October 20, 2026

Scriptures: Matthew 16, Mark 8:11–9:1, Luke 9:18–27 |

After everything the disciples have seen, Jesus asks the question that sits at the center of the Gospel: “But who do you say I am?” Peter answers, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” This is no longer about what the crowds think or what religious leaders are saying…and every person eventually has to answer this question personally, including you. Grace is found in the fact that God has revealed to us who Jesus truly is and called us into relationship with Him.

But Peter quickly discovers that recognizing Jesus as Messiah does not mean he understands what kind of Messiah Jesus will be! When Jesus explains that He must suffer, be killed, and rise again, Peter objects…He wants Jesus, but not the cross. Jesus quickly corrects him because Peter is trying to fit God's plan into human expectations. It is possible to say the right things about Jesus while still resisting the way He chooses to work.

Then Jesus turns the conversation toward His followers: “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” Following Jesus is not adding Him to a life we remain determined to control. It means surrendering the right to make ourselves the center. Jesus asks us to trust that losing our lives for His sake is actually the path to finding them.

Peter’s confession is a turning point. The disciples know who Jesus is, but now they must learn what following Him means. The road ahead leads toward Jerusalem and the cross. Knowing Jesus as Savior and following Jesus as Lord cannot ultimately be separated.

Challenge Questions:

Who is Jesus to you beyond the answers you know you are supposed to give?

Where are you comfortable with Jesus as Savior but resisting what it means to follow Him as Lord?