Definition: And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous verse from Luke 14:27. It's a really powerful message about following Jesus and what it really means to be a true follower. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that true discipleship – truly following Jesus – requires more than just being nice or doing good things. It demands a willingness to face your own struggles and challenges. It’s about taking action against your own shortcomings. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Whosoever doth not bear his cross…” - This is the core of the message. "Cross" in this context refers to a difficult, painful, or challenging experience – something that feels overwhelming and makes you feel like you’re failing. It’s about facing your own weaknesses and mistakes. Think of it as tackling a personal obstacle. "...and come after me..." - This means you want to follow Jesus, but you don't just passively accept him. You actively want to walk with him, learn from him, and be influenced by his teachings. "...cannot be my disciple." – This is the consequence of not bearing your cross. If you only focus on doing good things without addressing your own problems, you’re not truly following Jesus. You are not fully committed to a relationship with him. You're not growing as a person through his example. In short: To be a true disciple, you need to acknowledge your weaknesses and actively work against them – that’s the “cross” part. It's about facing your own struggles and striving to live a life that reflects Christ. Why is this important? Jesus often uses stories of people who failed or struggled to illustrate this point. It’s a reminder that true faith isn’t about avoiding difficulties; it’s about overcoming them with God's help. It emphasizes that genuine discipleship is about transformation - becoming more like Jesus through your own effort and growth. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you a related parable or story?