Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 140:558 (Apr 1983)
Article: The Meaning of Cross-Bearing
Author: Michael P. Green

BSac 140:558 (Apr 83) p. 117

The Meaning of Cross-Bearing

Michael P. Green

[Michael P. Green, Instructor in Field Education, Dallas Theological Seminary]

The issue of cross-bearing is relevant to all Christians who are sincere in their devotion to their Lord, for He Himself said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Mark 8:34b). But what is involved in taking up one’s cross? Is it literal or figurative, active or passive, once-for-all or ongoing, required for all believers or optional for only the more mature? What are its prerequisites, and what are its consequences? In light of the many and diverse interpretations which have been proposed to explain this phrase, and because of the stress laid on this concept by various groups of Christians, especially those suffering or undergoing persecution, and because of its relationship to personal discipleship, it is important that the meaning of cross-bearing be clearly understood by the church.

Various Interpretations of Cross-Bearing

An overview of the many proposed interpretations of crossbearing evidences the confusion that exists over what Jesus actually meant. The following views of Mark 8:34b—more than a dozen of them—are grouped on the basis of their starting points. Often differing starting points yield views with similar interpretations.1

BSac 140:558 (Apr 83) p. 118

Literal Views (Martyrdom)

The fully literal view. Proponents of this view argue that since Jesus’ cross was unquestionably literal, so the cross for His followers should be.2

The theoretical-literal view. This view recognizes that not every believer will be crucified, or even martyred. Thus it substitutes “willingness,” “readiness,” or “preparedness” for martyrdom (in place of actual martyrdom).3

Figurative Views

The vast majority of Bible students hold that cross-bearing is to be understood figuratively rather than literally. They approach the subject from one of four starting points: (1) the image of crucifixion, (2) the text, (3) a religious tradition, and (4) theology.

Those starting with the image of crucifixion. (a) The self-denial view. This interpretation is usually stated as “a vivid metaphor for self-denial”4 or “the total death of the self-life.”5 (b) The suffering view. By far the mo...