en_tn_condensed/mat/16/24.md

to follow me

Following Jesus here represents being one of his disciples. Alternate translation: "to be my disciple" or "to be one of my disciples" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)

must deny himself

"must not give in to his own desires" or "must forsake his own desires"

take up his cross, and follow me

"carry his cross, and follow me." The cross represents suffering and death. Taking up the cross represents being willing to suffer and die. Alternate translation: "and obey me even to the point of suffering and dying" or "and he must obey me even to the point of suffering and dying" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)

and follow me

Following Jesus here represents obeying him. Alternate translation: "and obey me" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)