Take Up Your Cross

In our Bible Class here at Chestnut Mound, we have been doing a chapter by chapter study of the book of Matthew. The past few weeks I have been studying Matthew 16 in preparation for this Sunday's Bible Class period. One thing that I read really struck me. In verse 24, Jesus tells the disciples and us to "deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." At first glance, one would think that Jesus is referring to a physical cross, held together by two pieces of wood. But this is not the case. So what does the cross represent?

The cross represents all the things that we suffer from/with. The cross represents our spiritual and physical suffering. At the time Jesus is saying to "take up your cross," He is a very short time from being crucified on an actual cross for our sins. He is in the process of preparing His disciples for that day. Jesus used imagery frequently to help the people of His time and us today to better understand His teachings. Jesus was about to suffer on the cross for us, and He wants us to remember that we suffer our own "crosses" daily. The question is, what do we do with our crosses?

Humble yourself, or as I like to say, check your ego at the door. Before Jesus said "take up your cross," He said we must "deny ourselves." I see so many people trying to get through life by solving their spiritual and physical problems on their own. They are afraid and ashamed to ask for help. Why is this? Society tells us that we should be "alphas" we should be strong willed and not afraid to "stand on our own two feet." Where does this leave God though? Friends, God is bigger than any amount of "alpha" you think you are. We should not be afraid of admitting to Him that we need His help.

When should we do this? Think about the hardest things in life that you've either been through, or are going through. Do you have it? Now think about Jesus hanging there on the cross for you and me. In John 19, we have perhaps the most detailed account of the death of Jesus of the four gospels. In verse 17, John states that Jesus "bore His cross," as He was being led up to Calvary. In all four of the gospels, we are told that Jesus was nailed to cross, was thirsty and given sour wine to drink, and was mocked as the soldiers divided His clothes and bowed down to Him. I make this comparison to show you that no matter what we face in life, it's not even close to what Jesus did. Notice though that Jesus did indeed bear His cross. Sometimes we have to be humble enough to bear ours.

We are coming to a time of the year where things are winding down. The year 2019 is history and the year 2020 brings new things. Some of these things can be stressful, taxes are due in a few short months, insurance rates are being adjusted, and we are struggling with what to buy our loved ones for Christmas. These things make us want to pull our hair out and lead to a loss of sleep, but these problems pale in comparison to what Jesus went through for us. Next time we complain about something, remember the cross, humble yourself, and bring your cross to Jesus!!

In Him,

Carver Moore

 We would be honored for you to join us for worship at the Chestnut Mound church of Christ.

Our service times are as follows:

Sunday Morning Bible study: 10 am

Sunday morning worship: 11 am

Sunday evening worship: 5 pm