Matthew’s gospel records three times Jesus telling his disciples that in Jerusalem he faced arrest, beating, and
crucifixion. Was He warning them or instructing them?
To warn suggests that something can be avoided if we take certain action. Peter was all for that, but Jesus harshly rebuked him. This was not something to avoid. It was, in fact, Jesus’ mission from the beginning.
Our life is filled with many choices involving many opportunities. We can choose to avoid the difficult assignments and seek the easy road; or we can seek God’s guidance and be obedient regardless of the cost.
“…You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns…Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” - Matthew 16:23-24
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