Matthew 10:38
And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Matthew 10:38
And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrase "his cross" suggests that disciples won't all face the exact same trials, but each will have unique burdens appointed by God. This isn't about finding suffering, but about willingly accepting the specific hardships that come with following Jesus, recognizing they are custom-made for us.
Jesus is instructing his disciples on the radical demands of following him, emphasizing that loyalty to Him must surpass even natural affections like love for parents or children. He's explaining that becoming his disciple isn't just about agreeing with him, but about a complete reordering of priorities that may even lead to conflict with those closest to them. This passage is part of a larger discourse where Jesus is preparing his followers for the persecution they will face.
Jesus says 'his cross,' not just 'a cross.' What does that personal aspect mean for us today?
When Jesus spoke of taking up 'his cross,' he wasn't referring to a generic burden. The commentators highlight that crucifixion wasn't a Jewish punishment, so Jesus was speaking prophetically, envisioning the painful death He would endure. More importantly, 'his cross' signifies a unique, personal assignment from God for each believer.
It's not about choosing hardship for its own sake, but about willingly accepting the specific trials, sufferings, and even disgrace that come with following Him. This might involve difficult decisions, strained relationships, or public ridicule for your faith. The cross is tailored to you, meant to be borne for His sake.
Jesus connects 'worthiness' directly to carrying a cross. What does this reveal about God's definition of true discipleship?
The core of this verse is a stark definition of discipleship: 'is not worthy of me.' This 'worthiness' isn't about earning God's favor through good deeds, but about demonstrating a willingness to embrace the full cost of following Jesus.
Jesus is saying that if you're unwilling to face the hardships, the potential shame, and the sacrifices that come with genuine commitment to Him – symbolized by the cross – then you haven't truly grasped what it means to be His.
This doesn't mean seeking out suffering, but being prepared for it. It's about prioritizing Christ above comfort, reputation, and even self-preservation. True worthiness in His eyes is found in this radical obedience and willingness to follow Him, no matter the cost.
Understand the original words
stauron · Greek Noun
A Roman instrument of execution, used by Jesus as a metaphor for the absolute renunciation of one's own will and the acceptance of public shame, suffering, and potential death for the sake of faithfulness to God.
akolouthei · Greek Verb
Biblical discipleship involves coming alongside Jesus, adopting His lifestyle, and following Him into the path of sacrifice and obedience. It signifies a continuous, intentional commitment to imitate Him.
The phrase 'take up his cross' is a vivid, forward-looking image. Crucifixion was a Roman, not Jewish, punishment, so Jesus uses it predictively, referencing his own future suffering and the severe, public trials his followers would endure. This wasn't just about enduring hardship, but about a radical reordering of priorities, placing allegiance to Christ above all earthly ties.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus commissions the Twelve
Jesus sends out his disciples to preach the kingdom of God, equipping them with authority to heal and cast out demons, but also warning them of persecution.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus' public ministry culminates in his arrest, trial, and crucifixion. He carried his own cross to Golgotha, a brutal and public execution method used by the Romans.
c. 30-70 AD
Early Church Persecution
Following Jesus' ascension, the early apostles and believers faced intense opposition, imprisonment, and martyrdom from both Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire.
c. 60-70 AD
Writing of the Gospel of Matthew
Matthew's Gospel is traditionally dated to this period, likely written for a Jewish-Christian audience in or near Palestine, reflecting on Jesus' teachings and life in light of the ongoing challenges.
This passage directly parallels Matthew 10:38, explicitly stating that anyone who does not carry their cross and follow Jesus cannot be his disciple, reinforcing the cost of discipleship.
Matthew 16:24Here, Jesus calls his disciples to 'deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me,' expanding the concept of carrying one's cross to include self-denial as a core aspect of following Him.
Philippians 3:10Paul expresses a desire to 'know Christ and the power of his resurrection, and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,' showing how the 'cross' is deeply connected to identifying with Christ's suffering and death.
Galatians 2:20Paul declares, 'I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me,' illustrating that taking up one's cross involves a profound spiritual identification with Christ's death, leading to a transformed life.
Luke 9:23This verse is almost identical to Matthew 16:24, emphasizing the daily nature of taking up one's cross ('day by day') as a prerequisite for following Jesus.
vincentMatthew 10:38: "And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me."
His cross (τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ)This was no Jewish proverb, crucifixion not being a Jewish punishment; so that Jesus uses the phrase anticipatively, in view of the death which he himself was to die. This was one of those sayings described in John 12:16, which the disciples understood not at the first, but the meaning of which was revealed in the light of later events. The figure itself was borrowed…
calvinMatthew 10:37-42: "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."
- He who loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38. And he who doth not take his cross and follow me, [603] is not worthy of me. 39. He who findeth his life [604] shall lose it; and he who loseth his life for my sake shall find it. [605] 40. He who receiv…
The phrase "his cross" suggests that disciples won't all face the exact same trials, but each will have unique burdens appointed by God. This isn't about finding suffering, but about willingly accepting the specific hardships that come with following Jesus, recognizing they are custom-made for us.
Jesus is instructing his disciples on the radical demands of following him, emphasizing that loyalty to Him must surpass even natural affections like love for parents or children. He's explaining that becoming his disciple isn't just about agreeing with him, but about a complete reordering of priorities that may even lead to conflict with those closest to them. This passage is part of a larger discourse where Jesus is preparing his followers for the persecution they will face.
Jesus is instructing his disciples on the radical demands of following him, emphasizing that loyalty to Him must surpass even natural affections like love for parents or children. He's explaining that becoming his disciple isn't just about agreeing with him, but about a complete reordering of priorities that may even lead to conflict with those closest to them. This passage is part of a larger discourse where Jesus is preparing his followers for the persecution they will face.
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"And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." — The phrase "his cross" suggests that disciples won't all face the exact same trials, but each will have unique burdens appointed by God. This isn't about finding suffering, but about willingly accept…