Christian Author Laura Davis

Todays Reading: Matthew 16:13-28

In today's reading we come across an unusual confrontation that Peter has with the Lord. In the first part of this passage Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do people say the Son of man is?" They give Him various answers: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the other prophets. Which is probably what most people would say today about Jesus. Think about it, when you ask someone who they think Jesus is, what do they say? "A great teacher or a prophet." But not many are willing to admit that He is the Son of God. So, Jesus asks His disciples, who they think He is and Peter blurts out, "You are the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the living God."

Where did Peter get this knowledge? What was so signifcant about his confession? Jesus knew right away when He says in verse 17, that this knowledge was revealed to Peter, by "my Father in Heaven." So, here we have a declaration of faith in Jesus Christ coming from Peter and Jesus praises him for it, going so far as to charge Peter with building His church. I often wonder, if someone else had spoken the same words of faith that Peter did, if Jesus would have charged them with the same thing. Just a thought.

But, look what happens further down when Jesus warns His disciples that He must suffer many things, be killed and rise again on the third day. (vs. 21) What does Peter do then? He actually rebukes Jesus! In fact, look closely at the scripture in verse 22, Peter takes Jesus aside to do this. Imagine this now - it's like one of your best friends has told you something horrible was going to happen to them and you sit them down and say, "No! That will not happen - rebuke that thought right now!"

It's truly kind of laughable when you picture it in your mind. The Messiah was getting a tongue lashing from his disciple. The same disciple who believed and knew he was talking to the Son of God! Can you imagine? What audacity, what nerve or should I say chutzpa? And then the tables turn. Jesus, who only moments before had praised Peter for his faith and had referred to him as a rock and promised him the keys of the kingdom, is now calling Peter 'satan' and a 'stumbling block'. (vs. 23) Why? Because as Jesus goes on to explain, Peter did not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.

What about you? What is your mind set on today? Is it set on the things of God or on worldly pastimes? Jesus says in vs. 24-28 that we need to deny ourselves and take up our crosses daily to follow him. Having faith that Jesus is the Son of God is not enough, you must also exercise that faith.  Following Him and obeying Him is essential to our Christian walk. You cannot have faith that is not exercised daily through prayer, bible study, evangelism, etc. You must practise what you preach and be willing to suffer the consequences.  How about you? Are you exercising your faith? What does that mean to you?