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

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

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

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Illustration

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

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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.

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