Matthew 16 Summary - Quick Bible Study

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MATTHEW 16 SUMMARY IN 5 MINUTES

• WHEN:

  • The birth of Jesus probably occurred around 4 B.C..

  • From Luke 3:23, we know Jesus began His ministry when He was about 30 years old.

  • This would place the events of Jesus’ ministry roughly between 26-31 A.D..

• CHARACTERS:

  • Jesus - The Messiah. The Son of God.

  • Disciples - Jesus’ students who forgot to bring bread on their journey.

  • Peter - Jesus’ Apostle who expressed his belief that Jesus was the Christ.

  • Pharisees and Scribes - Demanded Jesus show them a miraculous sign.

• WHERE:

  • After feeding the 4,000+, Jesus sailed to the region of Magadon, Dalmanutha specifically (Matt 15:39; Mark 8:10).

  • By verse 5, Jesus left Magadon and sailed to the “other side” of the Sea of Galilee.

  • The chapter concludes in the area of Caesarea Philippi.

• OUTLINE:

  • THE JEWISH LEADERS ASK FOR A SIGN (16:1-16:4):

    • The Pharisees and scribes asked Jesus to show them a miracle.

    • Matthew tells us they did this to “test Him.”

    • Jesus pointed out how they had the ability to interpret the weather based on the color of the sky, but no ability to interpret the signs God already showed them.

    • The only sign they were to receive from Jesus was the “sign of Jonah.”

  • THE LEAVEN OF THE PHARISEES AND SADDUCEES (16:5-16:12):

    • Jesus and the disciples sailed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.

    • Jesus taught them to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

    • The Apostles didn’t understand what Jesus meant.

    • They thought Jesus was frustrated with them for forgetting to bring bread.

    • Jesus was actually instructing them to beware the teachings/influence of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

  • “WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?” (16:13-16:20):

    • While in the region of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked the disciples the public opinion about His identity.

    • Some people thought He was John, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah.

    • Jesus then asked them who they thought He was.

    • Peter was quick to respond, “You are the Christ...”

    • Jesus blessed Peter for his confession.

    • He told the Apostles He would build a church and nothing would stand against it or successfully oppose it.

    • He then told them to keep His identity a secret.

  • JESUS DESCRIBES HIS FUTURE DEATH (16:21-16:23):

    • From that time on, Jesus started explaining His future death to the Apostles.

    • Peter rejected the idea that Jesus would be crucified.

    • Jesus rebuked him sharply for thinking he had a better plan than God’s.

  • DENY YOURSELF AND TAKE UP YOUR CROSS (16:24-16:28):

    • Anyone who wanted to follow Jesus had to bear their own cross (figuratively).

    • The hardships were worth it because salvation was only in Jesus.

• BIG PICTURE:

  • Peter’s boldness, faith, and ignorance are on display in this chapter.

  • Jesus had big plans for Peter and, although he wasn’t perfect, God used him to benefit the early church in a number of ways.

  • Throughout the scriptures, God used imperfect people to work out His perfect will.

  • God doesn’t need perfect servants, He just wants willing servants.

• APPLICATION:

  • Jesus didn’t portray the Christian life as something easy and comfortable.

  • He described the life of a disciple as a figurative crucifixion.

  • God doesn’t promise us our lives in His service will be without sacrifices.

  • However, He does promise us the sacrifices will be worth it!