Following Jesus here represents being one of his disciples. AT: "be my disciple" or "be one of my disciples" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
"carry his cross and follow me." The cross represents suffering and death. Taking up the cross represents being willing to suffer and die. AT: "must obey me even to the point of suffering and dying" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
This does not mean the person must necessarily die. It is a metaphor that means the person will consider obeying Jesus as being more important than his own life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
# for my sake
"because he trusts me" or "on my account" or "because of me"
# will find it
This metaphor means the person will experience spiritual life with God. AT: "will find true life" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
# For what does it profit a person ... his life?
Jesus uses a question to teach his disciples. AT: "It does not profit a person ... his life" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
# if he gains the whole world
The words "the whole world" are an exaggeration for great riches. AT: "if he gains everything he desires" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
Jesus uses a question to teach his disciples. AT: "There is nothing that a person can give to regain his life" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])