Abide Together: Reflections on Matthew 16-17

In Matthew 16, Jesus warns His disciples about the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.  Then Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” HE also asked the disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus says that Peter came to this conclusion, not by his own intellect, but it was revealed to him by God the Father.  Everyone must answer the question of who Jesus is and it is the Father that must reveal that truth.  Jesus then tells His disciples that He will be killed and raised on the third day.  Peter rebukes Jesus and then is rebuked by Jesus.  Jesus says his problem is that he is not setting his mind on God’s interests, but on man’s.  Any time people look to the world for answers, they will be opposite of God’s answers and will lead to sin.  In Matthew 17, Peter, James and John witness the Transfiguration where they see Jesus transfigured and Moses and Elijah appear as well.  Peter wants to erect a tabernacle for each one to honor or worship them.  God the Father speaks and says about Jesus, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased, listen to Him!”  Moses represents the Law and Elijah represents the Prophets and by the Father telling them to listen to Jesus, He is saying that Jesus superseded and fulfills both the Law and the Prophets.  Jesus fulfills the Law and the Prophets and gives the right interpretation of them to those who listen to Him.  Lord, thank You for revealing to me that Jesus is the Christ. By Your grace, help me continually set my mind on Your interests revealed in Your Word.  Also, help me continually listen to Jesus through Your Word.

– Bryan McKenzie