The synoptic gospels are an incredible Bible study comparing scripture with scripture to see the nuances of each gospel writer as directed by the Holy Spirit to reach their particular audience. Matthew 16:21-27, Mark 8:31-38, and Luke 9:20-26 all cover the same event in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
In the historic context of the event (STHA: Simple Treasure Historic Applicaiton), Jesus has just explained that he would soon be taken by the religious leaders, and tortured, and crucified, resurrecting three days later in victory of death, hell, and the grave. He then explains the cost of discipleship to the apostles and the crowd that was following with them. Jesus explains four general areas of discipleship in these verses.
First, he speaks of how a partnership must be entered. Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23
Make up your mind; give up your rights, take up your identity.
Second, he speaks of how priorities need to be adjusted. Matthew 16:25, Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24
Third, he speaks of how one's perspective needs to change from temporal values to eternal values.
Matthew 16:26, Mark 8:36-37, Luke 9:25
Fourth, he speaks of putting their discipleship into daily practice of self-sacrifice and humble obedience to be judged when Messiah King Jesus returns in glory to establish the kingdom.
Matthew 16:27, Mark 8:38, Luke 9:26
Jesus was preparing his audience for life after his departure. He knew he would be absent for the fulfillment of Daniel's 70 weeks prophecy found in Daniel 9:24-26. Of course, we know that when Messiah was cut off, being crucified, buried for three days and nights, and resurrecting bodily, he spent 40 days instructing the apostles of all things concerning himself in the scriptures. He then ascended to heaven till the fulfillment of the seven year time of separation, when all prophecies concerning the nation were to be fulfilled. But, God put the prophetic program in “time-out” stopping the “divine doomsday clock” from ticking down to zero-hour when Jesus was to return.
In this “time-out” period, known as the Mystery dispensation of the grace of God, salvation has been offered by grace through faith to all mankind – Epheisans 2:8-9! This is known as the Mystery Program hidden in the heart of God from the beginning.
So, the devotional application (PTDA: Personal Treasure Devotional Application) we can take away from these scriptures is very simple. We are given specific instructions concerning our discipleship that has to do with the weightier matters of the spiritual journey we are taking into Christlikeness. We are to grow up and become mature believers, taking on responsibility in the body of Christ, and assisting babes in Christ to become spiritual adults. 2 Timothy 2:1-4, Ephesians 6:10-20, Philippians 4:4-9
Philippians 4:4-9 gives us specific instructions to follow in our maturing process:
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
We will unpack the DTDA – Deep Treasure Doctrinal Application next week when we dive into issue of the gospel of the kingdom in relation to the spiritual atmosphere in the tribulation. The Church Age saints have been caught away in the Rapture and the “Doomsday Clock” is ticking down till the victorious return of Messiah King Jesus at the end of the last seven years of the rule of mankind, when the remnant of Israel is saved and restored to fellowship with God.
