The Choice That Changes Everything

Scriptures: Matthew 16:21-26; 26:40-41

Introduction

• Life is a series of choices, and our lives become a summation of those choices.

• Adults are responsible for their choices; children often have choices made by parents.

• Attending church is an example of prioritizing the right choices.

I. Jesus’ Choice

• The Cross: A horrifying Roman punishment that Jesus chose for humanity’s salvation.

• His Sacrifice:

• Suffered so we could be saved.

• Cursed so we could be blessed.

• Rejected so we could be accepted.

• Died so we could live.

• Fulfillment of Prophecy:

• Jesus as the scapegoat bearing sin.

• Zechariah 13:6 describes His wounds for humanity’s sake.

• In the Garden: Jesus agonized over the Cross, ultimately yielding to the Father’s will to fulfill His purpose.

II. Our Choice

• Peter’s Mistake:

• Thought like a man, seeking to avoid suffering.

• Claimed loyalty but fell asleep and denied Christ.

• Two Life Approaches Presented by Christ:

• Deny Yourself vs. Live for Yourself

• Take Up Your Cross vs. Reject/Ignore the Cross

• Follow Christ vs. Follow the World

• Lose Your Life for His Sake vs. Save Your Life for Your Sake

• Forsake the World vs. Gain the World

• Keep Your Soul vs. Lose Your Soul

• Share in His Glory vs. Lose His Glory

Significance of Christ’s Sacrifice

• Stripes on His back: Our healing.

• Nails in His feet: Our steps ordered in peace.

• Spear in His side: Blood and water for spiritual life.

• Crown of thorns: Renewal of our minds.

• Broken heart: Healing for our hearts.

• Nails in His hands: Transformation of sinful hands to hands of worship and service.

Conclusion

• Taking up the Cross daily is the choice that changes everything.

• Multitudes followed Jesus for miracles, but few stood by Him at the Cross.

• As we enter the New Year, we must:

• Look Back to Calvary.

• Look Within at our hearts and dedication.

• Look Ahead to living a life committed to the Cross.

Communion Reflection (Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32):

• Take the Lord’s Supper thoughtfully, worthily, and after self-examination.