Matthew 16:21-28
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. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “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.”
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. 28 Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
Reflection
Jesus will experience the shame and rejection reserved for the least valued and least powerful members of his society: crucifixion (Matt. 16:21). From the perspective of this ungodly world, Jesus’ death seems like utter “folly” (1 Cor. 1:18–25). Even though Peter realizes that Jesus is God’s chosen King (“the Christ”; Matt. 16:16), he does not yet understand that Jesus has come to save his people in this unexpected way.
Jesus therefore instructs Peter and all of us that following him requires us to reject the values and goals of this sinful world (vv. 24–28). Jesus encourages his disciples not to believe the world’s lie that following him is shameful. The disciple of Jesus has chosen the path of true life that leads to lasting joy (vv. 25–26; Eph. 2:1–3; 4:17–19). We may not experience the fullness of that joy until eternity, but we can experience the joy of the good news even now, as we live in God’s constant presence with the knowledge that he cares for us and plans everything for our ultimate good (Matt. 11:28–30; 13:44–46).
Romans 15:1-7
15: We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Reflection
This section continues the theme of Romans 14: faith in Christ does not produce selfishness, but rather a desire to do good to others (15:1–2). Christ gave up his own rights and dignity so that salvation might come to others, in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (v. 3). These same Scriptures are still intended to encourage Christians to persevere in the call to love others (vv. 4–5). The Old Testament, Paul says, was written so that “we might have hope” (v. 4). The whole Bible is primarily a message of hope. That hope is what strengthens the church to become the harmonious, worshipful, and welcoming community that Christ desires us to be (vv. 5–7).
Psalm 34:4-7
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
The hard path of discipleship may seem to lead us into disgrace at times, but our destiny is not shame—it is honor. Pray for protection against loving the praises of people so that you can stand for the principles of God’s kingdom even when the world regards you as a fool.