Coming after Jesus represents being one of his disciples. Alternate translation: "be my disciple" or "be one of my disciples" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
"carry his cross and follow me every day." The cross represents suffering and death. Taking up the cross represents being willing to suffer and die. To follow Jesus represents obeying him. Alternate translation: "must obey me every day even to the point of suffering and dying" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])