After Peter's confession that Jesus is THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD, Jesus begins to explain to his disciples that he would be going to Jerusalem to suffer and die. He also said that he would be raised to life three days later. Peter rebuked Jesus for saying such a thing. Peter's rebuke, however, put Peter on the side of the devil and Jesus quickly told him so. The plans and purposes of God are carried out in ways which boggle our minds. The Christ HAD TO SUFFER AND DIE. This has been God's plan from BEFORE the creation of the world.

Jesus speaks of cross-bearing in these passages along with denying our own self. Jesus said: "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it."

Jesus is transfigured in the presence of Peter, James, and John and the disciples hear the heavenly Father speak.