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Matthew

Matthew 
Day 
Day 232

The Revelation of the Plans of God

Text: Matthew 16 : 21 - 28

What a great privilege the disciples had to hear Jesus reveal God’s great plan of forming a new entity called “The Church”. The disciples realized, of course that they would have to learn even more lessons before they were ready to contribute significantly to the growth and development of the Church.

They knew that the church would be an exciting new concept to explore and develop. They realized that they were not quite ready for any great task at that point of time. Thus they accepted what seemed like a puzzling statement.

“Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one
that He was Jesus the Christ.”
MATTHEW 16:20

A number of reasons may be suggested as to why Jesus gave this instruction. Let us consider just three.

1. Not all had been revealed to the disciples just yet

If the disciples were to tell people about Jesus as the Christ, and about how He would develop the concept of the Church, they might not be able to answer all the questions that would be thrown at them. It was wiser to wait for a little while more.

2. Jesus had not yet completed all His work

The scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees had been pushing Jesus to give them a sign from heaven to prove that He was the Christ! He had said that no sign would be given to them, except the sign of Jonah. Of course, this was a reference to His resurrection. He had not yet died on the cross and thus no resurrection! The disciples would have to wait till His death and resurrection, and then they would be able to state categorically that Jesus was indeed the Christ!

3. The State of faith of the Disciples

Jesus knew that His disciples were not quite ready for greater tasks! Their faith needed a whole lot more work! Wisdom and prudence would teach them that they must not act emotionally. Premature proclamation of Jesus as the Christ would just lead to more unnecessary trouble.

SPECIAL PREPARATION OF THE DISCIPLES

After this special revelation of the plan of God to build the church, Jesus began to prepare His disciples for the most crucial part of His life’s work – His death!

“From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples
that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things
from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed,
and be raised the third day.”
MATTHEW 16:21

1. Destination – Jerusalem

What Jesus said must have sounded almost “far-fetched” to the ears of His disciples! Jerusalem was always held with sacred awe in the hearts of most, if not all, Jews! How could Jesus speak of suffering and dying in Jerusalem?

2. Nemeses – The religious leaders

The enemies of Jesus were clearly and specifically named! Just so that there was no misunderstanding Jesus named the groups of people who would finally succeed in their quest to destroy Jesus.

Again, what Jesus said was difficult to comprehend, let alone accept! Yes, the scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees had opposed him all this while! But could their religious leaders, “the elders, and chief priests and scribes” actually stoop so low that they would kill Jesus?

3. The resurrection

Jesus was totally unafraid of the outcome of this great spiritual battle that would take place – before too long! His nemeses may feel that they had overcome their Adversary. However, the resurrection of Jesus would reveal in the clearest manner, how wrong they were! Jesus’ resurrection would be the sign of Jonah that, when understood and believed could dispel any unbelief in the heart!

PETER’S REMONSTRATION WITH JESUS

What was all this talk about suffering and death? Peter could not bear to hear Jesus speak of His suffering! Surely, there must be some other way!

“Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying,
‘Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to you.'”
MATTHEW 16:22

1. A remonstration that arose from a heart of love

Peter would be the last person to “rebuke” his beloved teacher! But how else could he express his deep sense of love for Jesus? How could he bear to hear Jesus speaking about how He would suffer? No, his human heart of love must raise strong and serious objection to what Jesus had just spoken!

2. A remonstration that was plagued by ignorance

Peter did not have full knowledge of God’s plan of salvation for mankind! He could not comprehend why Jesus had to die – as the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world! His lack of full comprehension only abetted his attempt to dissuade Jesus from His thoughts concerning suffering and death!

This was Peter, through and through! Jesus was certainly not going to build His church on Peter! Jesus understood and loved Peter, but He also had to correct him.