Family Table Study: Matthew 16:24

Following Jesus means trusting God’s plan over our own. When we set aside our selfish desires, we discover the true joy and purpose of walking closely with Jesus every day.

"Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This will never be done to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of men.” Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me."

Have you ever had a wonderful plan for your afternoon, like building a giant block tower, but then your parent asked you to help clean up the yard instead? It can be hard to let go of what we want to do. In our reading, Peter had a plan for how things should go, and he did not want Jesus to suffer. But Jesus knew that God’s plan was better, even if it meant doing something difficult. When Jesus tells us to "deny himself" and "follow me," he is asking us to put God's way first. Taking up our cross means we choose to love and obey God, even when it is hard or not what we originally wanted. Maybe you want to keep the best toy for yourself, but God's way is to share it. When we follow Jesus, we find out that his plans are always the absolute best!

It is totally normal to want a comfortable, pain-free life. We live in a culture that tells us the ultimate goal is to find our own truth, maximize our happiness, and avoid anything that feels difficult. Whether it is chasing likes on screens, managing the anxiety of fitting in with friends, or trying to curate the perfect identity, we feel intense pressure to build a kingdom where we are in charge. Peter felt a similar way. He loved Jesus and wanted a version of the future where his friend and leader did not have to suffer. He was focused on the "things of men" rather than God's bigger story. But Jesus flips our worldly expectations upside down. He invites you into something far better than a self-focused life, but it comes with a cost. "Taking up your cross" means surrendering your own agenda to follow his. It means making choices that might look backward to your friends—like choosing kindness over popularity, setting healthy boundaries with your phone, or forgiving someone who hurt you. It is not about feeling ashamed of your desires; it is about trusting that giving your life to Jesus brings true freedom. Following him is the ultimate adventure.

In this passage, Jesus has just revealed to his disciples that he must suffer, be killed, and be raised on the third day. Peter, speaking out of deep affection but limited human understanding, tries to stand in the way of the cross. Jesus’ strong response underscores a vital truth: anything that deters us from God's redemptive will, even if born from good intentions, is a stumbling block. The call to "deny himself" and "take up his cross" was a shocking image to a first-century audience. The cross was not a piece of jewelry; it was an instrument of death. Jesus is calling his followers to a complete surrender of their own self-rule. As parents and adults, we naturally want to protect our kids—and ourselves—from pain, failure, and discomfort. Like Peter, our protective instincts can sometimes clash with God's refining purposes. Discipling our families means modeling what it looks like to trust God's will over our comfort. It means letting our kids see us sacrifice our time, resources, and pride for the sake of the Gospel. When you talk with your family about this passage, be honest about the areas where you struggle to lay down your own agenda. Show them that taking up your cross is not a grim, joyless duty, but a profound yielding to a Savior who loved us enough to endure the cross himself. Our surrender paves the way to experiencing Christ's abundant life in our homes.

1. Why do you think Peter was so upset when Jesus said he was going to suffer?
2. Ask each other: What is one thing you really want to control in your life right now, and how hard is it to trust God with it?
3. What does "taking up your cross" look like for someone your age at school, at work, or at home?
4. How can we encourage each other as a family when following Jesus feels difficult or unpopular?

1. Choose one specific area of your routine (like screen time, hobbies, or a chore) where you can step back and let someone else go first this week.
2. Write "Follow Me" on a sticky note and place it on your bathroom mirror to remind yourself to look for ways to put Jesus first each morning.
3. Serve your family anonymously by doing a chore or act of kindness that you usually would not do, without seeking any praise or credit for it.

Dear Lord, thank you for loving us so much that Jesus was willing to endure the cross for our salvation. We confess that we often want things our own way, just like Peter did. Please forgive us for the times we focus on human desires instead of your perfect plan. Give us the courage to deny our selfishness, take up our cross, and follow Jesus every single day. Help our family to support one another when following you feels difficult. Fill our home with your peace and joy as we trust in your goodness. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.