Matthew 16:21-17 "The Scandal of the Cross"

“The Scandal of the Cross”

Jesus was careful with His disciples regarding being identified as the Christ, the Messiah. He wanted to be recognized as the Messiah but as His Father had prophesied the Messiah, rather than as the Jewish people expected and demanded (). After the feeding of the 5,000, the people wanted to force Him to be king ().

I. The Suffering Messiah –

A. The Old Testament prophets provided the script for Jesus –

1. “My servant” says the Lord will be marred more than any man –

2. He is despised and rejected by men –

3. He was wounded by God the Father for our transgressions –

B. Peter did not understand these Old Testament prophecies

1. He was relying on his own understanding – the Messiah was to be a conqueror not a sufferer

2. The Jews thought that Jesus was a fraud because He would not come down from the cross –

3. The cross is foolishness to those who desire signs and philosophical wisdom –

4. But to those who are saved, it is the power of God –

5. Jesus said, “When I am lifted up on the cross, I will draw all peoples to myself”

C. Peter rebuked Him –

1. He thought he was seeking mercy for Jesus

2. But he was continuing the temptation of Jesus – jump off the temple and all will know you are the Messiah –

3. Instead of Peter building Christ’s kingdom, he is an offense to Jesus and is building his own narrow kingdom that is comfortable for himself

II. Example –

A. Jesus is our example –

1. Jesus made Himself poor –

2. We are not Jesus’ teacher but we are to follow Him

B. The Christian life is one of self-restraint and denial

1. We are to put our old nature to death – ,

2. The war is within ourselves to submit to God – Take up our cross - die to our desires in order to fulfill Christ’s desires for us. Follow Him!!! He leads us through death into a bigger world.

III. Resurrection and Reward –

A. Jesus took up His cross and died

1. Three days later He was resurrected

2. He was rewarded –

B. God desires to reward us

1. Who is king – you or Jesus Christ?

2. Where are the leaders today who are willing to sacrifice themselves for the good of those they care for? Death is working in us so that you might have life – ;

3. Aging and dying is an ascent – (not a decline) – Death is swallowed up by life.

4. If we suffer with Christ, we will be exalted with Christ –

The Son of Man will come . . . then He will reward you –