Matthew Chapter 16

Beware of the false teachers: 
(Read Matthew 16:1-12)
The Pharisees and Sadducees requested a sign from Jesus to test him. Knowing their evil motivation, Jesus refused their request (Matthew 16:1-4).  Miracles are performed not to save souls but to authenticate the gospel. The unbelieving generation seeks sign and miracles. Sinners are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “No sign will be given except the sign of Jonah”. It was a reference to Jesus’ resurrection on the third day. It gives hope to believers but warns unbelievers of the coming judgment (Matthew 12:38-40).   Jesus warned the disciples against the false teachers. They initially misunderstood the meaning of what Jesus said (Matthew 16:5-11). Jesus graciously helped the disciples to understand the spiritual meaning of what he said. Jesus is not merely able to provide food for our physical body but also able to meet our spiritual needs. Any teaching that threatens the identity of Christ must be rejected.
 
Peter’s Confession about Jesus:  
(Read Matthew 16:13-20)
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples “Who do the people say that the Son of Man is?”  This was a place in the extreme northeast of Galilee, near the source of river Jordan.  People esteemed Jesus by identifying him with John the Baptist (Matthew 14:2), Elijah, Jeremiah, or the other Prophet (Malachi 4:5; Deuteronomy 18:15).  Peter recognized Jesus and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).  This is an insight that he received from the Father himself. (Matthew 16:17).  Jesus strictly ordered the disciples not to reveal his identity to others.  He said to Peter “You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church and the gate of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:18 -19). This is a misunderstood passage among many Christians.  The rock is a reference to Peter’s faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the foundation of the church (1 Corinthians 3:11). The church is built upon the doctrines of the apostles (Ephesians 2:20).  Peter means “stone”. The church is the called-out people of believers and not a hierarchical system. Jesus continues to build the church with saved people and the powers of hell shall not conquer it.  The key to the kingdom of heaven is the preaching of the gospel. Those who receive the gospel will enter the kingdom of God.  On the day of Pentecost, Peter opened this door, and three thousand people were added to the church (Acts 2:14-40). “Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven”. This simply means that all that God wants to do from heaven, now He does through the church.  He gave the key of the gospel to unlock the kingdom of heaven to those who believe in Christ. Someone has said “As we act in harmony and dependence on Christ, the blessings of heaven are either released or bound on earth and the purpose of God will be achieved". We cannot know the things of God unless it is revealed to us through his Word. 
 
Jesus Predicts His Death: 
(Read Matthew 16:21-28)
Jesus predicted his rejection, crucifixion, and his resurrection to his disciples. He wanted to prepare them for the suffering awaiting Him. Jesus was aware of his earthly mission and destiny.  From human point of view, Jesus’ death seems like utter foolishness but to those who are saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18). Peter knew that Jesus is the Messiah, but he could not understand why he had to die to save his people. So, Peter took Jesus aside and said “Lord, this shall never happen to you”. Jesus said to Peter “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man” (Matthew 16:23).  Jesus said to his disciples, if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me". To follow Jesus, one should deny own interest and seek the will of God.  He should put the purpose of God above his own. He must also take up his own cross and follow Christ. This speaks of dying to our own selfish ambition.  To follow Jesus means, to live in obedience to Christ (Luke 9:23).  Christian life is a life living trusting in the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us (Galatians 2:19-20).  He must be willing to entrust himself to God's plan. He won't regret of his decision. They will have the foretaste of heavenly joy and peace now.  They will experience the fullness of blessings at the return of Christ. Someone has said “A Christianity that costs nothing, and suffers nothing, is worth nothing”. The discipleship may seem disgraceful at times, but its destiny is not shame but honor and glory. Pray for protection against loving and assimilating to this world system.