Today’s
Scripture: Matthew 16:21
“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 be raised up on the third day.”
Words
of Devotion
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.
Today's Prayer : Dear
Lord Jesus, I surrender my life to You. I dedicate my time, talent, and
treasure to You. Use me for Your Kingdom and Glory. In Your name Amen
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