Greatness: Matthew 14-20Sample

Have you heard of the term “confirmation bias”? Confirmation bias is when people look for, recall, or twist information to defend or support their existing beliefs. Stanford University has done research over many years that shows people tend to engage in confirmation bias no matter what evidence is presented to them.

The Jewish people were waiting for a Messiah who was promised long ago. As the years rolled on and they became subjects of the Roman Empire, their idea of what the Messiah would be like grew. The general consensus was that the Messiah would be a mighty warrior or a military figure who would lead the Jews to freedom from their oppressors. It seems fair given Israel’s history. Think of David, a military king who came to prominence when he killed the giant Goliath.

Jesus did not fit this image at all. The true Messiah talked about carrying the load an extra mile, turning the other cheek, and praying for your enemies. It is little wonder that, despite the evidence they had seen in the years they had been with Jesus, the disciples still engaged in confirmation bias.

In foretelling His death, Jesus also foretells His triumph over death, saying, “he will be raised on the third day” (Matthew 17:23, ESV). That should have been a comfort to the disciples. Jesus was telling them He would be victorious. Yet, they didn’t understand and became distressed and afraid.

Today, ponder this: How might your view of who Jesus is affect the way you come to Him in prayer, or trust Him in your life? Ask Jesus for a new revelation of Himself to you today.