Matthew 16-18 (Wednesday August 13th)

Hi guys! So for this week, we'll be diving into the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 16-18. Starting in chapter 16, here we find Jesus speaking to the Pharisees as they asked for signs and discussed among themselves this Jesus. In addition, it is here that we find Peter confessing Jesus as the Christ. In Matthew 16:14 (ESV) Jesus specifically asks Peter "But who do you say I am?" His question is pointed and direct. It also serves the purpose of signifying such a crucial aspect of how we identify Jesus. In today's age, many talk about Jesus as a man, a scholar, a teacher, a zealot, and a revolutionary. And yes He was all of those things, but above all these who is Jesus? Peter replies to Jesus in the next verse with "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Later in this chapter Jesus speaks of his future resurrection, but he instructs His disciples to deny themselves and follow Him. How do we follow Him? Before we can do anything we must believe, and we must identify Jesus and the Christ and the Son of God.

In chapter 17 the Gospel goes on to tell of the Transfiguration of Jesus. How Jesus with his inner circle James, John and Peter climbed the high mountain to encounter God. Not only did He encounter His Father, but He was transfigured right before the disciples' eyes. There, He encountered both Moses and Elijah. Later He displays the power of His father by healing a demon-possessed boy and speaks of His resurrection which grows near.

Moving on, chapter 18 is where we really get into some good stuff. Jesus settles a dispute between His disciples on who is the greatest, explaining to them that they must be selfless like a child. He also gives parables and gives warnings on the temptations of sin, and the importance of forgiving those who sin against you. But one of my favorite parables in all of the Gospel is the parable of the lost sheep. In here Jesus explains through the analogy of the lost sheep that while many of His followers will never stray, there will be those who do. But the joy that He feels upon finding that lost sheep and bringing him back to the herd is unparalleled. It reiterates the amazing mercy and grace that is available to us through Him. No matter who we are, or what we've done, Jesus is there for us! He is always there to find us, to guide us and to bring us back home. Now is that cool or what? Way cool.