Tag: Matthew 16
The reward of following Jesus!
Scripture reading for January 22nd: Matthew 16
Key Scriptures: Matthew 16:24-27 “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul. For the Son of Man is going to come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will reward each person according to what he has done.”
Following Jesus is not a part-time calling! We can’t keep one foot in the world and one on the path of Jesus. Jesus’ path led to the cross and Christ called His followers to take up their cross in order to follow Him. Jesus called for a complete sell-out and a denial of self-interest and pursuit of worldly wealth. Nothing we gain here in that respect can purchase our souls, and in fact, we can lose them in the process! Jesus, the Son of Man, will come with His angels to bring reward for those who overcome and successfully follow! This ought to motivate each believer and test our hearts concerning our commitment to follow Jesus.
Observation for over-comers: When we lay our life down for Jesus, we actually gain what money and fame cannot buy! Let’s embrace our cross and follow hard after our Lord! “Do not wear yourselves out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” (Proverbs 23:4-5)
“Who do you say that I am?”
Scripture reading for January 22nd: Matthew 16
“The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested Him by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven.” (Matthew 16:1) The religious people of Jesus’ time struggled with the miracles and teaching of Jesus. They were not satisfied with His teaching from Scripture or His miraculous power. They had attributed the power to Beelzebub and now wanted more proof that He was from God. Jesus spoke plainly to them about their ability to discern the weather from looking at the clouds but their failure to believe His miracles! “A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. Jesus then left them and went away.” (Matthew 16:4)
These leaders had Jesus right in front of them and had seen miracles and heard Him teach with authority. The only sign that would be given them was the sign of Jonah. Jesus spoke of this same sign earlier when He explained that, “as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man would be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:40) He spoke of His death, burial and resurrection as a primary sign of who He was: The Son of Man!
Later, Jesus asked His disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15) Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16) Knowing who Jesus really is comes from revelation! Revelation comes from a humble and teachable heart that seeks truth. Settle the question in your own heart today! Quit seeking signs and believe the Word of God! Jesus rose from the grave and is alive today!
Who do you say I am?
Scripture reading for January 24th: Matthew 16, Psalm 18:1-6, Proverbs 4:18-19
The religious leaders were continually looking for ways to trap Jesus. In today’s reading, they ask Him for a sign or a miracle to prove to them who He was. He had been healing the sick and ministering in the miraculous and these “signs” were not sufficient because their hard hearts. His response to their request was sharp, “A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.”(Matthew 16:4) His death, burial and resurrection after three days would be the final and greatest “sign” that the world would have that He was from heaven.
When the disciples and Jesus visited Cesarea Philippi, Jesus had a serious discussion with them about who they thought He was. They had been with him for some time now and seen many “signs” in the miracles and healing that took place whenever Jesus went among the people. They had even done some of these miracles themselves. Jesus questioned them, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-16)
People had different opinions but Jesus wanted His disciples to know the truth. He called them to be with Him and learn who He and His Father were. Peter’s response was dead on! Jesus noted that Peter did not get this from his own fleshly understanding, but His Father in heaven had revealed this truth. It was this truth that Jesus would use to build His Church upon! Jesus was the Messiah and long awaited Savior. He came from His Father, the only Living God. Knowing Jesus as the Son of God was only possible by revelation.
This basic truth is so important for us today. Jesus is building His Church on this truth. It is part of the Gospel message of the kingdom that is revealed to those with humble and teachable hearts. Confession of sin and repentance through faith in Jesus Christ, Son of the living God is the only way to the Father. Who is Jesus to you? Can you confess Him as the Christ?
“Who do you say I am?”
Scripture reading for January 24th: Matthew 16, Psalm 18:1-6, Proverbs 4:18-19
The religious leaders were continually looking for ways to trap Jesus. In today’s reading, they ask Him for a sign or a miracle to prove to them who He was. He had been healing the sick and ministering in the miraculous and these “signs” were not sufficient because their hard hearts. His response to their request was sharp, “A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” (Matthew 16:4) His death, burial and resurrection after three days would be the final and greatest “sign” that the world would have that He was from heaven.
When the disciples and Jesus visited Cesarea Philippi, Jesus had a serious discussion with them about who they thought He was. They had been with him for some time now and seen many “signs” in the miracles and healing that took place whenever Jesus went among the people. They had even done some of these miracles themselves. Jesus questioned them, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-16)
People had different opinions but Jesus wanted His disciples to know the truth. He called them to be with Him and learn who He was and who His Father was. Peter’s response was dead on! Jesus noted that Peter did not get this from his own fleshly understanding, but His Father in heaven had revealed this truth to Peter. It was this truth that Jesus would use to build His church upon! Jesus was the Messiah and long awaited Savior. He came from His Father, the only Living God. Knowing Jesus as the Son of God was only possible by revelation.
This basic truth is so important for us today. Jesus is building His Church on this truth. It is part of the Gospel message of the kingdom that is revealed to those with humble and teachable hearts. Confession of sin and repentance through faith to Jesus Christ, Son of the living God is the only way to the Father. Who is Jesus to you? Can you confess Him as the Christ?