Bethel Sunday School | 22nd September 2024 | "The suffering of Christ forewarned"

BETHEL SUNDAY SCHOOL 22 SEPT 2024 Text: Matthew 16:21 – 23 Title: The suffering of Christ forewarned INTRODUCTION 1. The suffering of Christ a. This was prophesied i. Isaiah 53 ii. Psalm 22 b. This is a vital aspect of God’s salvation plan for mankind 2. The Lord Jesus forewarns His disciples of His suffering to prepare them THE SUFFERING OF CHRIST REVEALED TO THE DISCIPLES 21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. 1. This MUST happen a. Go to Jerusalem b. Suffer many things from the elders and chief priests c. Be killed d. Be raised the third day 2. This was all part of God’s salvation plan for mankind! a. For the atonement of sin b. For the redemption of man THE REACTION OF PETER Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, [i]“Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” Matthew 16:22 1. Peter took the Lord Jesus aside and began to rebuke Him! 2. He could not accept the suffering of his beloved Master 3. Even though he said these words out of love for the Lord Jesus it was still wrong! THE REBUKE OF THE LORD JESUS 23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” Matthew 16:21 – 23 1. The influence of Satan a. Satan had a hand in this b. He has influenced Peter c. The Lord Jesus saw through this and addressed Satan 2. Rebuking Peter a. You are an offense to Me i. Peter did not realize that he was being influenced by Satan to hinder God’s salvation plan! ii. That is an offence to the Lord! b. You are not mindful of the things of God i. Peter was not mindful of all the things that the Lord had taught Him about God’s salvation plan! ii. He was not mindful that the Lord Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb of God! c. But the things of man i. Peter did not want the Lord Jesus to suffer and die ii. If the Lord Jesus would not suffer and die on the cross, man’s sins would not be atoned! iii. Satan subtly influenced Peter to be more mindful of the things of man over the things of God! A VITAL WORD FROM THE LORD TO HIS DISCIPLES Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Matthew 16:24 1. The disciples must not be distracted! a. By the Evil one b. By the things of man 2. The Lord Jesus made it very clear what it takes to succeed as His disciple a. Deny self b. Take up the cross (Suffering) c. Follow Me (Christ) GREAT CHALLENGES 1. To not be distracted in our following of Christ 2. To determine to follow the Lord Jesus faithfully a. Deny self b. Take up the cross (Suffering included) c. Follow Christ