Q&A: Jesus likely carried only the crossbeam (patibulum) to Golgotha, not the whole cross

Winger leans toward this being accurate historically, though it is not universally depicted in film or art. He pivots to note that "taking up your cross" as a spiritual call is not about the physical mechanics of the journey to Golgotha but about dying to self, living for Christ, and enduring mockery and loss.