The Message

The Message

Matthew 16:21, NLT

From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead.

Setting the Scene

The phrase “from then on” marks a turning point in Jesus’ ministry. In Matthew 4:17, the same phrase signaled the beginning of Jesus’ preaching that the Kingdom of Heaven was near. Here it points to Jesus’ new emphasis on his death and resurrection. At this time in their association with Jesus, the disciples hadn’t understood Jesus’ true purpose because of their ideas of what the Messiah should be and do. Although they acknowledged Jesus as Messiah—Peter had just proclaimed him as such (Matthew 16:16)—they still thought this meant Jesus would free Israel from Rome and set up an earthly kingdom. In reality, far from conquering, in the world’s view he and they would be conquered.

So Jesus began teaching “plainly” and specifically about what would happen. Jesus would not be the dominating and powerful Messiah because he first had to “suffer many terrible things . . . and . . . be killed.” For any human king, death would be the end. Not so for Jesus. Death would be only the beginning, for “on the third day he would be raised from the dead.”

Jesus couldn’t have said it more clearly. Yet we’ll soon see that the disciples still didn’t understand, either because they weren’t listening very closely or because what Jesus was saying didn’t make sense to them.

Getting Personal

Why do we struggle with doing what we know God wants us to do? In what areas is that a problem for you?

What can you do to better listen to what God is saying, to hear his “plain” message?

People often say they can’t understand the Bible—that they get confused by various sections. Even longtime believers can have trouble interpreting certain parts. But God has plainly spoken to us through his Word—we just have to be listening. Certainly some passages can be more difficult to understand than others, but most people have trouble obeying what they know God is saying. The Ten Commandments and Jesus’ statement about being the only way to the Father (John 14:6), for example, are quite clear. As you read Scripture, ask the Holy Spirit to prepare your heart and open your eyes; then look for the plain teachings you can believe and obey.

Talking to God

If there is some plain teaching from God’s Word that you have been neglecting, confess that to the Lord right now. Ask him to enable you to obey the truth that you have understood. Thank him for holding your future in his sovereign hands.