(27) Whosoever doth not bear his cross . . .--See Note on Matthew 10:38. As now uttered, however, the words had a fresh significance as interpreted by what the disciples had heard from their Master's lips between Peter's confession and the Transfiguration (Luke 9:22-23). That "bearing of the cross" was becoming every day more clear and terrible in its growing nearness.
14:25-35 Though the disciples of Christ are not all crucified, yet they all bear their cross, and must bear it in the way of duty. Jesus bids them count upon it, and then consider of it. Our Saviour explains this by two similitudes; the former showing that we must consider the expenses of our religion; the latter, that we must consider the perils of it. Sit down and count the cost; consider it will cost the mortifying of sin, even the most beloved lusts. The proudest and most daring sinner cannot stand against God, for who knows the power of his anger? It is our interest to seek peace with him, and we need not send to ask conditions of peace, they are offered to us, and are highly to our advantage. In some way a disciple of Christ will be put to the trial. May we seek to be disciples indeed, and be careful not to grow slack in our profession, or afraid of the cross; that we may be the good salt of the earth, to season those around us with the savour of Christ.
Whosoever doth not bear his cross,.... All reproach, afflictions, persecutions, and death itself, cheerfully and patiently; the Ethiopic version renders it, "of his death the cross"; it signifies whatever is trying and disagreeable to flesh and blood:
and come after me; bearing his cross; as Christ himself was about to do, and which doubtless he had in view;
cannot be my disciple; he is not so in reality, nor does he deserve the name.
and come after me; bearing his cross; as Christ himself was about to do, and which doubtless he had in view;
cannot be my disciple; he is not so in reality, nor does he deserve the name.