The answer is: Their cross

Mark 8:34

In Mark 8:34, Jesus presents a striking invitation, yet a daunting challenge: “Take up your cross and follow me.” At first glance, it might seem a bit overwhelming, but let's unpack it. The cross was a symbol of suffering and sacrifice. In Roman times, it was a grim emblem, synonymous with public humiliation and the harshest form of execution. Imagine the shock of those who first heard this urging. They were being asked to embrace hardship, not to avoid it.

The call to take up one's cross emphasizes personal sacrifices made in pursuit of a greater purpose. It reminds us that following a meaningful path might entail trials and perseverance. This idea resonates throughout the Gospels, often urging believers to relinquish self-centeredness and to serve a broader community.

Trivia buff moment! Did you know that during Jesus’ time, he wasn’t the only one to beg for this endurance? Crucifixion was prevalent, and instances exist of rebels led to their fates with their crosses. Yet, here’s the twist: many scholars argue that Jesus’ words stress not just suffering but the joy found in building a life grounded in compassion and love.

To follow Jesus is to eagerly share this ethos. It beckons believers to steps not driven by personal gain but by a united journey threaded with trust in something greater— a welcoming light for themselves and the world around them, embracing challenges along the way!