I'll expand on the title.
Is bearing his cross literal or figurative?
As far as I know, similar phrases were used to mean that they had to be willing to endure persecution and death for the sake of something.
The Pulpit commentary has some interesting comments on Matt 16:24
http://biblehub.com/matthew/16-24.htm
Sounds a tad bit similar as to what Jesus did for Christians, doesn't it? Thoughts?
Young's Literal Translation
and bearing his cross, he went forth to the place called Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew Golgotha;
and bearing his cross, he went forth to the place called Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew Golgotha;
As far as I know, similar phrases were used to mean that they had to be willing to endure persecution and death for the sake of something.
Matthew 10:38
Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Mark 8:34
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Luke 9:23
Then he said to them all: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
Then he said to them all: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
Luke 14:27
And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
Take up his cross. This is the second point. St. Luke adds, "daily." He must not only be resigned to bear what is brought upon him - suffering, shame, and death, which he cannot escape, but be eager to endure it, meet it with a solemn joy, be glad that he is counted worthy of it.
Sounds a tad bit similar as to what Jesus did for Christians, doesn't it? Thoughts?
Comment