Following Jesus often means surrendering our expectations, especially when God’s plan includes hardship or pain. Like Peter, we may resist what doesn’t make sense to us—but sincere intentions aren’t the same as spiritual insight. True faith chooses obedience even when the path includes a cross, trusting that God’s will always leads to greater fruitfulness.

Jesus’ question, “Who do you say I am?” demands more than borrowed beliefs—it calls for a personal revelation that transforms everything. When we confess Jesus as the Christ, we step into kingdom authority, identity, and purpose that hell itself cannot withstand.

Matthew 16:1-12 Summary: Jesus warns that dangerous doctrine often comes subtly, disguised in religious language but marked by hypocrisy, legalism, skepticism, and worldliness. True faith doesn’t demand constant signs but trusts in Christ, remaining rooted in sound teaching and alert to spiritual deception.

Matthew 15:29-39  Summary: Jesus has compassion on the poor, the hungry, the needy. He also has compassion on us- the poor, unbelieving disciples! How often do we ask Jesus to prove Himself all over again when we have already seen Him work! He does not fail to be patient with us and give us a testimony of His sacrifice as the Bread of Heaven, and His power to multiply provision.

Jesus is risen! Don't just stand there looking up at the skies! This same Jesus will return in just the same way that He left. How are we living now to prepare for the return of the resurrected Christ?

Matthew 15:21-28-  The woman of Sidon whose daughter was possessed approached Jesus in boldness and desperation. But how she was tested! Can I be a dog, or an unworthy servant? If we find ourselves in DESPERATION, engage in EXALTATION, and accept HUMILIATION without OFFENSE, we will see His LIBERATION!

Matthew 15:15-20- it is not what goes into a man that makes him unclean in God's eyes, but what proceeds out of Him. The irony of this teaching is that what we take in is also what will inevitably also come out. Jesus is shifting our focus from the shallow externals of earthly life to the weighty eternals of a truly spiritual life.

Matthew 15:1-14- The Pharisees were offended when Jesus called them blind guides. He had confronted them about their hypocrisy and was calling them to make a change. How do I respond when something is pointed out where I may need to change? Ownership is the mature alternative to offense.

Matthew 14:34-36- Jesus wants to work in all "regions" of our lives. We try to make a law out of our experiences only to find later that Jesus has moved on! Once we recognize Him in the new "region", things begin to change very quickly- not the same work, but the same Jesus working!

Walking in faith doesn't mean ignoring challenges, but rather trusting God in the midst of them. Storms of life  cause our faith to grow as they force us to rely on God in ways that calm seas never would.