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Matthew 16:1-20 PDF

For discussion:

In chapter 16 we see another conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees, Peter’s great confession, and Jesus frankly explaining his coming conflict.

This section tracks Mark 8:11 and Luke 12. From these passages we see that Jesus returns to Jerusalem where he experiences the conflict with the Pharisees.

From Acts Series

Here we see the beginning of the church, which Jesus foretold in his teaching in Matthew 16!

  • Describe a time when you were amazed and perplexed? Does this give you any insight on how the people felt at the coming of the Holy Spirit?

Matthew 16:1-4

Notice how similar this interaction is with Matthew 12:38

  • What did we conclude was the essential message about this exchange in Matthew 12? Do you see anything different here?

  • Why do you think Matthew included this exchange that was so similar to the previous one?

Matthew 16:5-12

  • Jesus cautions the disciples to be careful about the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. What are some cultural teachings that we need to be careful to avoid?

Matthew 16:13-20

They have somehow arrived at Ceasarea Philippi. This would be about half-way back between the Decapolis region and Tyre and Sidon (about 30 miles North of the Sea of Galilee).

Ceasarea Philippi was a site of worship of false god’s that were associated with a cave that appeared to lead into the depths of the earth.

When Jesus says ‘this Rock’, he could reasonably be referring to either Peter, himself, or Peter’s testimony about Jesus. 1 Cor 3:11 seems to imply himself.

  • What are your thoughts on how and why they were in Ceasarea Philippi

  • How deeply insightful was Peter’s proclamation?

  • How do you feel to see Jesus’ statement that the ‘gates of hell’ will not overcome his church?

  • What do you think of Jesus promise to Peter that whateverhe would bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever yhe would loose on earth would be loosed in heaven?

  • Why did Jesus caution the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ? How does this fit with his interaction with the Pharisees and Sadducees?