Lesson step 4 in “Centered on Christ” focuses on Jesus’ prophecy of His coming death and resurrection. This is not what the disciples bargained for, so they had difficulty accepting it. Reading Matthew 16:21-23, one can almost hear them shout, “say it aint so!” Jesus quickly cut short their disagreement with His purpose, and helped them focus on what else they didn’t bargain for—discipleship, too, would be costly.
Jesus announced “the unexpected” to His disciples. They wanted a different Messiah that fit their preconceived notions. Are people any different today? What can you do in your class to help members understand just how unexpected Jesus’ prophecy was to the disciples?
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I had an idea for doing something unexpected. Take a pair of shoes with you to class.
When you read Matthew 16:21, drop the first shoe to the floor to emphasize the surprise of Jesus' announcement.
After you read Matthew 16:24-28, drop the other shoe. It may still be a surprise to some that Jesus called his followers to sacrifice personally.
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