Matthew 16:13-20
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
Reflection
In the previous passage (Matt. 16:1–12), the disciples have demonstrated that they continue to misunderstand elements of Jesus’ identity. In this passage, however, we find that they are not completely in the dark. Peter boldly recognizes that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v. 16)—an insight that the Father himself has provided (v. 17).
Surprisingly, Jesus strictly orders his disciples not to reveal his identity to others. The path that Jesus would take to save his people was quite different from what Israel expected of “the Christ” (the Messiah)—God’s long-promised King (cf. Ps. 2:7). Even Peter himself would have a hard time understanding that Israel’s Savior would have to suffer and die (Matt. 16:21–23). Jesus’ true identity would need to remain largely unrecognized until his mission was complete.
The values of God’s kingdom are not intuitive to our human nature, but God can help us see the beauty of Christ and his ways. Through the gospel, the Holy Spirit reveals a “secret and hidden wisdom” (1 Cor. 2:7) to God’s people that allows us to understand that Christ’s death on the cross is not foolishness but rather “the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18).
Romans 14:13-23
13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
Reflection
Paul is not calling us to be indifferent toward other Christians, or to abandon biblical standards. He just wants us to be careful not to hinder the spiritual growth of others (Rom. 14:13), and to realize that the same activity may not be appropriate for everyone in a congregation (v. 14). In all that we do, we need to be “walking in love” (v. 15). Don’t force God’s expectations for you onto someone else (v. 16); emphasize the priorities of God’s kingdom (v. 17). Mutual encouragement is the goal (v. 19), and it will find favor in the sight of God and others (v. 18).
The gospel does “the work of God” in his people’s lives (v. 20). Believers should not interfere with that. Even though Jesus declared all foods “clean” (Mark 7:19; see Acts 10:15), we may still need to restrain our own liberty at times for the sake of not damaging others (Rom. 14:21). The goal is integrity in our personal life and avoiding actions that don’t please God (v. 22). Faith in Christ is the key to doing what is acceptable in God’s sight (v. 23). We sacrifice our own desires for the sake of others because that is precisely what Jesus has done for us.
Psalm 25:4
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
Just as Peter could not know Christ apart from the Father’s revelation, so we cannot know the things of God unless he graciously reveals himself to us. As you read God’s Word, be sure to ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what is written.