Giving up - Our Lives | Matthew 16
Today, we reflect on a profound question: If Jesus were in your life today, what would He say? What would He see that you have tried to do on your own instead of seeking help? What is preventing you from fully surrendering to Him?
In Matthew 16, Jesus reveals His plan to His disciples, teaching them the foundation upon which He would build His church and the cost of true discipleship. This passage not only underscores the importance of faith but also highlights the barriers that keep us from fully following Christ.
The Rock: The Foundation of Faith
When Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” Peter responded, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus affirmed this revelation, declaring that upon this rock, He would build His church (Matthew 16:13-20).
The rock symbolizes faith—a faith that is steady, strong, and built on divine revelation, not human effort. Unlike man-made structures that require maintenance, faith grounded in Christ is unshakable and eternal. As believers, we must build our lives on the solid foundation of Christ’s truth rather than the fleeting sands of worldly success.
The Block: Human Stumbling Blocks
Peter, despite his faith, quickly became a stumbling block when he tried to deter Jesus from His mission (Matthew 16:21-23). Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Get behind me, Satan! You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
How often do we find ourselves caught in the same struggle? We believe in Christ, but we resist His plans when they do not align with our desires. Our human concerns—success, security, approval—become the very obstacles that prevent us from fully surrendering to God’s will.
The Cross: The Path to True Life
Jesus sets a clear requirement for discipleship: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). The cross was not just a symbol of suffering but of ultimate surrender. Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha, not as a victim, but as the victorious sacrifice who conquered sin and death.
Many of us approach faith with the mindset that Jesus suffered so that we don’t have to. However, true discipleship means embracing suffering as a means of becoming more like Christ. The cross is not the opposite of success; rather, it leads to eternal victory.
Redefining Success
In today’s world, success is often equated with financial gain, status, and personal happiness. Yet, Jesus challenges this definition. True success is not about accumulating wealth but about surrendering our lives to Him. When we build our lives on the Rock, remove the stumbling blocks, and take up our cross, we step into the abundant life Jesus promised.
What Is Your Cross?
Each of us has a cross to bear—something we must surrender to follow Christ wholeheartedly. It could be pride, fear, control, or material attachments. What is preventing you from fully committing to Him today?
Jesus invites us not just to acknowledge Him but to build our lives upon Him. Will you choose the rock of faith, remove the stumbling blocks, and take up your cross to follow Him?
