Matthew 16:24

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} said {G2036} Jesus {G2424} unto his {G846} disciples {G3101}, If any {G1536} man will {G2309} come {G2064} after {G3694} me {G3450}, let him deny {G533} himself {G1438}, and {G2532} take up {G142} his {G846} cross {G4716}, and {G2532} follow {G190} me {G3427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Yeshua told his talmidim, "If anyone wants to come after me, let him say `No' to himself, take up his execution-stake, and keep following me. For

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 16:24 presents Jesus' foundational and challenging declaration regarding the true cost of discipleship. Following His revelation of His impending suffering and Peter's subsequent rebuke, Jesus clarifies that genuine adherence to Him necessitates a radical reorientation of one's life, involving complete self-denial, a willingness to embrace suffering and hardship, and an active, continuous commitment to His way of life. This verse serves as a stark contrast to worldly ambitions and outlines the path of costly grace for those who truly desire to walk with Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This profound statement by Jesus immediately follows a pivotal moment in the narrative of [Matthew 16](/matthew/16 "Matthew 16 - Peter's Confession and Jesus' Prophecy"). Just prior to this, Peter, inspired by divine revelation, correctly identifies Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God" ([Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Matthew 16:16 - Peter's Confession")). Jesus then commends Peter and speaks of building His church. However, the very next verses reveal a stark misunderstanding of the Messiah's nature. Jesus begins to disclose His necessary suffering, death, and resurrection in Jerusalem ([Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Matthew 16:21 - Jesus Foretells His Death")). Peter, unable to reconcile a suffering Messiah with his expectations of a conquering king, vehemently rebukes Jesus ([Matthew 16:22](/matthew/16-22 "Matthew 16:22 - Peter Rebukes Jesus")). Jesus' sharp retort, "Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men" ([Matthew 16:23](/matthew/16-23 "Matthew 16:23 - Jesus Rebukes Peter")), sets the stage for the call to discipleship in verse 24. It underscores that following Christ is not about worldly glory or avoiding suffering, but embracing God's redemptive plan, even if it involves personal cost.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For Jesus' audience, the imagery of "taking up one's cross" was not a metaphor for minor inconveniences but a literal, terrifying reality. Crucifixion was a common, brutal method of execution employed by the Roman Empire for criminals, rebels, and slaves. Condemned individuals were often forced to carry their own crossbeam through the streets to the place of execution, a public display of shame and impending death. This act signified complete surrender to the authorities, utter humiliation, and the abandonment of all hope for earthly life. Thus, when Jesus spoke of taking up a cross, His disciples would have immediately understood it as a call to embrace a path leading to potential suffering, public disgrace, and even death for His sake. It was a radical invitation to identify with the ultimate rejection and suffering that Jesus Himself was about to endure, contrasting sharply with the common Jewish expectation of a triumphant, political Messiah.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 16:24 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader New Testament. It deepens the theme of **True Discipleship**, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to a radical, costly commitment that prioritizes God's will above personal desires. This verse also highlights the **Nature of the Kingdom of God**, revealing it as a realm not built on earthly power or comfort, but on self-sacrifice and obedience to divine purpose, echoing the Sermon on the Mount's call to righteousness ([Matthew 5-7](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5-7 - The Sermon on the Mount")). Furthermore, it emphasizes the profound contrast between **Divine Will and Human Will**, a tension starkly illustrated in Peter's misguided attempt to deter Jesus from His path to the cross. Jesus' call to deny oneself and take up the cross underscores that God's ways are often counter-intuitive to human wisdom, requiring a complete surrender of individual autonomy to follow God's redemptive plan, a theme also seen in Jesus' prayer in [Gethsemane](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **deny (Greek, _aparnéomai'_):** This word (G533) means "to deny utterly, i.e. disown, abstain." In the context of Matthew 16:24, it signifies a complete and decisive repudiation of one's own self-interests, desires, and will. It is not merely a passive renunciation but an active, deliberate act of disowning the self as the primary authority in one's life, submitting instead to Christ's Lordship. This is a radical call to shift the center of one's existence from self to God.
* **himself (Greek, _heautoû'_):** The reflexive pronoun (G1438) refers to "self." When paired with "deny," it emphasizes that the object of denial is one's own ego, ambitions, and natural inclinations. It points to the intrinsic human tendency towards self-preservation, self-gratification, and self-rule, all of which must be utterly forsaken for true discipleship. This denial encompasses one's personal autonomy, pride, and any agenda that conflicts with God's will.
* **cross (Greek, _staurós'_):** This term (G4716) literally refers to "a stake or post" or "a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment)." Figuratively, it denotes "exposure to death, i.e. self-denial," and by implication, "the atonement of Christ." In this verse, "take up his cross" is a powerful metaphor for embracing suffering, persecution, and even death that may come as a result of following Jesus. It signifies a willingness to endure public shame, hardship, and rejection, aligning one's destiny with Christ's own path of sacrificial love and obedience, even unto death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Jesus unto his disciples,"**: This opening clause establishes the speaker and the audience. Jesus is directly addressing His closest followers, indicating that the conditions for discipleship are not for a select few, but for all who claim to follow Him. The timing, "Then," links this teaching directly to the preceding dialogue with Peter, highlighting the immediate relevance of these challenging words in light of Peter's worldly perspective.
* **"If any [man] will come after me,"**: This phrase presents a conditional invitation. "If any man will" (Greek: _eí tis thélō érchomai opísō moû_) implies a voluntary and intentional choice. It is not a forced command but an offer to those who genuinely desire to align their lives with Jesus. "Come after me" (Greek: _érchomai opísō moû_) signifies becoming a follower, a disciple, one who walks in the footsteps of the Master, adopting His teachings and way of life.
* **"let him deny himself,"**: This is the first of three imperative commands, setting a non-negotiable condition. To "deny himself" (Greek: _aparnéomai heautoû_) means to utterly disown one's own will, desires, and self-centered ambitions. It is a radical surrender of personal autonomy and ego, a complete repudiation of the self as the ultimate authority, and a submission to the will of God as revealed through Christ. This foundational act is essential for true allegiance.
* **"and take up his cross,"**: The second imperative, "take up his cross" (Greek: _aírō staurós autós_), employs a stark and vivid metaphor. As discussed in the historical context, carrying a cross was a public symbol of condemnation and a literal march to execution. Jesus uses this imagery to represent the willingness to embrace suffering, endure hardship, persecution, and even death for His sake. It signifies a readiness to bear the burdens, shame, and rejection that come with devoted discipleship, identifying fully with Christ's own path of sacrifice. It is not about seeking suffering, but accepting it as an inevitable part of faithfully following Him.
* **"and follow me."**: The final imperative command encapsulates active obedience and imitation of Christ. To "follow me" (Greek: _akolouthéō moí_) means to live as Jesus lived, prioritizing God's will, loving others, and spreading the Gospel, regardless of the cost. It is a continuous journey of learning, submission, and active participation in His mission. This is the ultimate goal of the preceding two actions: self-denial and cross-bearing are not ends in themselves, but means to truly follow Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 16:24 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrase "take up his cross." For a first-century audience, the cross was not a piece of jewelry but a gruesome instrument of execution, a symbol of public humiliation and agonizing death. Jesus' use of this image is a powerful **Symbolism**, transforming a literal tool of torture into a profound representation of self-sacrifice, suffering, and complete dedication to His cause, even unto death. This stark imagery creates a sense of **Hyperbole** for those who might not face literal crucifixion, emphasizing the extreme and absolute nature of the commitment required. The verse also employs **Imperative Mood** ("let him deny," "take up," "follow"), which conveys direct commands, underscoring the non-negotiable and demanding nature of true discipleship. The structure itself is a form of **Parallelism**, presenting three distinct yet interconnected actions that define the path of a genuine follower of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 16:24 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the nature of Christian discipleship, revealing it as a path of radical transformation rather than comfortable adherence. Theologically, it asserts that true life in Christ is found not in self-preservation or worldly gain, but in self-abandonment and identification with His suffering. This call to deny oneself and take up one's cross is a direct challenge to the human inclination towards autonomy and comfort, aligning the disciple's will with the divine will, even unto death. It connects deeply with the concept of dying to self in order to live for Christ, a fundamental aspect of sanctification and spiritual growth. The verse also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, presenting His path as the model for all who would follow Him, emphasizing that the way to glory is through suffering. It highlights the counter-cultural nature of the Kingdom of God, where humility, sacrifice, and service are paramount, directly contrasting with worldly values of power and prestige.

* [Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross Daily")
* [Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Our Old Self Crucified with Christ")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul Counts All Things Loss for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 16:24 serves as a timeless and challenging mirror for every believer, urging us to examine the depth and authenticity of our commitment to Jesus. It shatters any illusion that discipleship is a path of ease, comfort, or self-fulfillment in worldly terms. Instead, it calls us to a daily, conscious decision to dethrone self and enthrone Christ. This means actively choosing God's will over our own desires, even when it is difficult, unpopular, or costly. Taking up our cross in contemporary life might not always mean literal martyrdom, but it certainly involves bearing the burdens of Christian living: enduring ridicule for our faith, sacrificing personal ambitions for kingdom purposes, forgiving those who wrong us, serving the marginalized, and standing for truth in a relativistic world. It is a call to embrace the challenges and discomforts that inevitably arise when we align our lives with Christ's counter-cultural values, recognizing that true life is found in losing our lives for His sake, as promised in the very next verse. This radical reorientation of life around Him is the essence of following Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you find it most challenging to "deny yourself"?**
* **What "crosses" or burdens might Jesus be calling you to "take up" in your current circumstances, whether they involve sacrificing comfort, reputation, or personal desires for His sake?**
* **How does your daily life demonstrate an active "following" of Jesus, beyond mere intellectual assent or church attendance?**

### FAQ
**What exactly does "deny himself" mean in practical terms for a modern believer?**

Answer: "Denying himself" (Greek: _aparnéomai heautoû_) for a modern believer means actively surrendering one's own will, desires, and self-centered ambitions to the will of God as revealed in Christ. Practically, this involves prioritizing God's kingdom and righteousness above personal comfort, success, or reputation. It means choosing obedience to Christ even when it conflicts with societal norms, personal preferences, or immediate gratification. For example, it could mean choosing generosity over accumulation, humility over pride, forgiveness over resentment, or truth over popularity. It's a continuous, conscious act of putting Christ at the center of one's decisions, rather than self, echoing the call to be transformed by the renewing of your mind in [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Be Transformed").

**Does "take up his cross" imply that Christians should actively seek out suffering?**

Answer: No, "taking up his cross" does not mean Christians should actively seek out suffering for its own sake. Rather, it signifies a readiness to embrace and endure the suffering, hardship, and persecution that may inevitably come as a consequence of faithfully following Christ in a fallen world. Just as Jesus' path to the cross was a necessary part of God's redemptive plan, so too are the challenges faced by His followers often an unavoidable aspect of living out the Gospel. It means accepting the burdens, ridicule, or loss that may arise from identifying with Christ and His values, much like the apostles rejoiced in suffering for Christ's name in [Acts 5:41](/acts/5-41 "Acts 5:41 - Rejoicing in Suffering"). It is about commitment and obedience, not masochism.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 16:24 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus, the very one issuing this radical call, perfectly embodied every aspect of it. He "denied Himself" by choosing to lay aside His divine prerogatives and humble Himself, taking on the form of a servant, even to the point of death on a cross, as described in [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation"). He literally "took up His cross," bearing the weight of humanity's sin and enduring the ultimate suffering and shame at Calvary, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). And in doing so, He perfectly "followed" the will of His Father, demonstrating complete obedience even when it led to unimaginable pain ([Hebrews 5:8](/hebrews/5-8 "Hebrews 5:8 - Jesus Learned Obedience Through Suffering")). Therefore, Jesus' command to His disciples is not an arbitrary burden, but an invitation to participate in the very pattern of His own life, death, and resurrection. Our self-denial and cross-bearing are not for our own redemption, but a response to His completed work, enabling us to walk in newness of life and bear witness to the power of His cross ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Walking in Newness of Life")). He is the prototype and the power for all who would truly follow Him.

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

Matthew 10:38

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

Luke 14:27

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

1 Peter 4:1

¶ Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

1 Peter 4:2

That he no longer should live the rest of [his] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

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 9:27

But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

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.