PREPARING FOR THE SERMON

January 19,2025

Matthew 16:21-17:13

Context:

            In the previous verses, we encounter Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah. All that occurred in Jesus’ ministry previous to now has been sufficient for the disciples to understand Jesus was more than a teacher and miracle worker. Building on their faith, Jesus begins preparing them for His impending sacrificial death. In some ways, the mount of transfiguration serves similarly to Jesus’ baptism in that we are privileged to the Father’s speaking and affirming Jesus. In light of Jesus’ soon to be repeated emphasis on His certain demise, the disciples were encouraged to continue following.

 

Structure:

16:21-23 – Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer, be, killed, and raised.

16:24-28 – Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (v 24)

17:1-8 – “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” (v 5)

17:9-13 – “Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him.” (v 12)

 

Key Ideas: Jesus’s worth, Jesus’s mission, discipleship

 

Some things to think about:

  • What motivates you to follow Jesus when things seem to be going poorly?
  • How do you lose your life in a way that saves it? How is this statement lived out as more than a linguistical gymnastics phrase?