JEFF TURNER

In Matthew 16:24, Jesus says, “If anyone wants to follow me, they must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.” He was not telling people to carry an actual wooden cross. Instead, He was speaking about the cost of true discipleship.

Some today think of “a cross to bear” as a personal hardship or illness. While those can be difficult, Jesus’ words went much further. In His time, everyone knew the cross was an instrument of execution. It was not a symbol of beauty or decoration but a sign of death and suffering.

When Jesus told His followers to take up their cross, He meant that following Him could require their very lives. This was a warning that loyalty to Him could lead to rejection, persecution, or even death.

Discipleship is not about comfort but about full commitment, even when the path is hard.

Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

Luke 14:27