Sunday Sermon 30th Aug 2020

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 MATTHEW 16:13-20 RAAFA MANDURAH


This is a wonderful Gospel passage. A passage which makes us think that suddenly something has changed for the disciples. Do they finally get it?


It’s also a very significant event for Peter, because for the first time he understands exactly who Jesus is. Jesus is the messiah, son of the living God. And Peter is anointed as the rock on which the church is built.


This is the same Peter who tried to walk on the water and failed, Peter who runs away when Jesus is

arrested. But for all his failings, Peter has finally realized who Jesus is.


Thankfully, just who becomes a disciple of the church does not depend on human considerations, rather on God’s divine intervention.


It is God who looks into the heart. I find it a great comfort that Jesus never lost faith in his disciples even when they appeared to have let him down.


So, if as I were to ask you who you believe Jesus to be, what would you say? Sometimes we are called to give an account of our faith and explain exactly what we believe and why.


There is always mystery about faith, we never know everything and I am not certain that we ever understand everything.


But faith is learning to live with the mystery and the uncertainty, and believing anyway. Friends, we can only share what we know and believe. That is the role of a disciple.


Then Jesus asked them “who do you say that I am”. Simon Peter Answered “you are the Messiah, Son of the living God”.


AMEN


AUGUST 30 MATT 16:21-28

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