In Luke 9:23, Jesus teaches that following Him requires self-denial and a willingness to carry one's own cross.

Jesus defines discipleship as a daily, deliberate path of self-denial and cross-bearing after him. He warns that clutching your life forfeits it, while losing it for his sake saves it.

Matthew 16:24 records Jesus' call to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow him, and it explains why that path leads to real life rather than loss.