Matthew 16:21

April 18, 2026 by Leave a Comment

“From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.‭‭” (Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭21‬-‭22‬)

Peter is an example of how people can miss the big picture. Repeatedly. Here, Peter is understandably alarmed by the news of Jesus’ impending abuse and death. His protective response is understandable. Particularly since this is the first time he has heard about it from the mouth of Jesus.

However, the Old Testament had already spoken of the Messiah’s abuse and death: See, for example, the collision between the Son of woman and the seed of the serpent (Genesis 3:15), his piercing (Psalm 22:16, Zechariah 12:10), being cut off (Daniel 9:26), and bearing sins as a suffering servant (Isaiah 53).

This is a reminder that the Old Testament is the foundation for the New Testament. To unhitch from the Old Testament as if it has no bearing on or connection to the New Testament is wrong-headed. And this particular story provides an example of the value of the Old Testament. Assuming he would have responded appropriately, had Peter been more aware of what the Old Testament says about the Messiah, he would not have been rebuked here or in the Garden of Gethsemane when he pulled out his sword to protect Jesus from the soldiers.

Let’s do an unrealistic thought experiment. Imagine if Peter had succeeded and Jesus had simply grown old and died of natural causes. Where would we be today? Trapped under the guilt of sin! Jesus had to die because his sin-bearing death was the Father’s plan to redeem the world.

The somber atmosphere on Good Friday is not inappropriate, but is often misdirected. The somber atmosphere should reflect our sorrow over our sin, which is the reason for the cross. We should rejoice at God’s gracious plan of redemption and Jesus’ obedient death on the cross (Philippians 2:8) on our behalf. Hebrews 12:1-2 (emphasis added) affirms this approach: “… let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Similarly, the joy that is set before us is the knowledge that “Sunday’s coming!” and all that means for our future in eternity.

Father, help me not to let good intentions lead me into beliefs or actions that work against your plan. Please help me to see and accept the big picture of your plan. Amen.

Filed Under: devotional thoughts, discipleship, God's Word, Gospels, Jesus Said, Life in Christ, Matthew, Prophecy, resurrection Tagged With:

Mark 16:8

February 16, 2026 by Leave a Comment

“And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

This verse stands out to me because it is puzzling. Mark tells us that they [the ladies] were afraid. But he doesn’t tell us why they were afraid. Was it because of the man in white who told them not to be afraid? Was it because the tomb was already open? Was it because Jesus was already risen from the dead? While comparing Mark’s resurrection account with those of Matthew, Luke, and John, I think they were afraid because of the angel and the missing body.

First, here is what Matthew says about the angel: “And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was white as snow” (Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭2‬-3‬).

Luke describes the angelic encounter this way: “While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, ‘Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.’” (Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭4‬-7).

Luke’s description matches Mark’s, but Matthew adds this, “And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men” (Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭4‬).

If the soldiers were terrified of the angel, it seems reasonable to think the ladies were also frightened by him.

Second, the missing body seems to be alarming to Mary. Here is John’s description:

“So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him’” (‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭2‬).

If I understand the chronology correctly, the angel already told her that Jesus had risen. Here is what Matthew said: “But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified’” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭5‬).

Luke’s account matches Matthew’s chronology. “While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, ‘Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise’” ‭‭(Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭4‬-‭7‬).

If he had risen from the dead, why would she assume “they” had taken his body anywhere? I’m guessing the trauma of the weekend, plus the early morning encounter with the angel(s), caused her mind and emotions to race.

At the same time, I’m reminded of the 4 times Mark tells us that Jesus told the disciples about his coming death and resurrection. Admittedly, the ladies were not necessarily there for all four, but in Mark’s account, the angel reminds the ladies that Jesus had said these things. This suggests that they would have been aware of the information.

“But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you” (Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬). So, why were they surprised?

Father, why is it easy for me to expect others to believe what you say, but challenging for me to believe what you say? Please help me to believe and obey all that you have said. Amen.

Filed Under: devotional thoughts, Gospels, John, Luke, Mark, Matthew, resurrection

Daniel 12:1-2

December 18, 2025 by Leave a Comment

“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” (Daniel 12:1-2)

This is the clearest indication of resurrection in the Old Testament. We can confidently say this is not a metaphorical reference to Israel’s national restoration because of the mention of the book, presumably the book of life. 

Being included in a book or list is a recurring theme throughout the scriptures, culminating in the Lamb’s Book of Life in Revelation. “But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation‬ ‭21‬:‭27‬)

I’m thankful that my name is in the book, based on Jesus’s work and not mine. Hallelujah!

Father, thank you for the promise of resurrection to eternal life for those whose names are written in the book. Amen.

Filed Under: Daniel, devotional thoughts, Old Testament, resurrection