UNCOMMEN: A Glorious BurdenSample

Carry That Cross

Spectator 1: Did you see what they did to Jesus yesterday? 

Spectator 2: I only saw a little bit of them beating him and saw him pass by carrying his cross.

Spectator 1: Did you see them put him on the cross?

Spectator 2: I saw part of it, but had to leave because it was just too violent to watch. I would not want to go through that.

Spectator 1: Yeah, me either.

Praise God that we don't have to go through the brutal events that Jesus did on that day. After listening to these two speak, it doesn't sound like either of them would want to go through these events. But our scripture tells us something different.

Jesus says, If you want to come after, they would have to deny himself (sacrifice), take up his cross, and follow me. He was talking to his disciples in this verse. In yesterday's study, I mentioned that many times his disciples didn't understand what Jesus was saying. This could very well be one of those times. Could you imagine listening to Jesus say this and then watching him die on the cross?

You may say, "was that what he was talking about?". 

The answer would be yes. We need to die to the old person we were, deny our selfish desires, and follow Jesus. On the outside in, it may not look appealing, but once you realize what Jesus has done for you, you gladly pick up your cross and follow him. 

Things to keep in mind:

• There will probably be pain
• You may be mocked
• That cross may feel heavy somedays
• The journey may be longer than you expected
• It may feel like you are the only one carrying a cross
• You may feel like you're carrying it in the wrong direction 

While many wear a cross to remind us of the sacrifice of Jesus, back then, it was an object of punishment and blood. 

Matthew 16:25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
 

Uncommen Questions:

Do you pick up your cross daily and follow Jesus? 

Do you struggle with carrying your cross?
 

Uncommen Challenge:

I challenge us all to pick up the cross that we have been called to carry and keep our eyes on Jesus as we do it.

Scripture Reference:
Matthew 16:24