Taking Up Our Cross (Matthew 16:24)
“If any man will.” Following the Lord is a choice (Josh.24:15). Man can chose to obey or disobey. The Godhead, Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, plead for man to make the right choice (I Tim.2:3-4; Mt.11:28-30; Rev.22:17). If any man is lost, it is because he has willed it that way (Mt.23:37; Acts 13:46). “Come after me.”
Far too many are following after the wrong one and the wrong thing, which is man and man’s doctrine (I Cor.1:12-13; Mt.15:9). While we should be following Christ (I Cor.11:1; Jn.14:6); His word (Jn.12:48); being in His church (Acts 2:47; Mt.15:13-14); and, wearing Christ’s name (Acts 11:26). “Let him deny himself” means that we should surrender to God’s will in our body and soul. Deny himself (Mt.18:8-9). Love God more than worldly pleasure (I Tim.5:6, Rom.12:2). “And take up his cross” is a figurative statement explaining that we must endure whatever is hard or difficult in following Christ.
Some want to change the cross to fit him, instead of letting ourselves change to fit the cross. “And follow me” leads to baptism (Mt.3:13-17), resisting temptation (Mt.4:1-11), worship (Lk.4:16), prayer (Lk.6:12), goodness towards others (Mt.7:12), and ultimately, heaven (Jn.14:1-4). Let us take up our cross and follow Him.