Scripture

Now, I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘Rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of Hell will not conquer it.

Observation

Jesus asks the disciples who people say that he is. They answer, John the Baptist, Elijah or some prophet. Then Jesus asks, “Who do you say I am?” Peter replies that Jesus is the Messiah.

Jesus tells Peter that this is from the Father. From now on Simon Peter will be known as Peter, the Rock. Jesus will establish His church and the power of hell will not overcome it.

Jesus then begins to tell His disciples that He will suffer many terrible things. Peter rebukes Jesus for this. Jesus tells him, “Get away from me, Satan. You are seeing things from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

Application

How quickly Peter goes from being “the rock” on which the church is founded to “Satan.” This, of course, is our common experience. We can be full on for God one day and sin terribly, the next.

Our sins don’t define our identity, and they don’t end our calling in Christ. Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Messiah was was the rock on which the church was built. This calling was so certain that it did not falter when Peter slipped up.

The powers of hell cannot overwhelm the church, nor the individual christian. When we come to Christ, we connect to the greater power. Nothing, not even, Satan and the legion of demons can destroy us or our faith.

For nearly 2 000 years, the church has been steadily advancing and overcoming the powers of hell.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, nothing can overcome you. Thank you that the victory is yours. Amen.

Scripture

Then at last they understood that he wasn’t speaking about the yeast in bread, but the deceptive teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Observation

The Pharisees and Sadducees come to Jesus demanding a sign to prove His authority. Jesus tells them that they know how to predict the weather from the signs in the sky, but they don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times. The only sign they will receive is the sign of Jonah.

Later, Jesus tells His disciples to be aware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The disciples think he’s talking about bread. Jesus reminds them of the feeding miracles. and then they understand that He was talking about the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Application

Whereas the Old Covenant was about physical signs, such as animal sacrifices, a temple, a land, the New Covenant is a spiritual reality. We are the temple. We are the living sacrifices.

The disciples were tripped up by thinking physically, when Jesus wanted them to think spiritually.

Many christians make similar mistakes. The yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees must have included legalism and keeping rules. Many christians judge others and themselves according to outward behaviour, but God looks at the heart.

Some want to observe the Old Testament feasts, forgetting that the feasts are all fulfilled in Christ. Why would we observe the Old Testament Pentecost when the reality of the Holy Spirit is already in us?

We are the children of the Living God, regardless of whether we follow the law or not. The only thing that matters is our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Thank you, Father for your everlasting love. Amen