At the start of Matthew 16 we have the Pharisees and Sadducees STILL following Jesus around! They asked for a sign that would prove that He really was who He said He was! This is AFTER they saw miracles and healings everywhere! You see, that's the problems with signs. They do not bring faith! Signs and wonders and miracles are to get the attention of the people (unbelievers) so that they can believe and receive Jesus as Lord and personal Saviour. As believers (who have received the "measure" of faith), they need to continue on in the Word of God in order to increase their faith in every area! Romans 10:17 tells us:
17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
That's what Jesus was talking about when He spoke to Peter in Matthew 16:15-18:
5He said to them, But who do you [yourselves] say that I am?
16Simon Peter replied, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17Then Jesus answered him, Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) are you, Simon Bar-Jonah. For flesh and blood [men] have not revealed this to you, but My Father Who is in heaven.
18And I tell you, you are Peter [Greek, Petros--a piece of rock], and on this rock [Greek, petra--a huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it]
Peter didn't really LEARN that Jesus was "the Christ, the Son of the living God", it was REVEALED to Him! That's what Jesus was referring to when He said YOUR name is "Petros - a little piece of rock", and on THIS "Petra - a MASS of rock" I will build My church! He was referring NOT to Peter (as SOME denominations believe) but to the REVEALED KNOWLEDGE OF GOD'S WORD! Even the disciples didn't remember the feeding of the multitudes (a sign) when they needed to! Signs will not bring faith, only the revelation knowledge of God's Word brings faith for every situation!
Let's continue to meditate God's Word daily and faith WILL come. Then we'll be able to DO the Word and be pleasing to our Father!
Shalom in Him!
