Read Matthew 16:13-23

Mindful of the Things of God, or Men?

Confusion abounds when it comes to the identity of Jesus. Before He “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), many Jews assumed the Messiah would be born into a prominent family and lead them militarily against the oppression of the Romans. When He arrived, the confusion about who He was remained, as seen in Matthew 16:14. Even today, He is acknowledged by some religious groups as a prophet or a good man, or even a god (though created, not eternal).

What is the truth of the matter? Who is Jesus? Peter stated it clearly: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus affirmed that Peter’s answer was correct, and it was this profession upon which Christ would build His church – that which had been purposed from the beginning (Ephesians 3:10-11) and about which holy men of God had prophesied (Isaiah 2:2-4; Daniel 2:44).

Jesus then told His disciples that He would be arrested, killed, and three days later, raised again. Peter objected, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” (Matthew 16:22). The apostle went from declaring the Messiahship of Jesus, the Son of God, to telling Him that He was wrong.

How often do we tell God that He is wrong about something? When we read in the Scriptures about the establishment of the church, do we object and listen instead to denominational leaders who claim the church was a part of a backup plan? When we read in the Scriptures about entrance into the church via baptism into Christ, do we object and listen instead to men who claim baptism has nothing to do with salvation, and that a person must be voted into the church’s membership?

Believe what the Bible reveals. Do not object to the words of the Lord, lest He say to you, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men” (Matthew 16:23).

Day 141/260: Read Matthew 16

In Matthew 13:33, Jesus taught a parable and compared the kingdom of heaven to leaven. In that instance, the leaven was seen as a good thing, as the positive influence the child of God exerts on the wicked world all around him.

Conversely, leaven can also be a bad thing. In this chapter, Jesus warns, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Though the apostles did not fully understand the Master’s saying at first, they finally figured out that He was talking about “the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

We must be cautious that we do not fall into the trap of letting “just a little” false teaching to creep into the church. Once it starts, it is very difficult to get rid of it. Once the leaven goes into the dough, it will affect the entire batch.

If the leaven is a positive thing, such as in the parable of Matthew 13, then there is no problem. But if the leaven is a negative thing, whether it be false teaching or a poor attitude, the church will face great difficulty.

Little sin grows into bigger sin; a little false teaching grows into bigger false teaching. The influence of the church will be hindered if the truth is compromised.

Memory (Read aloud 5-10 times)

Matthew 16:26. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Pray

Pray for the purity of the doctrine being taught in your local congregation, comparing everything to the inspired Word. Pray for the preacher laboring in your area.