Matthew 16:24 King James Version (KJV)
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Here is a beautiful verse from the Bible. There can be multiple interpretations
Bear the cross – endure your karma
Deny himself – destroy one’s ego
So why should we do that?
In reply to that Jesus says
Matthew 16:25 King James Version (KJV)
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
If you don’t deny yourself – destroy your ego – then you will lose yourself
Lose his life – destroy his ego.
If you can do it then you will find the true self. Your soul. Your spirit. Pure. Unadulterated by ego. Or material desires. Or carnal desires. Or desires for food. Drink. Money.
So how do you do that? Bear your cross and follow Jesus.
Meaning follow the path he took. He had no problems being put on the cross. He had love even for those who crucified him.
Can we have that kind of love?
Subtly, there are a few other deeper meanings. It hints at a technique of meditation.
Bhavin