February 25, 2024 —
In the season of Lent, we witness a battle as Jesus takes our place in His passion. As the battle continues, Satan redoubles his attacks. This time, he attacks Jesus by placing temptation in the mouth of Jesus’ friend, His most ardent supporter, the “rock”—Peter.
Every Christian knows the truth that Satan has more success when he hides his temptations in things that seem good—a friend who gives bad advice, the pursuit of a noble goal that hides selfish motives, the desire for lovethat excuses sin.
Today, Jesus tells us that following Him means taking up our crosses. We have an example in Job, bearing his crosses in faith (Old Testament Lesson). Then Paul encourages us that our crosses work good in us and inspire love for the unlovable that mimics Christ’s love (Epistle Lesson).
Jesus demonstrates the necessity of the cross—His and ours in the Gospel Lesson. Because Jesus took up our cross of sin and shame, we can trust that each of our crosses can be a “dear cross” we bear, knowing that God uses them to build us up and connect us ever closer to Him, who saved us by suffering on THE cross of all crosses.