Saturday 12 November 2011
- Bible Book:
- Matthew
"If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." (v. 24)
Background
In the
As soon as that is heard, and as soon as the reader begins tocelebrate with Peter in his moment of glory a new picture emerges,a picture that at odds with what went before. The reader might wellagree with Peter, the rock-man, who wants to defend and protectJesus, but, Jesus says, we would be wrong.
When a statement of faith is made it is a great and wonderfulthing. Anyone who has had the privilege to participate in adultBaptisms and confirmation services will tell you that it is a greatjoy to be alongside people who come to a personal recognition ofthe God-man, Jesus.
But that is not the end of the journey, it is a beautiful moment ofclarity, but now the journey of faith takes a different turn. It isafter Peter's acclamation that Jesus announces the way in which hewill be treated and hints at the resurrection to come. Peter missesthe resurrection and just sees the pain and indignity of Jesus'demise. Jesus could have scolded him for overlooking theresurrection, but instead he points out that his suffering is aforetaste of the suffering church, that all who follow will need to"take up their cross".
It seems that the journey of faith for Peter does not end withnaming Jesus for who he is, rather it is a transition intoexperiencing at firsthand the full cost of following him. When therock-man fails to grasp the vulnerability of faith in the God-manit's as if the foundations of the Church are shaken. For astatement of faith is simply not enough for the Church. Action, andvulnerable action at that, seems to be a requirement of thedisciples of Jesus.
To Ponder
Who are the most vulnerable in your church? Inyour street? In your community?
When have you felt vulnerable? And what did itfeel like?
How might we best support one another in thechurch in order to help people fulfil their calling to be disciplesof Jesus Christ?