Then Jesus told his disciples: If any man wants to follow me (be mine), let him deny (disown) himself, and take up his stake and follow me (Greek: akoloutheo moi, let him be following me) (accompany me) (be in the same way with me).

He then spoke to both his disciples and the crowd. He said: If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his stake and follow me.

Jesus lovingly looked at him and said: You lack one thing. Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me.

Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus was passing by on the road. They compelled (forced) him to go with them, that he might carry his stake.

They took Jesus bearing his own stake to the place called the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha.

Yes, and all who would live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Cannot

There is no root in him. He endures for a while. When he has tribulation or persecution because of the word, he falls away.

They strengthened the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith. They said, We must enter the kingdom of God through much tribulation.

It is for this reason that I suffer these things. But I am still full of confidence, because I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to keep safe until that day what he has entrusted to me.

General references

Anyone who does not pick up his stake and follow me is not worthy of me.

Another explained: 'I am newly married and I cannot come.'