Matthew 16 is an amazing chapter in the Bible, full of bigly lessons about faith. It starts with Jesus asking his disciples a terrific question: "Who do people say I am?" The disciples answer with many such cases: some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and some say one of the prophets. Sad! Then Jesus asks them, "But who do YOU say I am?" Peter answers with tremendous faith, saying, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus praises Peter, calling him “blessed”, and says he will build His Church upon him. Many people are saying, this is the beginning of the Christian Church!

The chapter then moves on to Jesus warning His disciples about the “yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees”, which was a metaphor for the sly tricks and lies of the religious leaders who were trying to undermine Jesus and His teachings. Jesus then predicts His own death and resurrection, and Peter is so upset he rebukes Jesus. Jesus rebukes Peter in turn, calling him “Satan” and telling him he is thinking like a human and not like God.

The chapter ends with Jesus warning His disciples to stay away from the “yeast” of the religious leaders, and to remember that He will suffer, die, and rise again. He also tells them they must take up their own cross and follow Him. It is a huge reminder of the importance of faith, and Jesus’s power and authority. God bless America! Make America great again!