Matthew 16:21-28

AUV(i) 21 From that time onward Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He would have to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the [Jewish] elders, leading priests, and experts in the law of Moses; [that He would then] be killed and [yet] raised up on the third day. 22 Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “I should say not, Lord; that will never happen to you.” 23 But Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan; you are causing a hindrance to me because you are not thinking about God’s things but about men’s.” 24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to be my follower, he should deny self [i.e., of always having its own way] and lift up his cross [of responsibility] and [then he can] become my follower. 25 For whoever would [try to] save his life [i.e., by neglecting spiritual things] will lose it [i.e., miss out on the blessings of God]. But whoever [is willing to] lose his life [i.e., in commitment to God’s service] for my sake will find it [i.e., obtain both temporal and spiritual blessings]. 26 For what benefit is it to a person if he gains the whole world [of material things] but [has to] give up his life [i.e., all the spiritual blessings]? Or what should a person give in exchange for his life? 27 For the Son of man will return in the splendor of His Father, accompanied by His angels. Then He will reward or punish every person in proportion to what he has done [with his life]. 28 It is true when I tell you, some of those standing here will not die before they see the Son of man coming in His kingdom.”