Matthew 16:24

Take up his cross (aratw ton stauron autou). Pick up at once, aorist tense. This same saying in Mark 10:38 , which see. But pertinent here also in explanation of Christ's rebuke to Peter. Christ's own cross faces him. Peter had dared to pull Christ away from his destiny. He would do better to face squarely his own cross and to bear it after Jesus. The disciples would be familiar with cross-bearing as a figure of speech by reason of the crucifixion of criminals in Jerusalem. Follow (akalouqeitw). Present tense. Keep on following.