This is part of a Daily Devotional Orwell Bible Church prepares each week. You can get a copy from our Downloads and Literature page.
Jewish religious leaders again asked Jesus to do miraculous signs (v. 1), even though he had already done many publicly. This demonstrates that they were spiritually dead: despite their outward purity they were inwardly immoral (vv. 2-4). Jesus thus warned his disciples of their teaching and example (vv. 5-12).
Peter expressed his belief that Jesus was the Christ, God in the flesh, Israel’s promised Messiah and King (vv. 13-16). Peter and the disciples’ faith was a blessing from God (v. 17), and Jesus would build the church upon their ministry (vv. 18-19, cp. Eph 2:20). Despite Peter’s sound faith, he opposed Jesus’ teaching that he would suffer, die, and be raised from the dead (vv. 21-23).
Truths to Nail Down and Meditate On
- How easy it is to think true religion involves outward appearances and actions! (vv. 1-12) This is soul-damning thinking taught from many platforms and lifestyles. It values gaining the world but results in losing one’s eternal soul (v. 26). Continually be on guard against this!
- Jesus’ first mention of the church (v. 18) and open teaching of his death (v. 31, “from that time”) followed his being rejected as Israel’s Messiah (12:24). Note Jesus spoke of the church as different from the kingdom (vv. 18, 19, 28). Jesus also taught that he would come again in power and great glory (v. 27).
- Truly believing in—following—Jesus involves a readiness to deny self even to death (vv. 24-26). True believers live for eternity, not this life. What—who—are you living for?
