This chapter is something of a hinge point in Matthew’s Gospel. Jesus confronts the disciples regarding his identity as the Christ. He also teaches them about the costs of discipleship.
Matthew 16.pdf (Omar Yamout)
Matthew 16.mp3 (Omar Yamout)
Heavenly Father,
Our Savior told his disciples to “beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees,” by which he meant their bad teaching. As Christ’s disciples in this present day, we are no less prone to error than those early disciples were. Help us to avoid it.
Help us to rightly divide the Word of Truth. Help all the teaching we give and that which we willingly receive to be free from legalism, loose practice, error in doctrine and wrong motivation. Let us speak and believe what is true, rather than that which is convenient. And let us simultaneously avoid excessive harshness by adding to your commands.
Let our beliefs be correct and our lives be honorable, full of grace and true to your word.
And we ask this in the name of Jesus,
Amen.
Fellow Workers for the Truth 3 John
When we partner with those who work for the gospel we become fellow workers for the truth.
Loving in Truth 2 John
Truth without love is brutal; it can be simply callous or cruel. Love without truth is deceptive; it nurtures a sentimental fantasy world.
Central Reflections 