The Passion of the Christian |

This article originally appeared on WND.com

Guest post by David Kupelian

David Kupelian delves into the meaning of ‘taking up your cross’

“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

– Mark 8:34-37

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

– Luke 9:23

“And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.”

– Matthew 10:38

Every Easter, eloquent reflections on Christ’s “Passion” flood our consciousness, often dramatized in cinematic masterpieces like “The Passion of the Christ,” “Jesus of Nazareth,” and “The Greatest Story Ever Told.” While these portrayals certainly evoke gratitude among believers for Jesus’ sacrifices, one must ponder whether this appreciation translates into a fervent desire for believers to “take up the cross” in their own lives.

Before we dive deeper, let’s clarify: what does it truly mean to “take up your cross”?

‘I die daily’

Historically, Christians have pondered the notion of taking up the “cross” far more than they do today. Nowadays, the phrase “it’s my cross to bear” often serves as a badge of honor for enduring mundane inconveniences—be it a chronic illness, a troublesome teenager, or the trials of cohabitating with an overbearing mother-in-law.

Pulpit discussions often skim the surface. While a well-meaning minister may reference the aforementioned scriptures on “taking up the cross,” the conversation rarely delves into the profound implications of self-denial. Instead, it tends to veer toward lighter subjects, such as expressing gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection.

Gone are the days when Christian thinkers and mystics extensively explored the necessity for repentance, self-mortification, and the “crucifixion” of sin. The Apostle Paul encapsulated this idea succinctly: “I die daily.”

Unfortunately, much of the poetic and allegorical language from contemplative eras doesn’t resonate with today’s Christians, who grapple with an increasingly secular culture outside and an overly simplistic faith within. The rich depth of spiritual transformation seems lost in a sea of superficiality.

Let’s take a fresh look at this directive from Jesus: “take up his cross daily.”

Killing the creature

What is this elusive “creaturely self” that Christian sages implore us to “slay” in order to inherit the Kingdom of God?

It’s no secret that we are all born with a pesky trait known as “pride.” This is the part of us that yearns to be like God, revels in admiration, and is quick to judge others while conveniently overlooking our own flaws. Imagine pride as a living organism; like any creature, it thrives when nurtured and withers when neglected. When we starve our pride through obedience to God, we inherently grow our true, God-centered identity.

This is not merely a debate over dogma or outward behaviors; it’s about genuine transformation—the mystical essence of true Christian living that involves “dying to the world.” This is not an antiquated ideal but the very core of our daily existence as we navigate life’s challenges.

However, it is essential to acknowledge a divine paradox: as Christians, we recognize that we cannot save ourselves, yet we are called to obediently “die daily.” We shouldn’t take God’s mercy for granted. His mercy is infinite, but it coexists with justice. These qualities work together mysteriously, guiding us toward redemption, but only for those sincerely striving not to tempt God.

A different kind of love

To grasp what it means to “take up the cross,” we must first understand the necessity of Christ’s suffering.

If our loving God is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent—and He is—why did His own Son endure torture and execution? Many question, “If God is love, why would He permit such suffering?” This leads some to declare, “I could never worship a God like that.”

While we frequently assert “God is love,” our understanding of both God and love is often superficial. “God” transcends human comprehension, much like the concept of infinity, while our definition of “love” is often limited to our affections for various fleeting attractions.

Let’s discuss real love.

Almost every authentic expression of love among humans encompasses an element of suffering. From the ultimate act of love—“Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friend”—to the simple patience we extend to others, love inherently involves forbearance, endurance, and kindness amidst difficulties.

Webster defines “patience” as “the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain without complaint.” Jesus’ dying words—“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do”—exemplify the pinnacle of patience and love.

Thus, patience becomes the essential building block of love. To be patient is to suffer with grace, allowing the recipient of our patience—be it a spouse or child—to perceive that as love, contrasting sharply with impatience, which signals a lack of love.

But why is love so intrinsically connected to suffering?

Consider this: God is the architect behind an unimaginably vast universe filled with celestial bodies and intricate particles, yet there’s one thing He couldn’t simply conjure out of thin air—love.

Yes, He loves us, but I’m referring to our capacity to love Him and one another, fulfilling Jesus’ two greatest commandments. To truly experience love, we must have the freedom to choose: to love God or to idolize ourselves—ultimately, to love or to prioritize our own comfort above all.

Real love requires choice.

When Jesus proclaimed that there’s no greater love than laying down one’s life for a friend, He referred not only to the dramatic act of sacrifice but also to the daily “death” we must embrace. It’s about crucifying our pride for the benefit of our “neighbor,” with a particular emphasis on family well-being.

For instance, if someone wrongs you and you feel the urge to retaliate, you must restrain that impulse. However, true transparency involves recognizing our flaws without judgment and turning to God for assistance. This process is the essence of regeneration, even if it appears imperceptible.

“Dying” to the world is akin to fasting—not from food, but from harmful thoughts, anger, envy, and greed. God desires us to abstain from becoming irritated or impatient, allowing us to encounter Him in stillness.

Just before His Passion, Jesus imparted to His disciples a “new commandment”: “That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” This was revolutionary because He elevated the standard of love to mirror His own.

Love and logic

In the classic narrative of “Ben-Hur,” Judah, consumed by vengeance against Masala for unjustly condemning him, witnesses the crucifixion of Jesus. In a poignant moment, he reflects on Jesus’ final words: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” This realization transforms Judah’s heart, as he feels the weight of his hatred lifted.

The true Passion of Christ must resonate with our internal struggles and fortify our spirits, akin to Judah’s transformation in “Ben-Hur.” We too must confront our pride and the compulsion to be our own gods to embrace the true life that God offers us.

One reason I identify as a Christian is its profound logic. If God sought to exhibit His love for humanity, what more effective demonstration could there be than the willing suffering and sacrifice of His Son—who, even in His agony, asked for forgiveness for His tormentors? This is the essence of love in a world that often feels devoid of it.

Some may react negatively to this message, perceiving it as a denial of Christ’s atoning sacrifice. However, the current landscape of Christianity reveals a troubling disconnect. Despite over 70 percent of Americans identifying as Christians, our society increasingly reflects hostility toward Christian values. Family structures are deteriorating, indicating that we’re missing a vital component of faith.

So, are you ready for some tough love? Here it is: simply discussing Jesus’ death and resurrection isn’t enough. It’s not what He taught. Jesus instructed us to “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17) He emphasized the importance of obedience: “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love.” (John 15:10)

As we contemplate the Messiah’s suffering this Easter, let’s reflect on our own willingness to suffer and sacrifice. Can we confront our sinfulness—the one adversary most of us shy away from?

To truly take up our cross and “lose our life” for His sake, we must repent. This requires a courageous examination of our inner darkness, akin to witnessing Jesus’ scourging and crucifixion. God honors those who face their shortcomings with honesty, allowing for genuine healing through understanding and repentance. This is the essence of our spiritual journey, wherein we choose to confront our sinful nature or to pick up our cross, denying the self that leads us away from Him.