JESUS, TAKE THE WHEEL – DYLAN JAHNIG
Scriptures:
Matthew 16:19-27
Romans 12:1-2
Points:
1. Courage to deny yourself
2. Courage to pick up your cross
3. Courage to follow Him
In this powerful message, we’re challenged to consider what it truly means to let Jesus ‘take the wheel’ in our lives. The central scripture, Matthew 16:19-23, reveals a pivotal moment where Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, only to be rebuked moments later. This passage invites us to reflect on how easily we can slip from spiritual insight to worldly thinking, and to consider the question: what if the ‘keys of the kingdom’ look more like courage than we realize? The courage to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. As we approach the holiday season, we’re encouraged to examine where we might be holding onto control too tightly, and where God is calling us to open our hands and hearts.
The Keys to the Kingdom: Courage Over Code
What if the keys to unlocking God’s kingdom in our lives look different than we imagined? What if, instead of a complex code to crack, they resemble something far more accessible yet challenging – courage?
This idea invites us to reconsider our approach to faith and life. It’s not about figuring out a secret formula but about leaning into the courage to live out God’s calling for us:
- The Courage to Deny Ourselves
In Matthew 16:19, Jesus speaks of giving the keys of the kingdom of heaven, promising power to bind and loose on earth as in heaven. Yet, moments later, He rebukes Peter with the harsh words, “Get behind me, Satan!” Why such a stark contrast? Because Peter, despite his bold declaration of faith, slipped into worldly thinking when faced with Jesus’ prediction of His death and resurrection.
This interaction shows us something vital: the moment we drift into carnal thinking, we risk losing the life Christ offers. As the holiday season approaches, with its myriad distractions and worldly pressures, we’re called to deny ourselves – not of pleasure, but of our preferences and priorities that don’t align with God’s plan.
Denying ourselves isn’t about giving up joy; it’s about surrendering control. It’s recognizing that when we try to steer our lives without divine guidance, we’re like Muriel from that classic car advertisement – crashing into obstacles we can’t even see. The invitation is clear: “Jesus, take the wheel.” Let’s courageously finish what we started this year, trusting in God’s direction rather than our limited vision.
- Take Up Your Cross
The call to “take up your cross” is often misunderstood in our modern context. It’s not about bearing minor inconveniences or daily frustrations. Jesus isn’t referring to traffic jams, long queues, or forgotten lunches. The cross He speaks of is an invitation to His life, not ours – a radical laying down of our plans and ambitions in favor of God’s higher purpose.
Jim Elliot, the renowned evangelist, once said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” This is the essence of taking up our cross. It’s about making decisions that align with God’s calling, even when they seem counterintuitive to worldly wisdom.
As we approach the holiday season, let’s consider how we can embody this principle. Perhaps it means sacrificing a luxury to provide for those in need, or dedicating time to serve others when our schedules feel overwhelmingly busy. It’s in these moments of selfless giving that we often find the true richness of life that Christ promises.
- Follow Me
The final key in this journey of courageous faith is to actively follow Christ. This isn’t about passive agreement or occasional participation; it’s about aligning our steps with His, day by day. Jesus’ call to “Follow me” is an invitation to a dynamic, evolving relationship with Him.
Following Christ means being willing to go where He leads, even when the destination is unclear. It’s about trust and obedience, not just in the big life decisions but in the small, everyday choices. Are we willing to pause and minister to someone in need, even when our schedule is packed? Can we trust God’s timing and direction, even when it contradicts our carefully laid plans?
The challenge is to move beyond being spiritual “backseat drivers” – those who want the benefits of faith without fully surrendering control. True following means allowing Jesus to take the wheel completely, trusting His navigation even when the road ahead seems uncertain or challenging.
Embracing the Journey
As we reflect on these three keys of courageous faith – denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Christ – we’re invited to consider where in our lives God is calling us to step out in faith. Where are we holding onto control so tightly that we’re missing out on the peace and purpose God wants to bring?
The keys to the kingdom aren’t found in a complex spiritual code but in the courage to trust and follow. It’s about opening our hands and hearts, allowing the seeds of potential in our lives – in our relationships, careers, and personal growth – to fall to the ground, die, and bear much fruit.
This holiday season, what if we were to loosen our grip on the wheel of our lives? To courageously step into the story God is writing for us, trusting that His plans are greater than our own. As we do, we might find that the kingdom of heaven isn’t as far away as we thought – it’s right here, waiting on courage to enter.
When we draw near to God, Scripture declares that He will draw near to us. Today, we can take that step. To courageously deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him into the glorious future He has prepared. For in this journey of faith, we don’t just find a better way to live – we discover the very life we were born to live.
Discussion Questions
- How might our lives change if we truly allowed Jesus to ‘take the wheel’ in all areas, not just the ones we’re comfortable with?
- In what ways do we sometimes act like Peter, declaring Jesus as Lord one moment but trying to control His plans the next?
- How can we cultivate the courage to deny ourselves in a culture that often promotes self-indulgence and instant gratification?
- What does it mean to ‘take up your cross’ in today’s context, and how is this different from simply enduring life’s inconveniences?
- How might our perspective on challenges and sacrifices shift if we viewed them as opportunities to follow Jesus more closely?
- In what areas of your life are you still ‘driving’ instead of allowing God to lead, and what fears or hesitations are holding you back?
- How can we balance being active participants in our faith while still surrendering control to God?
- What ‘seeds’ in your life might God be asking you to plant or release, even when it seems counterintuitive?
- How can we cultivate a deeper understanding of God’s kingdom priorities versus our worldly preferences?
- In what ways might God be inviting you to ‘follow Him’ into unexpected or uncomfortable situations for the sake of His kingdom?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, and for the invitation to walk with Him in every part of our lives. Today, we ask for the courage to let go of our need for control and to surrender our hearts fully to You. Give us the strength to deny ourselves, laying down our own desires and plans that don’t align with Your will. Empower us to pick up our cross daily, choosing a life of purpose and sacrifice that reflects Your love to the world. And may we have the boldness to follow Jesus wherever He leads, trusting in Your wisdom and direction even when the path is unclear. We release our fears, our doubts, and our need for certainty, declaring: Jesus, take the wheel. Lead us into the fullness of life that You have promised, and help us to live courageously for Your kingdom. We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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