Victory Fellowship Bible Study
273 23rd St. S.W., Barberton, OH 44203
Wednesdays at 7pm
Rev. Roderick D. Grabski (330) 858-0223
WEBPAGE: victoryfellowshipministries.com
CLASS SEVENTEEN: Jesus Points toward the Cross
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. READ / LISTEN to MATTHEW 16:1–28
a. What are your initial impressions or questions? Notable translation differences?
III. Chapter 16 Represents Some Significant Turning Points in Matthew:
Through the first part of Matthew’s gospel the disciples had trouble understanding the fullness of Jesus’ mission and identity. From 16:16 and moving forward, their understanding grows rapidly.
Up until now Jesus had generally avoided speaking about His death and resurrection. From 16:21 and forward Jesus will often speak of His suffering, death, and resurrection.
Up until now Jesus spoke in general terms about His Kingdom. From 16:18 and hereafter, Jesus will give more specific instructions regarding His church.
Up until now Jesus has been focused away from Jerusalem and around Galilee. Now, beginning with 16:21, He takes the road toward Jerusalem and the Cross.
Verse 16:20 ends the second major Section in Matthew’s gospel [Two: Body of the Writing
(4:17 – 16:20)] and transitions to the Conclusion (16:21 – 28:20).
IV. The Pharisees and Sadducees Demand a Sign (vv. 1-4)
a. The difference between the Sadducees and Pharisees (handout)
b. (vv. 1-3) It’s interesting that Jesus uses an illustration that points toward heaven.
c. (vs. 4) Like He did in Matt. 12:38-41, Jesus refers to them as “an evil and adulterous generation” and refuses to give them any other sign but the sign of Jonah.
V. The Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees (vv. 5-12)
a. (vs 5) What bread did the disciples forget to take? The Greek verb used here implies that they were willfully neglectful. Why do you think they were?
b. (vv. 6-7) What did they think Jesus’ warning was about?
c. (vv. 8-11) Why is Jesus’ rebuke so strong?
d. (vs. 12) An “AHA” moment for the disciples.
VI. Peter Confesses the Messiah (vv. 13-20)
a. (vs. 13) Jesus is approaching Caesarea -Philippi
Jesus was standing on a road in an area littered with the temples of the Syrian gods, Heathen Cults (Pan – Baal), a place where the Greek gods looked down, a place where the most important river in Judaism sprang to life, a place where the white marble splendor of the home of Caesar-worship dominated the landscape. And here, of all places, He stands and asks men who they believe Him to be.
b. (vs. 14) The disciples repeat what they had heard in various places.
c. (vs. 15-16) Jesus makes it personal. Peter boldly answers that He is "the Christ, the Son of the living God." He speaks on behalf of all the disciples. This is the first time that any of Jesus’ disciples refer to Him as “Messiah.”
d. (vs. 17) Jesus has an “AHA” moment and reveals the source of Peter’s confession.
e. (vv. 18-20) This is the first time in Matthew’s gospel that Jesus refers to Simon as “Peter.” Peter’s (and every Christian’s) proclamation that Jesus is Messiah lays the foundation for Christ’s church. (Isaiah 28:16; Ephesians 2:19-22; 1st Peter 2:4-6).
i. Jesus’ use of the word “church” implies that His followers will establish a “new Israel” – true people of God who submit to His Messianic reign.
ii. The “keys” to the Kingdom are a symbol of authority that Jesus more fully addresses in Matthew 18. What can be bound or loosed on earth is already permitted or prohibited in heaven.
f. Matthew 16:18-19 and the Roman Catholic Church Catechism:
881 The Lord made Simon alone, whom he named Peter, the "rock" of his Church. He gave him the keys of his Church and instituted him shepherd of the whole flock. "The office of binding and loosing which was given to Peter was also assigned to the college of apostles united to its head." This pastoral office of Peter and the other apostles belongs to the Church's very foundation and is continued by the bishops under the primacy of the Pope.
VII. Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection (vv. 21-23)
a. (vv. 21) This begins the final section in Matthew’s gospel: Section Three: Conclusion (16:21 – 28:20)
b. Why does Peter rebuke Jesus? Why does Jesus call Peter “Satan?”
VIII. Take Up Your Cross (vv. 24-28)
a. (vs. 24) What is meant by Jesus’ admonition to deny yourself?
b. (vs. 25) How does one lose their life because of Jesus?
c. (vv. 26-27) Jesus gives a glimpse of the future.
d. (vs. 28) Possibly a reference to the Transfiguration. (2nd Peter 1:16-18; Matthew 17:1-8)
IX. Application
a. False teaching can have a subtle but profound effect on our faith if it permeates our heart. (2nd Timothy 4:3-4)
b. Opening the door to eternal salvation has been entrusted to Jesus’ followers by authority of the Word of God. (Matthew 28:18-20)
c. We must endure hardship in the life of faith, knowing that God will give us our eternal reward. (2nd Corinthians 4:16-18)
Final Comments and/or Questions. Close in Prayer
No Class next week – Ash Wednesday
In 2 Weeks (March 9th): The Transfiguration of Jesus - Read Matthew 17:1-27 to prepare.
