HFF.CHURCH

In the previous post we talked about the Pharisee challenge to Jesus where they demanded a sign from God to prove that He is the Messiah. Jesus rejected their request and warned the Disciples of the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod (the need for a sign, unbelief). Then He traveled to Bethsaida and healed a man who was blind. Now we see Jesus walking with the Disciples in the area of Caesarea Philippi where He asks them who they believe that He is. After they tell Him what others are saying Peter finally confesses that He is the Messiah, the Son of God. The location of this event is very important and we will discuss it later. Jesus then told the Disciples of His coming death and resurrection and made it clear that they must choose the cross to follow Him.

You're not stuck being spiritual roadkill. The Parable of the Sower reveals that you can choose what kind of soil your heart becomes. Will you be the rocky ground that withers under pressure, the thorny soil choked by worldly worries, or the good soil that bears fruit thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold? The kingdom of heaven is yours for the taking - but what kind of soil will you choose to be?

Some Pharisees come to Jesus with a challenge in mind.  They have come to shut him up!  They issue this challenge by demanding a sign from heaven.  Jesus responds with frustration and tells them that they won’t get a sign (for now).  After they exchange words Jesus sets out with the Disciples and He warns them to beware the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod.  We will discuss what this means.  Coming to Bethsaida Jesus performs a powerful miracle, healing the blind, but in a very interesting way.  

Today’s lesson is all about believing God even when things seem a little strange and not demanding things of God, like a sign.