Matthew 16

For some reason I don't feel like I have a lot to say about this passage. There is some good stuff here, no doubt, but the only thing I want to really bring up is Peter's actions. In verses 15 to 17 he rightly identifies who Jesus is, and is blessed by Jesus - but then five short verses later he goofs up enough to be rebuked quite sternly by Jesus.

To me, this is a good reminder / example for us that we can be spot-on following God one moment and then screw up royally the next. We are still human, after all, and though the grace of God covers us if we have put our faith in Jesus we still make plenty of mistakes. God loves us no matter what, though, and while He may rebuke or correct us we need to learn from it and not get bogged down in depression or self-pity for our errors. We need simply to confess our sins, and repent (turn away from them)... God takes care of the rest!