Our generation is looking for a sign too, but we receive the same sign of Jonah that they did. The resurrection!
1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (WEB) “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom remain until now, but some have also fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all, as to the child born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also.”
The disciples are being dense again, and Jesus challenges them about it. “How could you think that I was talking about literal bread? Don’t you think based on what happened before that I could take care of that?!?!” They finally realize that he is talking to them about the false teaching of the religious leadership, and it reminds us to be on our guard as well.
Jesus asks them a question about His identity and Peter makes a remarkable statement! Did he fully understand what he was saying? At the very least he understands that Jesus is the Messiah and that He has a special relationship with God. Jesus acknowledges Peter’s understanding and goes on to say that it will be the bedrock the church is built on. He also gives Peter the “keys” to the kingdom, but those “keys” were also given to the other disciples (Matthew 18:18). By declaring the confession that Jesus is the Messiah they open the door to heaven. They forbid (bind) or allow (release) entrance based on the divine decree that only those who believe can get in (will have been bound/released in heaven). The same is true of us. We present the gospel, we provide the key to a right relationship with God, and if others believe they will be saved!
But as we carry on the mission, we’re reminded that pain is a part of discipleship, and Jesus is our example. Life isn’t perfect, and we have to endure hardship. We take up our cross daily and follow Jesus. Although rebuked here, Peter learned his lesson.
1 Peter 2:21 (WEB) “For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps.”
Finally, how would some of them see Jesus coming in His kingdom? I think that it’s significant that the next thing Matthew records is the transfiguration!
Thought for the day: Sometimes we read something in the Bible, or experience something in life that makes us want to rebuke God too. Don’t do it!
Isaiah 55:8-9 (WEB) ” ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways,’ says Yahweh. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ “
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