Matius 10:38

10:38 And whoever does not take up his cross ¹  and follow me is not worthy of me.

Matius 27:25

27:25 In ²  reply all the people said, “Let his blood be on us and on our children!”

[10:38]  ¹ sn It was customary practice in a Roman crucifixion for the prisoner to be made to carry his own cross. Jesus is speaking figuratively here in the context of rejection. If the priority is not one’s allegiance to Jesus, then one will not follow him in the face of possible rejection.

[27:25]  ² tn Grk “answering, all the people said.” This construction is somewhat redundant in English and has been simplified in the translation.