What Is the True Meaning of “Taking Up the Cross”?

In the Christian world, some expressions are so often repeated that they risk losing their true depth. One of them is the famous phrase of Jesus: “take up your cross.” But what does it really mean to “take up the cross” in the Christian walk?

In this study, we will understand the origin of this expression, what it represented in the biblical context, and how it should be lived in the daily life of those who follow Christ.

What did Jesus mean?

The expression “take up the cross” appears in Matthew 16:24, when Jesus says to His disciples:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

At that time, the cross was not a religious or aesthetic symbol. It was an instrument of torture and public execution used by the Romans. Anyone carrying a cross was literally on their way to die. In other words, Jesus was saying that following Him would require total surrender—even of one’s own life, if necessary.

Taking up the cross is not just any suffering

Many Christians associate “taking up the cross” with ordinary life problems, such as financial struggles, illness, or family conflicts. But biblically, taking up the cross is a voluntary act of surrender—not simply enduring difficulties.

To take up the cross means to:

• Deny one’s own desires in favor of God’s will;
• Abandon pride, vanity, and ego;
• Live sacrificially, placing God’s Kingdom first;
• Obey even when it costs comfort, status, or acceptance.

The spiritual weight of this expression

“Taking up the cross” points to a lifestyle shaped by sacrificial love. Just as Christ gave Himself for us, we are called to live in a way that glorifies God and blesses others—even when it costs us something.

It is not about self-punishment or heavy religiosity. It is about loving God’s will more than our own. It is a daily decision to walk as Jesus walked, trusting that even in loss there is divine purpose.

How to take up the cross in daily life

Here are some practical examples of living out this calling:

• Forgiving those who hurt us, even without recognition or apology.
• Letting go of choices that draw us away from God’s presence.
• Serving with joy, even without receiving anything in return.
• Remaining faithful to Christ in the face of rejection or persecution.

Taking up the cross is a conscious, daily practice. It means saying “no” to self and “yes” to the calling of Christ.

A call to surrender

“Taking up the cross” is far more than a beautiful phrase. It is a call to surrender and spiritual maturity. Jesus did not call us to a life of comfort but to a life of eternal purpose. And even though this path may involve pain and sacrifice, it is a way of glory and transformation.

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