A Turn To The Cross

Jesus will bear it. We are called to it.

What happens in our passage for today is a turning point in the gospel of Matthew. To this point, Jesus has been focused on teaching and healing. From here on, while there will be a few more healings, his main focus will be on the cross and its impending suffering and glory.

Only Jesus could bear the cross for the salvation of the world. But as we read through this journey to the cross, let’s notice this time the call to it he makes for his disciples all the while.

For instance, even as he told the disciples of his impending suffering, he called them to consider their own lives therein.

All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. All who want to save their lives will lose them. But all who lose their lives because of me will find them. Why would people gain the whole world but lose their lives? What will people give in exchange for their lives?

Matthew 16:21-28

From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he had to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and legal experts, and that he had to be killed and raised on the third day. Then Peter took hold of Jesus and, scolding him, began to correct him: “God forbid, Lord! This won’t happen to you.” But he turned to Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan. You are a stone that could make me stumble, for you are not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts.”

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. All who want to save their lives will lose them. But all who lose their lives because of me will find them. Why would people gain the whole world but lose their lives? What will people give in exchange for their lives? For the Human One is about to come with the majesty of his Father with his angels. And then he will repay each one for what that person has done. I assure you that some standing here won’t die before they see the Human One coming in his kingdom.”

Prayer

God,

As I begin this day, I want to remember your call to take up my cross and follow you. When it is right, help me to set aside my own desires, to say "no" to myself so that I may live fully in your will. I am sure that it is right more often than I have practice it. Remind me that true life is not found in gaining the world, but in surrendering to you.

Give me the strength to bear whatever comes today with faithfulness, knowing that you first walked the path of suffering and glory. May my life be a reflection of your love, and may I trust you fully with each step I take.

Help me in the privilege my life has brought to know what suffering is.

By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.