The Gospel of Matthew 16:21-28 Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? “For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
Let us Pray: As we walk the procession of Life let us be thankful that Jesus walks before us, clears the way so we do not stumble. He provides the light of the future, gives us hope that we will survive and will overcome the challenges of today. This we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen
Three Tears ago I wrote this reflection on Romans 12:9-21: I needed to repost it as it really fits today’s world situation. It is always amazing the timeliness of the Lessons each week and how they seem to fit into not only our lives but into the situations in the world around us. That is why I had to include a few thoughts about the Epistle for this Sunday.
Romans 12:9-21 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.
As we read the Lesson of Paul’s letter to the Roman’s, Roman’s 12:9-21 it is a lesson for today. One can see that we need to be aware of other people’s needs not just during these uncertain times but every day. The great principle of Christian life is summarized in one word: LOVE. It is the golden rule. It is how the greatest commandment is summarized: Love for God. Love for neighbor. The greatest of all is love. But so often in church life, while we know this in theory, we forget it in practice. Our nose gets put out of joint by some slight or other inconvenience or inappropriate comment. And while piously we affirm love, even sing about love, we can still fail to practice love. What to do about it? Paul gives two great overarching principles that he breaks down into enough detail to make the godliest squirm, and challenge us all by encouraging us by the beauty of love in community. The first principle is sincerity. “Love must be sincere. The second principle is even more pertinent. Not only is our love to be sincere, our love is to be even for those who we perceive as doing us wrong.
Reflection on The Gospel of Matthew 16:21-28: Then this week’s Gospel is again a guide for us. It is a turning point in Jesus’s ministry. He begins to speak plainly about the cross, and He invites His disciples into a way of life that mirrors His own self‑giving love It centers on Jesus’ prediction of hi passion. Jesus tells His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed and rise again. The word must signals divine necessity. The cross is not an accident of history; it is the center of God’s redemptive plan. We will see that His loss and gain of his life is also ours. In Matthew’s gospel, Peter’s confession serves as a springboard from which Jesus makes his first prediction of his passion. We learn through Peter that Jesus is the Messiah and then from Jesus what that will mean for his future. If Peter had not just been praised and entrusted with great future authority by Jesus, his rebuke might not appear quite so harsh. From “holder of the keys” to “mouthpiece of Satan!” From Rock to stumbling block? In Peter’s defense, Jesus has not yet helped him understand the “why” question: Jesus has affirmed that this grim future must happen but has not backed that strange statement up with reasons. None of us wants pain and suffering to befall a loved one. We understand Peter’s impulse perfectly. Perhaps resistance to his own future had been percolating in Jesus’ thoughts. When Peter puts it into words, Jesus recognizes their source: his old nemesis. Since Satan could not get anywhere with Jesus, he is now trying to erode the devotion of his disciples. Peter’s sentiments must be sternly condemned, because they lead people to choose not just to let Jesus go it alone, but to actively oppose his mission. This gospel is a paradox the world has yet to comprehend: How can you gain life by losing it? The answer lies in the Cross of Jesus Christ. Jesus died for the sins of the world and, in dying, he was raised again to eternal life. When we follow his example and walk in his footsteps, serving others, rather than seeking pleasure and avoiding pain, we come to experience lasting peace, joy and fulfillment, such as the world has never known.
Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, Teach me to follow You with a willing heart. Free me from the fear of losing what cannot save me, and help me embrace the life that comes from giving myself to You. Let my choices reflect Your Kingdom, and let my heart rest in the promise of Your glory. Amen
Reflections by Bob 