Meaning of the cross in scripture

The meaning of the word "cross" is "stake," (Gr. stauros), an instrument on which criminals were put to death (crucified) by the Romans in the first century. The meaning of the word "crucify" is "to crucify," (Gr. stauroo), to put to death on a stake or a cross.

Jesus said to His followers during His ministry on earth,

"And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life shall lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake, shall find it." Matt. 10:38,39.

Jesus said, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his
life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find
it." Matt. 16:24,25.

And He (Jesus) was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come
after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and
follow Me." Luke 9:23.

Jesus said, "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me
cannot be My disciple." Luke 14:27.

And after they had mocked Him (Jesus), they ...... led Him away to
crucify Him. Matt. 27:31.

They took Jesus therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to
the place called the Place of the Skull, which is called in Hebrew,
Golgotha. John 19:17.

Jesus sent Paul to preach .... that the cross of Christ should not be
made void. For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing
foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1
Cor. 1:17,18.

Paul said, But may it never be that I should boast, except in the
cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been
crucified to me, and I to the world. Gal. 6:14.

Paul said, Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,
or of me His prisoner; but join with me in suffering for the gospel
according to the power of God, who has saved us, and called us with a
holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own
purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all
eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior
Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality
to light through the gospel. (1st Timothy 1:8-10).