Matthew 16
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Matthew 16: Following Jesus On HIS Terms
Matthew 16: Following Jesus On HIS Terms
In the last half of chapter 15 we see that Christ withdraws from Israel with His disciples and heads into the Gentile district of Tyre and Sidon. This is the same region Jesus once mentioned while shaming Israel for stubbornness (Matthew 11:20–24). A Canaanite woman finds Him and somehow she knows He is the Messiah and can heal her daughter. To confirm her faith, and to give an example to the disciples, Jesus refuses at first. His mission is to Israel alone. His metaphor is that of a Master choosing not to take bread from His children to give to dogs. The woman persists, saying that for dogs to eat crumbs dropped by the children would be different. Jesus praises her great faith and He heals her daughter; setting up for the disciples the idea that Gentiles, as well as the Jews, will share in the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus then travels from there to the southeastern side of the Sea of Galilee, another mostly-Gentile region. He spends three days there, healing many people, and then repeats the miraculous feeding He performed at Bethsaida. As with the encounter with the Canaanite woman, this establishes how the gospel will spread beyond the nation of Israel (Romans 9:30–33; Acts 1:8). After sending the people away, Jesus and the disciples travel by boat back to the western shore of the Sea of Galilee and back into Jewish territory. This is where we pick up in Chapter 16.
Pharisees and Sadducees Seek a Sign
(Mark 8:11-13; Luke 12:54-56)
Pharisees and Sadducees Seek a Sign
(Mark 8:11-13; Luke 12:54-56)
The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
We’ve talked a lot about the Pharisees, but just to jog our memory; the Pharisees were a Jewish group that basically were experts in interpreting the law of the scriptures, but they did so in a very legalistic way, sometimes missing the point which is what put them at odds with Christ so many times.
Now the Sadducees were a Jewish group connected to the priesthood, but they didn’t believe in resurrection or eternal life, the reason being that they only followed the Pentateuch or the first five books of our bible.
These two groups had very little in common (for the most part they were polar opposites), only agreeing on basic points of theology. Appendix 120 in the Companion Bible gives a good description of these two groups. But we see both of these groups asking Christ for a sign from heaven or God, even though Christ had already performed multiple public miracles.
He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
Jesus is pointing out that the Jews were able to predict weather patterns by observing a few simple things, they could predict storms (foul weather); but they were blind to the presence of the Messiah standing right in front of them, performing miracle after miracle. Instead they blame it on Beelzebub and demonic possession.
A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
Christ says that this wicked or evil generation wants and sign, and they won’t be given a sign. Except for possibly the greatest sign that humanity was ever given; yet people still deny it. Jonah’s rescue from the great fish was a sign that he and his message were from God, and he was in the stomach of the fish for three days before being expelled in front of the Ninevites. In the same way the ultimate sign validating Jesus would be His death and resurrection three days later; mirroring Jonah’s story. What better sign that this was the Messiah, that God is real, that we can believe the truth of His word; than a man dying on a cross and resurrecting; walking out of the tomb three days later? The Pharisees probably didn’t understand what Jesus is saying, but maybe they finally understood it after His resurrection.
Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees
Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees
(Mark 8:14-21)
And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
The other side means the other side of the Sea of Galilee, so in verse 4 when it says He departed, Jesus and the disciples apparently got in a boat and left, and while doing so failed to gather any provisions to take with them.
Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
As we talk about often, leaven is typically used in the Bible to represent sin or impurity. So Christ is saying to beware (take heed meaning to look well), so beware of the impurity of the Pharisees and the Sadducees, two religious groups that had lost sight of the meaning and purpose of the scripture; and instead had become caught up in a legalistic view, believing that the law would save, instead of looking forward to the Messiah. They had blinded themselves to what was happening right in front of their eyes.
And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
The disciples believe that Jesus is upset with them for not bringing supplies with them. But He will actually show that He is upset because they continue to focus on worldly things.
Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?
Christ again points out the lack of faith, the disciples struggling to understand His message and struggling to believe that God would take care of them. Doubt is something that we ALL deal with, even those that were closest to Christ when He walked the Earth.
Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
Christ points out that the disciples should know better than to be concerned with the fact that they have no food with them. They have watched him, TWICE, feed multitudes from almost nothing.
How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?
Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
So the disciples finally grasp the message. Jesus telling them to be careful to not fall into the traditions that the Pharisees and Sadducees have set up, as well as the fact that they oppose Jesus. The doctrine, or teachings, of the Pharisees and Sadducees was the leaven that Christ was referring to; both here and back in verse 6. We can apply that example to our spiritual journey! We need to stay grounded in God’s truth, dwelling in the mercy and grace of Christ; not allowing ourselves to be pulled off track by men’s traditions, and not putting ourselves back under the Mosaic law.
Think about the contrast of the Canaanite woman who saw what was implied in the word “dog”; and her faith was called “great” (15:28); but the disciples did not understand what the Lord meant by the word “leaven”, and their faith was “little”. This is why it is so important that we study the Word and learn to rightly divide it. Learning to study with understanding directly contributes to the growth of our faith.
Peter's Confession of Christ
Peter's Confession of Christ
(Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9:18-20; John 6:66-71)
When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
Caesarea Philippi was a city about 25 miles north of the Sea of Galilee, it’s at the base of Mount Hermon near the source of the Jordan River.
Jesus ask the disciples a simple question, “who do the people say I am?”.
And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
We saw this connection with John the Baptist through the story with Herod. They preached similar messages and looked similar so this would make sense.
Jesus’s ministry closely reflects Elijah’s, and Christ referenced Elijah often; so this also makes sense.
And Jeremiah was a prophet who was strongly opposed by the religious leaders of his time, so that matches as well, right?
So rumors and gossip about Jesus is obviously spreading, but notice that even if they don’t quite identify Him correctly, even the misidentifications recognize Him as a Man of God.
He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
The Greek word used here, christos, meaning “Christ,” “Messiah,” or “anointed one,” is equivalent to the Hebrew, mashiach (ma-shy-ack), which primarily describes kings in the OT. This is the second time we see this confession by Jesus’ disciples.
Peter says he is the Son of the living God to contrast this against the pagan gods that were being worshipped in this region at the time.
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Bar-jona meaning of Jona, referring to Peter’s father, we also see this in John chapter 1 verse 42. Jesus using his full name, pointing out his (Peter’s father) because that is exactly what Peter has just done as well (calling Christ by name and pointing out He is the Son of God).
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
There is wordplay being used here, because the name Peter is associated with the word for rock in both Greek and Aramaic. So when it says that the church will be built upon “this rock” it can mean Jesus, Peter as an apostle, or the Church in general. I believe that like so many other times, Christ is speaking on many levels and meant all of these, which is why he chose to phrase it this way. Christ is the cornerstone that the church is built upon, Peter and the apostles continuing to lay the foundation and spread the gospel, and the church in general continuing to preach the Word of God even to this day. The most literal interpretation, however, is that Christ is saying the church will be built upon the “rock” of Peter’s confession. What did Peter confess? He was asked “who do you say I am” and he answered/confessed “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” That is the foundation on which everything is built.
“The gates of hell” likely refers to the realm of the dead (the underworld)—similar to the Hebrew word she’ol. Jesus and His disciples are at Caesarea Philippi, which again is located at the base of Mount Hermon. This region is affiliated in ancient Near Eastern, Jewish, and Greek literature with the gateway to the underworld, the gods, and other spiritual beings. The OT also affiliates the region, called Bashan in the OT, with an evil clan of giants and idolatry (Deut 2:10–12; 3:1,10–11; Josh 12:1–5). Jesus seems to be saying that through His power, the Church will overcome the powers of evil and death itself, whether that is false gods, idolatry, or Satan himself.
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
What does Christ mean by the keys to the kingdom of heaven? He is saying that he would give to the apostles, and through them give to the church, the message of salvation. He would be the passover lamb needed to pay for our sins, giving a path for us to follow to find eternal life, unlocking the gates to the kingdom of heaven.
Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
Jesus knew that His role of Messiah included suffering and death, but there was divine timeline in which theses events need to take place so He wanted the disciples to be patient so things could happen at the appointed time.
Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection
Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection
(Mark 8:31-33; Luke 9:21-22)
From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
From that time forth means that this verse marks the end of Jesus’s ministry as He turns toward Jerusalem and the events that must take place there. Notice that the elders, chief priest, and scribes, the religious leaders of that time were those that would be responsible for the things that He would suffer. This is the first time that Christ mentions His coming resurrection directly to the disciples. This verse also hearkens back to Christ saying that the sign He would give would reflect Jonah’s story of being in the great fish for three days.
Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
This is a reversal of roles between student and teacher. Peter thinks he knows better than Jesus (how often do we fall into this trap?) and criticizes Him. Peter believes that the Messiah should not have to endure the suffering that Jesus is saying is coming. Peter is coming from a place of love for Christ, not understanding that these things HAD to happen. The wage for sin is death, and the only way for Jesus to pay that debt was to die on the cross, and in doing so defeating death, claiming victory for all that would believe in Him.
But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
So Jesus is confronting Peter’s misunderstanding of His mission. Again Christ is going to pay the wage for sin through His death. If He doesn’t do this, death (Satan) isn’t defeated. This is what Christ means by “Get behind me, Satan”; He isn’t saying Peter is Satan, or that he is possessed. He is saying that Peter’s plan for the Messiah to not have to suffer and not die would be closer to Satan’s plan, than God’s.
Take Up Your Cross
Take Up Your Cross
(Matthew 10:37-39; Mark 8:34-38; Luke 9:23-27)
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
We talked about this back in chapter 10, but to take up your cross was part of the Roman punishment with crucifixion. You had to carry your cross to the place where the crucifixion would happen. But Christ is foreshadowing His death, and saying that we have to fully align our lives with Him. Trusting in Him with all of our hearts. And to do so we should bring our sins (our cross) and follow Him. We are bringing our sins to Christ so that the can be forgiven and washed away by His blood.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Christ repeats what we saw in chapter 10 verse 39. We have to put away our life in this flesh age, our worldly desires, and the sins of the flesh; to find eternal life and salvation through Jesus.
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Those who live for themselves, clinging to worldly things and earthly ideals, will lose their eternal lives. Those who lose their earthly lives will find true eternal life. So, Jesus frames this in a common-sense rhetorical question: what good would it be to gain all the temporary things of the world, only to suffer an eternity of loss? Judgment will come, for all people, and those who reject Christ will be lost
For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
“Son of Man” being the title and name that Christ used most often that pointed to Him being the Messiah. And notice that He says He will reward every man according to his works. We talked about this during our study on the old testament law, that we are saved through faith, but works are the fruit of that faith and here Christ refers to the reward that those works bring.
Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
“Those standing here” meaning among the disciples. This verse being difficult to understand and it’s meaning hard to determine. Some believe that Christ is referring to some of the disciples being alive to see Him resurrected, or the power of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Some believe that this was in reference to the destruction of the temple in 70 AD. Others believe He is referring to the disciples seeing Jesus transfigured from His human form to His spiritual body as the Son of God which we will see in the next chapter (this is where I fall, I believe He is referring to the resurrection and transfiguration). EW Bullinger writes in the companion Bible that the fulfilment of this verse is uncertain. But either way, Christ is saying that His power and glory would be revealed and that the disciples would see glimpses of that; whatever that may mean.
Through Christ’s glory and power, we are given the keys to the kingdom of heaven. It is up to use if we decide to use those keys, the Word of God and its message of salvation; or if we simple turn and walk away from the gates. It’s up to use if we are willing to give up worldly pursuits and the desires of the flesh to be rewarded with eternal life. Now I don’t believe that God means we have to live a life void of enjoyment and good things, but I think the point is that our relationship with God, our study of His word, and our faith in Christ as our savior HAS to be the most important thing in our lives. It has to come first, everything else has to be of lower priority. And by rightly focusing our time and efforts on growing that relationship, the other aspects of our lives will fall into place and work themselves out. This is what Christ was trying to get across to the disciples when they were worried about actual bread (food and supplies) instead of focusing on the message of sin and impurity that had overtaken the religious leaders. If we follow God’s word, and do the things we are instructed to do, He will provide for us, He will protect us, and watch over us. We just need to be willing to follow Jesus on HIS TERMS and to remember above all else… GOD LOVES US.
Matthew 16: Following Jesus On HIS Terms
Matthew 16: Following Jesus On HIS Terms
