In this week’s text, Jesus attempts to prepare his disciples for his coming suffering and death. His words were difficult to understand then and they still are full of complexity and nuance today. Jesus speaks of suffering, self-sacrifice, finding yourself and losing yourself. Unfortunately, these phrases have often been used, misused and taken out of context over time. It can leave some feeling quite bewildered and overwhelmed with making sense of them.
If this is you, begin with remembering your belovedness. You are loved and tenderly cared for by God. You belong to Christ. Christ is in you, the hope of glory. You are not alone nor left alone.
You may also use a few spiritual direction questions as a framework to begin:
What is the Spirit nudging you to consider?
Where do you notice the Light?
Name what brings you life and hope as well as what drains you in this text.
How is God’s presence evident to you as you pray with the text?
Allow the questions that are left unanswered. Accept the discovery that has been revealed. Be refreshed that you are created in the image of Christ. And always, return and remain in your eternal belovedness in God.
Matthew 16:21-28 (MSG)
Then Jesus made it clear to his disciples that it was now necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, submit to an ordeal of suffering at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and then on the third day be raised up alive. Peter took him in hand, protesting, “Impossible, Master! That can never be!”
23 But Jesus didn’t swerve. “Peter, get out of my way. Satan, get lost. You have no idea how God works.”
24-26 Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?
27-28 “Don’t be in such a hurry to go into business for yourself. Before you know it the Son of Man will arrive with all the splendor of his Father, accompanied by an army of angels. You’ll get everything you have coming to you, a personal gift. This isn’t pie in the sky by and by. Some of you standing here are going to see it take place, see the Son of Man in kingdom glory.”
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, phrase or image which caught your attention you as you listened to or slowly read the text? Quietly reflect on it in your prayer with Jesus. Journal your conversation.
Was there any particular emotion which emerged as you listened to the scripture? Notice it. Be curious about it. Talk it over with Jesus in your prayer.
As your time of prayer draws to a close, savor any consoling words or pictures as you quietly rest in God for a while.
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