Matthew 16:21-28

“For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man” (v23). Peter “rebuked” Jesus because of his talk about suffering and dying (v22). Peter preferred a powerful leader who would win, not suffer the humiliation of the cross. But Jesus said that according to the “things of God”, God’s design, it was necessary for him to give up his life to save us. His disciples were called to follow the same path (v24).

“Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (v25). Jesus defeated sin and death by willingly giving up his life. He invites us to surrender ourselves, confident that although we may miss out on some worldly goods, we will discover true, abundant life.