Proper 17: Gospel, Matthew 16:21-28   

Matthew 16:21-28                             

 Last week we found ourselves in the north of the country learning about the gaping jaws of hell. Remember? Jesus left us with great assurance that He will thwart all the plans of the enemy. Whew! I guess we can just play, jump and skip. Not. So. Fast.

 Jesus jumps from the hell he keeps us from to the hell he most surely will face. And we can do nothing to help. In our reading, after announcing to the disciples that he most certainly will die at corrupt hands, impulsive Peter attempts the road block. Satan has gone from the shrine at Caesarea Philippi and has moved into Peter. Jesus identifies him, rebukes him and continues on HIS way. Thanks be to God.

 Then the real examination begins. In effect, if you’re going to follow me, says Jesus, it’s you who will have to die. Jesus has a cross. But so do we. You and I. One with our name on it. Jesus asks two questions. And if these questions don’t cause some real heart-wrenching thought at the least, well you’re just not listening. If you can’t take up your cross, then “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” That’s question one. On its heels, “Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” 

 Do you see the exchange rate the Savior is pointing to? It’s not our physical life. It’s where we find our lives. In this world we find our lives in this world. And there is plenty there to grasp. Much of it is good. And anything good is from the hand of our Father. But corruption, glances that turn to gazes, ever deepening pockets, and eyes that just grow dim toward the glories of heaven (that’s a heart condition first). This is the “either-or” side of this call of Jesus. It’s the world or it's me. We have to turn our backs on this world and let it go. Jesus is saying that this world must not be allowed to own our hearts. He won’t steal our hearts. He will only receive hearts given in the exchange of “grace for goods.” 

 I thought the gates of hell were scary. I need to fear the gates of my heart even more.

 Lord, have mercy.