You have heard people say that they have a “cross to bear.” They usually are referring to some burden they must endure. It could be a sickness, a rebellious child, an unfulfilling job, an addiction, or a chronic disease. Jesus’ comments about bearing a cross really only meant one thing, “suffering and death”. His cross was a place of both! To hear those words are a bit frightening but the “Reward is worth the Pain.”
In Christ we are reborn spiritually but we will bear the burdens “of the flesh” until we either die or Jesus comes back again. In bearing the burdens of the flesh, we are sharing in the same suffering Christ endured. His suffering was due to acts of cruelty at the hands of others and a consequence of living in a fallen, sin filled world. I want to speak to this term in it’s proper context.
In Matthew 10: 38-39, Jesus says, ” He who does not take up his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it and he who loses his life for MY SAKE will find it.” In this passage, Jesus is sending out His disciples, teaching them about the fear of God, and preparing them for what they would encounter. Then there is chapter 16. In verses 24 and 25 Jesus adds another component. It is self-denial. He says that “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him “deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me.” What Jesus is teaching them here is about discipleship!
“There are 3 laws at work here in becoming a disciple”
1- Law of self-denial- “let him deny himself”
2- Law of sacrifice- “take up his cross”
3- Law of submission- “follow Me”
“The Lord does not just leave them with these responsibilities. He qualifies them by pointing out the “rewards” that belong to those who are disciples.”
1- PERMANENCE of discipleship- “For whoever desires to save his life with LOSE IT but he who loses it WILL GAIN IT” meaning that joy and fulfillment are found when we exchange our will AND our lives for the life of Christ. We will always belong to Him.
2- PRICE of discipleship- “what profit is it if a man gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” We all only get one chance to live by faith as believers. We get the chance to live abundant lives. It is truly PRICELESS!
3- PRIZE of discipleship- “He will reward each according to his works.” We will receive an incorruptible crown!
When we become a disciple, we belong to Him. God will redeem all our mistakes, hardships and suffering whether due to our own sin or that of others. The reward is worth the Pain!
REVELATION: It is still hard to understand why we must endure suffering at times but just as Jesus endured it for me, I must be willing to endure it for others! WOW what a revelation!!! That’s brings the second greatest command to love others as He loved us into a little clearer perspective now, doesn’t it!
With that in mind, the purpose for my suffering, my cross, becomes clearer. The crosses that I must carry become BRIDGES FOR OTHERS PAIN! Perhaps this is what Paul was talking about when he admonishes us in 2 Corinthians 1:4 to “…comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” It helps them find hope, despite THEIR SUFFERING and helps lead them to the foot of Jesus’ cross!
It’s not easy carrying crosses or loving people the way Jesus did but oh so worth it! The reward is worth the pain…
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