This is the continuation of Matt. 16:13-20.
Faced with Jesus’ declaration of his death, Peter, who had already confessed Jesus as the Son of God, fails to understand Him: “He took him aside, and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘Lord, have mercy on yourself. Let this by no means happen to you!'” (v. 22). However, Peter’s words on this occasion show that he was not prepared to hear about the way of the cross, nor to know about the suffering that Jesus had to endure. Peter intends to guide Jesus about the movements he should take. Peter loves Jesus and responds as any of us would if a dear friend confesses to us that he or she is going to die. Jesus rebukes him harshly and says, “Get out of my sight, Satan! “, because Peter is trying to turn him away from God’s will. It is possible that by virtue of his earlier statement, Peter intended to assume on his own behalf the role of counselor to his Master. Peter’s attitude seems to be the logical result of Jesus’ words when he said to him, “You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church” (Mt 16:18). Faced with Peter’s reaction, Jesus takes the opportunity to teach his disciples a great truth of discipleship: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (v.24). Jesus affirms that whoever wants to follow him must accept the difficulties or cost of faith (“take up his cross”) and be willing to give his or her life for the ministry. Jesus is very clear about the demands of discipleship and those who would follow Him had to be aware of these demands. Like Peter, not many believers are ready to take up the cross and follow the Lord.
According to our text, the Christian life is a calling. It is dying in order to live.
Are we prepared as churches and believers for this call? Are we willing to follow the way of the cross?
We will be praying for you and your family. Please include us in your prayers as well. See you at worship!
Lord Jesus, give us the courage to take up our cross each day and follow in your footsteps faithfully, knowing that to lose our lives for you is to find true eternal life. Stay by our side as we walk with perseverance and trust to move forward with your love and protection. Amen.