I have yet to see the movie "The Passion of the Christ." After seeing some of the trailers, it brought to mind the impact it must have had on people when Jesus said to them, 

"and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. " Matthew 10:38

Jesus was requesting his followers to be willing to face a death sentence. This was not the capital punishment we are familiar with where death comes quickly and in private. Crucifixion was a slow, humiliating death. This method of execution was designed to last for days. The person was in excruciating pain and was subjected to jeering and insults.

For some Christians there has been a literal death sentence as they suffered martyrdom. For most of us, it is just the death of the "old self". (Romans 6:6)

We too may suffer and be humiliated as the "old self" dies.

"but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength." 1 Corinthians 1:23-25

And so it is today. Christianity is still a stumbling block to some. It does not provide the political power to control the world now. Nor does it give us a life without problems that are common to all men. And the cross of Jesus still looks foolish to many who are mocking "The Passion of the Christ".

Are you willing to take up your cross?

Please  join us and examine what it means for you to "Take Up Your Cross."