Matthew 10:38

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he {G3739} that taketh {G2983} not {G3756} his {G846} cross {G4716}, and {G2532} followeth {G190} after {G3694} me {G3450}, is {G2076} not {G3756} worthy {G514} of me {G3450}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And anyone who does not take up his execution-stake and follow me is not worthy of me.

Berean Standard Bible

and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.

American Standard Version

And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 10:38 presents a profound and challenging declaration from Jesus, delivered to His disciples as He commissioned them for ministry. This verse unequivocally states that genuine discipleship demands an absolute and unwavering commitment, requiring followers to embrace self-denial and a willingness to suffer for His sake, even to the point of death, as a prerequisite for being truly aligned with Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus' extensive discourse to the twelve apostles, outlining their commission and preparing them for the realities of ministry (see [Matthew 10:1-42](/matthew/10-1-42 "Matthew 10 - Jesus Commissions the Twelve Apostles")). The preceding verses in [Matthew 10](/matthew/10 "Matthew 10 - The Commissioning of the Twelve") emphasize the necessity of confessing Christ publicly, even in the face of division and opposition, including familial strife. Jesus warns that His coming will bring not peace, but a sword, separating those who follow Him from those who do not, even within the closest relationships. Thus, [Matthew 10:38](/matthew/10-38 "Matthew 10:38 - The Cost of Discipleship") builds directly upon this theme of radical allegiance, moving from the immediate mission to the broader, lifelong commitment inherent in true discipleship, culminating in the paradoxical truth of losing one's life to find it in [Matthew 10:39](/matthew/10-39 "Matthew 10:39 - Losing One's Life to Find It").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "taking up one's cross" would have been starkly clear and terrifying to Jesus' audience. Crucifixion was a common, brutal form of capital punishment under Roman rule, reserved for the lowest criminals, rebels, and slaves. When a person was condemned to crucifixion, they were often forced to carry the horizontal beam of their cross (the *patibulum*) through the streets to the execution site, a public spectacle of humiliation, shame, and impending death. This act signified the complete surrender of one's life and will to the authority that condemned them. Jesus' use of this metaphor was not abstract; it was a vivid, visceral call to embrace a similar path of public identification with Him, even if it meant facing ultimate suffering, rejection, and death. It underscored the ultimate cost of following Him in a society where such a path could lead to severe persecution.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 10:38](/matthew/10-38 "Matthew 10:38 - The Cost of Discipleship") powerfully articulates several core themes central to Jesus' teaching on discipleship. Firstly, it highlights **Radical Discipleship**, demanding an absolute and unreserved commitment to Christ that transcends all other loyalties and personal desires. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Self-Denial and Sacrifice**, where "taking up his cross" serves as a potent metaphor for a willingness to suffer, endure shame, face rejection, and potentially even death for the sake of Christ and His kingdom. This is not merely inconvenience but a profound reorientation of priorities, echoing the call to deny oneself found in other passages like [Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Denying Self and Taking Up the Cross"). Thirdly, the concept of being **"Worthy of Christ"** is introduced, not as earning salvation through works, but as demonstrating a genuine alignment of priorities and devoted allegiance to Jesus above all else—family, possessions, comfort, or even life itself. It signifies a life that reflects the supreme value placed on Christ. Finally, the phrase **"followeth after me"** implies active obedience, imitation of Jesus' life, and a journey that mirrors His own path of suffering and sacrifice, inviting believers to walk in His footsteps.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **taketh (Greek, _lambánō'_):** From G2983, this verb means "to take" or "to get hold of." In this context, it implies a deliberate, active choice to seize or embrace something. It's not a passive reception but an intentional act of picking up and carrying, emphasizing the volitional nature of the disciple's commitment to the cross.
* **cross (Greek, _staurós'_):** From G4716, this refers to a "stake or post" used as an instrument of capital punishment. Figuratively, it signifies "exposure to death" or "self-denial." Jesus uses this term to represent the ultimate form of suffering, humiliation, and self-sacrifice, pointing to the complete surrender of one's own life and will.
* **worthy (Greek, _áxios'_):** From G514, meaning "deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)." To be "worthy of me" does not suggest earning salvation, but rather possessing a character and commitment that is fitting or commensurate with the high calling of being Christ's disciple. It speaks to a life that demonstrates the proper value and allegiance to Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he that taketh not his cross":** This clause sets a non-negotiable condition for discipleship. The act of "taking his cross" is a metaphor for a radical commitment to self-denial and a willingness to embrace suffering, shame, and even death for the sake of following Jesus. It implies identifying completely with Christ, even if it leads to the same kind of rejection and pain He experienced. The negative "not" underscores the absolute necessity of this embrace.
* **"and followeth after me":** This phrase describes the active, ongoing pursuit of Jesus. It's not a static belief but a dynamic journey of obedience, imitation, and adherence to Christ's teachings and example. The "and" links this active following directly to the cross-bearing, indicating that one cannot truly follow Jesus without embracing the cost.
* **"is not worthy of me":** This concluding statement declares the consequence of failing to meet the aforementioned conditions. To be "not worthy" means that one's life and priorities are not aligned with the supreme value and demands of Christ's call. It indicates a fundamental incongruity between one's professed allegiance and the actual commitment demonstrated, signifying that such a person does not truly belong to Him in the fullest sense of devoted discipleship.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 10:38 is rich with impactful literary devices. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "taketh not his cross." This is not a literal instruction for most followers but a powerful symbolic representation of embracing suffering, self-sacrifice, and complete surrender to God's will, even unto death. The imagery vividly conveys the ultimate cost of discipleship. The verse also employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme nature of the commitment required; while not every disciple will face physical crucifixion, the principle of absolute surrender is presented in its most stark form. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Conditional Statement**, setting a clear "if-then" relationship: "If one does not take up his cross and follow me, then he is not worthy of me." This structure highlights the direct consequence of failing to meet the demands of true discipleship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 10:38 encapsulates a core theological truth about the nature of Christian discipleship: it is inherently costly and demands nothing less than total surrender. This verse dismantles any notion of a casual or convenient faith, asserting that allegiance to Christ must supersede all other loyalties, including self-preservation, personal comfort, and even familial bonds. The "cross" symbolizes the suffering, sacrifice, and rejection that may accompany a life devoted to Jesus, calling believers to embrace God's will even when it leads to hardship or public scorn. To be "worthy" of Christ means to align one's life, priorities, and willingness to suffer with His, recognizing that true life is found not in self-preservation but in losing oneself for His sake.

* [Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Denying Self and Taking Up the Cross")
* [Luke 14:27](/luke/14-27 "Carrying the Cross and Following Jesus")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Counting All Things Loss for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 10:38 stands as a profound challenge to every individual who claims the name of Christ, inviting a deep and honest examination of the true depth of their commitment. It compels us to ask whether our allegiance to Jesus is truly paramount, surpassing all other desires, comforts, and relationships, even to the point of embracing potential suffering and self-sacrifice. This verse calls us to a daily, deliberate act of surrendering our own will, ambitions, and perceived rights, choosing instead to walk in humble obedience to God's purpose, regardless of the cost. True discipleship is not merely intellectual assent or emotional experience, but a radical reorientation of one's entire life around Christ, embracing His path of self-giving love and service, even when it leads to difficulty or unpopularity. It is in this costly surrender that we paradoxically find true freedom, purpose, and the abundant life Jesus promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "cross" might Jesus be calling me to take up in my daily life today?**
* **In what areas of my life do I prioritize comfort or personal desire over following Christ's call to self-denial?**
* **How does my willingness to endure hardship for the sake of Christ demonstrate my "worthiness" or alignment with Him?**
* **What practical steps can I take to more fully "follow after" Jesus in active obedience and imitation of His life?**

### FAQ
**Does "taking up one's cross" mean I must seek out suffering or martyrdom?**

Answer: While "taking up one's cross" certainly includes a willingness to suffer and even die for Christ if called to do so (as many martyrs throughout history have done, fulfilling the literal meaning), for most believers, it primarily signifies a daily, intentional commitment to self-denial and obedience to God's will, even when it is difficult, unpopular, or costly. It means prioritizing Christ and His kingdom above personal desires, ambitions, comforts, and even relational loyalties, as Jesus illustrates in [Matthew 10:37](/matthew/10-37 "Matthew 10:37 - Love of Family vs. Love of Christ"). It's about dying to self, surrendering one's own agenda, and embracing the path of humble service and faithfulness that Jesus Himself walked, which often involves enduring misunderstanding, rejection, or hardship for the sake of the gospel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 10:38 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. He is the quintessential example of one who "took up His cross" not only metaphorically but literally, embracing the full weight of human sin and the shame of crucifixion as the means of our redemption. His journey to Calvary, foretold in passages like [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), was the ultimate act of self-denial and obedience, where He "humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). Jesus did not merely teach about cross-bearing; He embodied it, providing the perfect model for His disciples. Therefore, when believers are called to take up their cross and follow Him, they are not simply enduring hardship for hardship's sake, but are participating in the very pattern of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. Our cross-bearing is empowered by His, and our suffering, when united with His, becomes a pathway to deeper fellowship with Him and a participation in His redemptive mission, as we are called to "walk in the same way in which he walked" ([1 John 2:6](/1_john/2-6 "1 John 2:6 - Walking in the Light")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 14:27

And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Mark 8:34

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.

Matthew 16:24

¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Luke 9:23

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 9:24

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

John 19:17

And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called [the place] of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

Mark 10:21

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.