Devotion:
Read Matthew 16:21-25.
Our devotionals this week are helping us to focus on and to follow the instructions of our “Coach”, God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. In our scripture today, even though Jesus was the “Coach”/teacher of the disciples, Peter decided to challenge what he was teaching. Jesus lets Peter know that he is listening to a different “coach.”
When our children were very young soccer players, I quickly noticed how distracting it was for them to be “coached” by all of us loving family members from the bleachers! We were so enthusiastic for the success of our own children; we would lead them in a different direction than what their official soccer coach had in mind. The soccer coach was trying to help the whole team to be successful and was working with the greater picture. We were so loud that it was difficult for the children to hear their official coach’s voice.
It’s interesting just prior to today’s verses that in verses 16-19, Peter is the one who has given the right answer, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus has responded that Peter will be the rock on which Christ will build his church.
Now, how quickly Peter has gone from being the “Rock” to being a “stumbling block.” Peter is still learning how to hear and listen deeply to Jesus. Peter and the other disciples were still expecting Jesus to be an earthly king. They did not understand Jesus’ loving way of sacrifice for the sake of all the people of the world.
Jesus, the true and best “Coach” responds in verses 24-25, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.”
Listening to all the voices from the “bleachers” instead of the one true “Coach’s” voice…can leave us as lost, distracted and as individually centered as our very youngest soccer players. We are called to listen to Christ’s words, “to deny self, take up our cross and to follow him.”
Personal Worship Option:
Jesus calls us!
By thy mercies, Savior, may we hear thy call,
give our hearts to thine obedience,
serve and love thee best of all.
“Jesus Calls Us” words by Cecil Frances Alexander, 1852, Fourth stanza.
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