His Cross and Our Cross: Matt. 16:24-27

Matthew tells us in Chapter 16 that "Jesus began to show his disciples" about the necessity of his sufferings and death. He begins in clearer terms than ever before to speak to them about the necessity of his going to the cross. This prompts Peter to rebuke Jesus and question the need for such talk. Looking back on this passage with the rest of the teachings of the New Testament at our disposal, no knowledgeable Christian today would argue that the cross of Christ was unnecessary. In fact, cross-centered is a good description of any true Christian.

But what about the other cross mentioned in verse 24, the one we are told to take up as followers of Christ. First century believers would surely hear this command with amazement. Taking up one's cross meant certain death to them, and a cruel, painful death at that. To take up one's cross in their day was to carry the very means of their own execution to the place of crucifixion. To make this command anything less than a command of Christ to die to everything that has to do with self would be to water down its serious message.

Jesus teaches in these verses that our death is just as necessary as His if we would be saved, for it is only those who lose their lives for Christ's sake that truly find eternal life. The message of Matthew 16 is that two crosses are necessary for us to be saved, His cross and ours. In a Christian culture which questions the necessity of taking up one's cross, and for that matter the need for discipleship in any form, may God give us grace to boldly proclaim the necessity of both crosses, and may he give us grace to follow Christ's command with a greater sincerity and sobriety than ever before.

by Scott Stengele