Taking Up One's Cross

Something that’s been on my mind for a couple days, read the first verse Wednesday and the second verse today is how Jesus well before his crucifixion tells His disciples and us that we need to carry our crosses if we are to be His disciples. Most of these verses are followed by Jesus saying that those that will save their lives will lose it but those that are willing to lose their lives will save it. In doing some research, one of the sites I visited said that at the time Jesus said that it was common for people to crucified because of their religion but if we believe the Bible, Pilot’s hesitation to crucify Jesus is evidence contrary to that. That people were not crucified because of their religion. I believe that Jesus knew what was coming, knew that He would sacrifice His Life on the cross for us. We see that in John 2:19b “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” In John 15:13-14 Jesus tells us “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” Many people believe that taking up our crosses means bearing burdens and suffering hardships and while that is a part of what might be required of us, I don’t believe it is the entire meaning. I believe that taking up our cross is a representation that we put Christ ahead of ourselves. That we are willing to do what He asks of us no questions asked.

Have a wonderful and blessed day in Christ.

Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mark 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.