The Unexpected Jesus

(Matthew 16:21–28 ). Jesus today redefines our life with his own cross. The work that Christ is going to do is sometimes very different from what we expect. And we find ourselves opened to God working in a mysterious way in our life and doing something that we wouldn't even have imagined.

Engaging Today’s Sermon Text - A Guide for Reflection and Prayer:
Read Matthew 16:21-28 and answer these questions:
1. Why did Peter say, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you” (verse 22)? Why was Jesus so harsh with Peter?
2. Relate a time in your life when you asked in prayer, “I thought I knew you, God. Why are you working this way?”
3. What does it mean to deny self and pick up the cross? How is the self-denial really about somehow living a life which in some way bears witness to the cross, either through service, confession, worship, or witness?