Slices
Prepare
Listen to your favourite song or hymn about the cross. Thank Jesus for what he’s done for you.
Bible passage
Jesus predicts his death
21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. ‘Never, Lord!’ he said. ‘This shall never happen to you!’
23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.’
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.
28 ‘Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’
Explore
We are at a turning point in Jesus’ life and ministry (v 21). With hindsight this verse seems very clear. However, the disciples clearly had not fully understood Jesus’ mission.
Peter was horrified at what Jesus said about his coming suffering, death and resurrection (v 22). It was not what Peter expected of Jesus. From incredible spiritual insight (v 16), Peter goes to making a massive mistake. How does Peter’s response encourage you?
Jesus’ rebuke of Peter seems harsh (v 23). Instead of a foundation stone, Peter momentarily became a stumbling stone. Jesus treated Peter’s words as a temptation from Satan to avoid suffering and dying on the cross.
Jesus continued the cross theme in verses 24–27, applying it to the disciples. Anyone wanting to follow Jesus must be prepared to renounce their right to life in the same way he did.
But Jesus made it clear that the cost of following him is worth it (v 27), referring to the vindication of his resurrection. At that point the disciples would understand that the glory of knowing Jesus in his risen power is worth more than any suffering. What Jesus meant in verse 28 is a matter of speculation amongst scholars and was perhaps another saying not understood by his disciples at the time.
Respond
Look again at verses 24–27. Identify for yourself both the costs and the rewards of following Jesus today. Bring these to him in prayer.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Isaiah 45,46; Psalm 107
Pray for Scripture Union
Join Head of Mission Event Operations Paul Folland in giving thanks for the work of the volunteers on our events this summer that reached so many children and young people. Pray for wisdom as he leads the team in planning for next year, looking to create more opportunities to reveal Jesus.
A child has started following Jesus. Help them keep growing.
A child's decision to trust Jesus is a moment to celebrate, but it's also the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship. Journey to the Sacred Kingdom helps children aged 5–8 discover what it means to know God through his Word, grow in faith and walk with Jesus every day.
Following the adventures of Rock and River, children explore key Bible stories, discover who the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are and begin developing everyday faith habits through engaging reflections, colourful comics and interactive activities.
Give the young believers in your care a strong biblical foundation from the very beginning.
✓ Help new believers grow in God's Word
Introduce children to foundational biblical truths in a way they can understand, helping them build confidence in knowing God and following Jesus.
✓ Encourage faith that lasts beyond a single decision
Support children as they develop habits of prayer, Bible reading and trusting God, laying foundations for a lifelong relationship with Christ.
✓ A trusted discipleship resource for church and home
Perfect for parents, grandparents, children's leaders and churches seeking a biblically rooted follow-up resource after holiday clubs, children's ministry, family events, baptism or other moments when a child begins their journey with Jesus.
