> General Discussions

Come to the cross

<< < (2/4) > >>

TimothyVI:
Darren,

In Mat 10:38 
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

If the cross meant the crucifiction cross, the desciples would not have even know
of what Jesus spoke, would they? They knew nothing of the crucification when Jesus
spoke this. So if Jesus told them to take up their cross and follow him, could the cross have
meant something completely different, and personal to each of them to whom he spoke?

Still a little confused about Mat. 10:38

Thank you for your patience.

Tim

orion77:
Hello Tim,

I have often thought about that as well.  Have you looked that word 'cross' up under Strongs and got the definition?  Here it is, maybe this can help somewhat.


G4716
σταυρός
stauros
stow-ros'
From the base of G2476; a stake or post (as set upright), that is, (specifically) a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively exposure to death, that is, self denial; by implication the atonement of Christ: - cross.

G2476
ἵστημι
histēmi
his'-tay-mee
A prolonged form of a primary word στάω staō (of the same meaning, and used for it in certain tenses); to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively): - abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up). Compare G5087.


Here is some more that will help.

(Rom 6:5 LITV)  For if we have been joined together in the likeness of His death, so also shall we be in the resurrection,

(Rom 6:6 LITV)  knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be nullified, so that we no longer serve sin.

(Rom 6:7 LITV)  For the one that died has been justified from sin.

(Gal 2:20 LITV)  I have been crucified with Christ, and I live; yet no longer I, but Christ lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith toward the Son of God, the One loving me and giving Himself over on my behalf.

(Gal 5:24 LITV)  But the ones belonging to Christ crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.


The cross of Christ has alot more deeper truths, than the ones who want the outward appearance, so to be seen by others.  As Jesus said many times, they have their reward. 

Hope this helps brother,

God bless,

Gary

hillsbororiver:

--- Quote from: TimothyVI on October 16, 2006, 08:58:04 PM ---Darren,

In Mat 10:38 
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

If the cross meant the crucifiction cross, the desciples would not have even know
of what Jesus spoke, would they? They knew nothing of the crucification when Jesus
spoke this. So if Jesus told them to take up their cross and follow him, could the cross have
meant something completely different, and personal to each of them to whom he spoke?

Still a little confused about Mat. 10:38

Thank you for your patience.

Tim



--- End quote ---

Yes Tim,

This "taking up your cross" is meant for each and every individual He has chosen, not that anyone has to literally get nailed to a stake or a cross, but that we seek His will first, and in the process die to our flesh, our carnal nature.

Remember that the desciples really did not understand much of anything Jesus spoke to them during His earthly ministry, it was only after His death, resurrection and the gift of His Spirit at Pentecost that their eyes truly began to be opened.

Here is Matthew 10:38 in a couple other versions that I believe help to clarify;

Matthew 10:38 (The Message)

 38-39"If you don't go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don't deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me.

Matthew 10:38 (Amplified Bible)
   
38And he who does not take up his cross and follow Me [[a]cleave steadfastly to Me, conforming wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also] is not worthy of Me.

Paul and Peter both spoke of this same process although not in the same words;

Rom 8:13  For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

1Pe 2:21  For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

We are to follow Him in all things, His life on earth is, was and will be a blueprint for all His called and chosen through the ages, the cross is but another parable to be understood through His Spirit.


Mat 13:10  And the disciples came and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
 
Mat 13:11  He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

This is why most of Christiandom get the message of the cross wrong.

His Peace and Wisdom to you,

Joe
 

TimothyVI:
Gary and Joe, thank you very much.
That did help me to better understand what that
verse is teaching.

Tim

jennie:
Hey ya'll! It's just Jennie again without much spiritual insight or what have you about this. All I can speak is of myself in regard to the cross. I have a little tiny pendant that Michael bought me for our first Christmas together. It is a cross in the center but surrounded by a circle. To me , it is a reminder of several things... the love of my husband in giving it to me, the love and sacrifice that Jesus showed to me and the circle has no end or beginning. That reminds me that God's love cannot be measured. That is hard to wrap my mind around. The sacrifice of Jesus and the love of God forgave me who did not deserve forgiveness and love. `For anyone out here who doesn't know already... I was  a child who thought I was marked for badness because of my circumstances in life. Forgive my blunt way of saying this... I was molested from age 3 until 17 years old, raped  several times starting at age 11 and all by family or friends of family. I felt very worthless. When I was 17 years old I was (I think the term used at the forum) was drawn by God to Jesus. Oh I forgot to say , in the middle of all the beatings and molestings I found alcohol helped my pain in body and mind. When I was "drawn to Jesus" it was almost unbelievable to me that I could be loved that much. It makes me cry as I sit here and write ya'll about it. Not sad tears but happy and still awestruck that God who created everything could love even such a damaged person as me. I couldn't marry my sweet Michael without telling him that I was " damaged goods". It wouldn't have been fair to him. He was the first person who knew what happened and told me it wasn't my fault and loved me anyway! The damage ,physically, was so bad that we had trouble conceiving our child but were blessed to have one child. Michael knew what happened so that is how come he got me the little cross in the circle to wear so I would always be reminded even on the hard days when I still feel so bad about what happened. I ran into one the family male friends who happened to be one who had done this to me. Time has taken it's toll on him. I felt compelled to go up to him . Michael and I were at a little old restaurant. I went to the man and shook his hand and wished him well in his life. Sounds silly I know but for some reason I just had to. My Michael said he didn't know how I could forgive the man and I don't either but I do. If God himself can forgive me how could I not forgive this person? I don't know why I felt the need tho tell ya'll about this. Maybe there is someone out there who went through the same thing and it will help them. anyway, now ya'll know why I wear my little cross in the circle... to remind me of God's enduring love and forgiveness. Much love, Jennie

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page