[Jesus] said to [the disciple].” But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”- Matthew 16:15-16 (ESV)
In today’s blog, Kyle and Mark first conclude their discussion of the third passage.
3. Christ revealed to John the Baptist (cont.). Finally, the authors note two subtle changes Jesus made in Matthew 11:4-5. Most significantly, Jesus left out the part about releasing those in prison. Yet, John’s imprisonment most likely prompted his question in the first place. Kind of a big deal for John!
Second, Kyle and Mark stress, Jesus added a promise not found in Isaiah 35 or 61. Above all, He promised John the Baptist resurrection: “The dead are raised.”
4. Christ revealed to His apostles. In this fourth passage the New Testament uses to form a portrait of the Messiah, Kyle and Mark discuss the background of the golden calf tragedy. When Solomon’s son Rehoboam took office, the people begged to a tax cut. However, Rehoboam chose to listen to his young advisors. Spouting the typical bravado of foolish youth, they counseled the king to say:
“My little finger is thicker than my father’s thighs.”- 1 Kings 12:10 (ESV)
So, rather than lighten the people’s load, Rehoboam added to their yoke. As a result, the Israelites turned to another leader, Jeroboam. And to another god, the golden calf in Dan.
Today’s question: How do you live out Peter’s great confession? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Missing the whole picture?”