Through the Bible - Joshua 1-2, Luke 1:57-80
Good morning,
In yesterday's passage we found Christ's first mention of the cross. In today's passage we have another reference to it which comes shortly after today's verse:
Matt 16:21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. NKJV
When we first believe, we may not be aware of the responsibilities or the consequences of becoming a "Christ follower". There are those that preach a "prosperity gospel" that tell people that it is not God's will for them to have financial difficulties and physical illnesses. But we are told time and time again in the scriptures that we can expect trials. For example:
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. NKJV
Jesus had been teaching,preaching and healing people as he travelled. Now He is beginning a new chapter in His ministry as John MacArthur notes:
"This marks the beginning of a new emphasis in Matthew's account. He turns his attention from Jesus' public ministry, to his private instructions for the disciples, which took on a new somber tone. The disciples had confessed their faith in Him as Messiah. From then on, He began to prepare them for His death."
In some ways many if not most of us came to the Lord through public ministry and we grow in public ministry. But there must come a point if we are to truly grow, that God must teach us individually as we read,pray, study, and apply His Word to our lives. As we do, especially in reading through and studying the books of the Bible we'll get a better understanding of what it truly means to be a Christ follower in all the phases of our lives.
Today's passage followed Peter's declaration to Jesus, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God". It is only after this confession that Jesus began to teach them privately.
Matt 16:13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?"
14 So they said,"Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
16 Simon Peter answered and said,"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." NKJV
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
Matt 16:21-17:1
Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection
(Mark 8:31-33; Luke 9:21,22)
21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.
22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!"
23 But He turned and said to Peter, "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."
Take Up the Cross and Follow Him
(Mark 8:34-38; Luke 9:23-26)
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. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.
Jesus Transfigured on the Mount
(Mark 9:1-13; Luke 9:27-36; 2 Peter 1:16-18)
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."
NKJV
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