Embracing the Cross: The Cost of Discipleship

 

Summary

In this session, we delve into the profound teachings of Matthew 16, focusing on Jesus' revelation of His identity and mission. At Caesarea Philippi, Peter declares Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the Living God," a pivotal moment that underscores Jesus' divine mission to build His church against the gates of hell, using the gospel as the ultimate weapon. Jesus then begins to reveal to His disciples the necessity of His journey to Jerusalem, where He will suffer, die, and be resurrected. This mission is not just a plan but a divine covenant established before the foundation of the world, where Jesus, as the last Adam, would lay down His life as a substitutionary sacrifice for sinners.

Peter's reaction to Jesus' foretelling of His suffering is one of denial and rebuke, reflecting a human perspective that clashes with divine purpose. Jesus' stern response, "Get behind Me, Satan," highlights the temptation to avoid the cross, reminiscent of Satan's offer of a kingdom without suffering. This interaction emphasizes the necessity of setting one's mind on divine, rather than worldly, things. Jesus calls His followers to a life of self-denial and cross-bearing, a theme echoed in the writings of John Calvin and the experiences of figures like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Thomas à Kempis. The call to take up one's cross is not a trivial burden but a profound commitment to live sacrificially, prioritizing Christ above all else.

Peter's journey, marked by moments of failure and ultimate faithfulness, serves as a powerful example of discipleship. His eventual martyrdom, crucified upside down, reflects a life transformed by the call to follow Christ, even unto death. This passage challenges us to consider the cost of discipleship and the eternal significance of losing our lives for Christ's sake. In a world where many Christians face persecution, the call to take up our cross remains as relevant and urgent as ever.

Key Takeaways:

- Jesus' mission to suffer, die, and rise again was a divine covenant established before the world's foundation, emphasizing His role as the substitutionary Lamb for sinners. This mission underscores the necessity of His sacrifice for our salvation. [03:05]

- Peter's rebuke of Jesus reveals a clash between human and divine perspectives. Jesus' response, "Get behind Me, Satan," highlights the temptation to avoid the cross and the importance of setting our minds on God's purposes. [07:28]

- The call to take up our cross and follow Jesus is a call to self-denial and sacrificial living. This profound commitment challenges us to prioritize Christ above all else, even in the face of suffering and death. [15:55]

- Peter's journey from denial to martyrdom exemplifies the transformative power of discipleship. His life challenges us to consider the cost of following Christ and the eternal significance of losing our lives for His sake. [21:01]

- In a world where many Christians face persecution, the call to take up our cross is as relevant and urgent as ever. This passage invites us to reflect on our commitment to Christ and the sacrifices we are willing to make for His glory. [21:54]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:38] - Jesus' Identity and Mission
- [01:29] - Foretelling Suffering and Resurrection
- [02:14] - The Cost of Discipleship
- [03:05] - Divine Covenant and Sacrifice
- [03:56] - Substitutionary Lamb
- [04:54] - Jesus as the Suffering Servant
- [05:45] - Peter's Rebuke and Jesus' Response
- [06:36] - Human vs. Divine Perspective
- [07:28] - Temptation to Avoid the Cross
- [08:30] - Real Temptations of Jesus
- [09:18] - Worldly Thinking vs. Godly Thinking
- [10:00] - Setting Minds on Things Above
- [11:06] - Clash of Worldviews
- [12:49] - Necessity of the Cross
- [13:41] - Call to Cross-Bearing and Self-Denial
- [15:55] - Historical Examples of Discipleship
- [16:40] - The True Meaning of the Cross
- [17:35] - Denying Self and Following Christ
- [18:29] - Peter's Journey and Martyrdom
- [21:01] - The Cost of Following Christ
- [21:54] - Urgency of the Call to Discipleship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 16:13-28
- Romans 1:16
- Philippians 2:8

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Observation Questions:

1. What significant declaration does Peter make about Jesus at Caesarea Philippi, and why is it pivotal? [00:38]

2. How does Jesus describe His mission to His disciples, and what are the key elements of this mission? [01:29]

3. What is Peter's reaction to Jesus' foretelling of His suffering, and how does Jesus respond to him? [06:36]

4. What does Jesus mean when He calls His followers to "deny themselves and take up their cross"? [13:41]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does Jesus refer to Peter as "Satan" after Peter's rebuke, and what does this reveal about the nature of temptation? [07:28]

2. How does the concept of a divine covenant before the foundation of the world shape our understanding of Jesus' mission? [03:05]

3. In what ways does Peter's journey from denial to martyrdom illustrate the transformative power of discipleship? [21:01]

4. How does the call to take up one's cross challenge contemporary Christian living, especially in the context of comfort and self-preservation? [17:35]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you prioritized worldly thinking over God's purposes. How can you shift your mindset to align more closely with divine perspectives? [11:06]

2. Jesus calls His followers to a life of self-denial. What specific areas in your life require more self-denial, and how can you begin to address them this week? [13:41]

3. Consider the cost of discipleship in your own life. What sacrifices are you currently making for Christ, and are there areas where you feel called to give more? [21:54]

4. In what ways can Peter's journey from denial to faithfulness inspire you to persevere in your own spiritual walk, even amidst failures? [21:01]

5. How can you support fellow Christians who are facing persecution or challenges in their faith journey? What practical steps can you take to encourage them? [21:54]

6. Identify a specific temptation you face that mirrors the temptation to avoid the cross. How can you confront this temptation with the truth of the gospel? [09:18]

7. How can you actively participate in building the church in "enemy-occupied territory" using the gospel as your weapon? What steps can you take this week to share the gospel with someone in your life? [00:38]

Devotional

Day 1: The Divine Covenant of Sacrifice
Jesus' mission to suffer, die, and rise again was not a mere plan but a divine covenant established before the foundation of the world. This covenant underscores His role as the substitutionary Lamb for sinners, emphasizing the necessity of His sacrifice for our salvation. The profound nature of this mission reveals the depth of God's love and the lengths to which He would go to redeem humanity. Jesus, as the last Adam, willingly laid down His life, fulfilling the divine promise and securing eternal life for those who believe. This understanding calls us to reflect on the gravity of His sacrifice and the assurance it brings to our faith. [03:05]

Hebrews 9:15 (ESV): "Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant."

Reflection: How does understanding Jesus' sacrifice as a divine covenant change the way you view your relationship with God today?


Day 2: The Clash of Perspectives
Peter's rebuke of Jesus reveals a significant clash between human and divine perspectives. When Jesus foretold His suffering, Peter's reaction was one of denial, reflecting a human desire to avoid pain and suffering. Jesus' response, "Get behind Me, Satan," highlights the temptation to avoid the cross and underscores the importance of setting our minds on God's purposes rather than worldly concerns. This interaction serves as a reminder of the constant tension between our earthly desires and the divine will, urging us to align our thoughts and actions with God's eternal plan. [07:28]

Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself prioritizing worldly concerns over God's purposes, and how can you begin to shift your focus today?


Day 3: The Call to Self-Denial
The call to take up our cross and follow Jesus is a profound commitment to self-denial and sacrificial living. This call challenges us to prioritize Christ above all else, even in the face of suffering and death. It is not a trivial burden but a transformative journey that requires us to lay down our desires and ambitions for the sake of the gospel. Historical figures like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Thomas à Kempis exemplify this commitment, reminding us that true discipleship involves a willingness to embrace the cross and live for Christ's glory. [15:55]

Luke 9:23-24 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"

Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you can practice self-denial for the sake of following Jesus more closely?


Day 4: The Transformative Power of Discipleship
Peter's journey from denial to martyrdom exemplifies the transformative power of discipleship. Despite his initial failures, Peter's life was ultimately marked by faithfulness and a willingness to follow Christ even unto death. His eventual martyrdom, crucified upside down, reflects a life transformed by the call to follow Jesus. This transformation challenges us to consider the cost of discipleship and the eternal significance of losing our lives for Christ's sake. It invites us to reflect on our own journey of faith and the ways in which we are being transformed by our commitment to Christ. [21:01]

2 Corinthians 4:10-11 (ESV): "Always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh."

Reflection: How has your journey of discipleship transformed you, and what steps can you take to deepen your commitment to following Christ?


Day 5: The Urgency of the Call to Discipleship
In a world where many Christians face persecution, the call to take up our cross remains as relevant and urgent as ever. This passage invites us to reflect on our commitment to Christ and the sacrifices we are willing to make for His glory. The urgency of this call challenges us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing our relationship with Jesus above all else. As we consider the cost of discipleship, we are reminded of the eternal rewards that await those who faithfully follow Christ, even in the face of adversity. [21:54]

1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV): "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."

Reflection: What sacrifices are you willing to make for the sake of following Jesus, and how can you begin to live with a greater sense of urgency in your discipleship journey today?

Quotes

"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. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, 'Far be it from You, Lord! This shall never happen to You.' 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.'" [00:01:29]

"He must go because this is His purpose, this is His function, this is His mission, this is what He had covenanted to do before the foundation of the world in that covenant of redemption between the Father and the Son. 'I will go,' He would have said to His Father. He had come for one purpose. He had come to die as the last Adam, as the second man. He had come to lay down His life on behalf of sinners." [00:03:14]

"He had come to be the substitute, because we cannot provide for our own salvation. So, He would be the substitutionary Lamb offered in our place. He would be the one to provide penal substitution to satisfy the demands of divine justice, to propitiate our sins, to perform an act of obedience. 'He was obedient even to the point of death,' Paul says in Philippians 2." [00:03:39]

"And so, Peter objects; he took Him aside. Imagine that! Perhaps, he doesn't want Him to be embarrassed or perhaps he doesn't want to be embarrassed, but who takes Jesus aside and began to rebuke Him. Imagine! 'Far be it from You, Lord! This shall never happen to You.' He utters two things out of both sides of His mouth at the same time. 'You are my Master. You are my Lord. I am completely obedient to You. I am Your servant. But You are wrong and You are mistaken and this will never happen to You.'" [00:06:18]

"Now, Jesus didn't speak like that to His disciples. I can't think of another instance where He spoke to His disciples like that where He addresses Peter, looks him in the face and calls him Satan. What is it? It is as though Peter has touched a raw nerve. Something comes into the mind of Jesus that reminds Him of a similar voice that once said to Him, 'You can have a crown without a cross.'" [00:07:45]

"These temptations are real. You know, don't think that because He was God that somehow or other these temptations were not real. These temptations come to Him in His human nature. How tempting it must have been to have all that authority, to have all that glory and not to have to die for it, not to have to be crucified for it." [00:09:18]

"There are versions of Christianity. They are not Christianity at all, but there are versions of Christianity that purport that the death of Jesus is unnecessary, that it isn't necessary for Jesus to die, He was just simply the fate of forces beyond His control, that you don't have to believe in a bloody sacrifice on a cross. But, my dear friend, whatever that is, it is not Christianity, because without the cross there is no Christianity." [00:13:08]

"He begins to teach them and to teach them about taking up a cross, 'If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.' He is calling His disciples to a life of cross-bearing and self-denial. There is a marvelous section in Book Three 3 of The Institutes by John Calvin and he is talking about the Christian life. And he says it consists of three things: cross-bearing, self-denial, and meditation on the future life." [00:14:04]

"Jesus bids us, take up a cross and die. And then a few days later the Nazis, just before the end of the Second World War, the Nazis took him out and hanged him. Jesus bids us, 'Take up a cross and die.' And it was Thomas à Kempis, I think, who said at some point, 'If you will bear the cross, it will bear you.' If you will bear the cross, it will bear you." [00:15:28]

"We live so much for ourselves, for our comfort. We want things to be comfortable. We want things to be nice. We want things to go in our own way. And here is this massive worldview that cuts right across that small narrow thinking of ours and says, 'You've got to give it all. You've got to give it all. You must deny yourself. You must say no to sin.'" [00:17:07]

"If you're going to be My followers, you've got to be prepared to die. You've got to be prepared to deny yourself and your comfort. You must put Me first," Jesus is saying. It is hard, isn't it? There is no compromising. We want to take a text like this and we want to sort of arrange it, reshape it a little, make it a little softer." [00:18:09]

"Peter, well, he is displayed warts and all; you know the good, the bad, and the ugly. But in AD 64, he was captured at the behest of Nero, partly to do with the fires, and so on, in Rome and he blamed the Christians for it. And some said that Nero set the fires himself or he didn't do it himself. He wasn't in the city. He was out of the city when it happened." [00:20:03]

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Transcript
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