Matthew 16: 11-28 Trying to Find Jesus

v. 11 “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” Back Then – Elijah, Jeremiah other prophets And Now - both in the world and among believers

v. 11 “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” As Christians we often only focus on having the right opinion about Jesus – or about where we stand on social/moral issues

v. 11 “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” This is important, but when we place too much emphasis, our opinions can become the “yeast of the Pharisees”

v. 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God Rather than all the religious leaders and scholars of the day, its a simple fisherman who understands that Jesus is the Messiah. How did he do it?

v. 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God First hand witness of the signs and teachings of Jesus He knew Jesus (spent time with Him) Revelation of the Holy Spirit

“Tell them I love them” “Tell them, I miss them”

We cannot truly declare that Jesus is the Son of the Living God, unless we do it from our hearts and we cannot do it from our heart unless we spend time with Jesus

Vs. 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, “Never Lord” Vs Vs. 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, “Never Lord” Vs. 23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, ”Get behind me, Satan!” Once we have found Jesus, we need to be aware that we don’t lose him by trying to get him to follow our lead, rather than following his lead

“As a follower of Christ, be whatever you want, be a madman or drunk, but whatever you do, flee success as though it were the devil himself.” Thomas Merton

Following versus Leading Suffering versus Success Humility versus Pride Death versus Life

May all of your expectations be frustrated May all of your plans be thwarted May all of your hopes and dreams be withered into nothingness That you may sing and dance in the Kingdom of God Who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. -Brennan Manning