The Cross and Discipleship

Christ's focus seems to now be on preparing the 12 for his impending death and for their future ministry. In these verses we have a dialogue that takes place between Christ and His disciples concerning His Person and coming crucifixion. This forms a basis for the Lord to outline His demands for true discipleship. In short, there was a cross for Christ but also a cross for His disciples as well. The cross stands at the heart and center of true discipleship. It is one thing to confess Christ in truth (salvation) but God would have us to go on and embrace the cross in a life of consecration. This passage teaches us what true discipleship is according to Christ.