#26: Sunday, 22 March, 2020
**Sunday, 22 March — Responding to the Messiah. Matthew 16:1–28—17:13**
This extended reading comprises a single day's reflection due to particular significance. First, a brief note on 16:1–12:
When the Pharisees and Sadducees approached together, trouble was brewing. These groups despised each other intensely. Their united front mirrors rival political parties forming an unusual coalition — clearly they shared a common adversary.
They demanded a sign from Jesus, who refused. He cautioned disciples: "be on guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." This yeast encompasses contemporary Christian concerns:
a) Forming alliances with wrongdoing for political advantage b) Abandoning doctrinal positions for modern acceptance c) Pursuing money and political influence d) Legalistic interpretation devoid of spirit e) Resisting Holy Spirit renewal
The phrase "signs of the times" originated in Wycliff's translation, solidified through Tyndale's New Testament, which shaped English language profoundly.
The Central Passage
Three pivotal moments form Matthew's literal center. Word-counting in Greek places Chapter 16's opening near the Gospel's exact midpoint:
a) Peter's declaration of Jesus as Messiah b) Jesus predicting his death c) Jesus' Transfiguration
First Event: Peter's Declaration
Located near Caesarea Philippi, a sacred pagan worship site, Peter confesses Jesus' true identity. Though readers accept this mildly, for first-century Jews this was earth-shattering. An uneducated fisherman proclaimed the nation's long-awaited Messiah — profoundly significant and shocking.
Second Event: The Prediction
Understanding the historical enormity of Peter's declaration illuminates why disciples couldn't comprehend Jesus' statement: "he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised." The Messiah cannot die!
Jesus then reorients human existence: "those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it." He inverts humanity's basic survival instinct through kingdom revelation.
Third Event: The Transfiguration
This revelation about life's value builds upon earlier teachings. No resurrection had been witnessed yet. Shadowy understanding existed — Martha referenced Lazarus's resurrection — but nothing concrete.
Now Jesus meets Moses and Elijah. Moses died; God concealed his body eternally. Elijah never died but ascended heavenward in a fiery chariot.
Though disciples couldn't yet comprehend, these figures represented two categories of Christ's followers at his return. Many Christians and Old Testament saints will have died, their bodies scattered — yet God knows their location. Moses symbolizes these departed believers. Others will remain alive when Christ returns. Elijah represents these living saints.
Only those valuing God's kingdom above their lives will inherit transformed bodies in God's glorious new kingdom.
(Moses and Elijah reappear in Revelation 11 as two witnesses, their miracle records hinted at in Revelation 11:6.)
When Peter, James, and John stood astonished, the Father affirmed Peter's declaration from heaven. The disciples and common people had properly responded to the Messiah's revelation. From this moment, a new ministry phase began, revealing Jesus' Kingdom.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, I have read these marvellous words, and I stand with Peter and repeat them before you. You are the Christ, the son of the Living God. I declare my response before this world, before you and all of heaven's angels, and before the hordes of evil. I take my stand with you. I am your child. You are my Lord. Help me to remain faithful to you. Amen.