Jesus’ words

After Peter’s confession of faith, Jesus, for the first time, declared His own suffering. Knowing His public ministry will end in a year, Jesus starts devoting all His energy to training His disciples from this point on. This passage marks the initial prediction of His suffering. Subsequently, this prediction is repeated, becoming more detailed as it progresses. However, the disciples could not understand its meaning until the very end. Therefore, when Jesus was crucified, they were utterly shocked, as if something completely unexpected had occurred. In today’s passage, Jesus predicts three things: (1) He will suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes. (2) Ultimately, He will be killed. (3) On the third day, He will rise again.

Peter’s reaction

Peter, upon hearing Jesus’s words, took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. “Rebuke” is a strong word with an indication of trying to persuade a person to prevent something from happening. (1) Jesus responds, “Get behind Me, Satan.” This doesn’t mean Peter is Satan, but rather his judgment, actions, and words align with Satan’s plan. (2) Satan’s plan is to hinder Jesus from getting on the cross during the Passover. This is a scheme attempting to invalidate Jesus’ atoning work. Next, Jesus instructs His disciples on how they should live, as preparation for future ministry. The theme here is not concerning salvation, but rather how to become Jesus’ disciples. To “take up his cross,” means to become one with Jesus’ suffering and to participate in that suffering. In other words, it means to take a position of being sentenced to death from this world. It is far from being self-centered. However, for those who loses their lives and follow Jesus, true life will be given to them. Let’s reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ words, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?” How does this phrase resonate with you?