Questions Right off the Bat

1. "You find it easy enough to forecast the weather--why can't you read the signs of the times?" (Matthew 16:2) - It doesn't take Jesus very long to cut to the question chase in chapter 16. Not without cause, however; some Pharisees and Sadducees are on him about proving himself to really be the Christ when he tells them this. Evidently the evidence is in plain view, they're just not getting it. Jesus' next statement is interesting: "An evil and wanton generation is always wanting signs and wonders." A thought that has been on my mind lately is that today we are smarter and more enlightened than previous generations, but why does it seem like we have more problems and more distractions? I think there's something to the homespun wisdom that you don't find in the cities or the universities; something that goes on the basic conceptions of morality and not overanalyzing or outseeking for answers and truth. Bob Dylan once said, "You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows," and, like Jesus' statement, it is profound. Why do we need to know the weather? So we can dress ourselves accordingly. Step out in the morning and assume it will get warmer as the afternoon goes on and colder once the sun goes down. There's a possibility of rain at any time so have a rain coat or umbrella in the car. If it's cold enough, it might snow. And let me tell you how jealous I am of the snow that Columbus got today :(
2. "Why all these worried whispers about forgetting the bread? Runt believers! Haven't you caught on yet?" (Matthew 16:7-8) - I don't want to say this for sure, but I'd say that Jesus is getting a little fed up. "Runt believers" is a pretty nasty thing to say to someone, that they're small and deformed in their faith. Yikes. I wouldn't want to hear that, especially from Jesus. But then again, the Disciples can be pretty dense and self-seeking. Just like anybody else, I suppose, so maybe this is a glimpse into Jesus' frustration with us. He loves us, but he's probably almost as frustrated :)
3. "What are people saying about who the Son of Man is?" (Matthew 16:13) - You have to wonder about this question, or any question that Jesus asks. Why? Because he knows the answer. I wonder if after the reproach the disciples just got he was looking for a way to build them up again. The disciples answer this one right, but then there's the next one:
4. "And how about you? Who do you say I am?" (Matthew 16:15) - Peter nails it on the head and answers correctly: "You're the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God." How does Jesus respond? "God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn't get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on the secret of who I really am. And now I'm going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church . . . " So, when Peter gets it right, he gets it really right. That's impressive and commendable. But also, check this out: I managed to tie this all back to the beginning question. Where does true knowledge come from? Not from our opinions or the opinions of others, but from God himself. If we want to be enlightened and wise, it won't come from a Ph.D. program but from the source and originator of all knowledge himself, God almighty.