Kingdom Come: Take Up Your Cross (Matthew 16:21-27)
Matthew 16:21-27 marks a pivotal point in the Gospel, shifting from Jesus’ public ministry to His journey toward the cross. In the preceding verses, Jesus and His disciples are in Caesarea Philippi, where Peter declares Jesus to be the Messiah (Matthew 16:16). This sets the stage for Jesus to reveal the necessity of His suffering, death, and resurrection, shocking His disciples who expected a triumphant, conquering Messiah. Jesus then teaches about the cost of discipleship, emphasising self-denial and the significance of taking up one’s cross to follow Him, ultimately finding true life by losing it for His sake.
- Symbolism of the Cross and Resurrection
The new building’s cross and circle symbolise the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. This combination corrects the theological imbalance often found in Western Christianity, which tends to emphasise the cross over the resurrection. The cross, an ancient and gruesome symbol of shame and death, has been overly sentimentalised in modern times, turning into a fashion statement rather than a poignant reminder of sacrifice and self-denial. Historically, the cross was a brutal execution method reserved for society’s lowest, underscoring its profound significance. - Cultural Conflict with Self-Denial:
The Western cultural narrative champions self-fulfilment and instant gratification, contrasting sharply with the Christian call to self-denial. Modern society, influenced by digital technology and therapeutic culture, teaches that personal desires and self-actualization are paramount. This mindset, however, conflicts with Jesus’ teaching of “death to self,” which involves foregoing personal desires to follow Him. The notion of denying oneself is counter-cultural, often perceived as bizarre or even harmful in a society that idolises the self. - Following Jesus and True Life:
Jesus’ call to “take up your cross” was initially a literal invitation to martyrdom for His followers and now also symbolises dying to one’s selfish desires. This act of following Jesus involves an apprenticeship to His way of life, which promises true fulfilment and integration of the self. According to Jesus, true life and peace are found not in self-gratification but in self-sacrifice and living in alignment with God’s reality. This teaching challenges believers to evaluate their lives in terms of following Jesus versus following their own desires, promising that true life is found in the former.
Application
- Embrace Self-Denial in Daily Life:
In practical terms, believers can practise self-denial by prioritising acts of service and love over personal comfort and convenience. This might mean sacrificing time, resources, or personal ambitions to support others and further God’s kingdom. Embracing small, daily acts of selflessness can cultivate a spirit of generosity and humility. - Reflect on Personal Desires and Motivations:
Regularly assess whether personal desires align with God’s will. This involves questioning the motivations behind decisions and actions, ensuring they are not solely driven by self-interest but by a desire to follow Jesus and His teachings. This reflective practice can
