The Message is the Cross

Matthew 16:21-28

We pick up on the heals of Peter’s confession and Jesus conferring authority in and to the Church.

Verse 21:

From then on, from the time of Peter’s confession onward. Peter’s confession is the landmark.

Jesus taught the necessity of his suffering

He knew the where,

He knew the who (Elders, Chief Priests and the Scribes.)

He knew the what, that he would die, and that he would rise from the dead.

Here is the example left to the believer and it is expected to be followed.

John 13:15 “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you.”

1 Peter 2:21 “For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”

Verse 22:

Peter’s rebuke - No your destiny is Ruling, Sitting on the Throne of David, Subduing God’s enemies.

Yet this first advent of Christ was marked by humility, submission to the Father’s will, submitting to death, the death of the Cross. Philippians 2:8 “he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross.”

We will see this submission later in Matthew 26:39 “Going a little farther, he fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.””

We can learn from all of Peter’s Rebukes:

John 13:6–8 “He came to Simon Peter, who asked him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I’m doing you don’t realize now, but afterward you will understand.” “You will never wash my feet,” Peter said. Jesus replied, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.””

Matthew 26:33–35 “Peter told him, “Even if everyone falls away because of you, I will never fall away.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to him, “tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” “Even if I have to die with you,” Peter told him, “I will never deny you,” and all the disciples said the same thing.”

Verse 23:

Get behind me Satan - This is not to say that Peter was possessed of Satan, but that Peter was no better than the adversary in this instance, having already been told that the Messiah “must” suffer, that it was “necessary” for the Messiah to suffer.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible Chapter 16

Those that decline suffering for Christ, savour more of the things of man than of the things of God.

The Cross was necessary!

Verse 24:

Jesus now speaks to the necessity of the Cross in the life of the believer.

Deny himself - Self denial has for it’s base element humility. It is those who humble themselves before God that will be exalted (Matt. 23:12).

Take up your cross - this has at it’s root being submitted to the will of God, the crucifying of the flesh and will. A dying to the world and to sin and a new life lived toward God.

Follow me - This is following Christ’s example of humility and submission.

Verse 25:

Whoever (Peter) wants to save his life will lose it. There is no glory in thinking that your life is more valuable than Christ’s and must be preserved.

Whoever loses his life for/because of me will find it. True virtue and glory come in think more of Christ, more of the Gospel. Then will a person find true life.

Verse 26:

What good will it do to gain the world, all of your selfish desires and lose your own soul?

What can you give in exchange for your soul?

THE WORLD and the things of the World are not worth your soul!

Verse 27:

Christ is coming back.

He will be rewarding everyone according to what he has done.

All men will stand before the Judgement seat of God Romans 14:10–12 “But you, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God. So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.”

Verse 28:

Matthew Poole’s Commentary on the Holy Bible, Volumes 1–3 Chapter 16

28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

Mark saith, chap. 9:1, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power; Luke, chap. 9:27, saith no more than till they see the kingdom of God. There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, that is, that shall not die,

Application

Embrace the Necessity of the Cross.

Follow Christ’s example of humility and submission.

Reevaluate your priorities in light of eternity.