AUG 7

Matthew 16:21-28
Memorise Matthew 16:24
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

Simon Peter, one of the twelve disciples, confessed that Jesus was the Christ (Greek for “the Anointed One”), the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). He believed Jesus to be the Conquering King that would deliver the Jewish nation from Roman bondage. He wanted the kingdom of Israel to be restored! However, it was from this time forward that Jesus started to speak in clear terms about His impending death and resurrection. Jesus said that He would be killed, and be raised again the third day. Peter then rebuked Jesus, thinking that death meant defeat (Matthew 16:21- 22)! However, Jesus replied in much stronger terms, “Get thee behind me, Satan”, for Peter was now going against God’s will. Jesus needed to suffer and die for the sins of man. This was the Father’s will. Peter should have known for Isaiah 53 prophesied the Messiah’s (Hebrew for “the Anointed One’s”) death and even John the Baptiser, whom Peter was once a disciple of, declared that Jesus is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). For this reason, perhaps Peter did know better, but refused to accept. Jesus needed to fulfil His mission as a Lamb, before He could fulfil His role as a King. So Jesus told His disciples, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

This was something that Peter had to learn. Peter had to deny himself and be willing to take up his cross, and follow Christ. He had to put aside his current desire for the kingdom of Israel to be restored and surrender to God’s will, instead of opposing it. Then upon denying himself, he would be able to accept and bear the burdens of the cross which God had appointed for him. Then and only then would he be truly following Christ, imitating what He had to do by suffering and enduring in this present world. This same lesson is also applicable to anybody who truly desires to be a follower of Christ – a Christian – bearing the name of Christ and being willing to take up his cross. Jesus set the perfect example for us by bearing His cross and fulfilling His Father’s will (Philippians 2:5-11). Therefore we now likewise must surrender our own selfish desires and pursuits, in order that we may also bear the cross which God has appointed for us, and then let us be willing and prepared to suffer for His sake.

Thought: Am I willing to deny myself and take up my cross to follow Christ?
Prayer: O Lord, help me put away my selfish desires and pursuits to do Thy will.