Sermon/Lesson Title Media Take Up His Cross       Bobby Stafford

Take up his cross

introduction: being a faithful disciple of our Lord doesn't just happen. We must first count cost of following Christ and then follow through with a lifelong commitment period it is this very thing that Jesus addresses in our text.

Text: Matthew 16:21-27

Body:

1.       Jesus rebukes a disciple (vs 21-23) –

After peter's confession that Jesus was the Christ and the son of God and Jesus’ pronouncement that he was going to build his church, he then predicts his death and subsequent resurrection in the city of Jerusalem. A prediction which should have ultimately strengthened his disciples. (Raised from the dead).  Vs-22  About Peter was sincere. He may have thought he had jesus's best interests at heart. Protecting him. Peter reprimanded Jesus for even suggesting that he would be killed. But Peter was looking at the here and now, not at eternity. Folly of this is seen in 2 Corinthians 4: 18.  Vs 23.  Regardless of Peters intentions, Jesus rebukes him and calls him Satan which means adversary. This shows how serious this was! Jesus tells Peter to get behind him- become a follower, (disciple) once again. Jesus says don't be a stumbling block to me. By keeping Jesus from being killed, Peter would be trying to keep Jesus from fulfilling his destiny, his purpose for coming into the world. Peter was not showing concern for the things that matter most. Later Peter understood this as seen in 1 Peter 2: 24.

2.       Jesus admonishes his disciples (vs 24-25)

Apparently Peters rebuke brought on this admonition. Peter's attempt to keep Jesus from the cross led to a lesson on every disciple taking up their own cross. Jesus makes it very clear what it's going to take to be his disciple. “Self denial” probably our greatest challenge. A concept virtually unknown in our society. Our culture says don't deny yourself anything if at all possible. This means a surrender of one's will to god. To give him your heart, soul, strength, and mind. A denial even of right things. To forsake selfish ease period to renounce our own happiness as the primary goal in our lives. 1 Peter 4:1-2.  This is the first step or requirement in being Jesus disciple.

“Take up his cross"  lukes account adds daily. With Jesus as our prime example each disciple must bear their own crosses. This is purely A voluntary act, not forced upon anyone. “And he who does not take his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:38.  This means we must accept responsibilities of a faithful disciple; bear burdens of being a Christian; Be willing to suffer the consequences of discipleship. (1 Peter 4:12-16).

“Follow me” if you abide in my word you are my disciples indeed.” John 8:31.  We cannot truly follow Christ apart from obeying his word.

V25 If one uses his life for his own selfish desires, he shall lose his life eternally. But if he devotes his entire life to serving Jesus Christ, even giving up his life if need be (Revelation 2:10), He shall inherit eternal life-“crown of life.”  Whatever is lost in this life due to serving Christ will be amply restored in the next.(Matthew 19:29) 20

3.       Jesus will reward each disciple (VS 26-27)

How would we consider a man who gave up his physical life to gain material possessions? A fool for sure. Well, what if that man who loses his spiritual life to gain material possessions? Far greater than a fool! One 's spiritual life is indeed priceless. Christ shed his blood to redeem lost souls. Recall peters words in first Peter 1: 18, 19. Shows the worth of the soul. Some men sell their souls for the proverbial mass of pottage. Psalm 49: 5-8.

After stressing the value of the soul, he informs them that the son of man will one day come to judge the world. Those who have denied self, bore their cross, and followed Christ will hear the words “well done, enter into the joy of the Lord”. But those who put their own desires and interests first will hear “depart from me.”

4.       Invitation:

Let us remember peter's word in 1 Peter 4: 19, “Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to him in doing good as to a faithful creator.”

Why not come and follow Jesus? Put him on in Christian baptism.

Lesson outline by Bobby Stafford, 

 

 

Free to use to the Glory of God.

The church of Christ at Granby, Missouri

Located at
516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109

More lessons, sermons and outlines at:

www.granbychurchofChrist.org

www.granbychurchofChrist.com