From that time, Jesus began to show his
disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders,
chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the
third day be raised up.
Peter took him aside, and began
to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This will never happen to
you.”
But he turned, and said to
Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not
setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of the world.”
He said to all, “You who desire
to come after me, deny yourselves, take up your cross, and follow me. If you
seek to save your life, you will lose it, but if you lose your life for my
sake, you will save it. What does it profit you to gain the whole world, and
lose your own self? Those who are ashamed of me and my words, of them will the
Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory, and the glory of the Father,
and of the holy angels. There are some of those who stand here who will not
taste death until they see God’s kingdom.”
Reflection
Peter and the disciples could
well imagine a series of triumphs in Jesus’ future, but death on a cross was
unimaginable. Many preachers today focus almost exclusively on prosperity. Do
you think following Jesus should bring fame and fortune, or at least honor and
respect? What would it look like for you to take up your cross and follow
Jesus?
Prayer: Forgive me, Lord, for
scripting my future in accordance with what I want rather than what you want
and what your kingdom calls me to.
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