Matt. 16:1-4 – The Pharisees and Sadducees wanted to see a definitive “sign” from Jesus (a confirming miracle from heaven). Jesus was dismayed that they could figure out obvious weather signs, but could not see the obvious signs of His Kingship. As disciples, it is not our job to look at the morality (or lack thereof) in the world today, the political situations of the day, or social paranoia of our times and then pronounce that the second coming of Christ is imminent. We are in the “last days” (Acts 2:17 and Heb. 1:1-2). The Spirit has been poured out and Jesus has spoken His message from God in heaven. Our job is NOT to prognosticate; our job is to proclaim the only “sign” the world needs to know – the sign of Jonah, that Jesus died, spent three days in the belly of the earth, and was raised on the third day. It is ALL that matters!
Matt. 16:5-12 – Jesus warns His disciples about the leaven (or degrading corruption) of the Pharisees and Sadducees. There is still religious corruption in our world today. It is powerful and damning. Therefore, a disciple must always pursue the simplicity of God’s word. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim. 3:16-17)
Matt. 16:24-27 – In these few statements, Jesus clearly sets two paths in life – the path of discipleship and the path of “saving one’s life” or “gaining the world.” Know this – there is no middle ground! Middle ground is equivalent to complacency, and there is nothing about “losing one’s life” that equals complacency. Jesus said you cannot serve two masters. A disciple has one Master. His name is King Jesus.