Pastor Shawn Robinson
Clayton Community Church
Matthew 16:22 But Peter took him aside and corrected him. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!”
Jesus is nearing the end of his life, he has chosen the way of the cross. He makes it clear, “this is the way it has to be”, but Peter doesn’t quite see it that way. “Come on Jesus, you are in control, all this suffering talk is bad press. This won’t ever happen to you!”
Peter just doesn’t get it! He only wants to see a glorified Messiah, but he hasn’t grasped that the gospel message is incomplete without the cross. For Jesus there can be no savior without suffering, no glory without sacrifice.
When I was younger, I’m not sure I ever really understood the cross. I was the one who wanted to hurry up and get to Easter. I would proudly proclaim to my catholic friends that I would never wear a crucifix because my Lord wasn’t dead. I guess I never stopped to realize that they weren’t worshipping the crucifixion as much as they were acknowledging that it had to happen.
I was a lot like Peter. I only wanted to see the upside of Christianity, no mess or sacrifice, just a nice neat “resurrection package”. Jesus knew differently. That’s why shortly after Peter’s brash statement Jesus made the following challenge— “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.” (Message Translation)
The cross is Jesus’ gift to us. Satan will want us to ignore this important act and he will use the Peter’s of this world to convince us of its sheer nonsense, but Jesus’ way is wrapped up in the love of sacrifice and he calls us to the same life.
Now do you get it?
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you for the gift of the cross. May we recognize and accept the invitation and challenge of discipleship. Amen.
There was many times countless times,I was so frustrated irritated with what was happening in my life or others close to me ,the changes in my walk was not exactly a comfortable plan in my eyes, I understand I needed to die to my flesh and walk in the spirit knowing Jesus was in control even when it looked so out of control-I’m getting it! Praise God! Finally I can slowly let go and allow His blessings to fall on me after the storm. The victory is mine because Yahweh promises are true.
Thank you Jesus for your perfect plan from the earth to the grave and one day with great joy to see you face to face.
How true this is Shawn! Like our Lord, how important to embrace the cross with the crown. One of the best things I’ve been told [although not always enjoy!] is “always take the hard way or difficult path becasue it is usually the way of the cross…the Jesus way.” Not only will Satan want me to ignore this truth – I want to side step it!!! Thanks Shawn.
Isn’t it wonderful that our Lord who died for us promises that “All things work together for good. . .” May we ever sing “Hallelujah, what a Savior. . .”
Amen to you too Betty What a Savior
I recall when the Passion of the Christ movie was playing, several Christian friends ctiticized the violence of the film. Huh? Good Friday for Jesus was indeed violent. And I think it was the first time I really got how much Christ had done for me. As a result, I have chosen to always wear my cross – to remind me of Jesus’ sacrifice for me and for you. What a Savior!