Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 10:38

"And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me." — Matthew 10:38 (ASV)

And he that taketh not his cross, etc. When persons were condemned to be crucified, a part of the sentence was that they were to carry the cross on which they were to die to the place of execution. Thus Christ carried his, until he fainted from fatigue and exhaustion (Matthew 27:31).

The cross was usually composed of two rough beams of wood, united in its well-known form. It was an instrument of death (Matthew 27:31–32).

To carry it was burdensome, disgraceful, emotionally trying, and added to the punishment. So, to carry the cross is a figurative expression, meaning that we must endure whatever is burdensome, challenging, or considered disgraceful in following Christ.

It consists simply in doing our duty, however the world may think or speak of it. It does not consist in making trouble for ourselves or in doing things merely to be opposed; it means doing exactly what is required of us in the Scriptures, whatever shame, disgrace, or pain it may produce. This every follower of Jesus is required to do.