Finding true life!
Scripture reading for January 22: Matthew 16
“”Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until the see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” Matthew 16:24-28
Peter had just made a strong confession of faith that Jesus was the Christ and the Son of the living God. (Matthew 16:16) Jesus went on to reveal to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer and die but on the third day be raised from the dead. Peter rebuked Jesus for such teaching! Peter loved His Lord and did not want to hear of this happening. Jesus then rebuked Satan for using Peter to think naturally instead of spiritually! (Matthew 16:22-23) This exchange makes us examine our own world views concerning what following Jesus really means and what really leads to true life.
Jesus taught His followers that there was a cost in their chosen journey. They, as He would soon do, must take up a cross, denying themselves their own desires and life goals. They must be willing to lay down their lives to find eternal life in His eternal kingdom. His questions to them: “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” and “What shall a man give in return for his soul?” Jesus revealed His future return in glory with the holy angels to judge each person for their deeds. Each person will have to give an account. This somber truth is meant to encourage His followers to remain faithful.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for speaking plainly to me and all mankind concerning our need to follow Jesus no matter what it might cost. I have nothing to give in exchange for my soul but my faith in Jesus Christ and His death on the cross for me and His resurrection to glory. I await His return for me! Amen.
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