Worship for the week beginning 4 September 2022

Time to Reflect

What does it mean to carry the cross? The cross was of course an ancient form of torture and execution that was utilised by the Romans. It was reserved for categories of criminals who, in the eyes of the Romans, deserved this form of degrading punishment, and those who would lead insurrection against the state. A Roman legion could erect a set of crosses outside of an occupied city as a very visual reminder of their power. The cross was, therefore an instrument of fear and state oppression as much as it was a symbol of death.

The reading we have today, where Jesus’ tells his disciples to ‘hate’ their father and mother and to take up the cross, would have been shocking to those who heard it. In the ancient world family was sacrosanct and respecting your parents was a matter of honour. Not only this, honouring your mother and father was a commandment from God! Furthermore, taking up a cross was not only a terrifying thing to do but it was also degrading and shameful for the one who had to endure it.

Perhaps what Jesus was doing here was counterbalancing the reaction that the people had to the miracles and glorious occurrences that had happened through him. Many people may have wanted to associate with Jesus due to the supernatural power that he wielded. To be connected with Jesus would allow them to share in his honour and perhaps in his power. Yet Jesus is careful to warn those who listen to him of the heavy cost that he will pay. He also wants them to know that those who choose to follow him as disciples must also be prepared to give up everything for the Kingdom, even their own lives.

What Jesus’ listener would not have realised at this point was that the cross, then a symbol of fear and death, would become through Jesus’s death and resurrection a symbol of life and hope. Taking up our crosses may involve self-sacrifice and a giving up but it also means sharing in the life offered by Jesus through the cross and the resurrection; eternal and everlasting life.

As we enter a new connexional year, as the new Northampton Methodist Church, there will be questions about what we need to give up in order for us to grow in our discipleship. We may need to make difficult decisions in order to follow the way that Jesus calls us to. Yet at the same time we must also realise that in giving up we also take on the new life that is offered to us in Christ. By carrying the cross we walk the road that leads to the cross, yet that also goes on to the empty tomb and the resurrection.

Carrying the cross may look different in each different context. However, what it does mean is moving away from our self-centredness and selfishness and instead prioritising the self-giving love of Jesus. So may we commit ourselves to giving up that which we must leave behind and taking up the radical, inclusive, and unconditional love that we find in Jesus, as we seek to be his disciples.