Matthew 16:21-23
From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo grave suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This must 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 setting your mind not on divine things but on human things." Matthew 16:21-23 (NRSVUE)
Have you ever had an experience in your life where you truly knew, to your core, that the decision you made was the right decision? With this decision, you had no doubts at all and unquestionably believed that you made the correct decision?
Maybe this has happened to you a few times, maybe you have only experienced this once in your life or it may have never happened to you. This reminds me of the famous line, “If you build it, they will come” from the movie Field of Dreams. The main character may have been confused by the meaning of this statement but after pondering a bit, he undoubtedly knew what he needed to do.
In this scripture, Jesus knew that he had come to take up the cross and follow the will of the Heavenly Father. Jesus knew he had to do this and he knew that it was his purpose.
It was absolutely necessary that Jesus must go to Jerusalem, suffer unjustly, die a cruel death on the cross and three days later be raised again to life by the power of God. By doing so, he took on my sins and yours.
The key takeaway from this passage is that following Christ requires us to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and prioritize divine purposes over human comforts. We are called to surrender our own will and desires to God's plan, trusting that His way is the path to true life and salvation.
Question for Reflection:
- What is an area of your life that you know you need to surrender to God?
Prayer
Gracious God, help me to remember that you are in control and your love for me is unwavering. I lay down my desires and ambitions before you, knowing that your purpose for my life is greater than anything I can imagine. Please allow your will to be done in my life and may I have the courage to follow where you lead me. Amen
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