October 12 - Matthew 16-18
Jesus is trying to teach us many things. In this passage we read about several of them that are very important. I pray that we will learn these lessons well.
Most people don't like tests, and they don't like to think about dying. However, both of those things play a big part in the Christian life. Jesus was tested by His enemies, and we will be tested, too. Tests are permitted by God or sent by God to see what we have learned. In order to pass the test, we must have learned to depend on Him. The answers don't come from us, but from Him. Then, when Jesus told His disciples about His death on the cross, Peter did not like it, and he was not going to let it happen. (16:22,23) However, Jesus turned the tables on Peter. He told him and all of the disciples that in order to follow Him, we all must die. In fact, that is the ultimate test, isn't it? Jesus is looking to see if we will give ourselves to Him without reservation.
In chapter 17 Jesus teaches them more about death and then about unbelief. The Mount of Transfiguration teaches us that God will help us deal with the details of death. He sent Moses and Elijah to speak with Jesus. The story of the demon possessed boy is a lesson in unbelief. Our doubts do hurt us. God can't bless unbelief. However, a very small amount of faith in Jesus goes a long way.
Chapter 18 teaches about forgiveness. Have you understood the importance of forgiveness? Jesus wants to forgive us, but He also wants us to forgive others. He wants us to experience close personal relationships that are not marred by sin and separation. We must allow Him to show us how to forgive others and restore relationships.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Matthew 19-21.
Most people don't like tests, and they don't like to think about dying. However, both of those things play a big part in the Christian life. Jesus was tested by His enemies, and we will be tested, too. Tests are permitted by God or sent by God to see what we have learned. In order to pass the test, we must have learned to depend on Him. The answers don't come from us, but from Him. Then, when Jesus told His disciples about His death on the cross, Peter did not like it, and he was not going to let it happen. (16:22,23) However, Jesus turned the tables on Peter. He told him and all of the disciples that in order to follow Him, we all must die. In fact, that is the ultimate test, isn't it? Jesus is looking to see if we will give ourselves to Him without reservation.
In chapter 17 Jesus teaches them more about death and then about unbelief. The Mount of Transfiguration teaches us that God will help us deal with the details of death. He sent Moses and Elijah to speak with Jesus. The story of the demon possessed boy is a lesson in unbelief. Our doubts do hurt us. God can't bless unbelief. However, a very small amount of faith in Jesus goes a long way.
Chapter 18 teaches about forgiveness. Have you understood the importance of forgiveness? Jesus wants to forgive us, but He also wants us to forgive others. He wants us to experience close personal relationships that are not marred by sin and separation. We must allow Him to show us how to forgive others and restore relationships.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Matthew 19-21.