Matthew 10:38

Bible verse

Matthew 10:38 is a verse in the tenth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament.

Archbishop John McEvilly comments on the words, "take his cross", saying that this implies cheerfully, willingly, and patiently taking it up "from the hands of God". The cross is often interpreted as suffering, and even a cruel death, if necessary. He notes that it is "his cross", since, "by God's special providence, He knows best what cross to send each individual, as He may destine it for him." In this verse Jesus clearly alludes to the cross He Himself would carry on His shoulders. Robert Witham states that there are two types of cross which Jesus here bids his disciples to take up: one physical, and the other spiritual. By the fist, he bids us to "restrain the unruly appetites of the touch, taste, sight, etc." By the second, he teaches us to "govern the affections of the mind, and restrain all its irregular motions, by humility, tranquillity, modesty, peace, etc."

Chrysostom: " Then that those to whom the love of God is preferred should not be offended thereat, He leads them to a higher doctrine. Nothing is nearer to a man than his soul, and yet He enjoins that this should not only be hated, but that a man should be ready to deliver it up to death, and blood; not to death only, but to a violent and most disgraceful death, namely, the death of the cross; therefore it follows, And whoso taketh not up his cross and followeth me, is not worthy of me. He had as yet said nothing to them respecting his own sufferings, but instructs them in the meanwhile in these things, that they may the more readily receive His words concerning His passion."