What Jesus Did! 'Transition to the Cross' — Matthew 16:21

Friday, August 6, 2021

From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead.
— Matthew 16:21 NLT

Key Thought

As Jesus' disciples, the major points in our lives are a series of transitions strung together with prayer. The quality and impact of our lives are dependent on God's blessing and our successful use of the resources and opportunities he places before us.

Jesus' ministry is very much the same. He now faces the greatest transition of his ministry as he moves toward the awful and yet glorious "opportunity" that lies ahead, the cross. Only now is he ready to let folks call him Son of God, Son of the Righteous One, because he will forever redefine what it means to be Messiah, Christ, Son of God, and Savior.

In the process of redefining what people thought the role of Messiah should be, Jesus will also give even greater definition to what it means to be his disciple. His is the way of the cross — service and salvation at great sacrifice. As he journeys down this road, he looks over his shoulder to his disciples and to us, then says, "Follow me."

Today's Prayer

Holy and loving God, I still marvel that you would subject yourself to the limitation of human flesh and the way of the cross. Please help me to be more willing to follow in the way of the cross and serve others redemptively, even if the price is high. Please give me courage for the journey and a heart more like Jesus so that I can see the eternal stakes in the lives of those I serve just as he did. In the name of my Savior and Sacrifice, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Philippians 2:5-8
  • Matthew 16:24, 17:22-23
  • Matthew 20:17-19

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, August 6, 2021

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Victory Comes by the Oil of the Holy Spirit'
"Then he said to me, “This [continuous supply of oil] is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel [prince of Judah], saying, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Fit for Service' (1 Ti. 1:12-15)
"Dear Father, Thank you for the strength that you give us to minister to others. We bless you for judging us faithful and for committing talents to us..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Were!'
"Dear Holy One, You confessed Me as your Lord and called on My name as your Savior (Romans 10:9-13). You were joined with Me in My death, burial, and...."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Back to Antioch' (Acts 14:26-28)
"Finally, [Paul and Barnabas] returned by ship to Antioch of Syria, where their journey had begun. The believers there had entrusted them to the grace..."

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 16:21 NLT — He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!