Overview:
Everything Jesus did. Everyone He interacted with. All of it led to His death on the cross for our sins. Sacrificing Himself to save us was the driving, passionate focus of Jesus’ life.Teaching from Matthew 16:21–26, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explains how Jesus faithfully obeyed the will of the Father, even to the point of dying for those He loved.Follow Christ’s example and submit to the love of the Father. Listen in as Pastor Chuck urges each of us to turn from our selfish ways, take up our cross, and follow Jesus.
Message Summary:
In “Jesus’ Magnificent Obsession,” Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines the “turning point” in Christ’s ministry where He began to focus exclusively on His journey to the Cross. While the disciples looked for a political kingdom, Jesus was possessed by a “magnificent obsession”: the redemption of humanity through His own suffering, death, and resurrection. Swindoll explores the friction between human perspective and divine purpose, Peter’s well-intentioned but misguided rebuke, and the subsequent call for every believer to take up their own cross and follow the One whose obsession became our salvation.
Message Key Facts:
- The Shift in Ministry: Matthew 16:21 marks a definitive change; from that moment on, Jesus moved away from public miracles and focused on preparing His disciples for His death.
- The “Must” of the Cross: Jesus used the word “must” to describe His suffering, indicating that the Cross was not a tragic accident but a divine necessity.
- The Satanic Snare: Peter’s attempt to protect Jesus from the Cross was identified by Christ as a temptation from Satan, illustrating that anything that diverts us from God’s will—even out of “love”—is dangerous.
- The Discipleship Formula: True following involves three non-negotiable actions: denying self, taking up the cross, and following Christ.
- The Eternal Math: Jesus presents a spiritual paradox: “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”
Message References:
1. The Proclamation of the Cross (Matthew 16:21)
Swindoll highlights the stark clarity with which Jesus spoke of His future.
- Clear Predictions: Jesus named the place (Jerusalem), the perpetrators (the elders, priests, and scribes), the penalty (death), and the final victory (resurrection).
- A Divine Appointment: The Cross was the “magnificent obsession” that Christ embraced to satisfy the justice of God and the needs of man.
2. The Conflict of Perspectives (Matthew 16:22–23)
Peter’s reaction reveals the natural human resistance to suffering.
- The Rebuke of a Friend: Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord!” He wanted a crown without a cross.
- The Stern Correction: Jesus did not tolerate the distraction. By saying “Get behind Me, Satan,” He identified Peter’s words as a stumbling block that favored the “thoughts of man” over the “thoughts of God.”
3. The Call to Discipleship (Matthew 16:24)
Jesus extends His “obsession” to those who would follow Him.
- Deny Self: This is not mere “self-denial” (giving up things) but “denying self” (relinquishing the right to run one’s own life).
- Take Up His Cross: This refers to a daily, volitional choice to identify with the shame and suffering of Christ for the sake of the Gospel.
- Follow Me: This is an ongoing commitment to walk in the footsteps of the Savior, wherever they may lead.
4. The Paradox of Profit (Matthew 16:25–28)
The message concludes with the ultimate cost-benefit analysis of life.
- Losing to Find: Striving to preserve your own comfort and safety leads to spiritual loss, while surrendering your life to Christ results in finding its true purpose.
- The Value of the Soul: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” Swindoll emphasizes that the world has nothing to offer that can buy back a lost life.
- The Promise of the Kingdom: Jesus anchors this difficult call in the promise of His return in glory, where every person will be rewarded according to their deeds.
