Matthew 16:24-26

In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus says: "If anyone wants to follow me, let them renounce themselves and take up their cross and follow me."

Verse 24 actually reads in most English translations of the New Testament something like this: "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Was Jesus only speaking of men following him? Obviously not, as we read in the New Testament that women also followed. To make that clear in this passage the masculine language has been altered to be more inclusive. Is this changing the word of God? No.  It is translating from the Greek into English in an inclusive way to make the meaning clearer. This kind of interpretation of scripture has always been the responsibility of the church.

Also, in this passage the reference to the cross is figurative, not literal. Most of us are not in danger of being martyred for our faith, but we should expect that faith requires sacrifice...

Grace and peace...Bob