Disciple (n./v.): The Gospel of Matthew
Matthew 16:1-28
The things of man are so attractive. We think we can see. We think we can understand. We even think we can warn the Messiah himself against self-destruction. Get behind Jesus, give up your Satanic ways, take up your cross, follow and die. It’s the only way to live.
Monday, August 19
Read Matthew 16:1-12. Jonah has often been considered a “type” of Jesus because of his three-day “death” and subsequent “resurrection.” What then is the sign of Jonah? What kinds of things qualify as the yeast of the Pharisees in our day?
Tuesday, August 20
Read Matthew 16:13-28. In Jesus’ day, the most humbling and shameful way to die was on a cross. What does it mean to take up our crosses? How do we lose our lives? What life do we find when we do?
Wednesday, August 21
After reviewing Matthew 16, read 1 Corinthians 1. We all look for something to legitimize our beliefs. For Greeks, it was wisdom. For Jews, it was signs. Where does Paul suggest we look?
Thursday, August 22
After reviewing Matthew 16, read Matthew 23. What exactly is the yeast of the Pharisees? These are the things they taught, either by word or action. Who is our teacher? If so, who do we learn from who really isn’t our teacher?
Friday, August 23
After reviewing Matthew 16, read John 20. Here we have another place where Jesus authorized his church to be in charge of eternal things. What does it look like for us to have this authority to forgive? How could we abuse it?
Saturday, August 24
After reviewing Matthew 16, read Romans 8:1-11. Peter had his mind set on the things of man. What does Paul have to say about the mind? How does the mind transform from death to life?
Bethel Lutheran Church, St. Paul, MN – bethelstpaul.com