Could somebody explain this?

Question

I just happened to be reading Mathew 10 in response to a question by another asker and stumbled across this.. hoping somebody could explain.

Mathew 10:38 attributes Jesus as saying

"He who doesn't take his cross and follow after me, isn't worthy of me."


Correct me if i am wrong but didn't the concept of the cross come from the crucifixion. i.e why does Jesus command people to "carry" the cross when he wasn't crucified yet..



The prior question was:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/?qid=20060827014133AAhtwd1&r=w#Rs0qWWbqUDen6.FXQkbyogJFVUPTFedq9P0I.n3jqUty8dhF2izp

If i am taking it literally and i am mistaken this is your oppurtunity to explain it.. thats why i asked if someone could explain it to me.

Dont' just say i am taking it literally and leave it at that.

Answer 1

have you ever heard of the expression "cross to bear?" Jesus was not the only person crucifed in those days. It was pretty common for Romans to use this as extreme punishment.When Jesus says "He who does not take his cross and follow after me, isn't worthy of me." He is basicaslly saying he who does not believe in me, or who does but will not defend me isnt worthy of His love. Think about it, Jesus was crucified as a heretic and blasphemer, and whoever would have been associated with Him would have the same mark against them. Basically, Jesus is telling His followers that faith isnt easy, and people may mock you for your beliefs, but if you dont have the strength to carry the burden and face criticism for your faith, then you are not worthy of His eternal love.

Answer 2

Jesus didn't command anyone to "carry" a cross.

Read it again. He said "take up" the cross. That was a symbolic tool to use as a instrument of commitment.
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This is the first mention of the cross in Mathews Gospel.

I'm impressed muslims take such a interest in The Holy Bible. Why do you people not get a study Bible if your seeking Truth?
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Answer 3

Jesus was using the cross, a physical object of shame, torture, and execution, as a metaphore for the cost of following Him. The entire passage is a very direct statement for those who want to follow Jesus. There can be no other loves that come between us and Jesus Christ: parents, children, spouses, siblings, even our own lives. Notice that He is not saying to deliberately abandon any or all of these people, but that we must be ready to choose between them and Christ, if a loyalty question should arise.

So much for the "prosperity gospel", huh? Jesus rather bluntly said to be ready to suffer the worst indignity known to man, and be prepared to die, rather than walk away from Him. That's what the cross represents.

Answer 4

Means the person who thinks of himself as a follower of Christ should do God's work and suffer in the process, if needed.

In my culture, "carrying your cross" means enduring with dignity whatever hardships life has piled up on your shoulders.

The fact that he wasn't crucified yet is of little consequence. I'm sure He already knew He was going to be. The Gospels also have other examples of Christ warning His disciples of future events, such as the fact that they will betray Him etc.

Answer 5

The Gospel was edited and re-edited several times, and was written several years after Jesus's death. Perhaps Matthew (who is not to be confused with one of the Twelve) probably really heard the church fathers say "carry his burden" or some other similar statement...but to give more effect to his audience (since by the time Matthew was writing that was when the Christians were starting to feel the persecution heat from the Romans) he substituted "cross" for "burden".

Answer 6

Re-read this verse and think about what the cross symbolizes. One might interpret follow after me as saying come to me or bring to me.

You will have to study this and find out what it means to you. Taking one verse out of the bible without reading before and after makes me decide to bow out on giving an interpretation.
If you don't find a satisfactory answer to this question let me know and I will read the section of the book and give you a more detailed interpretation of what He is meaning.

Answer 7

Jesus knew why he came. It was always pre-destined from before creation. He always knew he would die on a cross for our sins.

He also knew that his apostles, disciples, and believers would have to suffer, too.

Jesus expects the faithful to embrace the suffering they endure in his name, just as he embraced the cross in his Father's name.

In this way, our destiny becomes eternally intermingled with his ... and that's a great thing!

Answer 8

Because the New Testament was written after Jesus' death and Resurrection, a lot of Christian concepts were used in telling the story of Jesus' ministry. That doesn't detract from the message, and you must remember that the authors were inspired by God.

Answer 9

Jesus can see the future friend, the disciples didn't understand alot which Jesus told them untill after the crucifixion.

Answer 10

Meaning if you dont turn from you ways and follow Him you are not for him... not worthy of Him. You cant be for the world and Jesus. You are either for Him(saved) or not .