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"From then on" is how the section of Scripture to be explored begins. This phrase signals that Jesus is turning away from teaching the crowds in parables, and commencing to prepare his disciples for His coming suffering and death. As He for the first time predicts His literal death, Jesus makes them understand that this carries ramifications for them, as well. They must at least be prepared to do some figurative dying.

Matthew 16:21—25

1. It is only natural that we mortals would view things from a human point of view. Why do you think Jesus saw this as a dangerous trap?
2. Why do you think being a follower of Jesus involves relinquishing our own ambitions?
3. What is implied by the picture of shouldering a cross and following Jesus (v. 24)? How does this relate to v. 21?
4. What new aspirations are to sideline our own ambitions?
5. What rationale does Jesus give for his demanding requirement (v. 25)?

Ask God to increase your motivation to accomplish His purposes and, correspondingly, to lessen the pull of personal status as your primary goal.

Matthew 16:21—25

21From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that he had to go to Jerusalem, and he told them what would happen to him there. He would suffer at the hands of the leaders and the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, and he would be raised on the third day. 22But Peter took him aside and corrected him. "Heaven forbid, Lord," he said. "This will never happen to you!"

23Jesus turned to Peter and said, "Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, and not from God's." 24Then Jesus said to the disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. 25If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life.

Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, Help me to align my ambition with Your purposes so that You can harness it for Your glory.

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