DAY TWENTY-FIVE – Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Matthew 16:21-23
This passage paints an image of the struggle within each of us to deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow in the steps of our Lord. As an on-looker, I might initially be surprised that Peter, who is clearly expressing love for Jesus, is being rebuked. Peter’s idea to resist in this context is treated as evil because the desire of the flesh would weaken the resolve to fulfill God’s promise. Peter is trying to demonstrate loyalty but, by implying he will fight those who come for Jesus, Peter is perhaps tempting Jesus rather than supporting him. Jesus knows he is about to go through a time of trial, in which His desires and comforts must be cast aside. He must sacrifice Himself and all that He is to save all of us. Peter’s desire to prevent the inevitable is an act of not submitting to the will of the Spirit. It is what we are all tempted to do when things are difficult. It is sometimes hard to choose the right thing. Jesus understands that by submitting to God’s will, He will not only overcome death, but also break the consequences of sin for all God’s people. By putting Himself last as leader and paying for the consequences of all the others, he is putting God’s will for his life first.
The passage has a very humbling effect on me. I have been given grace and mercy beyond what I can repay. I have not served others or loved others as well as Jesus. In many cases I have been more like Peter, but I want to be more like Jesus. My reflection during Lent is to identify the demons that I need to put behind me so that I can follow and serve better.
Elisabeth Kaufmann (2017)
Matthew 16:21-23
This passage paints an image of the struggle within each of us to deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow in the steps of our Lord. As an on-looker, I might initially be surprised that Peter, who is clearly expressing love for Jesus, is being rebuked. Peter’s idea to resist in this context is treated as evil because the desire of the flesh would weaken the resolve to fulfill God’s promise. Peter is trying to demonstrate loyalty but, by implying he will fight those who come for Jesus, Peter is perhaps tempting Jesus rather than supporting him. Jesus knows he is about to go through a time of trial, in which His desires and comforts must be cast aside. He must sacrifice Himself and all that He is to save all of us. Peter’s desire to prevent the inevitable is an act of not submitting to the will of the Spirit. It is what we are all tempted to do when things are difficult. It is sometimes hard to choose the right thing. Jesus understands that by submitting to God’s will, He will not only overcome death, but also break the consequences of sin for all God’s people. By putting Himself last as leader and paying for the consequences of all the others, he is putting God’s will for his life first.
The passage has a very humbling effect on me. I have been given grace and mercy beyond what I can repay. I have not served others or loved others as well as Jesus. In many cases I have been more like Peter, but I want to be more like Jesus. My reflection during Lent is to identify the demons that I need to put behind me so that I can follow and serve better.
Elisabeth Kaufmann (2017)
