Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus told His disciples, "If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.
Then Jesus told His disciples
This phrase sets the context for a direct teaching moment from Jesus to His closest followers. The Greek word for "disciples" is "μαθηταί" (mathētai), which means learners or students. This indicates that Jesus is imparting crucial instruction to those who are committed to learning from Him. Historically, discipleship in the Jewish context involved a close relationship between the teacher and the student, emphasizing not just the transfer of knowledge but the imitation of the teacher's life.

If anyone would come after Me
The phrase "come after Me" implies a voluntary decision to pursue Jesus. The Greek word "ἔρχεσθαι" (erchesthai) means to come or to go, suggesting movement and action. This is an open invitation, not limited to the disciples present but extended to anyone willing to follow Jesus. It reflects the inclusive nature of Jesus' call, transcending cultural and social boundaries of the time.

he must deny himself
"Deny" comes from the Greek "ἀπαρνησάσθω" (aparneomai), meaning to disown or renounce. This is a call to reject self-centeredness and personal ambitions that conflict with God's will. In the historical context, this would have been a radical departure from the prevailing cultural norms that emphasized self-preservation and personal honor. It challenges believers to prioritize their identity in Christ over societal expectations.

and take up his cross
The "cross" in the Roman world was a symbol of execution and shame. The Greek word "σταυρόν" (stauron) refers to the physical cross used in crucifixions. For Jesus' audience, this imagery would evoke the harsh reality of Roman oppression. Spiritually, it signifies a willingness to endure suffering and persecution for the sake of Christ. This phrase calls believers to embrace the cost of discipleship, understanding that following Jesus may lead to trials and sacrifices.

and follow Me
The Greek word "ἀκολουθείτω" (akoloutheō) means to accompany or to follow closely. This is not a passive following but an active, continuous pursuit of Jesus' teachings and example. Historically, following a rabbi meant adopting their lifestyle and values. For Christians, this means living in a way that reflects Jesus' love, humility, and obedience to God. It is a lifelong journey of transformation and commitment to the path Jesus has set.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is instructing His disciples on the cost of discipleship.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all who choose to follow Him.

3. Cross
A symbol of suffering, sacrifice, and the ultimate commitment to the path of Christ.

4. Self-denial
The act of putting aside personal desires and ambitions to follow Jesus.

5. Following Jesus
The call to live a life modeled after Christ, embracing His teachings and example.
Teaching Points
Understanding Self-Denial
Self-denial involves prioritizing God's will over personal desires. It is a daily commitment to live for Christ rather than oneself.

The Symbolism of the Cross
The cross represents the willingness to endure hardship and persecution for the sake of Christ. It is a call to embrace the challenges of living a Christian life.

Following Jesus
To follow Jesus means to imitate His life and teachings. It requires a commitment to spiritual growth and obedience to God's Word.

The Cost of Discipleship
True discipleship involves sacrifice and a willingness to give up worldly gains for eternal rewards. It is a call to a radical transformation of life.

Daily Commitment
Taking up one's cross is not a one-time event but a daily decision to live for Christ. It requires continual reliance on God's strength and grace.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does it mean to "deny oneself" in the context of your daily life, and how can you practice this principle?

2. How does the concept of taking up your cross challenge your current lifestyle and priorities?

3. In what ways can you actively follow Jesus in your community and workplace?

4. How do the additional scriptures (Galatians 2:20, Philippians 3:7-8, etc.) deepen your understanding of Matthew 16:24?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a sacrifice for your faith. How did it impact your spiritual journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Luke 9:23
This parallel passage reinforces the call to self-denial and taking up one's cross daily.

Galatians 2:20
Paul speaks of being crucified with Christ, emphasizing living by faith in the Son of God.

Philippians 3:7-8
Paul considers all things loss for the sake of knowing Christ, illustrating self-denial.

Romans 12:1
Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, aligning with the call to take up one's cross.

1 Peter 2:21
Peter highlights Christ's suffering as an example for believers to follow.
Christian DiscipleshipJohn Millar.Matthew 16:24
Contentment a Great Part of Self-DenialT. Manton, D. D.Matthew 16:24
Duty of Self-DenialBishop Horne.Matthew 16:24
Expectations in HeavenT. Manton, D. D.Matthew 16:24
Following ChristMatthew Hale.Matthew 16:24
God Co-Operates with the Self-Sacrificing Effort of ManDavid Thomas, B. A.Matthew 16:24
Growth of AppetitesW. E. Channing.Matthew 16:24
His CrossLapide.Matthew 16:24
Honour Put on the Self-DenyingW. E. Channing.Matthew 16:24
Instances of Self-Denial Apart from Religious MotivesBishop Horne., H. W. Beecher.Matthew 16:24
Seek Glory in GodT. Manton, D. D.Matthew 16:24
Seeking God in Himself, not in His Creatures, Aids Self-DT. Manton, D. D.Matthew 16:24
Self-Abnegation in the Prosecution of Christ's WorkDavid Thomas, B. A.Matthew 16:24
Self-DenialJ. W. Reeve, M. A.Matthew 16:24
Self-DenialL. O. Thompson.Matthew 16:24
Self-DenialMatthew 16:24
Self-Denial Aided by a Moderate Esteem of Worldly ThingsT. Manton, D. D.Matthew 16:24
Self-Denial Consistent in a Follower of ChristT. Manton, D. D.Matthew 16:24
Self-Denial in Things NecessaryH. W. Beecher.Matthew 16:24
Self-Denial More Possible in Christ than in ChristiansT. Manton, D. D.Matthew 16:24
Self-Denial Must not be Constrained by ProvidenceT. Manton, D. D.Matthew 16:24
Self-Denial Must not be SelfishT. Manton, D. D.Matthew 16:24
Self-Denial not Expected by Carnal FancyT. Manton, D. D.Matthew 16:24
Self-Denial not PartialT. Manton, D. D.Matthew 16:24
Self-Denial not TemporaryT. Manton, D. D.Matthew 16:24
Self-Denial One Aspect of ReligionH. W. Beecher.Matthew 16:24
Self-Denial Really AcquisitionH. W. Beecher.Matthew 16:24
Self-Denial Regulated by Service Rather than by PleasureT. Manton, D. D.Matthew 16:24
Self-Denial Richer for Love than for LustT. Manton, D. D.Matthew 16:24
Self-Denial Seen Most in the Best ChristiansT. Manton, D. D.Matthew 16:24
Self-Denial the a B C of ReligionT. Manton, D. D.Matthew 16:24
Self-Denial to be Expected on the Road to HeavenT. Manton, D. D.Matthew 16:24
The Call to Follow ChristJ. D. Graves.Matthew 16:24
The Cross and the CrownJ. Vaughan, M. A.Matthew 16:24
The Duty and Difficulty of Self-DenialNicholas Brady.Matthew 16:24
The Future Good an Argument for Self-RestraintH. W. Beecher.Matthew 16:24
The Great ConditionW.F. Adeney Matthew 16:24
The Self-Denial Christ RequiresJ. Jortin.Matthew 16:24
The Threefold Cord of Jesus' LifeS. D. (Samuel Dickey) GordonMatthew 16:24
The Wide Meaning of the Word SelfT. Manton, D. D.Matthew 16:24
Utility Through RestraintH. W. Beecher.Matthew 16:24
Victory Through Self-DenialH. W. Beecher.Matthew 16:24
What Self is to be DeniedW. E. Channing.Matthew 16:24
Words with a Freshly Honed Razor-EdgeS. D. (Samuel Dickey) GordonMatthew 16:24
Necessity of the CrossMarcus Dods Matthew 16:20-28
Christian Self-DenialJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 16:21-24
People
Elias, Elijah, Jeremiah, Jeremias, Jesus, John, Jonah, Jonas, Peter, Simon
Places
Caesarea Philippi, Jerusalem, Magadan
Topics
Anyone, Cross, Deny, Desires, Disciples, Disown, Follow, Follower, Renounce, Self, Wishes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 16:24

     1135   God, suffering of
     2339   Christ, example of
     2363   Christ, preaching and teaching
     2414   cross, centrality
     2425   gospel, requirements
     2525   Christ, cross of
     5281   crucifixion
     5763   attitudes, positive to God
     5773   abstinence, discipline
     6214   participation, in Christ
     6756   union with Christ, significance
     7622   disciples, characteristics
     8206   Christlikeness
     8209   commitment, to Christ
     8349   spiritual growth, means of
     8356   unselfishness
     8428   example
     8435   giving, of oneself
     8449   imitating
     8450   martyrdom
     8468   renunciation
     8475   self-denial

Matthew 16:24-25

     8115   discipleship, nature of
     8116   discipleship, cost
     8451   mortification
     8481   self-sacrifice

Matthew 16:24-26

     8120   following Christ
     8401   challenges

Matthew 16:24-27

     5500   reward, God's people

Library
October 14. "Get Thee, Behind Me, Satan" (Matt. xvi. 23).
"Get thee, behind me, Satan" (Matt. xvi. 23). When your old self comes back, if you listen to it, fear it, believe it, it will have the same influence upon you as if it were not dead; it will control you and destroy you. But if you will ignore it and say: "You are not I, but Satan trying to make me believe that the old self is not dead; I refuse you, I treat you as a demon power outside of me, I detach myself from you"; if you treat it as a wife would her divorced husband, saying: "You are nothing
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Christ Foreseeing the Cross
'From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.'--MATT. xvi. 21. The 'time' referred to in the text was probably a little more than six months before the Crucifixion, when Jesus was just on the point of finally leaving Galilee, and travelling towards Jerusalem. It was an epoch in His ministry. The hostility of the priestly party in
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Divine Christ Confessed, the Suffering Christ Denied
'When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Phllippi, He asked His disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of Man am? 14. And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist; some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16. And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Unity of the Church.
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."--Matt. xvi. 18. Too many persons at this day,--in spite of what they see before them, in spite of what they read in history,--too many persons forget, or deny, or do not know, that Christ has set up a kingdom in the world. In spite of the prophecies, in spite of the Gospels and Epistles, in spite of their eyes and their ears,--whether it be their sin or
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

The Human Jesus.
God's meaning of "Human": man's fellow--two meanings of word human--original meaning--natural limitations. The Hurt of sin: sin's added limitations. Our Fellow: Jesus truly human--up to first standard--His insistence--perfect in His humanness--fellowship in sin's limitations--hungry, Matthew 16:5. John 4:6-8.--tired, John 4:6. Mark 4:38.--poverty, Matthew 13:55. Mark 6:3.--hard toil, John 19:25-27.--homeless, Luke 4:16-30. Matthew 8:20. Luke 9:58.--discipline of waiting. There's More of God
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

Words with a Freshly Honed Razor-Edge.
Now please group these six sweeping statements in your mind and hold them together there. Then notice carefully this fact. These words are not spoken to the crowds. They are spoken to the small inner group of twelve disciples. Jesus talks one way to the multitude. He oftentimes talks differently to these men who have separated themselves from the crowd and come into the inner circle. And notice further that before Jesus spoke these words to this group of men He had said something else first. Something
S. D. (Samuel Dickey) Gordon—Quiet Talks on Prayer

The Threefold Cord of Jesus' Life.
Think for a moment into Jesus' human life down here. His marvellous activities for those few years over which the world has never ceased to wonder. Then His underneath hidden-away prayer-life of which only occasional glimpses are gotten. Then grouping around about that sentence of His--"I do always the things that are pleasing to Him"--in John's gospel, pick out the emphatic negatives on Jesus' lips, the "not's": not My will, not My works, not My words. Jesus came to do somebody's else will. The
S. D. (Samuel Dickey) Gordon—Quiet Talks on Prayer

The Important Question
"What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Matthew 16:26 1. There is a celebrated remark to this effect, (I think in the works of Mr. Pascal,) that if a man of low estate would speak of high things, as of what relates to kings or kingdoms, it is not easy for him to find suitable expressions, as he is so little acquainted with things of this nature; but if one of royal parentage speaks of royal things, of what concerns his own or his father's kingdom, his language
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Signs of the Times
"Ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?" Matthew 16:3. 1. The entire passage runs thus: "The Pharisees also, with the Sadducees, came, and tempting, desired him that he would show them a sign from heaven. He answered and said, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Twelfth Day. Fidelity in Rebuke.
"The Lord turned and looked upon Peter."--Luke, xxii. 61. Jesus never spake one unnecessarily harsh or severe word. He had a Divine sympathy for the frailties and infirmities of a tried, and suffering, and tempted nature in others. He was forbearing to the ignorant, encouraging to the weak, tender to the penitent, loving to all,--yet how faithful was He as "the Reprover of sin!" Silent under His own wrongs, with what burning invectives did He lay bare the Pharisees' masked corruption and hypocrisy!
John R. Macduff—The Mind of Jesus

"Take My Yoke Upon You, and Learn of Me," &C.
Matt. xi. 20.--"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me," &c. Self love is generally esteemed infamous and contemptible among men. It is of a bad report every where, and indeed as it is taken commonly, there is good reason for it, that it should be hissed out of all societies, if reproaching and speaking evil of it would do it. But to speak the truth, the name is not so fit to express the thing, for that which men call self love, may rather be called self hatred. Nothing is more pernicious to a man's
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Edwards -- Spiritual Light
Jonathan Edwards, the New England divine and metaphysician, was born at East Windsor, Connecticut, in 1703. He was graduated early from Yale College, where he had given much attention to philosophy, became tutor of his college, and at nineteen began to preach. His voice and manner did not lend themselves readily to pulpit oratory, but his clear, logical, and intense presentation of the truth produced a profound and permanent effect upon his hearers. He wrote what were considered the most important
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 3

Of Sufferings
Of Sufferings Be patient under all the sufferings which God is pleased to send you: if your love to Him be pure, you will not seek Him less on Calvary, than on Tabor; and, surely, He should be as much loved on that as on this, since it was on Calvary He made the greater display of His Love for you. Be not like those, who give themselves to Him at one season, and withdraw from Him at another: they give themselves only to be caressed; and wrest themselves back again, when they come to be crucified,
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

Of Suffering which must be Accepted as from God --Its Fruits.
Be content with all the suffering that God may lay upon you. If you will love Him purely, you will be as willing to follow Him to Calvary as to Tabor. He must be loved as much on Calvary as on Tabor, since it is there that He makes the greatest manifestation of His love. Do not act, then, like those people who give themselves at one time, and take themselves back at another. They give themselves to be caressed, and take themselves back when they are crucified; or else they seek for consolation in
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents

Of the Royal Way of the Holy Cross
That seemeth a hard saying to many, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his Cross and follow Me.(1) But it will be much harder to hear that last sentence, Depart from me, ye wicked, into eternal fire.(2) For they who now willingly hear the word of the Cross and follow it, shall not then fear the hearing of eternal damnation. This sign of the Cross shall be in heaven when the Lord cometh to Judgment. Then all servants of the Cross, who in life have conformed themselves
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great Instruction - the Great Temptation - the Great Decision.
If we are right in identifying the little bay - Dalmanutha - with the neighbourhood of Tarichæa, yet another link of strange coincidence connects the prophetic warning spoken there with its fulfilment. From Dalmanutha our Lord passed across the Lake to Cæsarea Philippi. From Cæsarea Philippi did Vespasian pass through Tiberias to Tarichæa, when the town and people were destroyed, and the blood of the fugitives reddened the Lake, and their bodies choked its waters. Even amidst
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Last Journey of Jesus to Jerusalem.
Jesus had for a long time been sensible of the dangers that surrounded him.[1] During a period of time which we may estimate at eighteen months, he avoided going on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.[2] At the feast of Tabernacles of the year 32 (according to the hypothesis we have adopted), his relations, always malevolent and incredulous,[3] pressed him to go there. The evangelist John seems to insinuate that there was some hidden project to ruin him in this invitation. "Depart hence, and go into Judea,
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The Preparatory Service; Sometimes Called the Confessional Service.
In our examination of the nature and meaning of the Lord's Supper, we have found that it is indeed a most important and holy Sacrament. It is in fact the most sacred of all the ordinances of the Church on earth. There is nothing beyond it--nothing so heavenly, on this side heaven, as this Feast. Nowhere else does the believer approach so near to heaven as when he stands or kneels, as a communicant at this altar, the Holy of Holies in the Church of Christ. What a solemn act! To approach this altar,
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

A Divine Saviour.
"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew xvi. 1; John vi. 69.) We meet with a certain class of Enquirers who do not believe in the Divinity of Christ. There are many passages that will give light on this subject. In 1 Corinthians xv. 47, we are told: "The first man is of the earth earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven." In 1 John v. 20: "We know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true; and we are in Him that is
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It

Self-Denial.
"If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me."--Matt. xvi. 24. Good works are not the saint's sanctification, any more than drops of water are the fountain; but they spring as crystal drops from the fountain of sanctification. They are good, not when the saint intends them to be good, but when they conform to the divine law and proceed from a true faith. Yet the intention is of great importance; the Church has always taught that a work could not be called
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Foundation of the Church among the Heathen
A.D. 38-45 [Sidenote: A.D. 38] During St. Peter's journey, the course of God's good Providence led him to the sea-port town of Joppa, on the borders of Samaria and Judaea, and there we read that "he tarried many days," a measure of time which is supposed to be equivalent to three years. At the expiration of this time an event occurred which had a deep and lasting influence on the life of the Church of Christ. [Sidenote: Further fulfilment of the promise to St. Peter.] Hitherto no Gentiles had been
John Henry Blunt—A Key to the Knowledge of Church History

Christ the Son of God.
"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. xvi. 16). "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God abideth in him and he in God" (I. John iv. 15). "And who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" (I. John v. 5). In one sense all men are sons of God. In a much dearer sense all Christians are sons and daughters of the Almighty. But the relationship of Christ to the Father is infinitely above this. He is the Son of God. God is
Frank G. Allen—Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel

Tries to Become a Politician. Fails. Last Act as a Politician. Tries to Join the Southern Army. Fails Again. His First Appointment. Feeling of Responsibility. His
Tries to Become a Politician. Fails. Last Act as a Politician. Tries to Join the Southern Army. Fails Again. His First Appointment. Feeling of Responsibility. His Plan. Text. Analysis of Sermon. Buys a Family Bible. Rules of Life. When I obeyed the Saviour, the brethren urged me to begin at once to preach the gospel. I had been accustomed to making political speeches, and public addresses of different kinds, and they thought I could just as easily preach a sermon as to make a speech on any other
Frank G. Allen—Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel

Concerning the Sacrament of Penance
In this third part I shall speak of the sacrament of penance. By the tracts and disputations which I have published on this subject I have given offence to very many, and have amply expressed my own opinions. I must now briefly repeat these statements, in order to unveil the tyranny which attacks us on this point as unsparingly as in the sacrament of the bread. In these two sacraments gain and lucre find a place, and therefore the avarice of the shepherds has raged to an incredible extent against
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

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