It has become popular to identify cross-bearing to some infirmity, problem or suffering that life has placed upon us. There is an element of truth in that, but it must be put into NT perspective. Jesus bore His cross by suffering and death, submitting to persecution, rather than fighting or protesting, to demonstrate love for all the world, including those who killed him. It is in that context that He told us to take up a cross and follow that method. It is true that when suffering comes on us that we can receive it in solidarity with His suffering and His cross, identifying with Him as He did with us. My cross means nothing except under the umbrella of His cross. His big cross joined with our little cross becomes redemptive suffering in a world that still needs to see it.
21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised….24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Matthew 16:21, 24 (ESV)
