The Cross: The Heart of Jesus' Mission

 

Summary

In our journey towards Easter, we reflect on Jesus' path to the cross, beginning with the pivotal moment in Caesarea Philippi where Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter's declaration that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, is a revelation from God, not from human understanding. This moment sets the stage for Jesus to reveal the necessity of His suffering, rejection, and death, which are essential for His mission. The disciples, particularly Peter, struggle with this revelation, as it contradicts their expectations of a triumphant Messiah who would restore Israel without suffering.

Peter's rebuke of Jesus highlights a common desire for a Jesus without the cross—a Jesus who is a moral teacher and miracle worker but not a suffering Savior. This desire persists today, as many seek a version of Jesus that aligns with human values and aspirations without the uncomfortable reality of the cross. However, Jesus' response to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan," underscores the necessity of the cross for salvation. Without the cross, there is no reconciliation with God, no forgiveness of sins, and no hope of eternal life.

The cross is central to understanding the things of God, which transcend the immediate concerns of this world. It is through the cross that Jesus accomplishes the ultimate act of love and mercy, bearing the sins of humanity and offering redemption. Peter's journey from rebuking Jesus to being restored by Him after the resurrection illustrates the transformative power of the cross. It is a reminder that our failures and sins are not the end of the story; through the cross, we find forgiveness and new life.

Key Takeaways:

- The Identity of Jesus: Peter's recognition of Jesus as the Christ is a divine revelation, not a human conclusion. This understanding is foundational for grasping the necessity of the cross, as it reveals Jesus' true mission as the Savior. [03:22]

- The Necessity of the Cross: Jesus' suffering, rejection, and death are essential for the salvation of humanity. Without the cross, there is no reconciliation with God, highlighting the depth of God's love and the gravity of our sin. [06:23]

- The Temptation of a Cross-less Jesus: There is a persistent temptation to embrace a version of Jesus that aligns with human values without the discomfort of the cross. This temptation overlooks the essential role of the cross in God's redemptive plan. [13:08]

- Setting Our Minds on the Things of God: Understanding the necessity of the cross requires setting our minds on the things of God, which transcend the immediate concerns of this world. This perspective reveals our need for a Savior. [15:51]

- Restoration Through the Cross: Peter's restoration after his denial of Jesus illustrates the transformative power of the cross. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, we find forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life, despite our failures. [26:43]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:18] - Journey to the Cross
- [00:32] - Who Do People Say I Am?
- [01:04] - Popular Opinions of Jesus
- [03:00] - Peter's Confession
- [04:14] - Jesus Predicts His Suffering
- [06:23] - The Necessity of the Cross
- [07:31] - Peter's Rebuke
- [09:03] - The Temptation of a Cross-less Jesus
- [11:23] - The Demand for Jesus Without the Cross
- [14:36] - Jesus' Response to Peter
- [16:10] - The Consequences of Avoiding the Cross
- [18:19] - Setting Our Minds on the Things of God
- [20:18] - Our Need for the Cross
- [26:43] - Peter's Restoration and Our Hope

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Mark 8:27-33
- Matthew 16:16-17

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Observation Questions:

1. What were the different opinions people had about Jesus' identity according to Mark 8:27-28? How did these opinions compare to Peter's declaration? [01:04]

2. In Mark 8:31, Jesus begins to teach about His suffering and death. What are the three key elements He mentions about His future? [04:14]

3. How does Peter react to Jesus' prediction of His suffering and death, and what does this reveal about Peter's understanding of Jesus' mission? [07:31]

4. What does Jesus' response to Peter's rebuke in Mark 8:33 indicate about the importance of the cross in His mission? [14:36]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why might Peter have struggled to accept the necessity of Jesus' suffering and death, despite recognizing Him as the Messiah? [07:31]

2. How does Jesus' rebuke of Peter, "Get behind me, Satan," highlight the tension between human expectations and divine purpose? [14:36]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the temptation to embrace a version of Jesus that aligns with human values but excludes the cross? [13:08]

4. How does the concept of setting our minds on the things of God, rather than the things of man, help us understand the necessity of the cross? [15:51]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own understanding of Jesus. Are there aspects of His identity or mission that you find challenging to accept? How can you seek a deeper understanding of His purpose? [03:22]

2. In what ways might you be tempted to follow a version of Jesus that aligns with your personal values but avoids the discomfort of the cross? How can you address this temptation? [13:08]

3. Consider the areas in your life where you might be setting your mind on the things of man rather than the things of God. What practical steps can you take to shift your focus? [15:51]

4. How does the story of Peter's restoration after his denial of Jesus encourage you in your own journey of faith, especially in moments of failure? [26:43]

5. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to embrace the transformative power of the cross. What changes can you make to allow this transformation to take place? [27:08]

6. How can you actively remind yourself of the necessity of the cross in your daily life, especially when faced with challenges or temptations? [20:18]

7. Think of a time when you have rebuked or questioned God's plan in your life. How can you learn from Peter's experience and trust in God's greater purpose? [08:33]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Revelation of Jesus' Identity
The recognition of Jesus as the Christ by Peter is not a conclusion reached through human reasoning but a divine revelation. This understanding is foundational for grasping the necessity of the cross, as it reveals Jesus' true mission as the Savior. In Caesarea Philippi, when Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter's response is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for Jesus to reveal the necessity of His suffering, rejection, and death. This revelation challenges the disciples' expectations of a triumphant Messiah who would restore Israel without suffering. It is a reminder that understanding Jesus' true identity is essential for comprehending His mission and the significance of the cross. [03:22]

Matthew 16:15-17 (ESV): "He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' And Jesus answered him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.'"

Reflection: How has your understanding of Jesus' identity as the Christ shaped your view of His mission and the necessity of the cross in your life today?


Day 2: The Cross as the Fulfillment of Jesus' Mission
Jesus' suffering, rejection, and death are essential for the salvation of humanity. Without the cross, there is no reconciliation with God, highlighting the depth of God's love and the gravity of our sin. The cross is central to understanding the things of God, which transcend the immediate concerns of this world. It is through the cross that Jesus accomplishes the ultimate act of love and mercy, bearing the sins of humanity and offering redemption. This understanding challenges us to see beyond our immediate desires and recognize the profound significance of Jesus' sacrifice. [06:23]

1 Peter 2:24 (ESV): "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed."

Reflection: In what ways can you embrace the reality of the cross in your daily life, acknowledging its necessity for your salvation and reconciliation with God?


Day 3: Resisting the Temptation of a Cross-less Jesus
There is a persistent temptation to embrace a version of Jesus that aligns with human values without the discomfort of the cross. This temptation overlooks the essential role of the cross in God's redemptive plan. Peter's rebuke of Jesus highlights a common desire for a Jesus who is a moral teacher and miracle worker but not a suffering Savior. This desire persists today, as many seek a version of Jesus that aligns with human values and aspirations without the uncomfortable reality of the cross. However, Jesus' response to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan," underscores the necessity of the cross for salvation. [13:08]

1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV): "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to follow a version of Jesus that avoids the cross? How can you realign your understanding to embrace the full message of the Gospel?


Day 4: Aligning with God's Perspective
Understanding the necessity of the cross requires setting our minds on the things of God, which transcend the immediate concerns of this world. This perspective reveals our need for a Savior and challenges us to look beyond our earthly desires. Jesus' rebuke of Peter serves as a reminder to align our thoughts with God's purposes, recognizing that His ways are higher than ours. By focusing on the eternal significance of the cross, we can better understand our need for redemption and the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice. [15:51]

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: What steps can you take today to set your mind on the things of God, allowing His perspective to shape your understanding of the cross and its significance in your life?


Day 5: Restoration and New Life Through the Cross
Peter's restoration after his denial of Jesus illustrates the transformative power of the cross. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, we find forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life, despite our failures. The cross is not the end of the story but the beginning of a new chapter of hope and redemption. Peter's journey from rebuking Jesus to being restored by Him after the resurrection serves as a powerful reminder that our failures and sins are not the end. Through the cross, we find forgiveness and new life, and we are invited to participate in the redemptive work of Christ. [26:43]

2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."

Reflection: How can you embrace the new life offered through the cross, allowing it to transform your past failures into opportunities for growth and reconciliation with God and others?

Quotes


Peter answered him you are the Christ and Matthew telling us the same story and chapter 16 of his gospel says that at this point Jesus said Peter you're blessed because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you but my father who is in heaven. [00:03:17]

Jesus then began to teach them that the Son of man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders the chief priests and the scribes babes and be killed and after three days rise again now notice the key words here that are three the first is suffer and its underlying the Son of man must suffer. [00:04:14]

Peter did not say this to Jesus gently verse 32 look at the words of the Bible here Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him think about that friends rebuking the Son of God have you ever done that Jesus you've got it wrong here by allowing this thing in my life you done that. [00:08:04]

There will always be an audience and a demand for Jesus without the cross there will always be an audience and a demand for Jesus without the cross and it isn't hard to understand why we all need ethics we all need direction on how to live a better life. [00:11:37]

Jesus says now here's what's going to happen I'm going to suffer I'm going to be rejected and I'm going to be killed now please understand this today otherwise you want to understand the religious world in which we live in its ferment there is a great demand for Jesus without the cross today. [00:13:14]

Turning and seeing his disciples he rebuked Peter and he said get behind me Satan and here's the bit for here's here's why you don't understand the necessity of the cross here's why it doesn't make any sense to you it's because Peter you are not setting your mind on the things of God but on the things of man. [00:14:36]

What would have happened to Peter if Jesus had taken his advice suppose Jesus had said to Peter you know Peter you're right I hadn't thought about that I can't imagine that can you but suppose you're right Peter let's forget Jerusalem let's not do the suffering or the rejection or me being killed. [00:16:10]

Peter here's the problem you're thinking about the things of man you're thinking about things in this world you're just thinking about this world as you know it and our experience here now you are not thinking about the things of God and what are the things of God who God is and who you are. [00:18:19]

Will you take one moment with me just right now to set your mind on the things of God forget your own things forget the things in the world just think about this for one minute that is God and he is holy and he is so holy that if a person with once in on their soul were to come near him they would instinctively say in themselves get me out of here. [00:19:50]

Christ because of the cross is able to take sinners like us who have failed to live the better life and he cleanses our sins before God and he reconciles us to God and he prepares us for our appointment with God that's what the Jesus of the Cross is able to do and that is what he is ready and willing to do for all of us who will come humbled by our own need and repentance and in faith to embrace him. [00:27:08]

Peter tried to rebuke him Jesus says no you will never deflect me from going to this cross it is for this purpose that I came into the world and will see his God willing we'll follow the story next week he said his Flint his face like flint the Bible says to go to Jerusalem and what happened there that's when he suffered and he was rejected and he was killed and on the third day he rose again. [00:21:22]

Thank God the story of Peter does not end with that condemnation and yours need not end there either what happens Christ goes to the cross suffered rejected killed what's he doing there the Scriptures tell us he bore Peters sins he bought all that cursing the guilt of it the shame of it he bought all that cowardice all that unbelief all that insolence of trying to tell God the Son that he's wrong all that foolishness all that self-centeredness Christ bought it Christ dealt with it Christ absorbed that Christ exhausted it and then he breathed his last. [00:25:13]

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Transcript
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