I’ve been reflecting on Matthew 16:24, a verse that has challenged my perspective and encouraged me to think more deeply about the values and priorities in my faith walk.
Matthew 16:24 NIV
[24] Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Jesus shared these words with His disciples long before He endured the ultimate sacrifice on the cross at Golgotha. In biblical times, crucifixion was a dreaded form of punishment, reserved for the most severe crimes, and carried out as a public display of shame and execution by Roman authorities.
Deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus – these commands can be daunting. I don’t pretend to fully understand Jesus’ intentions or God’s plans. The truth is, no one has, does, or ever will. The mysteries of God’s plans and Jesus’ intentions remain beyond human comprehension.
I’d like to reflect on the symbolism of the cross. Jesus’ words remind me that each of us bears our own unique burdens. Whether it’s health struggles, financial stress, relationship challenges, or other difficulties, every individual’s cross is distinct and personal.
His disciples undoubtedly had their own set of concerns and fears when they initially followed Jesus, for example, Peter’s ill mother-in-law – whom we read Jesus healed. So, when Jesus instructed them to take up their crosses and follow Him, they must have been perplexed and apprehensive.
Fear and doubt can be overwhelming burdens. The disciples’ fear-driven desertion of Jesus during His arrest and Peter’s denial (which Jesus predicted ) as described in the gospels serve as a reminder of our struggle with fear and doubt.
Often, we fear the unknown aspects of following Jesus, and we doubt the truth that we already know (the disciples didn’t have that opportunity up until Jesus death and resurrection) – that Jesus triumphed over Satan and his evil plans. Our burdens can feel overwhelming, leading us to believe we need to resolve our issues or feel more prepared before committing to follow Jesus. Self-doubt can also creep in, making us worry about what others will think of us, given our past sins and mistakes.
Jesus has known from the beginning of time that mankind will always struggle with fear and doubt. As such, I see His words, ‘Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me,’ as an invitation to surrender, not when we’re perfect or whole, but just as we are – flawed and imperfect. Jesus beckons us to trust Him despite our shortcomings.
Following Jesus is a deeply personal journey. While we can pray for, support, and intercede on behalf of and for our loved ones and others, we can’t carry their spiritual burdens. Community and fellowship are vital for our spiritual growth, providing a network of support and encouragement. However, the choice to follow Jesus is made between each individual and Jesus Himself. Ultimately, each of us will be accountable for our own faith walk and the cross we’ve carried.
Hence, I believe the challenge for us is to discern: in my faith journey, who’s cross am I carrying? Am I shouldering my own responsibilities, or have I taken on the crosses of others? And am I using that extra burden as an excuse to not follow Jesus fully?
Recognizing our own crosses and burdens does not contradict Jesus’ teaching to love others as ourselves. Instead, by acknowledging and understanding our own crosses, we become more aware of our own limitations and more empathetic towards others. Thus enabling us to better equip ourselves to love and support others in their faith journey in meaningful ways.
God of the universe, we thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross, freeing us from sin and death.
Forgive us, cleanse our hearts, and grant us kind and gentle spirits that we may show your forgiveness and grace to others.
Grant us courage to acknowledge our own crosses and carry them as we strive to follow Jesus’ perfect example. Through Him, we’ve been reconciled to you despite our imperfections.
Help us overcome doubt and fear, and follow Him with confidence and courage.
In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen!
To God be the glory always 🙌❤️
Idau Hahine 