Station II Jesus Carries His Cross
“... and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:38
“If any man would come after me, Let him deny himself and take up his cros and follow me.” Matthew 16:24
What was Jesus really saying with these words? Think what a challenge these words were to those who had actually witnessed men carrying their crosses, saw how the crowds shouted and spat and perhaps threw things at them, and smelled the sweat and blood of the victims as they staggered by.
Was Jesus preparing us for the fact that being his faithful followers would not be easy? Was He telling us that just as He was patient, forgiving, long-suffering, and self-sacrificing so would we need to be? Was He warning us that we might also have to face the criticism and jeers of others when we try to act and talk and live in ways pleasing to Jesus? Certainly many Christians, many followers of Christ--even today--have had to suffer and die because they faithfully followed their Saviour.
