(Mt.10:38; Lk.9:23)
Excerpt from the Book Christian Discipleship by Rev. Georges Défay
To take up your cross is one of the conditions that Jesus himself declared necessary in order to follow Him. This is mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew in Chapter 16. Beginning with verse 24, we can read: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me”.
The fact is Christ frequently used this expression “take up your cross” when addressing his disciples and we can find several references of it in the New Testament (Matt.10:38; Mark 8:34; 10:21; Luke 9:23; 13:27).
In the context of Matthew chapter 10, Jesus, after announcing his imminent death and resurrection, described to his disciples the conditions that they would have to fulfill in order to come after him; in other words: in order be his disciples, to continue and perpetuate his ministry after his physical departure and ascension to heaven.
A - UNDERSTANDING THE EXPRESSION “TO TAKE UP YOU CROSS”
1) Does it mean to physically die for God?
Let us first note that it was not for any disciple to be sacrificed as Jesus Christ was on the cross for the expiation of sin; nor was it asked of anyone to give his life as ransom for mankind. In that sense, Jesus alone, because of his sinless nature and purity, could be an acceptable and valid sacrifice and substitute for humanity, “The Lamb of God without stain or blemish”. Moreover, let’s point out (Luke 9:23) that Jesus commanded his disciple to take up his cross every single day. Now, it becomes more evident, that this cross that Jesus was referring to cannot be identified as being death for expiation of sin. In fact, one cannot die physically more then once (except that he should be resurrected by spiritual or scientific means; and that would not be every day). Even our Lord himself suffered death once and for all for sin and not on multiple occasions (Heb.9:12; Heb.10:10-14).
So now, if the cross does not mean physical death, then what does “take up the cross” really mean? Could it be repentance from sin? Since we know that holiness and sanctification are a must for all believers, and that consecration is for anyone who wants to be a true disciple of Jesus, may be that’s what the cross means? The answer is no for repentance from sin is related to putting off the old man and the forsaking of dead works. To repent then is not to take up the cross; it’s rather deliverance and joy for the repenting sinner or saint.
2) Does take up the cross mean to accept and bear life’s misfortunes?
This question is important for us to answer fully, since for centuries some have interpreted taking up the cross to mean accepting and bearing the sum of problems, misfortunes, calamities, defects, infirmities, sorrows, sufferings and pains “assigned by God” to one’s life.
The English expression “to everyone his own cross” is a good illustration of that way of thinking, which shows an inaccurate understanding and erroneous interpretation of God’s word and God’s purpose in our lives. The Heavenly Father seeks to bring his children to the conformity to the image of Christ in perfect joy and glory. Of course, it’s true that God will test his children and will also chastise them in view of their perfection, but God is not the one who kills, steals, devoures, and destroys his sons and daughters. The Lord is in fact the One who gives life abundantly and even when testing his children, He provides the means to come out of such victorious and strengthened (Rom.8:28-30; Jn.10:9-10; 1Cor.10:13; 1Tim 3:10).
When a disciple wrongly believes that God is the One who is giving him misery and suffering as his cross, he then has no other choice but to take the road of resignation and fatalism, which leads to bitterness and self-destruction. However, we know that to be contrary to God’s will and purpose and to Christian living (Job 3; Heb.12:15; Rom.8:32-37; 2 Tim.3:11; 2 Tim.4:18).
3) The true meaning of the expression “Take up your cross”
“To take up his cross”, “to carry the cross” or “to take charge of your own cross” simply put refers to the complete acceptance, commitment or dedication to accomplish God’s work or ministry according to the Lord’s calling. One could wonder: “Isn’t the cross the symbol of suffering and death? Precisely! It must be recognized that in his dedication to fulfill the plan and purposes of God for his life, the disciple would have to undergo and overcome much:
- First, he/she must prepare and train to gain knowledge and mature as a man (woman) of God.
- Second, he/she must know, identify and deal wisely with satanic opposition (Matt.11:28-30; Rom.5:15-21; Rom.8:28-37).
- Third, he has to develop the heart (courage) and the right (godly) motivations to serve those who have been assigned to him/her by God.
B - TRAINING AND MATURING: The hard road of discipleship
Above all, faithfulness has to characterize the disciple who will have to undergo a gruesome Training and Maturing process, if he desires to be proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for ministry. As the athlete has to condition himself for the race, preparing for ministry requires discipline, determination and perseverance. The study of God’s word, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit and a life of prayer constitute the foundation for ministry. In addition to genuine holiness and sanctification, the disciple will have to pursue knowledge and wisdom not just from books but most importantly from the Spirit of God in order to minister with God’s anointing and not by human wisdom and ability (Rom.12:1-2; 2Tim.4:8-16; 2Tim.2:3-10; 15-17; 2Cor.6:1-4; Acts 6:1-4; Eph.5:18; 2Cor.3:4-6).
-Spiritual Maturity is a Must
For efficient and faithful ministry, SPIRITUAL MATURITY IS A MUST. One must grow and become fully equipped in all areas for the work of the ministry. A real disciple must always be willing to listen to the voice of the Lord and must be ready to change opinion, attitude and behavior. Character development is obligatory in order to walk in love, integrity, and to maintain good relation with all, either Christians or pagans (Phil.2:1-4; Rom.12:9-21). To accomplish his task, one must fortify and crucify all carnal lusts. Moreover, one must identify and resist the attacks often subtle of the adversary (1Tim.6:20; 2Tim.4:1-6; Eph.6:10-18; Joshua 1:6-9; 2Cor.9:24-27).
