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August 27, 2023

Claim God’s Deliverance

Martin Wiles (South Carolina)   |   Read Matthew 16:13-20

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Lectionary Week
August 21–27, 2023
Scripture Overview

Exodus now introduces a painful turn in the story of God’s people. The Israelites are forced into slavery; yet amid this dark time, a baby boy, Moses, is born. God has already begun the story of their deliverance. The psalmist recognizes that the Israelites would be overwhelmed and swept away without the help of the Maker of heaven and earth. Paul gives the Romans two specific instructions: First, they should be changed so that they follow God’s ways, not the world’s. Second, they must understand that they all need one another. Each child of God has a part to play in the overall body of Christ. In a famous passage in Matthew, Peter makes the basic Christian confession: Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of God.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Exodus 1:8–2:10. How can you serve in a priestly role?
Read Psalm 124. Reflect on the many ways God has blessed you and your community. Consider writing your own song of ascent.
Read Romans 12:1-8. What part of yourself are you holding back from God? How can you bring your whole self to your faith?
Read Matthew 16:13-20. Why is it important to fully understand Christ’s identity before witnessing to Christ’s mission?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Matthew 16:13-20

13 Now when Jesus came to the area of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Human Oneis?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” 15 He said, “And what about you? Who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Then Jesus replied, “Happy are you, Simon son of Jonah, because no human has shown this to you. Rather my Father who is in heaven has shown you. 18 I tell you that you are Peter. And I’ll build my church on this rock. The gates of the underworld won’t be able to stand against it. 19 I’ll give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Anything you fasten on earth will be fastened in heaven. Anything you loosen on earth will be loosened in heaven.” 20 Then he ordered the disciples not to tell anybody that he was the Christ.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Those who are in bondage long for deliverance. Our bondage can be emotional, relational, physical, or spiritual.

Jesus once asked his disciples who people said he was. Their answers included John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the other prophets. Impetuous Peter said, “You are the Messiah, the Son of...

Give me the courage, O God, to announce your deliverance to all people. Amen.


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