and anyone who does not take up his cross
In the context of the first-century Roman world, the cross was a symbol of execution and shame. Crucifixion was a method used by the Romans to punish criminals and rebels, and it was a public spectacle meant to deter others from similar actions. When Jesus speaks of taking up one's cross, He is referring to a willingness to endure suffering, shame, and even death for His sake. This phrase indicates a call to self-denial and total commitment to Christ, echoing the sacrificial nature of discipleship. The cross symbolizes the burdens and trials that believers may face as they follow Jesus, and it requires a readiness to embrace these challenges.

and follow Me
Following Jesus implies a continuous, active pursuit of His teachings and example. It involves a personal relationship with Christ, characterized by obedience and imitation of His life. In the Gospels, Jesus often called His disciples to leave their former lives and follow Him, signifying a radical transformation and reorientation of priorities. This call to follow is not merely about physical proximity but about aligning one's life with the values and mission of Jesus. It is a call to discipleship that demands loyalty and perseverance, as seen in passages like Luke 9:23, where Jesus emphasizes the need to take up the cross daily.

is not worthy of Me
The concept of worthiness here is tied to the idea of being fit or suitable for the kingdom of God. Jesus sets a high standard for discipleship, indicating that those who are unwilling to bear the cost of following Him are not aligned with His mission. This statement challenges believers to evaluate their commitment and priorities, as true discipleship requires placing Jesus above all else, including personal comfort and security. The notion of worthiness is also reflected in other parts of Scripture, such as Matthew 16:24-25, where Jesus speaks of losing one's life for His sake to truly find it. This phrase underscores the seriousness of the call to follow Christ and the transformative nature of genuine faith.

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples, providing them with instructions and expectations for discipleship.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all who choose to follow Him.

3. The Cross
A symbol of suffering, sacrifice, and the cost of discipleship, reflecting the Roman method of execution and the ultimate sacrifice Jesus would make.Understanding the Cross
The cross is not just a symbol of suffering but a call to self-denial and total commitment to Christ.

Daily Commitment
Taking up the cross is a daily decision, requiring ongoing dedication and perseverance in following Jesus.

Sacrificial Living
True discipleship involves sacrifice, prioritizing Christ above personal desires and comforts.

Worthy of Christ
To be worthy of Christ, one must embrace the challenges and sacrifices that come with following Him.

Transformation through Suffering
Embracing the cross leads to spiritual growth and transformation, aligning us more closely with Christ's character.(38) He that taketh not his cross.--The words were hardly a specific announcement of the manner of our Lord's death, though they imply, interpreted by events, a distinct prevision of it, such as that which we trace in John 3:14. To the disciples they would recall the sad scene which Roman rule had made familiar to them, the procession of robbers or rebels, each carrying the cross on which he was to suffer to the place of execution. They would learn that they were called to a like endurance of ignominy and suffering. When they saw their Master Himself carrying His own cross, the words would come back to their minds with a new significance.

Verse 38. - Besides the parallel passage, Luke 14:27 (vide supra), cf. also (for vers. 38, 39) Matthew 16:24, 25 (parallel passages: Mark 8:34, 35; Luke 9:23, 24). .and he that taketh not; doth not take (Revised Version), which calls attention to the change to the more definite mode of expression (ο{ς... λαμβάνει). Taketh. Receives in submission when given him; contrast ἀράτω, "take up from the ground" (Matthew 16:24), and βαστάζει, "bear" (Luke 14:27). His cross. A reference to the custom (vide Meyer) of criminals carrying their cross before they were crucified upon it. If, therefore, the figure may be pressed, the reference here is to the bearing of trials, even though they are such as point forward to greater trials in the future. Observe the torture and the ignominy of the trials that Christ expects his followers to be prepared for. And followeth after me. For Christ's journey ended in nothing less. Is not worthy of me. "And having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded: for God proved them, and found them worthy of himself" (Wisd. 3:5). Compare the reply of St. Thomas Aquinas to our Lord in vision after he had completed his "Summa:" "Thoma, bene scripsisti de me; Quam reci-pies a Me pro rue labore mercedem? Domine, non nisi Te" (Archbishop Vaughan's 'Life of St. Thomas,' frontispiece).

Parallel Commentaries ...


and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

anyone who
ὃς (hos)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

does not take up
λαμβάνει (lambanei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

cross
σταυρὸν (stauron)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4716: A cross.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

follow
ἀκολουθεῖ (akolouthei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 190: To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.

Me
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

is
ἔστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

worthy
ἄξιος (axios)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 514: Worthy, worthy of, deserving, comparable, suitable. Probably from ago; deserving, comparable or suitable.

of Me.
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 10:38 He who doesn't take his cross (Matt. Mat Mt)