What exactly does it mean to "carry your cross"? Throughout Jesus's ministry and in the midst of his most profound miracles, Jesus challenged people to deny themselves. Jesus today challenges people to deny themselves, pick up their cross, and follow Him. Why does Jesus ask such a thing and what does that mean for you? It is the active ingredient of discipleship. In I Peter 4:1, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, calls everyone to ARM YOURSELF with this attitude, which carries the ambition of "I am done with sin". Another way to look at it is; I am going to live my life like i am not ashamed of Him. Jesus gives motivation for people to apply this attitude so that when He returns in glory and majesty, you will be confident, happy and looking forward to this event, not sad, lacking in confidence, and ashamed.