Matthew 10:38

38 Those who do not take up their cross and follow in my steps are not fit to be my disciples. ¹

Matthew 10:38 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 10:38

And he that taketh not his cross
By the "cross", which was a Roman punishment, whereby malefactors were put to death, are meant all sorts of afflictions, reproaches, persecutions, and death itself; and particularly the ill will, hatred, and persecution, of near relations and friends, which must be expected by such, who bear a faithful testimony for Christ. Every minister of Christ, or professor of his name, has "his" own cross, his own particular afflictions, appointed by God, and laid on him by Christ, and which he should cheerfully take up, and patiently bear, for his sake. The allusion is to the custom of persons sentenced to be crucified, to carry their own cross, as Christ did his, and Simon the Cyrenian for him; and which our Lord here may have a respect unto, as well knowing what death he was to die, and that some of his disciples also would die the same death: wherefore Christ says,

and followeth after me;
led on by his example, to preach or profess the Gospel, submit to the ordinances of it, and cheerfully suffer for the sake of it, when called to it. If a man, who would be thought to be a disciple of Christ, is not willing to do all this, but, in order to avoid it, complies with his friends, conforms to the world, and turns his back on Christ; of such an one he may well say, he

is not worthy of me;
it is not convenient that he should stand among his disciples and followers.

Matthew 10:38 In-Context

36 your worst enemies will be the members of your own family.

37 "Those who love their father or mother more than me are not fit to be my disciples; those who love their son or daughter more than me are not fit to be my disciples.

38 Those who do not take up their cross and follow in my steps are not fit to be my disciples.

39 Those who try to gain their own life will lose it; but those who lose their life for my sake will gain it.

40 "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.

Cross References

• 1. 10.38Matthew 16.24;Mark 8.34;Luke 9.23.