Read Matthew 16:21-28 with your family.

In last week’s story when Peter told Jesus he knew Jesus was the Messiah, Jesus was so happy he said Peter’s statement would be the foundation for the new community Jesus was trying to build. This week we realize Peter didn’t understand fully what being the ‘Messiah’ meant.

Peter wasn’t a bad friend, and Jesus wasn’t calling him a horrible person for not understanding. However, Jesus was frustrated. Peter did not understand and instead of trying to understand and support Jesus, he tried to talk Jesus out of following through with God’s plan. The Messiah had to experience some hard things and actually die and come back to life so everyone would see the power and importance of everything Jesus was trying to teach.

It’s easy and more comfortable for us to say the bad things can’t happen and to turn away when other people are struggling, but that’s the opposite of what Jesus asked of us. Jesus wants us to face the hard things and help each other through hard things. Because, when we help others we are showing what true love looks like, and that is what Jesus came to teach us.