“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, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day.” Matthew 16:21.
Thoughts for Today
Jesus knew what was ahead. He was destined to go to Jerusalem, where suffering and death awaited Him. He wanted the disciples to know this too.
To Peter this made no sense, and he rebuked Jesus for even thinking these thoughts. But Jesus warned Peter that he actually was being a stumbling block, for all that awaited Him in Jerusalem was part of God’s plan.
Jesus’ disciples were learning more about what it meant to be true disciples. It did not just mean listening to or following Jesus. They were learning that real discipleship meant complete surrender and obedience, regardless of the difficulty or consequences.
In His response, Jesus emphasized three principles: We must deny ourselves and lay everything else aside. We must take up our cross and sacrifice everything to serve Him. And we must follow Him, wherever He leads.
In our lives, we are presented with the same choices. All who want to serve and follow Jesus must pass these tests. We, too, must seek first His Kingdom and deny ourselves. We, too, must take up our cross and be willing to die to self, every day. We, too, must leave all to follow Him.
We need to realize that God is watching our lives and evaluating the choices we make. We are reminded to set our priorities and think ahead, “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” (v. 27).
Today, think about what following Jesus means for you. If you are His disciple, you must be willing to give up all, yield your rights, and be ready and willing to follow Him and do what He calls you to do.
Prayer : Our Loving Heavenly Father,
Thoughts for Today
Jesus knew what was ahead. He was destined to go to Jerusalem, where suffering and death awaited Him. He wanted the disciples to know this too.
To Peter this made no sense, and he rebuked Jesus for even thinking these thoughts. But Jesus warned Peter that he actually was being a stumbling block, for all that awaited Him in Jerusalem was part of God’s plan.
Jesus’ disciples were learning more about what it meant to be true disciples. It did not just mean listening to or following Jesus. They were learning that real discipleship meant complete surrender and obedience, regardless of the difficulty or consequences.
In His response, Jesus emphasized three principles: We must deny ourselves and lay everything else aside. We must take up our cross and sacrifice everything to serve Him. And we must follow Him, wherever He leads.
In our lives, we are presented with the same choices. All who want to serve and follow Jesus must pass these tests. We, too, must seek first His Kingdom and deny ourselves. We, too, must take up our cross and be willing to die to self, every day. We, too, must leave all to follow Him.
We need to realize that God is watching our lives and evaluating the choices we make. We are reminded to set our priorities and think ahead, “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” (v. 27).
Today, think about what following Jesus means for you. If you are His disciple, you must be willing to give up all, yield your rights, and be ready and willing to follow Him and do what He calls you to do.
Prayer : Our Loving Heavenly Father,
I surrender my life to You. I dedicate my time, talent, and treasure to You. Use me for Your Kingdom and glory. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, In Jesus Loving Name I Pray, Amen."
Have a Blessed Saturday and God Bless you.
Courtesy : Daily Dose Devotionals Team
Have a Blessed Saturday and God Bless you.
Courtesy : Daily Dose Devotionals Team