The answer is: Their cross

Mark 8:34

In Mark 8:34, Jesus delivers an impactful message where he invites his followers to "take up their cross" as a crucial part of discipleship. This imagery of the cross is heavy because, at the time, the cross was associated with the ultimate humiliation and suffering of a criminal. It foreshadows not just a physical journey of bearing burdens but also symbolizes the transformative experience of embracing challenges and sacrifices for a greater purpose.

Believers are asked to embody a spirit of resilience and commitment. In historical context, crucifixion was not just about death—it publicly displayed the power of the Roman Empire, making this call remarkably bold. It essentially urges the disciples to shed societal expectations and personal comforts, inviting a personal revolution that can affect those around them.

Interestingly, the phrase “take up your cross” draws echoes to earlier biblical themes; for instance, in Psalm 27:14, which speaks to waiting courageously on the Lord. The call also aligns with other biblical instances where individuals eagerly take on difficult tasks. Consider figures like Ruth, who famously clung to Naomi amid uncertainties. The act of carrying one's cross can thus be viewed as part of a lineage of courageous commitments throughout scripture.

Plus, as trivia: Did you know the first-century meaning of "cross" wasn't just a tool of execution, but also a parallel to one's personal struggles? By telling followers to take up their crosses, Jesus encourages everyone to acknowledge and face their environments, cultivating genuine strength not only in faith but in perseverance.