Matthew 16:13-20
Though this is a short passage, I will deal today only with vv. 13-16. Tomorrow (I hope) we will finish this section. I leave it together in the title because we are looking at this whole chapter through the lens of faith. First we saw that the Pharisees and teachers of the law had no faith. Then we learned that the disciples had little faith. Now this section deals with saving faith, and it's very important.
Jesus asks the disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" v. 13 In other words, "Whom do people say that I am?" They answered, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." v. 14
Understanding who Jesus is is essential for true salvation. We can't trust Him as Savior unless we believe that He is Someone who has authority to forgive our sins and save us. We don't need to be Bible scholars or anything like that, but we must know who Jesus is. People in 2018 are just as confused about this subject as they were when Jesus walked on this earth. Some say He was a good man, a great teacher, a prophet, or a god, or even a son of God.
Peter gave the right answer, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." v. 16 Notice the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus acknowledged that this was true and that it had been revealed by His Father in heaven. v. 17
Psalm 116:3-6
Apparently the psalmist was near death, overcome by trouble and sorrow. v. 3 He called on the Lord, and He saved him (from death). We all know that God doesn't always answer this prayer. The fact is that everyone will die--some sooner and others later. But this time of death on this earth is not random. God has an appointed time for each of us to go, and it will come to pass exactly when God allows it. We don't fully understand these things because we also know that sometimes we can shorten our lives here on earth by our bad or risky choices. This is where our faith comes in. We trust God to do what He does! And we know that what He does is always good and right. If we're obedient children, we try to make wise and Godly choices, but in the end we trust Him, our Perfect Heavenly Father. "The Lord is gracious and righteous, our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me." vv. 5-6 The "simplehearted" are those who place a child-like faith in God. May we all be "simplehearted" in this respect!
For our meditation: " "The Lord is gracious and righteous, our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted..." Psalm 116:6
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