Matthew 16 Resurrection

I read this chapter on Resurrection Sunday and thought, "Wow, this isn't the chapter I would have gone to for the resurrection but that's really what this chapter is about." 

Matthew 16:4 NIV 

A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away. 

The sign of Jonah is a reference to Jonah spending three days in the belly of the whale before coming back to "life" (see Matthew 12: 40). This is about the resurrection.

Matthew 16:16 NIV 

Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." 

The yeast of the Pharisees is related to their rejection of Jesus. In contrast, Peter's confession, "You are the Messiah," brings enthusiastic praise from Jesus followed by an explanation of his coming death and resurrection.

The final challenge of the chapter is a challenge to follow him wholeheartedly because we will one day see him coming in his kingdom. Dead kings don't return. This chapter is about the resurrection. You cannot separate what Jesus did and what he taught from who he is, his death, and his resurrection. It doesn't matter if the day is sunny, bright and full of hope, or dark and gloomy. Life has meaning because we serve a risen savior. Thank you Lord!