October 6, 2014
Matthew 16-19
If we were among the followers of Jesus, we’d have already begun to suspect that Jesus was something more than mere man. He’d forgiven a man’s sins (9:2); the teachers rightfully grumbled about it. Only God forgives sins. He allowed his disciples to pluck grain on the Sabbath, and answered the critics by saying, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath” (12:8). He claimed to be “something greater than Jonah” (12:41). He walked on water (14:25)! He healed the sick. He fed the multitudes.
So, when Jesus takes his disciples on what I imagine to be a camping trip up near Mt. Hermon in the region of Caesarea-Philippi and asks them, “Who do people say that I am?” and, more importantly, “Who do you say that I am? Peter’s response is not unexpected: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (16:16)
Three of the disciples hear more affirmation of Jesus’ identity from God the Father on the Mount of Transfiguration, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (17:5). After that, Jesus begins to prepare them for his upcoming death and resurrection!
But even with these explicit signs of Jesus’ true identity, the disciples fuss with one another over “Who is the greatest?” (18:1) They wonder how often they need to forgive one another (18:21). And Jesus has to humble them twice by using little children (18:1-6; 19:13-15).
Today's reading ends with a poser: if we were in the rich, young ruler’s shoes, would we give up all we had to follow Jesus?
Your fellow pilgrim through the New Testament,
Pastor Gary
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