Matthew writes: 'One day the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus, demanding that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority' (v.1 NLT). The Pharisees were bound by tradition, so they opposed anything new. The Sadducees were bound by reason, so they opposed anything supernatural. Since Christ BROUGHT a NEW REVELATION of God and a new DIMENSION of His POWER, both the Pharisees and Sadducees opposed Him. So Jesus warned His disciples: 'Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees' (v.6 NLT). In a culture where people used yeast to make bread, Christ's point came through loud and clear. Just as yeast works SILENTLY and SPREADS slowly, so DOUBT and UNBELIEF work the same way in our hearts and minds. Then Christ asked His disciples two questions.

FIRST: 'WHO DO PEOPLE SAY THAT THE SON OF MAN IS?' (v.13 NLT).

He wanted them to know when their THINKING was BEING NEGATIVELY INFLUENCED by those AROUND them so that they would be on GUARD against it.

SECOND: 'WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?'

Immediately Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God' (v.16 NLT). Jesus replied, "You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being" (v.17 NLT). There are things that people can teach you and if you are wise you will listen. But there are THINGS that ONLY the LORD can REVEAL to YOU and if you are WISE you will LISTEN and do WHAT He says.

God's Servant

Rev Alfred Acheampong

Prayer Point: Heavenly Father thank you that the Holy Spirit will continue to influence me to know God the more and to understand the deeper things of the Spirit in Jesus name.

Stay Blessed!