Passage: Matthew 16:21-26 - Jesus explains to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, where he will suffer many things before being killed and on the third day raising back to life again. Peter took Jesus aside and rebuked him, saying that this would never happen to him. Jesus responds by calling Peter a stumbling block to him, and that Peter has in mind human concerns rather than God’s concerns. Jesus goes on to explain to his disciples they too must deny themselves and take up their own crosses in order to follow him, but that in being willing to lose their life for his sake, they will in fact find it.

Big Idea: Jesus’ sacrifice and ours.

For Teachers:

Lesson plan.

For Parents:

Follow-up questions.