CCC BIBLE LESSONS
Friday Power Day Service
· 6 pm
Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Bible lesson Scripture readings for this service.
- First lessonMatthew 16:21-28Read this passage →
READING NOTES
Follow Christ when the way is costly
Matthew 16:21–28 connects Jesus’ coming suffering with the costly faithfulness He asks of His disciples.
Read Peter’s response in sequence
After Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Christ, Jesus speaks about His coming suffering, death and resurrection. Peter objects. His concern sounds protective, yet Jesus challenges the direction of his thinking. Sincere feeling does not by itself establish that a response is faithful.
Consider the call to follow
Verses 24–27 connect discipleship with self-denial and the cross. Jesus places the value of a person’s life above gaining the whole world. Christians interpret the timing described in verse 28 differently; this short note does not settle that question.
Choose faithfulness over appearance
Consider a choice where honesty may cost approval or advantage. Following Christ may require accepting that cost. The call to self-denial should never be used to excuse abuse or demand unquestioning obedience to another person. The passage centres on following Jesus.
For reflection
Where are you tempted to protect your reputation at the expense of an honest response?
A short prayer
Jesus, help me follow You with courage and sound judgement. Give me strength to choose truth when it costs me something. Amen.