Daily Bible Studywith SEEDS OF THE KINGDOM
Updated: Saturday, 22 November 2008, 12:06 (GMT)
5 August 2008 | Matthew 16:21-28
From then on, Jesus began telling his disciples what would happen to him. He said, "I must go to Jerusalem. There the nation's leaders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law of Moses will make me suffer terribly. I will be killed, but three days later I will rise to life."Peter took Jesus aside and told him to stop talking like that. He said, "God would never let this happen to you, Lord!"
Jesus turned to Peter and said, "Satan, get away from me! You're in my way because you think like everyone else and not like God."
Then Jesus said to his disciples:
If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross and follow me. If you want to save your life, you will destroy it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find it. What will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself? What would you give to get back your soul? The Son of Man will soon come in the glory of his Father and with his angels to reward all people for what they have done. I promise you that some of those standing here will not die before they see the Son of Man coming with his kingdom.
Notes
In the poem 'Five ways to kill a man' by Edwin Brock, the poet looks at a world where so many people seem to have all that they could possibly want, but nevertheless they are living dead.Early in the twentieth century, scientific advances and globalisation led some to suggest that humanity was approaching a sort of utopia. But world wars, genocide and the slowly emerging effects of environmental devastation exposed the myth.
Pursuing material comfort at all cost does not bring the rewards hoped for. Or, as Jesus put it, 'What will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself?
Money and possessions permeate our lives today to an extent never before known in history: self-denial of any sort is a difficult task. But Jesus, the Son of God, gave up all he had to bring us life.
His message - to deny ourselves, to take up a cross, to lose our lives for him - if taken seriously, has never been more of a challenge. Yet this, paradoxically, is still the way to true life.
Prayer
'Never, Lord!' How often is this phrase on our lips, on our hearts, in our actions?'Dear Lord ... hear my prayer.'
Today's Writer
The views expressed in the word on the web Bible studies may not reflect the editorial views of Christian Today.
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Bible Study Archive
- 21 November 2008 | Under His Shadow
- 20 November 2008 | A plumb line not a pendulum
- 19 November 2008 | Keys to discovering and fulfilling your purpose and destiny (3)
- 18 November 2008 | Keys to discovering and fulfilling your purpose and destiny (2)
- 17 November 2008 | Keys to Discovering and Fulfilling your Purpose and Destiny (1)
- 16 November 2008 | Come Over and Help Us!
- 15 November 2008 | Who Am I and What Am I Like?
- 14 November 2008 | Resolve the Issues
- 13 November 2008 | Pour out your emotions
- 12 November 2008 | God's Kindness
- 11 November 2008 | Our Heavenly Father (2)
- 10 November 2008 | Our Heavenly Father (1)
- 9 November 2008 | The View from the Top!
- 8 November 2008 | The Mists will Clear
- 7 November 2008 | No Condemnation – just Restoration!
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