In Matthew 16 the disciples, especially Peter, begin to understand that Jesus is not merely a prophet. Rather, he is the long awaited Christ. He was the one who would save Israel from their enemies. Yet, all of Israel including the Disciples were in the dark as to what their greatest enemy was and how it would be defeated. Christ; however, set Peter straight. He said that he must go to Jerusalem to suffer and die, not rule and reign. His mission was not to be served like a typical king but to serve and lay down his life in order that Israel's greatest enemy, sin, might be defeated.
This declaration of Jesus' intent to die upset peter. It troubled him so much that he rebuked his master. But, jesus noticed that Peter's rebuke was not coming out of love or devotion to God, but rather out of love and devotion to himself. Jesus said to Peter, "Your mind is set on the things of man."
Jesus went on to point the disciples down the proper path of discipleship by saying, "If anyone would come after me let him deny himself." peter had a mind set on earthly things: prominence, pomp, delicacies, all the perks that come with high office. He was pursuing a life of self gratification. but, Jesus called him and he calls us to a lifestyle characterized by self denial.
The Scriptures give us many examples of self gratification: Adam and David, Peter.
The Scriptures give us many examples of self denial: Uriah the Hittite, Daniel, Haggai, Abraham, Christ, and eventually Peter.
Listen to this sermon to learn more about the lifestyle appropriate for the disciple of Jesus Christ.
Reflection Questions
What special applications does the call to self denial have for wealthy Americans?
What is your mind set on? What do you pursue in life? How might you know? Matt. 6:21
How might one apply Galatians 5:13 to the topic of self-denial.
Consider the example of Uriah who denied what was freely his to have for the sake of duty.
Consider the example of Daniel who limited his dietary intake as a safe guard for his heart.
What relevance to this self-denial do these disciplines have? (fasting, tithing, resting, moderation)
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