Title: Self-Cross (Matthew 16:21-28)
At the time of <from this time> in verse 21, after Peter's confession of faith and Jesus' words that he would build a church on that rock, Jesus told his disciples that he would suffer. However, the disciples did not understand. Jesus, the Son of God, must have asked if there was any other way than that. However, they did not know that the kingdom of God is achieved through suffering. So Jesus said,
“Get behind me, Satan; you are a stumbling block, for you do not think about the things of God, but the things of men.” He said, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. [Nira>] Jesus placed two conditions on those who want to become disciples. The first is to deny oneself, and the second is to take up one's cross. To deny oneself is to destroy oneself. What does it mean to take away my self? To die. My self is broken, my pride, my stubbornness, and my selfishness and lust are all to die on the cross to deny myself. To take up my cross is to take up the cross of Jesus. It is to share in the sufferings of God. It is to die with Jesus.
He said, “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains a single grain, but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” He said. He must die to live. The kingdom of God is obtained through death, suffering, and sacrifice. Jesus also died on the cross and was resurrected. He became the firstfruits of God. In order for us too to be resurrected with him and to have eternal life, we must first die with him.
Whoever wants to save his life will lose it; whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
This word, called Paradox, cannot be explained logically. It cannot be proved. But there is one clear proof. It is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his resurrection. Jesus himself showed the truth that if we fall into a tree and die, we will bear much fruit. We should pray like this as we spend the time for the sixth New Year's prayer in Lent.
[Lord, who bore the cross to save us, now we want to take up your cross. Make me deny myself, take up my cross, and make me a grain of wheat that falls to the ground and dies. Glory to death thoroughly Please join me in the resurrection of Amen]