Bible Study Lesson about Christ from Matthew 16:21-28
In His three years of ministry, Christ foretold many events. In this lesson from Matthew we learn how Jesus predicts His own death for the first time.
Even though Jesus explained in detail about His suffering, death and resurrection the disciples (in this case, Peter ) did not understand.
Learn what it really means to follow Jesus.
The Foretelling – Jesus Predicts His Own Death
From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, be killed, and be raised up on the third day.
Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall 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 not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”
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.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
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?
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.
“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.” – Matthew 16:21-28 NASB
“Get behind Me, Satan!”
Is this what I heard? Did Jesus just call one of His most trusted and beloved disciples Satan?
The very person who just discovered that He was the Christ?
I’m not sure exactly what He meant but, Jesus did know what He had to do, and He knew Satan would try his best to keep Him from dying on the cross for our sins.
This was Satan’s mission, to take power away from God – although he failed miserably.
Lesson Focus – Temptation
There are many lessons to be pulled from these few verses.
You should have no trouble figuring them out. But the one I would like to focus on today is about how easily sin and temptation can sneak into our lives.
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 lured falsely by our enemies but what about friends and family?
These can be the strongest temptations of all.
When We are Vulnerable
For instance, a friend may see us going through a particularly tough time in our life and believes that God doesn’t intend for this hardship 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 tried 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 sequence of events 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 .. “
[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”031033750X” locale=”US” src=”https://makingchristknown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/51USPqyyDTL.SL160.jpg” tag=”bobpardphot-20″ width=”107″]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 tough times.
Aren’t you glad we have God on our side when we need Him most?
Love In Christ
– Bob
If you would like to discover how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to see John 3:16 for information.