Nobody Wants to Go with Jesus to the Cross | Matthew 16:21-28 with Lars Olson

In this episode, we ask why Peter responds to Jesus’ promise of suffering and death with, “God forbid it, Lord!” We discover that the cross isn’t something we choose, want, or accomplish—it’s something Christ does for us when our will is at odds with his. Following Jesus isn’t an instruction manual for becoming a better person; it’s the promise that through suffering, death, and resurrection, Christ will give us life.

GOSPEL

Matthew 16:21-28

21 From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?

27 “For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. 28 Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

CARE OF SOULS: DEATH

In Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those facing death, grief, and loss.

Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders.

Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death:

• How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?
• What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?
• How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?
• What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?
• Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?

With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ.

Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life.

Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of Souls

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