1. 'Never, Lord!' (21-23)

After Peter's confession, Jesus began to teach him what the Christ must do. But when Jesus spoke of death, Peter reacted. He said he believed in Jesus, but he did not accept Jesus' word. Jesus' words didn't fit his ideas; they ran counter to his feelings. His mind was full of human plans, so without realizing it, he tempted Jesus as Satan had done. When we reject God's word because of our human feelings, we become God's enemies.

2. The way to life (24-28)

Jesus tells us that if we struggle only to improve the quality of our physical lives, and only try to protect ourselves and our own families, we will lose the very life we seek. The way to find life is to follow Jesus. We must deny our own feelings and ideas and accept Jesus' word; we must take up the cross of mission he gives us. We follow him wherever he leads and grow in our inner lives in his image.

Application: Lord, help me to take my cross and follow you today.
One Word: Follow Jesus