Haggai 1:15 - 2:9
Luke 9 : 18-22
Whether we realised it or not, whether we admit it or not, we all need someone to look up to, someone to be our model of life, someone who will influence us deeply.
They are certainly our heroes, and we may even go to the extent of following their habits, the way they dress, etc.
The problem is that, the people we look up to, also have to meet our silent expectations.
We expect them to be strong, to be unbeatable, to be on top of things always.
So whatever the answers the disciples gave about who Jesus was, including Peter's profound answer, there was an underlying expectation about Jesus.
Yet Jesus said that He was destined to suffer greviously, to be rejected, put to death, but raised up on the third day.
What Jesus is saying is that even in suffering, in rejection and finally in death, He is still the strong one, because He will rise.
Jesus had said : Do not be afraid. I have overcome the world.
He who has overcome the world, will also give us the strength to overcome our own world of difficulties and sufferings.
With Jesus, we will also suffer and face rejection.
Yet, when we die to ourselves, we will also rise with Jesus