BBE) — And that the two might come into agreement with God in one body through the cross, so putting an end to that division.”
- 1 Corinthians “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are saved it is the power of God. -- 1 Corinthians 1:18”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 1:18 (BSB) — For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Cross — As the emblem of a slave's death and a murderer's punishment, the cross was naturally looked upon with the profoundest horror. But after the celebrated vision of Constantine, he ordered his friends to make a cross of gold and gems, such as he had seen, and "the towering eagles resigned the flags unto the cross," and "the tree of cursing and shame" "sat upon the sceptres and was engraved and signed on the foreheads of kings." (Jer. Taylor, "Life of Christ," iii., xv. 1.) The new standards were called by the name Labarum, and may be seen on the coins of Constant”
- STEPBible TBESG “[G4716] G4716 = (G4716) — <b>σταυρός</b>, -oῦ, ὁ <BR /> __1. an upright pale or stake (Hom., Hdt., Thuc., al.) <BR /> __2. In late writers (Diod., Plut., al.) of the Roman instrument of crucifixion, <b>the Cross</b>: of the Cross on which Christ suffered, <ref='Mat.27.32, 40; 27.42'>Mat.27:32, 40 27:42</ref>, <ref='Mrk.15.21, 30; 15.32'>Mrk.15:21, 30 15:32</ref>, <ref='Luk.23.26'>Luk.23:26</ref>, <ref='Jhn.19.17, 19; 19.25, 31'>Jhn.19:17, 19 19:25, 31</ref>, <ref='Col.2.14'>Col.2:14</ref>, <ref='Heb.12.2'>Heb.12:2</ref>; θάνατος σταυροῦ, <ref='Php.2.8'>Php.2:8;</ref> τ. αἷμα τοῦ σ., <ref='Col.”
- 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.”
- 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”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 5:18: 5:18 Christ’s one act of righteousness refers to his death on the cross, a righteous act because Christ chose to die in obedience to the Father’s will (see John 10:18). • new life for everyone: Paul is not teaching that all people will experience the new life that Christ won through his death on the cross. New life is available to everyone through Christ, but not everyone receives it.”
- 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. ”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 1:18: For the preaching of the cross - Ὁ λογος γαρ ὁ του σταυρου, The doctrine of the cross; or the doctrine that is of or concerning the cross; that is, the doctrine that proclaims salvation to a lost world through the crucifixion of Christ. Is to them that perish foolishness - There are, properly speaking, but two classes of men known where the Gospel is preached: απολλυμενοι, the unbelievers and gainsayers, who are perishing; and σοζομενοι, the obedient believers, who are in a state of salvation. To those who will continue in the first state, the preaching of ”
- 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”