God's Goal!

April 17, 2023 Monday Message:

Matthew 16:21 NKJV: “Jesus began to show to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”

As unlikely as it may seem, Jesus’ suffering and being killed was the conclusion to his earthly mission. The whole scenario was planned in advance by his Father, God in heaven. Jesus would be resurrected on the third day, and eventually ascend, returning to the Father. But as Jesus died, he would take the sins of the world to the place of the dead. And mankind, having been forgiven, could then join him in eternal paradise. That was God’s plan, to rescue mankind. It would al take place in Jerusalem.

The disciples, not knowing the big picture, wanted to protect Jesus from this persecution. They advised him to not return to Jerusalem. It seemed excessively dangerous. Peter took Jesus aside to give him a little advice and critique what he had been saying: “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.”

To which Jesus replied, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

Peter could only visualize saving one man, Jesus. But Jesus and his Father were out to save ALL of mankind!

Rescuing mankind was God’s goal! Better not get in his way!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship