Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus

Introduction

Discipleship is at the heart of Christianity. Jesus calls His followers to a life of total surrender, self-denial, and commitment. In Matthew 16:24-28 (NKJV), Jesus says:

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26)

This call to take up our cross is not a mere suggestion but a command that requires intentionality, sacrifice, and faith. In this article, we will explore the key aspects of what it truly means to follow Jesus, the conditions He sets, and the eternal rewards of discipleship.

1. The Desire to Follow Jesus (Aspiration)

Jesus begins by saying, “If anyone desires to come after Me…” (Matthew 16:24). This highlights that following Him is a personal decision—one that is neither automatic nor forced.

• Following Jesus is a decision. Every person must choose whether to follow Christ or not.
• Following Jesus is intentional. It requires a conscious effort to align one’s life with His will.
• Following Jesus is a commitment. It is not a temporary phase but a lifelong journey.

In Matthew 4:19-20 (NKJV), Jesus calls His first disciples, saying:

“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

This passage shows the urgency and seriousness of the call to discipleship. The disciples left everything behind because they recognized the value of walking with Jesus.

2. The Cost of Discipleship (Conditions)

Jesus lays out three key conditions for following Him in Luke 9:23:

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

a) Denying Yourself

To deny oneself means surrendering personal desires, ambitions, and worldly attachments to embrace God’s will. In Acts 17:28, Paul reminds us:

“For in Him we live and move and have our being.”

A true disciple acknowledges that life is no longer about personal gains but about fulfilling God’s purpose.

b) Taking Up Your Cross

The cross represents sacrifice and suffering. Jesus left His heavenly glory to die for mankind, demonstrating that discipleship requires self-sacrifice. 

Romans 12:1 exhorts believers:

“Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

Taking up your cross daily means living a life of obedience, even when it is difficult.

c) Following Jesus Daily

Following Jesus is a daily commitment, not just a one-time event. As the Good Shepherd (John 10:27), He leads His sheep, and they must follow Him in faith and trust.

3. The Consequences of Our Choice (Implications)

Jesus warns that trying to hold on to worldly life will ultimately lead to loss:

“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:25)

• The Tragic Choice – The Rich Young Ruler: In Matthew 19:16-22, a wealthy young man wanted eternal life but refused to part with his riches. His unwillingness to lose his worldly possessions cost him an eternal reward.
• The Right Choice – Nicodemus: Nicodemus, a Pharisee, risked his reputation to seek Jesus (John 3:1-21). He later became a true disciple, choosing eternal life over earthly status.

Jesus’ message is clear: if we prioritize worldly gains over God’s kingdom, we risk losing what truly matters—our souls.

4. The Eternal Reward of Discipleship

Jesus assures His followers that their sacrifices will not be in vain:

“For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.” (Matthew 16:27)

When Jesus returns, He will separate those who truly followed Him from those who did not (Matthew 25:31-33). The faithful will inherit eternal life, while those who rejected Him will face judgment.

Conclusion

Following Jesus is not easy, but it is worth it. It requires aspiration, self-denial, sacrifice, and a daily commitment to walk in His footsteps. The world may offer temporary rewards, but true life and eternal joy are found in Christ alone.

The question remains: Are you willing to take up your cross and follow Jesus?