Rēad to Read …Again
Daily Reading: Matthew 15-17
Matthew 16:21
From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Three times. Jesus clearly told His disciples that He would go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed, and be raised again on the third day three times.
Once in today’s verse. Again in the very next chapter, Matthew 17:23. Then also in Matthew 20:19. Yet, before these He alluded to it in Matthew 12:39–40, But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. He said as much again in Matthew 16:4.
Jesus also mentioned that He would be risen again. For in Matthew 17:9, after the Mount of Transfiguration episode wherein Peter, James, and John saw Moses, and Elias speak with Jesus, the Lord told them to not tell that which they saw until He, the Son of man, is risen again from the dead. Again, after the last Supper in Matthew 26:32 He said as much to those gathered there.
Three times by direct statement, plus two times that were less direct, in addition to two other times in a vague reference, so at least seven times the Lord told His followers that He would die and rise again three days later. But then, when it happened, they didn’t believe! So much so that in Mark 16:14 Jesus upbraided them for their hardness of heart and unbelief because they didn’t even believe the eyewitnesses to His resurrection.
From all this, consider four quick lessons.
One: That which Jesus will do or not do according to His Word is not dependent upon our belief or understanding. For example, in Acts 1:11 the two men in white apparel said, …This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner… This will happen whether we believe, understand it, or live like it, or not.
Two: If you do not believe all the Scriptures, or have seasons of doubt, you are not alone. His disciples were taught by Him, the greatest teacher that ever lived. Yet, they did not believe it, even when it happened. In one of His post resurrection appearances the Bible states that Jesus opened the Scriptures to them that they may understand them (Luke 24:45). Even John the Baptist had a season of confusion (Matthew 11:1-4). Later Matthew will relate the story of Peter’s denial of Jesus, yet the Lord still used him in a mighty way to preach on the day of Pentecost and 3,000 people came to trust in the Lord. It appears that these real-life stories (His resurrection, John the Baptist, and Peter) teach the same lesson: it is not our understanding, but rather it is our faith in Him that counts. Understanding will come, sooner or later.
Three: Today we have the Holy Spirit living in us, they did not, for all this happened before “Pentecost.” His living in us, makes all the difference. Learn to yield to His leadership.
Four: As astounding and impossible as His prophecies may seem, they will take place. For example, He is preparing us a place, He will come again, He will fight with the sword that proceeds out of His mouth, He will rule on earth for a thousand years, and there will be a marriage supper of the Lamb. These are not subject to our belief, or even understanding. These, and so much more, are promised, and will be accomplished.
Let us simply believe His Word.
Dr. William T. Howe
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