Jesus Guides His Church through Cross and Trial (Matthew 16:21-26)

Jesus Guides His Church With a Powerful Promise, Week 2, September 13, 2020

Readings for this Week:

First Lesson: Judges 16:22-31: Samson had the world: strength, fame, power, leadership, love. Yet he was losing his soul. But the God grace humbled him. Samson repented and took up his cross and followed. He lost his life, but died in faith.

Psalm 121: Psalm 121 reminds us that our help comes from the LORD; He will keep us from all harm.

Second Lesson Galatians 6:12-16: Christians will be temped to give in to license or legalism in order to escape persecution. But Christ told us to expect persecution and burdens that come from carrying his cross.

Gospel and Sermon text: Matthew 16:21-26:  Jesus had come to fulfill the redemptive mission for which he was anointed; he had not come to fulfill Israel’s earthbound views of the Messiah. He couldn’t be the Messiah they wanted, and still be the Savior they needed. Cross and death were first necessary. For Christian followers, cross comes before crown as well. We die to self, but gain Christ, the Life.

Sermon:  Jesus Guides His Church through Cross and Trial: Matthew 16:21-26.

As we read Matthew chapter 16, this was Jesus’ first time telling the disciples about his coming death and resurrection and see that, as we contemplate the scripture, we need to keep in mind the things of God and continually deny our sinful selves.

As hard as it may be to continually deny our sinful self, what is to come from it is worth all the trouble, for we will find a life that is with our God, accompanied by our brothers and sisters in the faith, and assured of the peace we have with God himself because of his forgiveness.

And, when that life transitions to its eternity in heaven, we will finally have rest from the crosses and trials we endure in this life and find life with Christ forever in heaven.

Pastor Tim Patoka