Death by the cross is the most gruesome means of punishment that the Romans could devise. It would not be unusual for a criminal to die even before he was hung on the cross because of what would’ve been done beforehand. It is noteworthy that this punishment was performed by Gentiles. When Jesus said to take up the cross, he referred to the Gentile method of death and not the Jews which was usually stoning. That means that the person who wants to follow Christ must be willing to go to any extreme required of him.
We should analyze this verse before we proceed. Jesus flatly said that there was a condition laid heavy on any person who would follow him. Following Christ was conditional on denying self and taking up his cross. Notice that the believer would assume the consequence of the cross that imposed upon him. Also, the cross was personal since Jesus said take up his cross.
The truth of the cross is often neglected by modern theology that loves personal comfort which is foolish and shortsighted. Jesus set forth to anyone who would be his followers to know the reality of danger and difficulty in the Christian course. To imitate Christ is not to expect blessings from him but to no longer remain the persons that we were. He requires that we surrender our will to his will. The Christian who does not experience the consequence of his faith declaration is at best shallow. We cannot follow him if there are obstacles in our path as he leads forward. The path to glory ventures through the self-denial as demonstrated by Jesus.
We cannot be in a state of self-denial if we are holding onto the ways of the natural man and all his appetites. Our Lord cannot provide continual spiritual happiness unless the natural man remains crucified so that the believer may experience ongoing spiritual growth. Denial is not a hit and miss efforts but an upward path slaying each carnal motivation. The attractiveness of worldliness must be defeated moment by moment. The affections, loss, and desires of the flesh must be crucified.
The highest motivation for those who would follow Jesus must first have the desire to do so regardless of the cost that could lay ahead. In the days of the disciples that cost was martyrdom. In these days today the cost must be rejection of the world’s dictates. Initially there is that desire to follow Jesus. Then there is the willingness to bear up under the cost by turning away from the dictates of the world whether it be mockery, persecution, relational difficulties, or temptations. After a moment-by-moment crucifixion of self, comes the loyalty needed to follow Jesus. We must be consistent and loyal to what we proclaim by living it out in front of all the world. Our desire becomes the desire to walk in his footpath, to experience what he experienced, and afterwards enjoy the glory that awaits in eternity. In the meantime, Jesus sent his Holy Spirit to comfort us and guide us and teach us the way. Our spiritual growth is victorious growth out of which is the only way to have a believer’s happiness.
Christian Writer 