Jesus was no stranger to persecution. Even his own life ended in a tragic beating and crucifixion. When Jesus called his disciples to follow him, he told them, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me (Luke 9:23). This request was not just a simple inconvenience to one’s selfish agenda. It included the very real possibility that every disciple would have to die because of their loyalty to Jesus. The meaning of picking up o