DAY 6: Keys, Light, and Forgiveness as Everyday Life in God
Reading Matthew 16-18
Welcome to Day Six! Once again, with today’s reading we’re showing how Jesus reveals what the normalcy of being children of God and one with God should look like.
Recalibrating Our Mentality About Who We Are
In chapter 16, Jesus asks His disciples a powerful question:
“Who do you say that I am?”
Peter responds with revelation: “You are the Christ.”
Jesus affirms him and says:
“I will give you the keys of the Kingdom. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
This moment is not just about recognizing who Jesus is—it’s about recalibrating our mentality about who we are.
Jesus isn’t only saying what He can do. He’s revealing what we are empowered to do.
He’s giving us keys. He’s putting power in our hands. This isn’t extraordinary—it’s meant to be the normal way of life for those who are one with God.
The Light is Always Present
In chapter 17, something remarkable happens: Jesus is transfigured before them. His face shines like the sun, and His clothes become as white as light. I believe this moment shows us something critical: The light is always present.
Your light is always shining, but sometimes because of perception—or because it’s covered up—you don’t see the light that you already are. Later in the chapter, Jesus even teaches Peter a new way to think about paying taxes. He asks:
“Who do kings collect duty and taxes from—their own children or others?”
Then He shows Peter a miraculous, yet normal way to provide: finding a coin in the mouth of a fish. Moments like these remind us to come back to earth—to stay calm and grounded. Not overly excited about “miracles” but understanding that these things should be developing naturally within us.
Forgiveness is The Norm of Mankind
In chapter 18, Jesus shifts our attention to forgiveness.
Forgiveness, He teaches, is not a luxury.
It’s not something you pull out for special occasions or only extend when you’re feeling super spiritual. Forgiveness is the norm of mankind.
Peter asks:
“How many times should I forgive? Seven times?”
Jesus answers:
“Not seven, but seventy times seven.”
In other words, forgiveness is not optional, and it’s not rare. It’s a continual posture.
And remember, forgiving doesn’t make you “extra anointed” or “extra special.” You’re not doing anyone a favor by forgiving. The forgiveness is first for you, and then for the other person.So as you read today’s chapters, let this sink in:
The keys to the Kingdom. The light you already carry.
The constant rhythm of forgiveness.
These are not high spiritual achievements—they’re the normal life of one who is one with God.
Enjoy today’s reading.
Let’s Read/Listen to Matthew 16-18!
There are a few ways you can get the reading done: listen below via our YouTube video, open up the Bible App of your choice, or simply turn to the pages in your physical Bible.
Be sure to give your take in the comments and join our chat for further conversation.
