Imagine being St. Peter, confessing, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” and receiving Jesus’ high praise: “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.” Jesus then declares, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven,” (Matt. 16:16–19, ESV). Such a moment could easily inflate one’s pride.
Pride is a common human sin, as warned in Holy Scripture (Rom. 12:3). Jesus often humbles us when we become too proud. Shortly after His praise of Peter, Jesus reveals to His disciples that He must suffer and die, yet be raised on the third day. Prideful Peter rebukes Him, saying, “‘Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.’ But he turned and said to Peter. ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man,’” (Matt. 16:22b–23, ESV). This rebuke bursts Peter’s pride bubble, teaching him that the path to glory is through the cross. Jesus instructs, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me,” (Matt. 16:24b).
Christian discipleship is not easy; Jesus never promised us a rose garden. After Peter’s life-lessons learned, he later writes, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed,” (1 Peter 4:12–13, ESV). God promises a life of cross-bearing, which may be challenging to accept, but it is for those willing to endure for Christ’s sake. In trials, remember Peter’s words, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,” (John 6:68b, ESV). Jesus won’t ask you to do something He hasn’t already done. He willingly bore the suffering and pain of the cross, so that you and I wouldn’t have to, and that we might have life eternal! Stay the path, bear your cross, and follow Him! Peace in Jesus!
Prayer - Gracious Lord, when trials and fiery ordeals come our way, remind us that we are not abandoned but sharing in Christ’s sufferings. Give us courage to stand firm, faith to endure, and hope that shines in the midst of testing. Let our lives glorify You in every season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
In Christ’s service,
Rev. Richard S. Cody
Fourth Vice President, Missouri District