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The cross is the sign of God's love and the ultimate gift of self. To carry it behind Jesus means to join him in making one self available to others, even to martyrdom. The third imperative, "follow me," does not mean "take me as a model," but share my choice, make my project yours, risk your life for the love of people, along with me. The debates about the identity of Jesus continue to this day. No one denies that he has marked the history of the world more than any other person. But not enough to cultivate this belief to be regarded as his disciples. To admire Christ is not to be his disciples.