Matthew Chapter 10, Verse 38

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38: και ος ου λαμβανει τον σταυρον αυτου και ακολουθει οπισω μου ουκ εστιν μου αξιοςâ€” edit Textus Receptus
38: And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.- edit KJV text
38: And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy of me.â€” edit Douay text

And he that taketh not his cross, etc. When persons were condemned to be crucified, a part of the sentence was, that they should carry the cross on which they were to die to the place of execution. Thus Jesus carried his, till he fainted from fatigue and exhaustion. See Barnes "Mt 27:31".

The cross was usually composed of two rough beams of wood, united in the form of this figure. It was an instrument of death. See Barnes "Mt 27:31, Mt 27:32".

To carry it was burdensome, was disgraceful, was trying to the feelings, was an addition to the punishment. So, to carry the cross is a figurative expression, denoting that we must endure whatever is burdensome, or trying, or considered as disgraceful, in following Jesus.