Matthew
Lesson 8Matthew 16:13 - 18:35
We continue our study of Matthew by looking at the Kingdom of Heaven, the foundation of the Church, the King revealed, and what it takes to be great in this kingdom. In particular, we will be examining three key events in Christ’s ministry: (1) Peter’s answer to Christ’s question "Who do people say the son of man is?", (2) the Transfiguration of Christ and the revealing of him as Messiah to the Disciples, and (3) Christ’s answer to the question about greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Read Matthew 16:13 - 18:35 and consider the following:
- In Matthew 16:13, Christ asks his disciples "Who do people say the son of man is?" Consider this for a few moments, then jot down what your answer to this question would be if Christ posed it to you today. Who do people today say that Christ is?
- Who revealed the answer to Peter? Did he reveal Christ to you? We should consider this the next time that we are witnessing to a person who is lost.
- If we assume that Peter’s statement in Matthew 16:16 is the "rock" that Christ will build his church on, then what is Matthew 16:18 referring to?
- What exactly do the "gates of Hades" represent to the Jews?
- In Matthew 16:24, what is Christ telling all those who believe in Him?
- In Matthew 17:3 on the Mount of Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah are talking with Jesus. What are they talking with him about? (See Luke 9:31)
- What did Moses and Elijah represent to the disciples who were present, and what do they represent to us today?
- Had Peter, James and John ever met Moses or Elijah before? What does this experience tell us about life after death, heaven, and what it will be like?
- Did any of the three disciples who were with Jesus that day ever write about their experience? (See 2 Peter 1:15-18) Why?
- Read again Matthew 18:1-4. How is greatness measured in the Kingdom of Heaven?
- In Matthew 18:5-6, who are "these little ones" that Jesus refers to?
- Who watches over these little ones and intercedes on their behalf before God? (see Matt. 18:10-11)
In this lesson, we see the beginning of Christ building His Church, his being revealed as the Messiah on the Mount of Transfiguration, and a great lesson on his love for the lost and his care for them. We can also derive many insights regarding our responsibilities within the Kingdom and what we must do each day if we are to follow Him.
What a joy forever and gift eternal that Jesus has provided each of us who have trusted in Him as our Savior! We are assured eternal citizenship in the greatest Kingdom ever, abiding with and serving the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. Let’s commit today to go and help with the search for the lost ones, and with the care and feeding of the "ninety-and-nine".
Have a great and blessed week everyone, as we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness!
In Christ,
Wes
[2003]