DISCIPLESHIP: Taking up one’s cross

Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Crucifixion was the cruel death penalty sentenced to people who have rebelled against Roman Empire. Jesus was crucified not because of His rebellion against Roman Empire but because of jealousy of people who didn’t believe Him. So it was unjust for Him to be crucified. But Jesus has voluntarily taken up His cross in order to obey God’s will for Him to pay for our sin and save us.

Based on His motive of taking up the cross, the cross represents ‘sacrifice’, ‘Love (Agape)’ and ‘obedience to the Father’. Based on His purpose of taking up the cross, the cross represents ‘forgiveness’, and ‘reconciliation’. Based on the result of taking up the cross, the cross represents ‘shame’, ‘pain’, ‘humiliation’ as well as ‘God’s wisdom and glory’ revealed through it.

In Luke 9:23, Jesus asks to take up our cross daily and follow Him.

So, I would say ‘taking up the cross’ means ...

Living sacrificial life, obeying God, practicing unconditional love and forgiveness, bearing shame, pain and humiliation for the mission God entrusted us to do, trusting God whose wisdom and glory will be revealed through our obedience.

Above description of the cross may sound familiar but it may take each individual certain amount of time in order to understand deeply enough. No worries. God will help you in your life journey.

As for Uni students, they are very busy on their study courses. So if they can make commitment to regular bible study 1 hour per week as well as managing their course works well, it would be ‘taking up their cross’ to follow Jesus.