Follow Me

Earnestness may be selfishness in disguise.
E.M. Bounds

Hi Friends,
This thought from E.M. Bounds caught my attention like a Michigan fan would stand out at an Ohio State tailgate! So often we can be very earnest about something and be off the mark completely! That’s the case for Peter when he pulled Jesus aside and assured Him that He wouldn’t die as He had been predicting. What followed was the sternest rebuke Jesus issued during His ministry on earth (Matt. 16:21-23).

In his earnestness, Peter was well-meaning, but he didn't understand that the Messiah had to suffer and die on a cross. As a first century Jewish man living in the Near East under Roman rule, Peter would have fully understood the threat of the cross since the Romans regularly used it as a tool of torture, control, and humiliation. How could the Son of God be destined for such a fate?

Let’s also acknowledge that Jesus had just commended Peter for his good confession and begun to redefine Peter’s life (Matt. 16:13-20). Simon Peter was probably worried that God's promises to him would end when Jesus did, should Jesus go to the cross. In his earnestness, then, Peter thought Jesus needed to be straightened out - privately of course, for who wants to embarrass the Son of God? Instead, Jesus began to rebuke Peter publicly and shared the requirements for anyone who would decide to follow Jesus, an invitation that is open to any and all (Matt. 16:24-28):

• Deny yourself
• Pick up your cross 
• Follow Me 

Only Jesus gets to define what it means to be a follower of Him
and what it looks like to actually follow in His steps.
In our own earnestness, then, let us be sure that we are genuine in
following Jesus, as He calls us and not on our own terms. 

Take another look at the Self Quiz from Sunday:

1. At times, do you find yourself not liking what Jesus is saying to you?
2. Are you resisting what He’s saying?
3. Are you inclined to think your way is best? Even better than Jesus’ way? How does that show itself in your life?
4. What has the Holy Spirit been teaching you or convicting you about in this season of your life?

Scale: if you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, welcome to being human!

One final question:
What will you do to be in step with Him?

Pastor Andy 

PS- This ONE SERVICE Sunday, we'll begin a new series through 1 Peter called "I've got my mind set on You." Please read 1 Peter 1 for this Sunday. We'll be focusing on verses 1-5.

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