In this modern day and age, people wear cross pendants, get cross tattoos, and use cross artwork as a show of faith. In Jesus’ day, the cross had an all too different meaning. The cross, or crucifix, was a symbol of torture, punishment, and even death. The Greeks did not like the practice of crucifixion, however there were a few documented crucifixions around 479 BC, in the midst of Greek rule. The Romans rather indulged in such behavior. On the outskirts of town would be crosses holding the bodies of thieves and criminals, shown like a billboard to deter rebelliousness and criminal activity from the city. A bloody beating would take place until unrecognizable, then large nails would be driven through the wrists and ankle area to allow great pain as the person suffered and died from suffocation, heart failure, or bleed out. Those criminals who were crucified typically deserved their punishment because they had done something so egregious.
Keep this image in mind when reading Matthew 16:24, as the disciples listen in closely about what they would need to do to truly follow after the Christ. With anticipation, they lean in to hear His voice reveal what was necessary. “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” The faces of his disciples are now facing the ground. Many are in shock as the image of the bloody, gory mess outside of the city comes to mind. Many get up and leave, never to follow Him again. The ones that stayed were still in shock.
Before we can even look at the cross in this biblical context, look at Jesus’ very first word… “IF”.
Go to a theme park and you will find some massive rollercoasters. They are for the thrill seekers, the ones who like the tilts, spins, loops, and mostly the speed. To ride these rides costs a price and a sacrifice of time and effort to stand in the line. It is long and boring, but once the ride happens, you are glad you did! “IF” you want the ride, you must do these things. For so many, they look at Christianity and say they would like the benefits of it. It looks beautiful and is appealing in the end, However, the cost is too high. So they do not fully follow, but are on the outskirts of the group. Maybe they listen when Jesus passes by, but it is too much to give everything and follow Him. Jesus says “IF” you want this adventure of following after Him, you MUST deny yourself, or your nature which is sinful and selfish. You must take up your cross, which is to bear the coming crucifixion and the name of Christ to the point of even death and follow Jesus to the ends of the world.
The human nature is a hungry beast that we feed to keep quiet. When we deny those things, that beast within starves. The weaker that beast gets, the more focused on Christ we can be. So what does it mean to deny ourselves? It means to stop giving into the things in life that stimulate the sinful nature. It means to let go of the desire to control others, or to have more than they do. It means to let go of the pop culture imagery that draws us in to feeding those impulses. It means to stop listening to music that makes selfish ambitions seem like a normal and natural thing. It means you must break away from those people and relationships that drag you down and defeat you. Stop gossiping, criticizing, cursing, lying, stealing, and acting selfish in any way, form, or fashion!
So you deny yourself of those things, now you ask, “What’s Left?” For many people who live unhealthy lives, they do not realize it until they diet and exercise and finally see how good they really can feel. It is not an easy turn, but one they set their mind on and choose to do. It is difficult, but spiritually we need to do the same thing! Saying no is sometimes hard to do when we consider the person asking is a friend. Still, we must do what is best and say “no” to ourselves in our sinful natures. Then, we must say “no” to the external things in life that cause harm or harmful results. We must learn to say “yes” to Jesus Christ and the life He calls for us to live by faith.
Think about this, the Roman Empire saw the cross as a huge form of punishment and destruction, reserved for the most evil of criminals. Here we are nearly 2,000 years after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The idea of “take up your cross” must have been crazy talk for the disciples to hear, as they did not know what lie ahead. Jesus knew what was coming. In the garden he prayed to let this bitter cup, this horrible act of brutality, pass from Him, but if it was the Father’s will, then so be it.
That is what it means for us today. No matter what happens, no matter what it calls for, we are to obey God at all costs whatever He may ask of us. It is a humbling and beautiful act of submission to the calling of “follow me” given to us by the Savior. It is not a partial surrender, but a total submission to His will and His ways. It would be awkward to sing on Sunday mornings “I Surrender Some”. Christ is calling us to spiritually die to ourselves and in that death, truly live for Him. Don’t say it is too difficult. Phil. 4:13 tells us that we can do ALL things through Christ who gives us strength. So begin right now.
Areas of my life I need to let go of and nail to the cross…
Areas of my life God is calling me to be obedient to Him with...
