Following Jesus Through MatthewSample

Matthew wrote his gospel to prove Jesus is the promised Messiah. His original audience was familiar with what we call the Old Testament. Even fishermen like Peter and John memorized the first five books of the law before they were 13; scripture wasn’t just for the educated. But the Pharisees and Sadducees, knew the whole scriptures backwards and forwards, from the law of Moses to the psalms of David to the prophecies of Isaiah. Jesus calls them out, referring to the prophecy of Jonah, who lived in the belly of the fish for three days.

It's not the educated who first see who Jesus really is. It’s a fisherman, Peter, who has left everything he knows to follow Jesus around the countryside of Israel. Peter’s walk with Jesus is known for its ups and downs; we take comfort in that, knowing that God won’t stop loving us when we stumble! Here we see Peter’s roller coaster up close.

Up: he says who Jesus really is, the son of God and promised Messiah. Jesus praises him.

Down: When Jesus tells his disciples he must die and be raised again, Peter declares, “Never!” Jesus rebukes Peter, calling him the enemy of God.

Up: Jesus doesn’t leave Peter in the dust. He chooses Peter, along with James and John, to witness his transformation. They see him in all his glory, and they’re knocked to the ground. What a blessing it must have been!

And that is a blessing we, too, will experience, if we believe in Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah, the one who takes away our sin. One day we will see him face to face, in all his glory!

Prayer: God, thank you for forgiving Peter. I take heart, knowing you will forgive me as well, because of the sacrifice of Jesus. One day I will see you face to face, and I can’t wait! Amen.