Now Jesus openly for the first time says that he is on the way to suffering, rejection, crucifixion, and after three days rise up out of the grave. Peter s head jerks. He is startled. He hadn t counted on this way. Jesus goes on, If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Baptism begins to take on a whole new dimension.
Child of God, yes, loved and cared for by God and God s church throughout life s journey. Follower of Christ, on the way to a cross. Our heads jerk and we have a startled look in our eyes. Jesus now becomes more than the therapeutic Jesus. Yes, he is our friend.