Matthew 16:21-28: The Call to Suffer

Intro

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

This well-known quote comes from the missionary Jim Elliot, a man who willingly gave up whatever was necessary so that when he entered heaven, many others would follow because of his willingness to suffer. And suffer he certainly did.

One way he suffered was by laying down his desire for a wife as an offering to God. We have letters exchanged between him and his sweetheart, Elisabeth, showing their deep love for each other, but even deeper than their love was their commitment to God’s will. Jim took seriously Paul’s encouragement to remain single if possible to serve the Lord more fully, and for several years, he pursued missionary work in Ecuador, leaving Elisabeth behind.

Then, an opportunity opened up to work with the tribe he most wanted to reach—but it had a requirement he could not meet. The position was only for a married couple. So Jim wrote to Elisabeth and asked how soon she could come to marry him so they could begin the work together. She left immediately, and they were wed in 1953.

Less than three years later, in January 1956, Jim Elliot and four other missionaries were speared to death by the very people they were trying to reach with the gospel. Jim had left behind his home, his family’s comfort, and his own safety—because he believed that Jesus was worth it.

But what drove him to that level of commitment? What made him willing to suffer for Christ?

It was the example of Jesus.

Jim saw something in Jesus that transformed his view of suffering and sacrifice. And that’s what we will see today in Matthew 16.

The disciples had just begun to grasp that Jesus was the Messiah. But now, Jesus reveals something shocking to them: the Messiah must suffer.

And not just suffer—He must suffer under the full weight of God’s wrath.

If we want to understand what it means to follow Jesus, we must first understand where He walked and what He endured on our behalf.

Sermon

Jesus’ Suffering (21-23)

Context and Exposition:

Right after the Confession - You are the Christ!

The disciples were probably ecstatic when Jesus affirmed this. They were probably ready to go shout to all Israel that the Messiah had come! Israel, get ready for your King to come!

But the end of that section was shocking. We didn’t have the time to get to it last week, but in verse 20 it says that Jesus:

Matthew 16:20 ESV

20 ... strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.”

Now, why would Jesus do that? Why wouldn’t he let his disciples go out and declare that message? Because that message had already been proclaimed and rejected.

Remember that the leaders of Israel were seeking to destroy Jesus because of his teachings and because of how the people thought of him.

The good news of Jesus’ kingdom had already been proclaimed to Israel and Israel did not care. Actually, worse, they hated such a proclamation.

So the disciples are not to go trying to proclaim this message because all that it will do is make the work of the Kingdom that much harder by making the leaders even more angry and ready to kill Jesus.

So Jesus tells them to keep their mouths shut about this so that he can continue to teach them.

And from verse 21 we do see that Peter’s confession is truly a turning point because it says “from that time, Jesus began to teach them something...”

And this something that he’s teaching is that he is going to suffer and be killed by the leaders of Israel, but after three days he would rise again.

1. Jesus predicts his suffering (21)

Now, we know specifically because of the disciples reactions that they are still expecting the Messiah to come and bring his kingdom by force. Even though there have been some breakthroughs in their understanding, they still don’t fully understand what it is that Jesus is going to do.

So when Jesus begins to teach them these things, they can’t comprehend it because they have no category for it.

So look at verse 21:

"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 on the third day be raised."

Notice the word “must.” Jesus isn’t saying this might happen or that it’s one possible outcome. No, this was the divine plan of redemption set before the foundation of the world (Acts 2:23). His suffering wasn’t accidental—it was necessary.

He must go to Jerusalem—the very city that had killed the prophets before Him (Luke 13:34).

He must suffer at the hands of religious leaders—the very ones who were supposed to recognize and honor the Messiah.

He must be killed—because only through His death could sinners be reconciled to God.

And He must be raised—because suffering, in the kingdom of God, is never the end of the story. Crowns come after crosses, life comes after death, and glory comes after suffering in Christ’s Kingdom.

And we can see that Jesus knew exactly the great suffering that was coming, and He willingly walked straight into it.

2. Peter’s Rebuke (22)

But Peter doesn’t like this plan. Look at verse 22:

"And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.’"

Peter had just confessed Jesus as the Christ (v. 16), but he still had the wrong idea about what that meant. He expected a victorious king, not a suffering servant!

And if we’re honest, we often think the same way. We love the idea of a Jesus who wins our battles, but we often struggle with a Jesus who suffers and calls us to suffer with Him.

Peter wants the crown without the cross. And Jesus is not having it.

3. Jesus’ Rebuke (23)

Jesus turns to Peter and returns the rebuke by saying something startling:

"Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man."

Why such a strong rebuke? Because this isn’t just Peter’s bad theology—it’s the very temptation of Satan himself.

In the wilderness, Satan offered Jesus a shortcut: kingship without suffering (Matthew 4:8-10). Though he doesn’t know it, Peter is echoing that same lie.

But Jesus will not take the easy road. He knows there is no salvation without suffering.

The Ultimate Suffering: The Wrath of God

And unlike what so many people seem to focus on, Jesus wasn’t just predicting a painful death being beaten, his flesh pierced and torn open, crucified and killed on the cross—He was preparing to bear the full wrath of God for sinners.

1. Jesus’ Desire to Not Face God’s Wrath

We see this most clearly in the Garden of Gethsemane. Hours before His crucifixion, Jesus fell on His face and prayed:

"Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." (Luke 22:42)

This is not a man afraid of nails or whips—this is the Son of God staring into the cup of God’s wrath (Isaiah 51:17, Revelation 14:10). He knew what was coming:

The full weight of divine justice.

The horror of being forsaken by the Father.

The punishment for every sin of every believer throughout history past, present, and future.

And He was deeply distressed.

Jesus, the eternal Son, did not want to face the wrath of God—yet He obeyed anyway. That’s what makes His sacrifice so incredible. He endured what He wanted to avoid.

2. Jesus’ Willing Submission to Suffering

Though Jesus desired to escape God’s wrath, He submitted to the Father’s will. Why? Because He loves the Father, and because He loves us.

On the cross, He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). He was experiencing the judgment that you and I deserve.

Every sin—every lie, every lustful thought, every selfish action, every careless word, every prideful and self-righteous act—was laid upon Him.

He who had never known separation from the Father experienced utter forsakenness.

He absorbed the full wrath of God so that we would never have to.

This is why there is no salvation apart from the cross.

If sin could be forgiven without Jesus suffering under God’s wrath, then the cross was unnecessary.

So, while Jesus did suffer physically, the far greater suffering he endured the cup of God’s wrath.

But He suffered because there was no other way.

Gospel Connection: The Great Exchange

Why did Jesus do this? So that sinners like you and me could be saved.

2 Corinthians 5:21 says:

"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

That’s the great exchange:

Jesus took our sin, and we receive His righteousness.

He was forsaken by His Father, so we could be brought near to Him.

He suffered, so we could rejoice!

Application:

Jesus’ suffering was not theoretical—it was real, excruciating, and necessary. If we truly grasp what He endured, it will change everything about how we live.

1. For Those Who Do Not Know Christ

If you are not a Christian, understand this: Jesus suffered the wrath of God so that sinners like you could be forgiven. If you reject Him, you will bear that wrath yourself.

The world tells you that sin is not a big deal, but the cross proves otherwise. Your sin required nothing less than the death of the Son of God.

Repent and believe in Christ. There is no other way to escape judgment.

2. For Christians Who Are Struggling with Sin

Some of us claim Christ, but we treat sin lightly. When you choose lust, greed, pride, or anger, you are acting as though Jesus’ suffering was insignificant.

If the Son of God endured the full wrath of God to atone for your sin, how can you embrace the very thing He died to save you from?

Kill sin. Not because you are trying to earn salvation, but because you have been bought with the blood of Christ (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

And don’t take pride in yourself when you think you’ve killed your sin well. So often, as the Enemy loses the battles of your more obvious sinful actions being removed from your life, he wins the war of instilling in us prideful hearts that forget or ignore our need for Jesus’ saving work every single second of our lives.

Transition to next point:

Jesus suffered under the wrath of God for us. But if we are His disciples, we are called to share in His suffering. That brings us to our second point: Our Suffering.

Our Suffering (24)

Introduction to the Point

Suffering is not just something that happened to Jesus—it is something He calls His followers to endure. When Peter rebuked Jesus for saying He would suffer, Peter was not just rejecting the idea of a suffering Messiah; he was rejecting the Divine Plan for what he had been taught by human teachers.

But Jesus turns to His disciples and makes it clear: if you follow Me, you will suffer too.

This is where many turn away. Many want the comfort of Christianity without the cost. But Jesus does not offer a life free from suffering, sickness, pain, and death; He offers a cross. The question is, will we embrace it?

Key Idea: The Call to Take Up Our Cross

Jesus does not invite us to a comfortable life—He calls us to come and die.

The phrase “take up your cross” was shocking to Jesus’ audience. The cross was not just a symbol of hardship—it was an instrument of execution.

To follow Jesus is to die to yourself: your desires, your plans, and even your earthly security. Whether that is financial, physical, or even political security.

To follow Jesus is to accept suffering, not as an accident, but as the path of discipleship.

Jesus doesn’t say if you suffer, but rather he expects his followers to do so! “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

There is no Christianity without the cross.

In fact Luke 14:27 states it more strongly by stating this in the negative!

Instead of saying that if you want to follow Jesus you must pick up your cross,

He says that anyone who doesn’t follow Jesus by bearing the cross cannot be his disciple

Exegesis: What It Means to Take Up Your Cross

Deny Yourself – The world says, “Be true to yourself.” Jesus says, “Deny yourself.” Christianity is not about self-fulfillment; it is about self-sacrifice.

Take Up Your Cross – This is not just about enduring difficulty; it is about dying to sin and living for Christ (Galatians 2:20).

Galatians 2:20 ESV

20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Follow Jesus – True discipleship means walking in His steps, embracing suffering as He did (1 Peter 2:21).

This is not a popular message. Many turn away when suffering comes. But Jesus warns: “Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (v.25)

Gospel Connection: Why Can We Suffer with Hope?

Jesus is not calling us to a suffering He Himself has not endured. He took up His cross first.

Because Jesus suffered for us, we can suffer for Him.

Because Jesus overcame suffering, we know our suffering is not the end.

Because Jesus rose, our suffering is producing eternal glory (2 Cor. 4:17).

Polycarp, a disciple of the Apostle John, was arrested and told to deny Christ or be burned alive. His response? "Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?"

As they lit the fire, he prayed and went to his death with confidence. He understood that suffering for Christ leads to glory.

Application: How Should We Respond to Suffering?

1. For Non-Christians: Count the Cost Before You Follow

Key Scripture: Luke 14:27-28 – “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”

Many end up rejecting Christianity because they were sold a false bill of goods. They were taught to assume following Jesus means an easier life. But Jesus makes it clear: following Him will cost you.

But what will it cost you if you don’t follow Jesus?

The question is not whether you will suffer, but what you will suffer for. Are you clinging to a temporary, comfortable life only to lose eternal life?

Action Step: Ask yourself honestly: Am I willing to follow Christ even if it costs me everything? Do not follow Him under false pretenses. He calls you to a cross, not comfort.

2. For Christians Struggling with Suffering: Do Not Be Surprised, But Endure Faithfully

Key Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-13 – “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings.”

Many Christians struggle when suffering comes, as if something has gone wrong. But Jesus promised this.

Suffering for Christ is not a mark of failure—it is a mark of faithfulness.

And not all suffering is because of our faithfulness. Much suffering has come because of unfaithfulness. If we do not allow that suffering to be a megaphone shouting at us to set our eyes on Christ alone, then our suffering will be for nothing.

Our suffering is meant to draw us to Christ.

Instead of asking, Why me? ask, How can this suffering draw me closer to Christ?

Action Step: Memorize James 1:2-4 this week and meditate on it when suffering comes. Instead of complaining, pray: “Lord, use this trial to make me more like Christ.”

3. For Those Who Are Weary: Find Strength in the Body of Christ

Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “God comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction.”

When suffering comes, isolation is a great temptation. But God has given us the church to bear our burdens.

Seek out Christian brothers and sisters when you suffer. Let others carry your burdens in prayer, encouragement, and practical help.

Likewise, if you have endured suffering, use your experience to encourage others.

Action Step: This week, find one person in your church who is suffering. Call them, pray for them, or offer a tangible way to help.

4. For the Church: Cultivate a Culture That Embraces Suffering

Key Scripture: Acts 14:22 – “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

Many churches avoid talking about suffering, focusing only on victory and blessing. But a biblical church teaches both suffering and hope.

That’s why I love the song Almost Home, it calls us to hope and endurance to finish the race!

Train believers to expect hardship, not as a lack of faith, but as a confirmation of it.

Be a community that supports those who suffer—practically, emotionally, and spiritually.

And the best way to help someone in the midst of suffering and difficulty?

Be present and listen.

It’s so hard for us to quietly sit in the suffering of others, but we have been called to mourn with those who mourn.

Don’t try to prematurely avoid the suffering of others, with catchy sayings.

Be a beacon of God’s faithfulness and our gospel hope, but having great hope does not mean we do not face things that rightly deserve great mourning.

5. For Public Witness: Show the World That Suffering for Christ is Worth It

Key Scripture: Philippians 1:29 – “It has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.”

The world sees suffering as meaningless, but Christians endure with hope.

When people ask, How can you still trust God after all this?—be ready to testify to His goodness.

Suffering well for Christ is one of the strongest witnesses to a watching world.

Action Step: This week, if someone asks how you’re doing, don’t just say, “I’m fine.” If you are suffering, share how God is sustaining you and use it as an opportunity to point to Christ.

Illustration: A Pillow and A Cross

The Gospel is like a pillow and a cross.

The pillow is the comfort of Christ, but too many people stop there. Jesus did not call us to an LaZBoy—He called us to a cross. And in a way that seems so upside down, the cross leads to the greatest joy and comfort.

Transition to the Final Point: We have seen Jesus’ suffering and our suffering. But what is the result of suffering? Jesus does not call us to meaningless pain—He calls us to glory. In our final point, we will see the eternal weight of glory that suffering produces.

The Result of Suffering (25-28)

If Jesus calls us to suffering, what is the result? Is it just pain and hardship for the sake of pain? No—Jesus does not call us to meaningless suffering. He calls us to lose our lives so that we may find them. He calls us to take up our cross now because there is a crown to come.

There are two possible results of suffering:

If we reject Christ’s call to take up our cross, we may gain the whole world—but in the end, we will lose everything.

If we embrace suffering for Christ, we may lose much in this life, but we will gain eternal life and eternal joy in His presence.

Suffering is never the end of the story for a Christian—glory is.

Key Idea: Suffering for Christ Leads to Eternal Reward

Jesus contrasts earthly gain with eternal life.

Many people are willing to suffer for temporary rewards—athletes endure intense training, soldiers risk their lives, people sacrifice years and even their families for careers.

But Jesus asks a piercing question: What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?

In other words, is there anything worth keeping if it costs you eternal life?

There is a day coming when Christ will return in glory (v.27). Those who have suffered for His sake will be vindicated. Those who have sought comfort over Christ will face eternal loss.

Exegesis: The Coming of the Son of Man

Jesus will return in His Father’s glory (v.27). The suffering Messiah will come as the victorious King.

He will repay each person according to what they have done – This does not mean salvation is by works, but that Christ will expose the true condition of each heart. Those who lived for themselves will lose everything; those who lived for Christ will be rewarded.

Some standing there would not taste death before seeing the kingdom come in power (v.28) – This likely refers to Jesus’ transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-8) or the coming of His kingdom in power through His resurrection and the spread of the Gospel.

For believers, this is a promise: suffering is temporary, but glory is eternal.

Gospel Connection: The Cross Before the Crown

The pattern of the Christian life follows the pattern of Christ:

First suffering, then glory (1 Peter 5:10).

First the cross, then the crown (Philippians 2:8-11).

First rejection, then exaltation (Matthew 5:11-12).

We do not suffer to earn salvation, but suffering proves that our treasure is in Christ, not in this world.

Application: How, then, Should We Live in Light of This?

1. For Non-Christians: Consider the True Cost of Rejecting Christ

Key Scripture: Hebrews 9:27 – “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.”

Many reject Christ because they do not want to suffer for Him. But Jesus warns: What will you gain if you forfeit your soul?

The world can offer comfort, success, and security—but only for a short time. In the end, you will stand before God.

Don’t be like the rich young ruler who walked away from Jesus because he loved his wealth more than eternal life (Matt. 19:22).

Action Step: Examine your heart. Are you rejecting Jesus because you love the things of this world? If so, count the cost—not just of following Christ, but of rejecting Him.

2. For Christians Struggling with Suffering: Fix Your Eyes on Eternal Glory

Key Scripture: Romans 8:18 – “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Suffering is real, but it is temporary. Glory is forever.

When we suffer for Christ, we must remember what awaits us: resurrection, joy, and eternal life.

Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). We must do the same.

Action Step: Write down one trial you are facing right now. Next to it, write down a promise from Scripture about eternal life. When suffering comes, cling to those promises.

3. For the Weary: Remember That No Suffering is Wasted

Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:17 – “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”

Every tear, every hardship, every moment of suffering is producing something eternal in you.

You may not see it now, but God is using your suffering to refine you and prepare you for eternal joy.

Action Step: Start a gratitude journal. Each day, write down one way God is using your suffering to grow you in faith.

4. For the Church: Encourage One Another to Endure

Key Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25 – “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works... encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Suffering is easier when we walk through it together.

The church must be a place where believers support and encourage one another in trials.

Action Step: When you are struggling to endure, when you are losing hope, reach out to fellow church members and tell them. Be humble enough to admit you need the strength of the rest of the Body of Christ to help you endure. Every time I offer practical help to you, I mean it. I am not strong enough, and neither are you.

5. For Public Witness: Show the World That Christ is Worth It

Key Scripture: Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

The world watches how Christians respond when we suffer. When they see complaint, despair, or even turning away from Christ. What are we telling them? We’re telling them that He is not enough in and of himself.

We’re telling them that Jesus is only worth it when he brings comfort.

But when we suffer with joy and faith, steadfastly proclaiming the truth that Christ is our King and that is enough for us, we show that Jesus Christ, his Gospel, his forgiveness, his Kingdom!, is the greatest treasure anyone could possibly ask for.

Action Step: The next time someone outside the church asks how you’re doing, don’t hide your struggles—but also don’t complain. Instead, testify to how Christ is sustaining you.

Closing Illustration: The Glory of God in the death of Jim Elliot

In 1958, just two years after the death of Jim Elliot and the other missionaries, Elisabeth—Jim’s widow—and several other women and children made a stunning decision.

They forgave.

They forgave the very people who had killed their husbands, brothers, and fathers.

But they did not stop there. They went back.

Elisabeth and the others moved into the tribe that had taken everything from them. They learned the language, created a written form of it, and because they were not seen as a threat, they were welcomed in. And there, they proclaimed the gospel—to the same men who had thrust spears into their loved ones’ chests.

And the Lord was glorified in their suffering.

Many came to Christ, including the very men who had killed Jim and the others.

The transformation was so profound that the entire tribe’s way of life changed. They turned from vengeance to the eternal glory of worshiping their Creator.

In 1992, a New Testament was published in their language.

Elisabeth Elliot passed away ten years ago, but she and Jim understood something most of us struggle to accept: Jesus is worth all suffering.

They did not shrink back from the call to suffer. They leaned into it.

Because they believed and lived for what Jim had written in his journal:

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

Reflection & Challenge

What are you living for? Are you chasing the world, or are you embracing Christ’s call to take up your cross?

How are you responding to suffering? Are you grumbling, or are you enduring with joy?

Do you truly believe suffering leads to glory? If so, let it change how you live today.

Key Verse to Meditate On

"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24)

Living this Out:

Non-Christians: Repent and come to Christ while there is still time.

Christians: Endure suffering together in this life with joy, knowing that glory awaits. Strengthen one another, so that none may fall away in their suffering. Let your suffering testify that Christ is worth it.

Jesus calls us to suffering now, but glory is coming. Let us take up our cross and follow Him together.