Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Christ brings a general law for all believers, not merely the apostles facing persecution. Peter dreaded the cross and imagined it beneath Christ's dignity; these words refute that imagination squarely. Discipleship means imitating Christ in two things: denying yourself and taking up your cross, conforming yourself entirely to His example.
AI summary
Christ showed He must suffer; now He shows His disciples must suffer too, and willingly. A true disciple comes after Him as sheep after shepherd, soldiers after captain, not one who prescribes to Him as Peter just did. This is a deliberate choice and cheerful resolution, not accident or another's will.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 16:24-28
Whoever tries to save his life by forsaking Christ, denying His Gospel, and currying favour with men to gain worldly comfort will lose it, exposing himself to God's wrath and everlasting destruction. But whoever loses his life willingly for Christ's sake, willing to endure poverty and death rather than deny Him, shall find it in endless joy.
AI summary