Matthew 16:21-28

 

READ MATTHEW 16:21-28!

 

Jesus is trying to prepare his disciples for what must come, his death and resurrection.  He tells them that, "he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed and be raised again the third day." v. 21

Peter had just declared, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God."  But he didn't know what he was saying when he made the declaration.  He was expecting Jesus to lead a rebellion to overthrow Roman rule and for Jesus to be crowned king on the throne of David in Jerusalem.  He could not see the victory in his leader going to Jerusalem to be crucified, therefore Peter rebuked Jesus!  He said, “Far be it from You, Lord;  this shall not happen to You!”  Jesus recognized that Peter was being used by Satan to tempt him.  He turned to Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”  Peter could not comprehend spiritual things because he was not yet filled with the Holy Spirit.  He saw Jesus as an earthly leader.

Jesus continued to try to prepare his men for what was coming. He began to teach self denial,  "²⁴ Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me'." We all have a cross to bear.  It is self denial.  That would seem to be a very heavy cross and for some it is very difficult but Jesus said, "My cross is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:30.  This is the key to happiness; to deny yourself and give yourself first of all to the Lord then to others.  It is the way to follow him.

Jesus says if we try to save our life we will lose it, but if we lose our life for his sake we will find it.  Our whole life must be a sacrifice to the Lord.  Everything we do needs to be for him not for ourselves.

The whole earth is after fortune and fame but Jesus said where is the profit to gain the whole world if you lose your soul.  There is none!  No earthly gain is worth a precious soul!  "What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

We will be judged by if we do indeed take up the cross and follow him.  Verse 27 speaks of  his second coming when the judgment will come, Jesus said, "Then he shall reward every man according to his works."

²⁸ “Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”  Some believe this is speaking of the transfiguration which is spoken of in the next chapter.  Others believe it is speaking of the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit filled the believers and the church of Jesus Christ was born.

Jesus has given us everything we need in his Word so that we will know how to follow him, honor him and have the best life possible.  We have to realize that things are not always as they appear.  Peter could not comprehend that there would be victory in his master dying on a cross.  And deny yourself? Where is the victory in that?  The ways of Jesus are contradictory to the ways of the world.  Lose your life to gain it?  And if you gain your life you will lose it?  He also said, "But many who are first will be last, and the last first."  Matthew 19:30

Just as Peter without the Holy Spirit was not able to comprehend what Jesus was teaching neither can we.  We must pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit and for understanding in God's Word. 

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

 

 

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  JULIA KILPATRICK is the wife of 45 years to Bro. Shannon Kilpatrick,  mother of 7 adult children, and Mawmaw (grandmother) of 23 grandchildren.      
Bro. Shannon and Mrs. Julia have been pastoring Freedom Fellowship in Silsbee, Texas since September of 1995. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Don't forget to share!