Jesus Predicts His Own Death

Bible Study Lesson from Matthew 16:21-28

Even though Christ explained in detail about His suffering, death and resurrection the disciples (in this case, Peter ) did not understand. Learn here what it really means to follow Jesus.

22 Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You."

23 But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's."

Discipleship Is Costly

24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.

25 "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

26 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

27 "For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.

28 "Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom."

"Get behind Me, Satan!"

Is this what I heard? Did Jesus just call one of His most trusted and beloved disciples Satan? I don't believe so. But, He did know what He had to do and that Satan would try his best to keep him from dying for our sins. This was Satan's mission, to take power away from God - although he failed.

Lesson Focus

There are many lessons to be pulled from these few verses and you should have no trouble figuring them out but this is the one I would like to focus on today.

Before We Know It

Temptation and sin can come from many sources and we don't always see them coming. We expect to be tempted by strangers or maybe our enemies but what about friends and family? These can be the strongest temptations of all.

For instance, a friend may see us going through a particularly tough time in our life and believe that God doesn't intend for this to happen to us. Be careful and make sure to listen closely to the "advisement" of those who don't want anything upsetting to happen to us.

Christ Knew What Had to Be Done

Just as Peter was defensive and trying to protect Christ, a family member might be trying to protect us. Jesus had to die on the cross and be resurrected for Peters' sins and the rest of the world who accepted him. He had the knowledge of this and was not deterred by the protective statements of his disciples.

Purpose of Life

Remember, no matter what your situation, God is in control and has a final purpose in everything that comes our way. If we give in to the sin of not trusting him we might miss the reward of becoming stronger in Christ.

" .. Take Up His Cross .. "

Being a follower of Jesus does not mean that we will not face trials such as sickness, loss of job, loss of family members and friends or divorce. These things happen and they can have terrible consequences but turning to God in faith will help us through those times. Aren't you glad we have God on our side when we need Him most?

Love In Christ

- Bob

Matthew 16:13-20 - Peter Recognizes Jesus as Messiah - Peter, like many of us, had trouble with faith and trusting who Jesus really was but he finally came to the realization that Jesus was the Messiah. Do we believe Christ is our Lord?

Matthew 15:21-39 - Jesus Performs Miracles and Teaches Us about Prejudice