We must voluntarily take up our own cross and follow Jesus.

The Roman soldiers, as they were leading Jesus out to crucify Him,

encountered a man from Cyrene named Simon.

They "forced" him to carry Jesus' cross

(Matthew 27:31-32; Mark 15:21, Korean Modern Bible).

I am reminded of Jesus' words:

"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves

and take up their cross and follow me"

(Matthew 16:24, Korean Modern Bible).

According to these words, as disciples of Jesus,

we must follow Him not by force but voluntarily,

willingly taking up our own crosses and following Him.

Jesus will never force us to carry our cross.