Jeremiah was complaining of having been tricked by God. He was torn between holding back and not speaking the words that God had for him to share with others. On the other hand, speaking out and being the brunt of laughter. This was the predicament of the Lord's prophet.

Jeremiah could not be quiet - he needed to share what God had shared with him. But in doing so, he enraged his enemies who sought to destroy him. Has God asked you to speak out in difficult situations?

Jesus was telling his disciples what was going to happen to him. Peter did not want to hear that Jesus would suffer and die. The Jews were looking for a victorious Messiah who would free them from Roman rule. What Jesus was saying was not what they expected or wanted.

Following Jesus would involve sacrifice and suffering - a life very different from what the disciples hoped. The sacrifice would involve giving up the life that they wanted and embracing the life that Jesus had lived. They would need to follow Jesus. What does it mean to follow Jesus? Be non-judgmental; respect others; love God and others; be compassionate - anything else?