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38 And he who does not take his [a]cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me] is not worthy of Me. 39 Whoever finds his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], and whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake will find it [that is, life with Me for all eternity].(A)

The Reward of Service

40 “He who receives and welcomes you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Matthew 10:38 The historical background behind this statement is that those who were about to be crucified had to carry the crossbeam to which they would be nailed or bound. In addition to the terrible agony that crucifixion inflicted, it was such a great indignity that some of the Roman writers used the word cross as a curse word in the expression “Go to a bad cross!” (Lat i in malam crucem).

38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.(A) 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.(B)

40 “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me,(C) and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.(D)

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