The emphasis of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross

[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III



The emphasis of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross
Since the commencement of the Lord’s ministry, during His teaching and prior to His crucifixion, He laid great emphasis on the cross. He says: “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me" (Matt. 10:38) and “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matt.16: 24); (Mark.8: 34). In His conversation with the rich young man, He said to him: ‘Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor... and come, take up the cross, and follow Me’ (Mark.10: 21). He also says: “And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” (Lk.14: 27).