Christians often use the idea of taking up a cross as a metaphor to describe bearing life’s regular burdens: a long wait in traffic, a difficult boss, and a cold rainy day. However, for the first-century Jews, the image of taking up a cross evoked horror and shame. Crucifixion was the cruelest form of execution used by the Roman government. Therefore, when Jesus says the true disciple must “take up his cross,” he is not merely calling for acceptance of life’s inconveniences and hardships. He calls his disciples to be willing to give up everything, even their lives if necessary, to follow him. That is, in reality, a dying of the old self, the one who lived for human approval, honor, power, and prestige more than obediently following Jesus. The new self of the true disciple is ready to endure opposition, shame, suffering, and even death. For there is more gain in following Jesus, even through suffering, than there is in walking away from him, even with millions of earthly benefits.