Matthew 16:21-24 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

Christian self-denial.

After the noble confession of Peter Jesus "began to show unto his disciples how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suite." This intelligence roused all the devil in Peter, so that he took that Blessed One whom he had just acknowledged to be the "Son of the living God," and began to rebuke him. Simon was not innocent of selfishness in his concern for the life of his Lord, for he shrewdly concluded that the servants might suffer with the Master. Jesus strongly resented this evil spirit of the world, and urged the absolute necessity of self-denial.

I. SELF - DENIAL IS REQUIRED BY OUR RELATION TO GOD .

1 . The will of God is the creature ' s law.

2 . Yet our inclinations cross the will of God.

3 . Therefore now the necessity for self-denial.

II. SELF - DENIAL IS REQUIRED BY OUR RELATION TO MAN .

1 . The human race is one great family.

2 . The necessities of the family call for self-denial.

III. SELF - DENIAL IS REQUIRED BY THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST .

1 . He stooped to the form of a servant.

2 . He exercised himself with fasting.

3 . He took up his own cross.