The cross is one of the most universally recognized symbols across the world. We see it on churches, jewelry, tattoos, and even on Ash Wednesday. For Christians, the cross represents salvation—the ultimate symbol of Christ’s sacrifice. But what did Jesus really mean when He told His disciples, “Take up your cross”? Let’s dive into this powerful teaching and explore how we can apply it to our own faith.
What Does the Cross Represent?
The cross isn’t just an emblem of Christianity; it represents the fulfillment of God’s salvation plan. From the beginning of time, God revealed His plan to defeat sin and offer us salvation through Jesus. In Genesis 3:15, God promised a Savior, and Jesus would fulfill that prophecy by dying on the cross.
In Jesus’ time, the cross was a symbol of shame and excruciating death—a form of execution reserved for criminals and slaves. But to Christians, the cross represents the most beautiful gift: salvation. It’s a gift we didn’t deserve, could never earn, and yet, it was freely given.
What Does the Cross Mean to You?
It’s common to hear people refer to their struggles as “the cross they bear.” It might be a physical illness, a financial hardship, or a painful season in life. While these struggles can certainly feel heavy, they are not what Jesus meant when He spoke of “taking up your cross.”
Jesus’ call to take up your cross goes beyond bearing the burdens of life. It’s about making a conscious decision to follow Him, no matter the cost.
What Does Jesus Mean by Take Up Your Cross?
In Matthew 16:24, after Jesus predicted His death for the first time, He told His disciples: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” This command was revolutionary for Jesus’ followers. To them, a cross meant suffering, humiliation, and death.
But Jesus wasn’t asking His followers to carry a literal cross. He was calling them to a life of radical self-denial and obedience to God.
To “take up your cross” means to put aside your own desires, plans, and ambitions and follow Christ wholeheartedly. It requires total surrender to His will; no turning back.
Denying Ourselves: A Key Part of the Journey
When Jesus says, “Deny yourself,” it doesn’t mean we punish ourselves or reject all comforts. It means putting aside our own will to embrace God’s will. This involves making choices to live for others rather than ourselves, just as Jesus did.
Living for Christ isn’t easy. Our human nature constantly tempts us to focus on self. But as we choose to deny our sinful desires, we allow God’s Spirit to transform us. Galatians 5:24 says, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.”
Understanding Jesus’ Command
Taking up your cross is about living for Him, no matter the personal cost. It requires humility, obedience, and trust in God’s plan.
•Obedience to God:
Jesus’ obedience to God, even to the point of death on the cross, is the ultimate example of taking up one’s cross. Philippians 2:8 says, “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.” Jesus put God’s will above everything, and so must we.
•Guard Your Thoughts:
The way we think greatly influences our actions. In Philippians 4:8, Paul reminds us to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Taking up your cross means rejecting negative, sinful thoughts and focusing on thoughts that honor God.
•Put on the New Self:
Paul encourages us in Colossians 3:9-10 to “put on the new self.” When we accept Christ, we take off the old self, full of sin, and put on the new self, transformed by God’s grace. This means our words, thoughts, and actions should reflect Christ in all we do.
The Struggle of Self-Denial: A Continuous Process
It’s important to note that denying ourselves doesn’t come naturally. Our sinful nature often leads us into selfish desires. But the good news is that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can experience growth in our spiritual journey. Romans 8:5 reminds us that those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on what the Spirit desires.
Ways to Take Up Your Cross
Here are practical steps for taking up your cross:
Obey God’s Word:
Choose to live by God’s commands, even when it’s difficult. This might mean loving your enemies, forgiving those who hurt you, or serving others selflessly.
Renew Your Mind:
Align your thoughts with God’s character. Bible study, prayer, and asking the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts are all ways to achieve a renewed mind.
Live with Compassion:
Show compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and forgiveness. These actions reflect Christ’s love and are evidence of taking up your cross.
Take Up Your Cross Daily
When Jesus calls us to take up our cross, He’s inviting us into a lifelong journey of transformation. It’s not just a one-time decision but a daily commitment to follow Him.
As we carry our crosses, we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, sharing in His suffering and rejoicing in His resurrection. And when we focus on Him, we gain the strength to endure the challenges that come our way.
In Hebrews 12:1-2, we’re encouraged to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.”
Applying the Cross to Our Daily Lives
Taking up our cross means laying aside the things that hinder our relationship with Christ. It might mean giving up certain comforts or letting go of our pride and selfishness. But when we do this, we are able to experience the fullness of life in Christ.
Remember, when we take up our cross, we are not alone. Christ is with us every step of the way, empowering us through His Spirit to live out His will.
Reflection Questions:
- How does taking up your cross differ from just bearing life’s burdens?
- What are the selfish desires you need to crucify in your life?
- Are you willing to endure rejection or persecution for the sake of Christ?
- When you face challenges, do you rely on God’s strength to carry your cross?
- What steps can you take to follow Jesus more faithfully in your daily life?
Blessings in the journey,
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the New International Version unless specified otherwise.
Photo Credits: AnnMarie Anderson, Canva