Mathew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
This statement by Jesus is often interpreted as a call to self-sacrifice and total commitment to following him. By "denying oneself," Jesus is likely asking his disciples to set aside their own desires and ambitions, and to prioritize serving him and spreading his message. The reference to "taking up one's cross" is often understood as a metaphor for accepting suffering and persecution for the sake of following Jesus. In this context, "following" Jesus would mean not just physically following him, but also living according to his teachings and example. Overall, Jesus is asking his disciples to be willing to make sacrifices and to fully commit themselves to him and his mission.
