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Many people have read the verse in Mark 8:34 where Jesus tells His disciples that they should take up their cross and follow Him. And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. What does "take up his cross" mean? It certainly doesn't sound like encouraging words you would expect a leader to say when He is searching for followers. When Jesus told the disciples to take up his cross, there was an element of pain and suffering that Jesus was implying. After all, the cross was one of the most painful and excruciating means of torture ever devised. And certainly in those days, one would expect to endure suffering and even death for following Jesus. The cross also symbolized total submission. When the Romans were going to crucify someone, they forced the criminal to carry their cross to the top of the hill. Not only was this physically painful after being beaten with a whip, but it symbolized that the criminal had totally submitted to the Roman authority. This is an aspect of the crucifixion that the Jews knew very well after seeing many people crucified. Jesus indicates that by taking up our cross, we are submitting completely to His will and plan for us. And finally, the Bible says take up his cross. Everyone of the disciples, and anyone that follows Jesus whole-heartedly, will have to bear a symbolic cross. But everyone's cross is different. Everyone's cross is individual. There may not be different levels of calling to serve Christ, but there are certainly different levels of sacrifice.
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Slide 2: ==== ==== Want handmade Disciples Cross Necklaces and Keychains Already Made? http://www.oktoearn.com ==== ====
