This Week’s Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:21-28

Jesus redirects Peter in today’s text. It is likely Peter thinks he is protecting his friend. Jesus doesn’t hear it that way. He sees Peter’s words pulling Him the wrong direction. The wrong direction is easy to find isn’t it? Jesus talks today about following Him. That’s a direction. But here is the problem. You must follow Him while carrying your own cross. It is an odd invitation. It’s not being sold to us in a comfortable way. But there must be a reason that Jesus says this. Perhaps it is in what is yet to be gained by going the right direction. Following Jesus, while not always easy, leads somewhere that is beyond what we can imagine. The gain is much greater than the price to be paid. That’s worth thinking about. And it might redirect you too. Are you willing to take up your cross and follow?