PRAY
Take some time to pause, slow down and focus in on the time you are about to spend with Jesus. Give yourself 60 seconds to simply be still before God. After that silence, agree with this prayer:

Jesus,You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Thank You for revealing this truth to me in the same way You revealed it to Peter. Today, show me what You want me to see from his journey with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

JESUS REBUKES PETER
Before diving into today’s story, go back to your notes from yesterday when Jesus affirms Peter and basically tells him he is an unstoppable force. You may even want to re-read Matthew 16:13-20. The story you are going to read seems to take place very soon after Peter has made his confession and Jesus has given a major blessing(some scholars would say they haven’t even left Caesarea Philippi). Keep this in mind as you read.

READ AND CONTEMPLATE MATTHEW 16:21-28*
Take your time as you read. Picture yourself as Peter. Try to hear/see/feel things as he would in the moment they happened.

Can you understand why Peter would pull Jesus to the side and say what he said in v. 22? Why or why not?

What would be going on in your heart and mind after receiving the rebuke in verse 23?

If you were Peter, how would you hear and perceive the teaching of vv. 24-28?

Peter does not like the sound of what Jesus’ Here to There journey is going to look like. We don’t know if Peter has a different or better idea. He doesn’t get a chance to share that. Through the words of Jesus’ swift rebuke and the teaching that follows, He makes it clear that whatever Peter’s intentions are, they are getting in the way of the Father’s greater purpose. The Here to There journey for Jesus will not be easy, but it will be rewarding. He has some news for the disciples as well. Their journey will not be easy either (phrases like “deny yourself,” “pick up your cross,” or “lose your life for me” indicate a tough road). At the same time, their journey will have reward as well (see v. 27-28).

MAKE IT PERSONAL
Is there any area of your life where you want to find an easier route than what you are on right now?

Is there any possibility that instead of finding an easier path, you will have to face the trial or tough times in order to get to the There God is calling you toward?

THE BOTTOM LINE
If John 6 (from Monday) and Matthew 16 teach us anything, they remind us that there is a cost to following Jesus. It involves surrender and sacrifice. But, it is also the path that brings fulfillment, life (both now and eternally), and reward. Whether the path today seems tough or easy, make sure you are walking with Jesus on that path and trusting Him to guide the steps.

*This story also appears in Mark 8:21-23