Dear Christian friends:

During these Wednesday evening Lenten Services we are preaching about the various crosses the Christian Church has used in the past. Last Wednesday we learned about the Tau Cross or "T" Cross. Tonight I will explain about St. Andrew's Cross. Again, we thank Mr. Robert Harris for making a small St. Andrew's cross for us to look at tonight while we learn about it. As you can see it looks like an "X". Some people call it the "X" Cross. (It does not mean a railroad crossing in in the church world, although it is the same sign as used for a railroad crossing.)

Who first made and used the "X" cross? Tradition says that St. Andrew did. Who was St. Andrew? He was one of Jesus' twelve disciples and he was a very faithful disciple. Tradition says that he had to die, get nailed to a cross, because of his faith in Jesus. This is said to have happened in Greece. Andrew did not think himself worthy to be crucified on the same kind of cross as was Jesus. So he asked the executioners to tie and nail him to an "X" cross, which they did.

St. Andrew's cross is also called THE CROSS OF DISCIPLESHIP. Why? Because Andrew was such a true, model disciple. After he became a believer in Jesus he went and found his brother, Simon Peter, and told him about the Savior. Peter himself then became a disciple, one of the twelve. Andrew remained true to Jesus all his life. Even when the enemies of the church threatened to kill him if he did not give up his faith in Jesus, he refused. He chose to die a slow, painful death on a "X" cross rather than give-up his faith in his dear Lord and Savior.

Jesus demands that we, also, be true disciples like Andrew. We must remain true believers even if that means hard work and suffering or trouble. In our text Jesus says, "No one can be My disciple who does not carry his own cross and follow Me." That means be true to Jesus. Keep on doing His work even if you get trouble from others.

A few of you have had this experience. You know that when you are a good Christian others will persecute you and mock you or give you trouble. They are jealous of you and they have a guilty conscience. They feel guilty because they do not obey Jesus like they see you doing. So they try to make you look foolish and say evil things to you and about you. They may call you "Bossy," or "Sucker" or some other bad name. But don't let that stop you in serving Jesus. That is your cross. Suffer it patiently.

Remember Jesus’ enemies mocked Him, too, and called Him bad names. But Jesus did not let that stop Him. He continued doing God's work. Jesus carried His cross and suffered His cross unto death as His heavenly Father asked Him to do. So we must be ready to follow Jesus, even if that means hard work or trouble or maybe death. If you don't want trouble, you better quit the church; you can't be Jesus' disciple. Jesus says, "you are not better than I am. They persecuted Me, they will also persecute you." (Matthew 10:24-25)

But we should not be afraid. Jesus promises to be with us and support us while we take up our cross and do His work. He also tells us that our suffering the cross will will bring praise and glory to God. And Peter tells us: "Dear friends, don't be surprised or bewildered when you go fiery trials ahead, for this is no strange, unusual thing that is going to happen to you. Instead, be really glad - because these trials will make you partners with Christ in His suffering, and afterwards you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory in that coming day when it will be displayed. Be happy if you are cursed and insulted for being a Christian, for when that happens the Spirit of God will come upon you with great glory. It is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being in Christ's family and being called by His wonderful name." (1 Peter 4:12-16)

So when you see an "X" cross remember St. Andrew. Be a true disciple like he was! Jesus says, "Be faithful unto death and I will give you a crown of life." (Rev. 2:10)

Amen.