Matthew 16:21-27—Discipleship and Redemptive Suffering 1. Setting: after Peter’s confession of faith at Caesarea Philippi (cf. Matt 16:13-20)
2. Jesus begins to reveal the Mystery of His Passion (16:21)
3. Peter’s Response: takes Jesus aside and “rebukes” him! (16:22)
4. Jesus’ Rebuttal: “Get behind me Satan!”
a. You are a hindrance (Greek skandalon) to me (lit. “stumbling stone”)
b. You are not on the side of God, but of men
5. Conditions of Discipleship: “if any man would come after me…”
a. Accept Suffering: “he must take up his cross”
b. Imitate Jesus: “and follow me” (to Jerusalem)
6. Paradox of Discipleship:
a. Whoever tries to “save” his life ! “loses it”
b. Whoever “loses his life for my sake” ! will “find it”
7. Cost of Discipleship:
a. What profit? If he gains “the world” but loses his “life/soul” (Greek psychē)
b. What shall a man give “in return for his life (Greek psychē)”?
8. Final Judgment: Son of Man “repay everyone” according to “what he has done”
Reflection: What do you think of Jesus’ making willingness to suffer a condition for discipleship? How would you explain the paradox of redemptive suffering to someone who has suffered greatly and doesn’t understand why? Have you ever acted like Peter, and rebuked God for including suffering in his mysterious plan of salvation?