Where Is Your Cross?Sýnishorn

As 21st-century believers, the cross is something we rarely hear talked about anymore in everyday conversation. It almost seems the gospel has become a whitewashed version of self-help and psychology mixed with a sprinkle of Jesus. It’s no wonder that society has turned to a more human-centered approach to living, where we can manage life through our own efforts. This is the life we, as believers in Christ, are called to lay down. In this 3-day bible plan, we will explore what it means to follow Jesus’ command to take up your cross and follow him.

We will focus on the book of Matthew, Chapter 16, where Jesus and his disciples are going about their everyday business when he asks them about their basic beliefs regarding his true identity. This is a fitting place to start unpacking this short but powerful passage. The question, “But who do you say I am?” was meant to confront the “herd mentality” of the disciples and shake them out of their lack of clarity. (Matthew 16:15)

Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines herd mentality this way:

Herd mentality - noun: the tendency of the people in a group to think and behave in ways that conform with others in the group rather than as individuals.

It is essential to recognize our tendency toward this same mentality far too often, even in small matters. It is equally important to point out that Christ cannot be discerned with our intellect because the mind cannot receive spiritual things. Evidence of this fact comes in the next verse, where Peter replies, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (verse 16) Jesus’ reply to Peter anchors this point with his response, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.”

Please sit with this information for a moment. I want you to feel the impact of what just happened. There was a face-to-face encounter with the Son of the living God. Here was the promised Messiah the Jews had been waiting for, but he appeared in an unexpected package. Walking amongst the people, breaking bread with sinners and misfits, was not how they pictured their Savior - and yet, here he was. There was no pomp nor circumstance, only a loving, compassionate, humble, yet unwavering servant who would not conform to the religious norms of the day. For those who were watching, this was an opportunity and an invitation to receive an upgrade in their belief system.

We should all be so fortunate to have a fresh encounter with Jesus to revive and affirm our faith in him. We will unpack a key piece of information here during the next day’s reading.