A cross to bear

“ … “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself

and take up his cross and follow me.”

 Matthew 16:24

     A cross to bear means an obligation or responsibility which is difficult for someone to endure during their lifetime. This expression alludes to Jesus carrying His cross to the crucifixion.

     Some of us endure unimaginable circumstances during our lifetime, exasperating and leaving us depleted. I know friends who are now the caregivers to their loved ones due to an untimely disease. The responsibilities may be mundane and this certainly isn’t how they thought their days would be spent, however they do it with love and grace.

     When Jesus asks His disciples to, “take up his cross and follow me”, He’s reminding them of the commitment and responsibility of doing so. The cross was a symbol of death so He’s reminding them of the cost of becoming a follower, they could lose life.  

     Regardless of the crosses we bear in our lifetime, they don’t hold a candle to the cross Jesus carried for us. Today is Palm Sunday. A day for us to reflect on the goodness of God and why He chose to send His Son to die a horrible, humiliating death; all for us. Jesus paid the ultimate price so we can inherit eternal life. All we have to do is believe and follow Him.