What is the meaning of Matthew 10:38? Anyone who does not take up his cross – Jesus’ call is unmistakably personal: “his cross.” Each disciple has a unique load of sacrifice and surrender. – A cross in the first-century mind meant one thing—an instrument of death. Christ is inviting us to a life where self-rule is put to death (Galatians 2:20). – This is not a one-time gesture but a daily posture (Luke 9:23: “If anyone desires to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily”). – Taking up the cross involves: • Surrendering personal ambitions when they conflict with God’s will (James 4:13-15). • Bearing opposition or persecution for righteousness’ sake (2 Timothy 3:12). • Choosing obedience over comfort, just as Jesus “learned obedience through what He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8). – Peter reminds suffering believers to “arm yourselves with the same resolve” because “whoever suffers in the body is done with sin” (1 Peter 4:1-2). and follow Me – The command shifts from what we lay down to Whom we pursue. Following Jesus is relational, not merely rule-keeping (John 10:27: “My sheep listen to My voice… and they follow Me”). – It is an ongoing journey: “Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be also” (John 12:26). – Elements of genuine following: • Listening—regular intake of His Word (Psalm 119:105). • Trusting—stepping where He leads even when unclear (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Imitating—walking “in the same way He walked” (1 John 2:6). – Early disciples left nets, tax booths, and comfort zones at “Follow Me” (Matthew 4:19). We are called to similar readiness, whether leaving a cherished sin or a prized security. is not worthy of Me – “Worthy” here measures alignment with Christ’s supreme worth. Anything loved more than Him makes the disciple unfit (Matthew 10:37). – Luke’s parallel sharpens the point: “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:27). – Consequences of unworthiness: • Loss of fellowship rewards now—lukewarm discipleship ends in discipline (Revelation 3:19). • Potential shame at His coming—only those “worthy” will walk with Him in white (Revelation 3:4). – Worthiness is not earned by works but evidenced by allegiance. A heart that refuses the cross reveals it was never surrendered to the King (James 2:17). summary Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:38 are straightforward yet soul-searching. To be His disciple means embracing a personal cross—daily dying to self, enduring hardship, and yielding desires that conflict with His lordship. It means actively following—listening, trusting, imitating Him wherever He leads. Refusal to do so shows a heart that prizes self above the Savior, a life “not worthy” of the One who first carried the cross for us. True discipleship values Christ above all, proves it by obedient steps, and rests in the assurance that the path of the cross always leads to resurrection joy. |
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