Sabbath, May 3 – Mark 7, Matthew 16
1. What cooking item does Jesus use as a metaphor to warn the disciples against the erroneous teachings? Matthew 16:6
2. What animal did Jesus use to respond to the Greek woman’s request? Mark 7:27
3. What item must we take every day to follow Christ? Matthew 16:24
These two chapters contain many lessons, and we will just touch on a few, such as the heart of worship, breaking barriers, the identity of Jesus, and the cost of being a disciple of Christ.
In both passages, Jesus confronts religious misunderstandings, corrects human traditions, and guides His disciples toward a clearer understanding of His mission. Jesus talks about the Pharisees “adding” erroneous beliefs to God’s law. Jesus warns the disciples against the Pharisees and Sadducees “yeast”, meaning small things that can cause large errors, as yeast is added to bread to make it rise. (Matthew 16:6)
Some of these extra rituals, such as “washing your hands” (Mark 7:5), were used to judge others for not following the law of God when, in truth, they were only a human ceremonial tradition.
Even though I agree that washing your hands for health purposes is best, this should not be used to condemn someone for breaking God’s commandments. Jesus critiques the Pharisees for making external cleanliness a substitute for inner purity and heart transformation.
Let’s be careful today to do even the good things, such as attending church in person and giving tithes, just for mere tradition while forgetting to honor God with our hearts (Mark 7:6-7). Are there practices or customs in our spiritual lives that we’ve elevated above loving God and others?
In verses 24-30 of Mark 7, we read the story of the Greek woman’s faith. This encounter might feel uncomfortable. Jesus initially seems dismissive, saying it’s not right to take the children’s bread (Israel’s blessings) and toss it to the dogs (gentiles). But the woman’s humble, persistent faith moves Him. Jesus isn’t rejecting her; He’s drawing out her faith to make a point: the kingdom is breaking boundaries, and faith—not ethnicity or tradition—is what matters.
In verses 13-20 of Matthew 16, Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Son of God. When Jesus asks, “Who do you say I am?” Peter responds, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” This is a turning point. Jesus blesses Peter, saying that God revealed this truth. He then declares, “On this rock, I will build my church.”
There’s been much debate over what “this rock” refers to—Peter himself, his confession, or Christ as the foundation. What’s clear is that Jesus is establishing a community built on the revelation of who He truly is. Who is Jesus for you? Is your faith built on the truth that God has revealed?
Matthew 16 draws us to confront the cost of discipleship. Jesus tells His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him (v.24). Discipleship isn’t about ease but transformation. This ties directly into the broader biblical theme of suffering as part of glory—seen in prophets, the Psalms, and ultimately in Christ. What does it mean for you to take up your cross and follow Jesus?
These chapters challenge us to examine the roots of our beliefs, the sincerity of our worship, and our recognition of who Jesus truly is. Let today’s reading challenge you to seek a deeper, heart-level relationship with Christ, marked not by outward conformity but by inward transformation, growing faith, and costly obedience.