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Lectionary Guide

August 27, 2023

13th Sunday after Pentecost

Exodus 1:8-2:10
Psalm 124
Romans 12:1-8
Matthew 16:13-20

lectionary:
Season of ordinary time, Year a

Preaching Commentary


A Bombshell Confession

Simon Peter’s confession that Jesus was, indeed, the “Messiah, the Son of the living God” is the climax of Matthew’s account of Jesus’ earthly ministry. It’s noteworthy that prior to Christ’s ministry, Matthew’s gospel records several clear proclamations of Jesus’ divine and messianic identity: The Father has affirmed Jesus’ Sonship (3:17) and demons quickly recognize Jesus without hesitation (e.g. 8:37). While the crowds have been consistently amazed by Jesus’ ministry (e.g. 4:24-25; 7:28-29; 9:8, 26, 31, 33; 13:54; 15:31), even John the Baptist seemed to have a hesitance to fully admit Jesus was the Messiah (11:2-6). All of these moments of hesitation or aimless amazement…

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