What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus?预览

Following Jesus means to take up your cross

“And calling the crowd to Him with His disciples, He [Jesus] said to them, ‘If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.’” (Mark 8:34)

The cross is a well-known symbol of Christianity. It represents Jesus’ death on our behalf and His offer of forgiveness for sinners. But Jesus says that whoever wants to follow Him also needs to take up his cross. This is not just an option; it is absolutely essential, “Whoever does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:38).

‘Taking up your cross’ is connected with ‘denying yourself’. For a better understanding of this phrase, let’s have a look at Romans 6:6 (ERV), “We know that our old life was put to death on the cross with Christ. This happened so that our sinful selves would have no power over us. Then we would not be slaves to sin.” Galatians 5:24 says something similar; “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

Taking up your cross thus means to give up your own sinful ideas and plans, and to let Jesus reign in your life. Are you ready to do that?