In Matthew 16, the Pharisees demand a sign from Jesus. He warns his disciples against developing the same attitude. Peter proclaims Jesus as the Christ but then is rebuked for telling Jesus that he is wrong to prophesy his death and resurrection.
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The Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 16:1-12)
- What did Jesus mean by the phrase ‘the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees’?
- What did the Pharisees and Sadducees believe? Why did they disagree? Why do you think they came together to test Jesus? (See for example — Matthew 23:1-7; Mark 12:18-27; Acts 4:1-3; Acts 23:6-10; Philippians 3:1-11)
- What steps can we take to safeguard ourselves from developing the mindset of the Pharisees and Sadducees?
- Examine your heart. Have you become distracted, judgemental or cynical? Focus your attention on Jesus again. Remind yourself of God’s love for you and your eternal hope in him.
Who Do You Say Jesus Is? (Matthew 16:13-20)
- Who or what is the rock on which Jesus will build his church? What are the keys of the kingdom of heaven?
- What is the significance of the title “Son of Man” and who does it refer to? (See, for example — Matthew 8:20, 10:23, 11:19, 12:40, 13:41, 16:27-28, 17:9, 24:27-44, 26:2, 24; Daniel 7:13-14)
- If someone asked you, “Who is Jesus?” what would your response be?”
- Ask God what you can do today to help build his church.
The Death of the Messiah (Matthew 16:21-28)
- Why was Peter so offended by the idea of Jesus dying?
- Can you think of any Old Testament scriptures that refer to the Messiah’s death and resurrection? (See, for example — Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Zechariah 12:10; Psalm 22)
- What does it mean to take up your cross and follow Jesus in today’s society?
- Spend some time thanking Jesus for dying on the cross for you.
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