Matthew 16: Understanding the Messiah and the Cost of Following Him
The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
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?
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.
And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?
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?
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.
When Jesus came into the coasts of Cesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
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.
Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
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.
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.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
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?
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.
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.
Matthew 16 is a pivotal chapter, revealing Jesus' identity as the Messiah and the implications for those who choose to follow Him. This chapter highlights the clash between earthly perspectives and God's divine plan, challenging believers to embrace self-denial and pursue a kingdom-minded life. Let's dive into the depths of this chapter and explore its profound meaning for us today.
Confrontation and a Demand for Signs (Matthew 16:1-4)
The chapter opens with a united front of Pharisees and Sadducees approaching Jesus. Despite their theological differences, their shared opposition to Jesus unites them in a demand for a sign from heaven. They weren't genuinely seeking truth; they were testing Him, stubbornly rejecting the abundant evidence of His miracles. Jesus, recognizing their insincerity, points out their ability to interpret weather patterns but their blindness to the clear signs of the Messiah's arrival. He offers them only the "sign of Jonah" (Matthew 12:39-40, Matthew 16:4) – His death and resurrection after three days, the ultimate sign of His identity. This is a powerful reminder that those who reject the resurrection reject the greatest sign God could provide.
The Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 16:5-12)
As Jesus and His disciples cross the Sea of Galilee, the disciples realize they have forgotten to bring bread. Jesus uses this opportunity to warn them about the "leaven" of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 16:6). Leaven, or yeast, acts as a metaphor for the pervasive and corrupting influence of their teachings. The disciples, preoccupied with their physical hunger, initially misunderstand Jesus' warning. He gently rebukes their "little faith" (Matthew 16:8) and reminds them of the miraculous feedings (Matthew 14:13-21, Matthew 15:32-39), highlighting their misplaced anxieties. Jesus clarifies that He is referring to the false and hypocritical teachings that permeate and influence people, leading to unbelief. We must be vigilant against such influences and pursue a genuine relationship with God through Christ.
Peter's Confession and the Foundation of the Church (Matthew 16:13-20)
The scene shifts to Caesarea Philippi, a city known for its pagan worship, including a temple dedicated to Caesar Augustus. Against this backdrop, Jesus poses a crucial question to His disciples: "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" (Matthew 16:13). The disciples relay the various opinions circulating among the crowds – John the Baptist, Elijah, or another prophet (Matthew 16:14). But Jesus presses further, asking, "But who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15).
Simon Peter, speaking for the group, declares, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). Jesus affirms this profound confession, stating that it was revealed to Peter by God the Father (Matthew 16:17). This confession becomes the bedrock upon which Jesus will build His church.
Jesus then uses a play on words with Peter's name. In Greek, "Peter" (Petros) means "a stone," while "rock" (Petra), the foundation upon which the church will be built, refers to a large, immovable mass of rock. The church is built not just on Peter, the individual, but on the truth he confessed: that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. This truth unites believers and forms the foundation of the church. The church (Greek: ekklēsia, meaning "assembly" or "gathering") is designed to withstand the attacks of hell (Matthew 16:18). It is a community of believers empowered to exercise kingdom authority and advance God's agenda on earth.
Jesus promises Peter the "keys of the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 16:19), granting authority to "bind" and "loose" on earth, mirroring what is already bound and loosed in heaven. This signifies the church's divinely authorized resources and access to heaven's kingdom rule. Binding and loosing involves discerning God's will, operating according to His perspective, and then calling on heaven's authority to restrain evil and release God's blessings. It's a privilege and responsibility, requiring alignment with God's purposes and a heart for the benefit of others.
Jesus Predicts His Suffering and Death (Matthew 16:21-23)
Following this high point of affirmation, Jesus begins to reveal a difficult truth: He must go to Jerusalem, suffer at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and be raised on the third day (Matthew 16:21). This is the essence of the gospel message.
Peter, unable to comprehend this, rebukes Jesus, saying, "This shall never happen to you!" (Matthew 16:22). Jesus responds sternly, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but on man's" (Matthew 16:23). Peter's perspective is warped by human concerns, blinding him to God's plan of redemption. This serves as a powerful reminder that even those closest to Jesus can be influenced by worldly thinking and hinder God's purposes.
The Cost of Discipleship (Matthew 16:24-28)
Jesus then lays out the cost of discipleship: "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). This is a call to radical self-denial, a willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of following Christ. It involves relinquishing control of our lives, embracing suffering, and aligning ourselves with God's will.
He continues, "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 16:25). This isn't just about initial salvation; it's about the daily commitment of being a disciple. Living for ourselves leads to ultimate loss, while surrendering our lives to Christ leads to true and abundant life (John 10:10). Jesus challenges us to consider what truly matters: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26).
The chapter concludes with Jesus speaking of His future glory and the coming of His kingdom. He states that some of those standing there will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom (Matthew 16:28). This is a reference to the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9), where Peter, James, and John witnessed a glimpse of Jesus' divine glory, foreshadowing His future reign.
Matthew 16 challenges us to examine our own beliefs and priorities. Are we truly following Jesus, embracing the cost of discipleship, and setting our minds on God's interests? Or are we clinging to worldly values and hindering God's purposes? May we, like Peter, confess Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, and build our lives on the solid foundation of His truth.
The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
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?
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.
And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?
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?
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.
When Jesus came into the coasts of Cesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
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.
Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
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.
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.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
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?
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.
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.
Matthew 16 is a pivotal chapter, revealing Jesus' identity as the Messiah and the implications for those who choose to follow Him. This chapter highlights the clash between earthly perspectives and God's divine plan, challenging believers to embrace self-denial and pursue a kingdom-minded life. Let's dive into the depths of this chapter and explore its profound meaning for us today.
Confrontation and a Demand for Signs (Matthew 16:1-4)
The chapter opens with a united front of Pharisees and Sadducees approaching Jesus. Despite their theological differences, their shared opposition to Jesus unites them in a demand for a sign from heaven. They weren't genuinely seeking truth; they were testing Him, stubbornly rejecting the abundant evidence of His miracles. Jesus, recognizing their insincerity, points out their ability to interpret weather patterns but their blindness to the clear signs of the Messiah's arrival. He offers them only the "sign of Jonah" (Matthew 12:39-40, Matthew 16:4) – His death and resurrection after three days, the ultimate sign of His identity. This is a powerful reminder that those who reject the resurrection reject the greatest sign God could provide.
The Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 16:5-12)
As Jesus and His disciples cross the Sea of Galilee, the disciples realize they have forgotten to bring bread. Jesus uses this opportunity to warn them about the "leaven" of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 16:6). Leaven, or yeast, acts as a metaphor for the pervasive and corrupting influence of their teachings. The disciples, preoccupied with their physical hunger, initially misunderstand Jesus' warning. He gently rebukes their "little faith" (Matthew 16:8) and reminds them of the miraculous feedings (Matthew 14:13-21, Matthew 15:32-39), highlighting their misplaced anxieties. Jesus clarifies that He is referring to the false and hypocritical teachings that permeate and influence people, leading to unbelief. We must be vigilant against such influences and pursue a genuine relationship with God through Christ.
Peter's Confession and the Foundation of the Church (Matthew 16:13-20)
The scene shifts to Caesarea Philippi, a city known for its pagan worship, including a temple dedicated to Caesar Augustus. Against this backdrop, Jesus poses a crucial question to His disciples: "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" (Matthew 16:13). The disciples relay the various opinions circulating among the crowds – John the Baptist, Elijah, or another prophet (Matthew 16:14). But Jesus presses further, asking, "But who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15).
Simon Peter, speaking for the group, declares, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). Jesus affirms this profound confession, stating that it was revealed to Peter by God the Father (Matthew 16:17). This confession becomes the bedrock upon which Jesus will build His church.
Jesus then uses a play on words with Peter's name. In Greek, "Peter" (Petros) means "a stone," while "rock" (Petra), the foundation upon which the church will be built, refers to a large, immovable mass of rock. The church is built not just on Peter, the individual, but on the truth he confessed: that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. This truth unites believers and forms the foundation of the church. The church (Greek: ekklēsia, meaning "assembly" or "gathering") is designed to withstand the attacks of hell (Matthew 16:18). It is a community of believers empowered to exercise kingdom authority and advance God's agenda on earth.
Jesus promises Peter the "keys of the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 16:19), granting authority to "bind" and "loose" on earth, mirroring what is already bound and loosed in heaven. This signifies the church's divinely authorized resources and access to heaven's kingdom rule. Binding and loosing involves discerning God's will, operating according to His perspective, and then calling on heaven's authority to restrain evil and release God's blessings. It's a privilege and responsibility, requiring alignment with God's purposes and a heart for the benefit of others.
Jesus Predicts His Suffering and Death (Matthew 16:21-23)
Following this high point of affirmation, Jesus begins to reveal a difficult truth: He must go to Jerusalem, suffer at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and be raised on the third day (Matthew 16:21). This is the essence of the gospel message.
Peter, unable to comprehend this, rebukes Jesus, saying, "This shall never happen to you!" (Matthew 16:22). Jesus responds sternly, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but on man's" (Matthew 16:23). Peter's perspective is warped by human concerns, blinding him to God's plan of redemption. This serves as a powerful reminder that even those closest to Jesus can be influenced by worldly thinking and hinder God's purposes.
The Cost of Discipleship (Matthew 16:24-28)
Jesus then lays out the cost of discipleship: "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). This is a call to radical self-denial, a willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of following Christ. It involves relinquishing control of our lives, embracing suffering, and aligning ourselves with God's will.
He continues, "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 16:25). This isn't just about initial salvation; it's about the daily commitment of being a disciple. Living for ourselves leads to ultimate loss, while surrendering our lives to Christ leads to true and abundant life (John 10:10). Jesus challenges us to consider what truly matters: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26).
The chapter concludes with Jesus speaking of His future glory and the coming of His kingdom. He states that some of those standing there will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom (Matthew 16:28). This is a reference to the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9), where Peter, James, and John witnessed a glimpse of Jesus' divine glory, foreshadowing His future reign.
Matthew 16 challenges us to examine our own beliefs and priorities. Are we truly following Jesus, embracing the cost of discipleship, and setting our minds on God's interests? Or are we clinging to worldly values and hindering God's purposes? May we, like Peter, confess Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, and build our lives on the solid foundation of His truth.