Matthew 10:38-39 is a passage from the New Testament of the Bible that contains some of Jesus' teachings. The passage is part of Jesus' instructions to his disciples as he sends them out to spread the message of the Gospel. In these verses, Jesus challenges his followers to put him above all else and be willing to follow him even if it means giving up everything else.
At the time Jesus spoke these words, the concept of taking up one's cross would have been understood by his audience as a reference to the Roman practice of executing criminals by crucifixion. To take up one's cross, therefore, meant to be willing to suffer and even die for one's beliefs.
In the first part of the passage (verse 38), Jesus is telling his followers that if they are not willing to take up their cross and follow him, they are not worthy of him. This statement is meant to be a challenge to his disciples to put him above all else in their lives, including their own desires, possessions, and even their own lives. Jesus is essentially saying that if they are not willing to give up everything for him, they cannot truly be his followers.
In the second part of the passage (verse 39), Jesus explains that those who seek to save their own lives will ultimately lose them, but those who are willing to lose their lives for his sake will find them. This statement is a powerful reminder that following Jesus often requires sacrifice and that true discipleship involves putting him first and being willing to give up everything for his sake. By losing one's life for Jesus' sake, one is not necessarily talking about physical death, but rather dying to oneself and putting aside one's own desires and priorities for the sake of following Jesus.
Jesus' message in this passage is one of radical discipleship and sacrifice. He is asking his followers to be willing to give up everything for him, including their own lives. This is a challenging message that requires a deep commitment to Jesus and a willingness to put him above all else. Jesus is calling his disciples to a higher standard of living, one that requires complete surrender to him and a willingness to suffer and even die for his sake.
In summary, Matthew 10:38-39 is a powerful reminder that following Jesus requires sacrifice and a willingness to put him above all else in our lives. Jesus is calling his followers to a higher standard of living, one that requires a complete surrender to him and a willingness to suffer and even die for his sake. This message is challenging but also deeply rewarding, as it offers the promise of finding true life in him.
See also: vs 32-33
Matthew 10:38-39. He who doesn’t take his cross and follow after me, isn’t worthy of me. He who seeks his life will lose it; and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.