THE WEIGHT OF THE CROSS

Jesus said some unusual things in His time. Some things left people walking away puzzled and confused. Others left them furious. One of the strangest things He said was, ‘Take up your cross and follow me.’ 

Today this statement means little. But in Jesus’ time, a Roman cross was the emblem of a brutal death. Crucifixion was death at its worst. Yet Jesus called His students to follow in the steps He was about to take. 

It took centuries for the cross to become the prime devotional symbol of Christianity; it was only after memories had faded that someone would think to wear it as a piece of jewelry around their neck. 

So what does taking up the cross mean for us today? Thankfully in the West we’re not faced with doing this literally. Taking up your cross ultimately means crucifixion of the self. It means dying to our selfish and sinful ways, and living for God in every area of our lives. It may hurt a little, or even a lot, but remember: Jesus’ death brought life. Every time we die to ourselves, we experience what it means to live.

written by TANIA HARRIS