In this week’s Gospel reading, Jesus predicts his fate and then discusses the need for the disciples to bear their own suffering. Too often the opposition of Jewish leaders has led Christians to hold an anti-Judaic attitude. Instead we should recognise that Jesus was rejected for religious as well as for political reasons. The unrest that he caused was a political threat to Rome, and his bold claims greatly troubled the religious leaders. Peter objects to Jesus’ words and Jesus accuses him of acting as an obstacle to the unfolding of God’s will. Turning to the other disciples, Jesus insists that those who are prepared to take up their cross to follow him, will be saved.