What does "take up your cross" mean?
In Jesus’ day a cross meant only one thing: death. To "take up your cross daily" is to accept that following Jesus involves dying to self, embracing suffering for his sake, and continuing on the road he himself walked.
It is not your annoying coworker or a chronic illness — though both can be carried Christianly. The cross Jesus speaks of is what is added by following him: the cost discipleship adds.
For some Christians the cross is literal martyrdom. For most, it is daily small deaths — to pride, to comfort, to convenience — for love of Christ and others.
The reward is not in this life primarily. We carry the cross now expecting the crown later. He carried his all the way; he will sustain us in ours.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.