The would-be disciple must first renounce himself, his own plans, his own desires; then he must be willing to bear any cross that duty calls him to “take up;” finally, he must “follow” in the footsteps of Jesus (see 1 Peter 2:21). To “follow” Jesus is to pattern our lives after His life, and to serve God and our fellow men, as He did (see 1 John 2:6).

 That is, assume the responsibilities that accompany discipleship, even though by doing so he be called upon to pay the supreme price. The cross was not a Jewish, but a Roman, instrument for executing criminals (see on ch. 10:38). However, during these decades the cross was well known in Palestine.

 A criminal condemned to die by crucifixion literally did “take up his cross,” or at least the crossbar to it, which he carried to the scene of execution, and it is probably this to which Christ here alludes. In the context in which Christ here mentions cross bearing, it seems that He refers, not so much to the minor difficulties and obstacles to be encountered by disciples, but rather to the need of being ready to face death itself (see ch. 16:21, 22). Peter had just attempted to persuade Jesus to abandon the divine plan that called Him to take up His cross. Jesus replies that this is impossible, for such is not the will of the Father, and that, furthermore, if Peter is to continue as a disciple he must be willing to pay the same price, as, indeed, he eventually did (see on John 21:18, 19). Elsewhere Christ presented the additional thought that disciples must take up their crosses “daily” (see Luke 9:23), in consecration to the life of service to which they are called. If men hated Jesus, they might also be expected to hate His representatives, the disciples (see John 15:18; 16:33; see on Matt. 10:22).

That is, “renounce himself,” submit his will to Christ, henceforth to live for Christ rather than for himself.

 Jesus now addressed all the disciples (see Luke 9:23), and Mark (ch. 8:34) adds that there were some others besides His disciples present—perhaps some Jews of the region who had come to believe on Him, and who had heard of all His wonderful works in Galilee. For comment on the thought expressed in Matt. 16:24, 25 see on ch. 10:38, 39.