Day 5: Matthew 14-16. Murder, Miracles, Confession of Faith

Today's reading begins with the murder of John the Baptist.  It is a grisly story, in many ways, and when Jesus hears about it, he retreats to a lonely place.  But he can't really get away, can he?  

That's one thing I notice when I read these three chapters.  Jesus tries to get away but the crowds follow him.  He feeds 5,000 (with the help of the disciples), and later he feeds 4,000, and his disciples, who see both miracles, don't really understand what they mean (hint:  it's not just about the bread and fish.)  

I also notice that Peter is beginning to emerge as one of the "main disciples".  He gets two important scenes -- in chapter 14, when the disciples are stuck in a boat during at storm, Peter steps out on the water to go to Jesus, even in the middle of the storm.  Now, to be honest, he is not entirely successful in his attempt to walk on water, but at least he tries.  

i will confess to you that this is one of the Bible stories that has formed my life.  I have felt, at more than one turning point in my life, that I was "getting in over my head", that I had stepped out into a challenge that I did not really understand.  And even though somehow Jesus has gotten through these challenges, I can't help being anxious and afraid again every single time I step out.  Will I ever learn?

Later, in chapter 16, it is Peter who answers Jesus question, "Who do you say that I am?"  You are the Christ!"  Peter answers (the right answer!)  Jesus praises Peter, and says that Peter is a Rock, and that he will build his church on this confession of faith.  For a moment again, Peter is the star pupil!  But in the blink of an eye, Jesus is saying to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan!"  It is at the end of chapter 16 that Jesus for the first time predicts his suffering and death, and that he will rise on the third day.  Focussing entirely on the first two predictions, Peter tells Jesus that such things should never happen to his Lord.  But this time, Peter does not have the right answer.

In these chapters as well, we find Jesus admonishing the Pharisees and turning a Canaanite woman away.  This last story might make us question Jesus.  Jesus says he's not going to heal this woman's daughter because she doesn't belong to the right religion or race.  In fact, she's a "dog", and she doesn't deserve the children's food.  

But Jesus changes his mind when the woman tells him she'd be content with the children's crumbs.  

Jesus changes his mind.

If he can change his mind, maybe we can, too.

What highlights do you see in these three chapters of Matthew?