Matt 16-17

As the rejection of the king continue in Matthew, a new entity is introduced in 16:18 – church. “Church” is not just an assembly of people. It is not Israel in the OT. Jesus calls it “my church” and he uses future tense (“I will build”) to indicate it is yet to be existed from 16:18 point of view. Then, what about the kingdom? Jesus predicted His ultimate rejection in 16:21 but He also affirmed the kingdom will come one day by His transfiguration (17:1-13).

My sharing: When Peter rebuked Jesus, he did it out of loving Him but according to his own way instead of God’s way. This challenge me to see things and pray with an attitude of seeking first God’s kingdom and His righteousness.

Comments

Audrey said…
I agree with Mike. Peter rebukes Jesus out of the love of Him. However, Jesus says this is setting the mind on man and not of God v.23. Many times we separate this section with v.24. When Jesus invite us to deny ourselves and take up the cross and follow Him He follows the same train of thought from v.23. When we see the bear the cross we set our mind on God more than man. For example, some people loves their children and that is OK (Just like Peter loves his teacher, Jesus). However, when the parents fail to disciple their children as the Bible commands it is like Peter who fails to see the plan of God in Jesus. When we loves our spouse, friends, possession, appearance more than we love God we are not bearing our cross and following Christ. In other words, we are not His disciples. The world may not understand us, but we lives for Christ not the world.
April 19, 2007 at 9:20:00 AM CST
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