August 19th, 2024

St. Barnabas Anglican Parish, Bluff. 
08.08.24
Gospel Reading Matthew 16:13-23

Reflection.

We could be forgiven for being impatient with Peter. He often completely misjudges Jesus. Here he makes an extraordinary confession of faith in the Master. But when Jesus tells his disciples that he must suffer and be killed, it is too much for Peter. And despite the sharp rebuke, Peter consistently makes the same mistake; right up to the Last Supper when he refuses to allow Jesus wash his feet.

He simply cannot accept that the mission of the one whom he has followed will end in failure. But Jesus’s earthly mission is one marked with humility, conflict and failure. See ourselves in Peter’s shoes and ask ourselves, Can I embrace humility, conflict and failure in my own life too?

Prayer

Gracious Lord and Heavenly King, how can I ever thank You enough for setting aside the glory that You had with the Father from before the creation of the world. You chose to come to earth and become our sin-substitute so that whoever believes in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved and have eternal life. I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God, Who died for my sin and rose again so that I may live. Praise Your holy name,

​AMEN.