Carry the Cross!
When Jesus spoke these words, the picture of carrying a cross was a terrible thing. The cross was the favorite punishment that the Romans inflicted on its conquered subjects. It was the ultimate sign of defeat and shame. When Jesus told his disciples that he would be carrying a cross, they were filled with sadness. Peter even expressed the wish that Jesus going through that punishment would never happen.
From the Gospel, we know now what the cross meant for Jesus. As the Lamb of God, Jesus had to be offered as the payment. The cross was the prophesied event that needed to take place in order for the victory of sin and death to be accomplished.
Is Jesus indicating that in order for us to be saved we have to earn our salvation by being crucified? No. But because of Jesus’ cross, we also get the privilege of carrying a cross. Yes, Jesus’ cross declares our victory. Jesus, our Brother, made the payment on our behalf. So the cross we carry is the assurance of life forever with our Lord.
However, we still live in a world under the curse of sin. Because the world rejects the victory of the cross of Jesus, it also rejects those who rejoice in the cross. If you take the time to read the whole paragraph that our verse is in, (Luke 14:25-35) Jesus is alerting us to the cost of discipleship.
Because we hold God’s Word as the Truth, a world that rejects that truth also rejects the people who believe it. The result is persecution in its various forms.
Yes, the cross is the wonderful symbol of victory. No matter what the cost, continue with joyful and grateful hearts to Carry the Cross!
Lord Jesus, thanks for the precious victory. Enable us to be faithful witnesses to the Truth, no matter the cost. Amen.