Matthew 10:38 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

He that taketh not his cross— This alludes to the custom of criminals carrying the cross to which they were to be fastened; and was a strong intimation, that he should himself be crucified; and that none could be a sincere Christian without a willingness to bear even that shameful and cruel death for his sake, if he was called to it. He follows Christ, says Grotius, who leads his life, as much as possible, in conformity to Christ's life and precepts.