Matthew 16:21-28 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 16:21-28 on biblegateway.com
Verse 21From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. Verse 22And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you." Verse 23But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things."
Verse 24Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Verse 25For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. Verse 26For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? Verse 27"For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Verse 28Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
Devotion
“I can handle the church dying if we’re being the Church”—a member shared through her tears. In her anguish, I heard Jesus’ words: “those who want to save their life will lose it and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”
The congregation, having suffered conflict, was now a small remnant in a large facility. In such circumstances the tendency—the human rather than the divine mindset—is to turn inward, conserve and take care of one’s own. Similar perhaps to Peter’s desire to protect Jesus. This doesn’t go over well.
The congregation and I sought to reconnect with what God was doing in the neighborhood and to open our doors in new ways. We knew as a congregation we still might die, but risking it was the only way to live—and perhaps even be raised.
Years later the congregation, being the Church, is still alive.
Prayer
Holy One, give us courage to risk being church in new ways so that others might come to know your grace. Amen.