引言：选择的代价与永恒的意义
一、胜过试探(V1-4)
法利赛人与撒都该人尽管分歧明显，但却联手试探耶稣，要求从天显神迹。耶稣拒绝回应他们的要求，指出他们的属灵盲点：能分辨天气，却无法分辨弥赛亚的到来。耶稣提到约拿的神迹（预表祂的死与复活），这是最终极、最有力的神迹，但心硬的人却仍拒绝接受。
我们要如何这胜过试探呢？我们要依靠神的话，就好像耶稣在旷野中用经文抵挡魔鬼的试探的榜样。另外，我们也要警惕属灵的骄傲，谦卑接受神的带领。
二、防备歪理(V5-12)
耶稣带出法利赛人和撒都该人的教训如同酵，具有渗透性，能影响整个面团，代表错误教导对人心的腐蚀。门徒以为耶稣提到的是食物，但耶稣提醒他们专注属灵真理，而非物质需求。
今天，在我们生活中是否被错误的价值观侵蚀，例如功利主义、相对主义或物质主义？我们需要透过常常研读神的话语，祷告和属灵操练建立属灵分辨力。另外，我们也要在生活中践行真理，避免停留在知识层面。
三、认识基督(V13-20)
1. 众人对耶稣的看法（V13-14)
耶稣就问门徒，人说祂是谁？耶稣的问题引导门徒反思信仰焦点。从社会的观点来看，人们对耶稣有许多片面的理解，如先知、宗教领袖等，但耶稣渴望门徒超越人群的认知，追求真实的认识。
2. 彼得对耶稣的宣认（V15-17)
彼得大胆宣认耶稣是‘基督’（受膏者、救主）和‘永生神的儿子’。这不仅表达了对耶稣身份的理解，更表明了对祂的信靠。耶稣指出彼得之所以能宣认，是因为天父的启示，而非凭借血肉之体的智慧。
3. 教会得天国的钥匙（V18-20）
耶稣在彼得的宣认基础上，指出教会的根基是基督的身份。而天国的钥匙象征教会分享福音和赦罪的权柄。教会蒙召去执行神的旨意，影响这个世界，借着福音带领别人经历生命的转变。
四、舍己跟随(V21-28)
1.耶稣自我预言(V21-23)
耶稣清楚地向门徒预言自己将要受苦、被杀并在第三日复活。然而，彼得却拉着耶稣劝阻祂。耶稣严厉斥责彼得：“撒但，退我后边去！”因为彼得并未明白神的计划，而是体贴人的意思。
2.舍己背十字架(V24-26)
耶稣进一步教导：“若有人要跟从我，就当舍己，背起他的十字架，来跟从我。”
舍己并不是简单地放弃某些外在的东西，而是让基督的意念取代我们自己的意念。背十字架意味着愿意顺服基督，即便过程伴随痛苦、牺牲和误解。
3.永恒的价值观(V26-28)
耶稣提醒门徒，一个人若追求短暂的世俗成就，而忽略永恒的意义，那将是极大的损失。只有为基督而活的人才能进入永恒的丰盛。
小结：要有舍己的决心
总结：选择永恒的道路
愿我们都能坚定跟随基督，走在通向永恒的道路上！
Matthew Chapter 16: On the Path of Eternity
GK611 Morning Devotion
20/12/2024
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps Stella
Introduction: The Price of Choice and the Meaning of Eternity
1. Overcome temptation (V1-4)
Despite their obvious differences, the Pharisees and Sadducees joined forces to test Jesus and demand a sign from heaven. Jesus refused to respond to their request, pointing out their spiritual blind spot: they could tell the weather but not the coming of the Messiah. Jesus mentioned the miracle of Jonah (a type of His death and resurrection), which was the ultimate and most powerful miracle, but hard-hearted people still refused to accept it.
How can we overcome temptation? We are to rely on God’s Word, just like Jesus’ example of using scripture to resist the temptations of the devil in the wilderness. In addition, we must also be wary of spiritual pride and humbly accept God’s leadership.
2. Beware of fallacies (V5-12)
The teachings that Jesus brought out from the Pharisees and Sadducees were like leaven, penetrating and affecting the entire dough, representing the corruption of the human heart by false teachings. The disciples thought Jesus was referring to food, but Jesus reminded them to focus on spiritual truths, not material needs.
Are wrong values eroding our lives today, such as utilitarianism, relativism or materialism? We need to develop spiritual discernment through regular study of God’s Word, prayer, and spiritual disciplines. In addition, we must also practice the truth in our lives and avoid staying at the level of knowledge.
3. Knowing Christ (V13-20)
1) Everyone’s opinion of Jesus (V13-14)
Jesus asked his disciples, who do people say He is? Jesus’ questions lead the disciples to reflect on the focus of their faith. From a social point of view, people have many one-sided understandings of Jesus, such as prophets, religious leaders, etc., but Jesus longed for his disciples to transcend the cognition of the crowd and pursue true understanding.
2) Peter’s confession of Jesus (V15-17)
Peter boldly professed that Jesus was the ‘Christ’ (the Anointed One, the Savior) and the ‘Son of the Living God’. This not only expresses an understanding of Jesus’ identity, but also demonstrates trust in Him. Jesus pointed out that Peter’s confession was due to the revelation of the Father, not the wisdom of flesh and blood.
3) The church has the key to the kingdom of heaven (V18-20)
Building on Peter’s confession, Jesus pointed out that the foundation of the church is the identity of Christ. The keys to the kingdom of heaven symbolize the church’s authority to share the gospel and forgive sins. The church is called to carry out God’s will, impact the world, and lead others to experience life transformation through the gospel.
4. Self-denial and follow (V21-28)
1) Jesus’ self-prophecy (V21-23)
Jesus clearly predicted to his disciples that he would suffer, be killed, and rise again on the third day. However, Peter pulled Jesus to dissuade Him. Jesus severely rebuked Peter: “Get behind me, Satan!” Because Peter did not understand God’s plan but was considerate of human thoughts.
2) Deny oneself and bear the cross (V24-26)
Jesus further taught: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Denial of self is not simply giving up something external but allowing the thoughts of Christ to replace our own thoughts. Carrying the cross means being willing to obey Christ, even when the process involves pain, sacrifice, and misunderstanding.
3) Eternal values (V26-28)
Jesus reminded his disciples that it would be a great loss for a person to pursue temporary worldly achievements while ignoring eternal significance. Only those who live for Christ can enter into eternal abundance.
Summary: Have the determination to sacrifice oneself
Conclusion: Choose the eternal path
May we all firmly follow Christ and walk on the road to eternity!
