Introduction
Often times, when we see the cross, it reminds us about our savior Jesus Christ. It reminds us of his sufferings, death, and punishment for our sins. Very few people may remember they also have a cross to carry as Christ carried his. Today, I want you to think about your cross. Are you carrying your cross??
Matthew 16:24 KJV — Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and Take Up His Cross, and follow me.
Three Lessons to Ponder on.
1. The cross is a symbol of Shame.
Christ died a shameful death. A lot of people don’t want to pass through shame for the savior. However the scriptures says… Mark 8:38 KJV — Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Are you carrying the cross of shame, or are you willing to carry it??
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2. The cross is a symbol of SUFFERING.
Today, almost no “Christian” wants to suffer. In fact, there is a song saying they’ll not suffer. If you’re not ready to suffer, then you’re not ready to carry your cross for Christ.
1 Peter 4:1 KJV — Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
3. The cross is a symbol of DEATH.
When Christ said carry your cross, he meant you should be willing to die, while serving him. The next verse in our text says.
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Matthew 16:25 KJV — For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
There are three deaths that a man who is carrying his cross passes through.
1. Death to sin(inwardly).
This happens at salvation. When we are born again, we are reckoned dead to sin. Colossians 3:3 KJV — For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
2. Death to self and flesh (outwardly).
Colossians 3:5 KJV — Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
3. Death physically.
While the man carrying his cross is still alive physically, he has decided to die if possible, while serving the Lord.
Romans 8:35-36 KJV — Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Conclusion.
Christ did not say you should carry his cross, he already did. He is asking you to carry your own cross. When you see the Cross, what do you think of??
I’ll recommend you think of yourself alongside as you think of Christ. Are you carrying your cross?? Are you willing to carry your cross?? Think about this.
Written by Pastor Solomon Michael
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