Have you ever stopped to reflect on what Jesus meant when He said, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me”? (Matthew 16:24). It’s a powerful statement that’s often quoted, but when we truly dive into its meaning, we discover a profound call to live a life radically different from the world around us.
For me, this verse has always been both challenging and inspiring. It’s not just about carrying burdens or enduring hardships—it’s about surrendering everything to Jesus and trusting Him completely. But what does it actually mean to take up your cross and follow Him in today’s world? Let’s explore the biblical context of this phrase and unpack how we can apply it to our daily lives.
Understanding the Biblical Meaning of Taking Up Your Cross
The Cross as a Symbol of Sacrifice and Death
When Jesus spoke about taking up your cross, He wasn’t referring to the decorative crosses we wear as jewelry today. In the first century, the cross was a brutal symbol of suffering, shame, and death. It was an instrument of execution used by the Romans, representing the ultimate sacrifice and public humiliation. For Jesus’ audience, the imagery of carrying a cross would have been both vivid and sobering.
Jesus’ Call to Deny Yourself and Follow Him
In Matthew 16:24-25, Jesus says, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” This wasn’t simply a call to physical suffering but to a deeper spiritual truth—dying to self so we can fully live for Christ. Denying yourself means letting go of personal desires, pride, and even comfort to embrace God’s will wholeheartedly.
What Does It Mean to Take Up Your Cross Today?
To take up your cross today is to live with intentional surrender. It means saying “yes” to God even when it’s inconvenient or challenging. It could be as simple as forgiving someone who has hurt you, choosing integrity in a compromising situation, or prioritizing time with God over worldly distractions. Just as Jesus carried His cross to fulfill God’s purpose, we are called to follow His example, trusting that God’s plan is always better.
How to Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus in Daily Life
Dying to Self: Living a Life of Faith and Obedience
Taking up your cross begins with dying to self. This means putting God’s will above your own, even when it feels difficult. In a culture that celebrates self-centeredness and personal ambition, Jesus calls us to shift our focus. Dying to self isn’t about losing your identity—it’s about aligning your desires with God’s purpose for your life.
One way to live this out is through daily prayer and surrender. Start each day by asking God, “How can I serve You today?” or “What would You have me do?” These small moments of surrender build a life of faith and obedience, where you let God take the lead, trusting Him to guide your steps.
Carrying Your Cross Through Trials and Challenges
Following Jesus doesn’t mean life will be free of hardships. In fact, carrying your cross often involves walking through difficulties with faith. When trials come, it’s easy to feel weighed down by the burden. But Jesus reminds us that we are never alone in these moments. He promises, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Carrying your cross means persevering through struggles with the assurance that God is with you every step of the way. Whether it’s a challenging relationship, a health crisis, or a season of uncertainty, choosing to lean on Jesus instead of giving up is part of what it means to follow Him.
Why Did Jesus Call Us to Take Up Our Cross?
The Cost of Discipleship in Following Jesus
Jesus’ call to take up your cross is a reminder that discipleship requires sacrifice. In Luke 14:27, Jesus says, “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” This is a powerful statement that challenges us to consider the cost of truly following Him.
Being a disciple of Jesus means putting Him first—above career ambitions, personal goals, and even relationships. It doesn’t mean you abandon your responsibilities, but it does mean that every decision you make is filtered through a lens of faith and obedience.
The Eternal Reward of Following Jesus
While the cost of discipleship is high, Jesus assures us that the reward is far greater. In Matthew 16:25, He says, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” By surrendering our lives to Him, we gain the incredible gift of eternal life and a relationship with God that brings peace and joy even in the midst of trials.
When we take up our cross, we’re reminded that this life is temporary, but the eternal reward of following Jesus is everlasting. It’s a perspective shift that helps us endure challenges with hope and faith, knowing that our ultimate purpose is to glorify God.
Living Out Jesus’ Teaching on Self-Denial
How to Stay Spiritually Strong While Following Jesus
Living out self-denial can feel overwhelming at times, especially when the pressures of life weigh heavily. But Jesus gives us tools to stay spiritually strong. Prayer, daily time in God’s Word, and fellowship with other believers are essential practices that help us keep our focus on Him.
Self-denial doesn’t mean neglecting your needs—it means prioritizing God’s will over fleeting desires. For example, instead of pursuing worldly success at the expense of your spiritual life, you choose to trust in God’s provision while seeking His Kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). This requires discipline and a heart willing to grow closer to Jesus every day.
Facing Opposition for Your Faith in Jesus
One of the challenges of following Jesus is that it often comes with opposition. In John 15:18,
Jesus tells His disciples, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you.” Standing firm in your faith may mean being misunderstood or even rejected by others.
Taking up your cross in these moments means choosing to remain faithful, even when it’s hard. This could look like standing up for your Christian values at work, forgiving someone who has wronged you, or lovingly sharing the gospel with someone who may not want to hear it. Jesus calls us to persevere in these trials, knowing that our ultimate reward is not found in human approval but in God’s love.
What Does It Truly Mean to Follow Jesus Today?
Walking in Obedience Every Day
Following Jesus today means making daily decisions to walk in obedience to His teachings. It’s about more than attending church on Sundays—it’s about living out your faith in every area of your life. Whether it’s how you treat others, the integrity you show in your work, or how you manage your time and resources, every action is an opportunity to honor God.
Living out your faith might mean making sacrifices that seem countercultural, like spending less on yourself so you can give generously to those in need or prioritizing time with God over personal entertainment. These small, consistent acts of obedience create a life that reflects Jesus’ love and purpose.
Encouraging Others to Take Up Their Cross
As Christians, we’re not called to walk this journey alone. One of the ways we live out our faith is by encouraging others to take up their cross and follow Jesus as well. Sharing your testimony, praying for those who are struggling, and building up your community of faith are ways to inspire others to live boldly for Christ.
By living out Jesus’ call in your own life, you become a light for others, showing them the joy and peace that come from fully trusting Him. Together, we can encourage one another to persevere in faith, knowing that our hope in Jesus is unshakable.
Resources to Help You Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus
Follower: Beginning Your Walk with Jesus
If you’ve recently made the decision to follow Jesus, you might be wondering what comes next. Growing in your faith is a journey, and it can feel overwhelming at times. That’s why Follower: Beginning Your Walk with Jesus is such an invaluable resource.
This book is specifically designed for teens and students who are beginning their faith journey. It provides practical guidance on what it means to grow as a believer and how to take the next steps in your walk with Christ. Whether you’ve just given your life to Jesus or you’re looking for a way to deepen your understanding of faith, this book is an excellent starting point.
Follower: Beginning Your Walk with Jesus
Help teens and students begin their journey in life with Jesus. This book provides practical guidance to grow in faith and take the next steps in your journey with Christ.
Walk with Jesus: Bible Study for Women
For women looking to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ, Walk with Jesus: Bible Study for Women offers an incredible year-long Bible study. This resource includes 52 weeks of guided Scripture readings, personal application prompts, and plenty of space to reflect through prayer and journaling.
Whether you’re navigating a busy season or finding time for stillness, this book will encourage you to connect with Jesus in every moment of your life. If you’re searching for a practical way to take up your cross and follow Him daily, this study is perfect for building consistency in your faith journey.
Walk with Jesus: Bible Study for Women
This year-long weekly Bible study helps women grow in faith and love with Jesus in every moment and season. It includes guided scripture readings and personal application prompts.
Conclusion: Embracing the Call to Follow Jesus
Taking up your cross and following Jesus is not a one-time decision—it’s a daily choice to surrender your will to Him and trust in His plan for your life. While the journey of discipleship may involve sacrifice, challenges, and even opposition, the reward is far greater than anything this world can offer. By living in obedience, relying on God’s strength, and keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus, you’ll experience the joy and peace that only He can provide.
So today, ask yourself: What does taking up my cross look like in my life? Maybe it’s forgiving someone who has hurt you, choosing integrity over convenience, or spending more time in prayer and reflection. Whatever it is, know that Jesus walks with you every step of the way. When you embrace His call, you’ll find a life of purpose, fulfillment, and eternal hope.
Strengthen Your Walk with Jesus
If you’re looking for practical ways to deepen your faith and strengthen your daily walk with Jesus, check out our article Daily Walk with Jesus: Keys to Staying Spiritually Strong. It’s filled with tips and insights to help you stay spiritually grounded and connected to Christ in your everyday life.
FAQ: Common Questions About Taking Up Your Cross
What does “deny yourself” mean in the Bible?
Denying yourself means putting aside personal desires, ambitions, and comforts to prioritize God’s will. It’s about surrendering control of your life to Jesus and trusting Him to lead you, even when it requires sacrifice or challenges your comfort zone.
Why did Jesus use the imagery of the cross?
In Jesus’ time, the cross symbolized suffering, sacrifice, and ultimate obedience. By using this imagery, Jesus was emphasizing the cost of discipleship and the depth of commitment required to follow Him. It’s a call to lay down self-centeredness and take up a life devoted to God.
How can I take up my cross in daily life?
You can take up your cross by making decisions that reflect your faith in Jesus, even when it’s difficult. This might include forgiving someone who has wronged you, standing firm in your Christian values, or prioritizing time with God over worldly distractions. It’s about choosing faithfulness to Christ in every aspect of your life.
What is the reward for taking up your cross and following Jesus?
Jesus promises that whoever loses their life for His sake will find it (Matthew 16:25). This means that by surrendering to Him, you’ll gain eternal life and a relationship with God that brings joy, peace, and purpose, both now and in eternity.
