February 16 | Matthew 16:24-28

Dave Mann
Feb 16
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

The Center of It All

By Dave Mann

Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:24-28 find their parallel passages in Mark 8:34 ff. and Luke 9:23 ff. These verses are not an isolated instance in Jesus’ teaching ministry. They are the main theme of Jesus’ teaching and life. This cross-bearing challenge is not reserved for the holiest of saints. It is for everyone who would call himself a follower of Jesus. When Jesus calls his disciples in the 1^st century and in the 21^st century, he invites them to join him in the way of the Cross.

Jesus is truly clear with his followers that there will be difficulties in the life of the disciple precisely because we are associated with him. But our joy is not erased; it is rather rooted firmly and deeply in the fact that Jesus is with us in these struggles. We are honored to walk where he has walked.

In addition to today’s text and its parallel passages in Mark and Luke, let these other words of Jesus sink in.

John 12:24-26

Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

Matthew 5:11-12

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 10:38-39

Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

John 16:32-33

A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

In the Cross, we walk with Jesus in his sorrows and in his joy – with Jesus in his pain and in his victory.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, you have called us to walk in the way of the Cross. Thank you for the privilege of walking with Jesus to the Cross, through the Cross, and on to the resurrection. Grant us the courage to be faithful with him, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DAVE MANN

I am a Pastor for Internationals (retired) in the UALC community. I am married to Pam, father of four, and grandfather of seven. Pam and I have lived twenty of our years in other countries including France, Cameroon, Haiti, and Morocco. In retirement, we continue to enjoy writing devotionals, learning languages, and teaching English to internationals.