Open my eyes so I may see the Rhema word of your revelation
this day. Amen.
Jesus' ministry was going swimmingly. There were numerous
healings, large audiences went to hear him speak, and he had yet to face
significant opposition. His disciples must have thought it was overly negative
for him to start talking about the crucifixion. They hadn't expected this:
Peter had just testified (verse 29) that he was the Christ, the triumphant savior
who would deliver them from the Romans, and he rebukes Jesus for it.
When Jesus accuses him of being inspired by Satan and tells
his students that they must be willing to give up everything, he is implying
that discipleship isn't about achieving worldly success. Always, the way to
victory is through the cross. In a time where power was revered and compassion
was seen as a flaw, Jesus turned those beliefs on their heads.
Because Christians are being martyred every day, the words
"whoever loses his life for me and the gospel will save it" (verse
35) are taken literally in many parts of the world today. We need to think
carefully about what that implies in the West. It's possible that we'll have to
give up personal comfort, money, or status. It's possible that we'll have to
rethink what ‘success looks like in Christian terms. Jesus anticipated that
his followers would be lured by power and prestige from the start. However, no
glitzy outreach program or construction project can be said to be true to
Christ unless it includes the cross.
Dear Jesus, Thank you. Your word is alive.