Matthew

Lesson 8 w/AnswersMatthew 16:13 - 18:35

Matthew

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:

  1. 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?
    1. ANSWER 1: A great teacher, a prophet, a "holy man", a meek and humble Jewish Rabbi.
    2. ANSWER 2: Not the only way to God, brother of Satan, not the last prophet, one of many ways for man to find peace in the universe.
    3. ANSWER 3; The foundation of the Church, the Savior of the world, the King of Kings and Lords, the only way to God.
  2. 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.
    1. ANSWER: Jesus told Peter that God, His father revealed to Peter that Jesus was the true Messiah. Today is no different. God through His Holy Spirit reveals that same truth to anyone who will believe in Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5.
  3. 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?
    1. ANSWER: The foundation of the Church is that Jesus "is the Christ, the Son of the Living God". There is only way to God, only way to be saved, and that is on believing in Jesus as the Messiah, the only son of God.
  4. What exactly do the "gates of Hades" represent to the Jews?
    1. ANSWER: They represent the place of the dead. In using "the gates" of Hades, Jesus is referring to that place as a stronghold—with gates keeping those inside in and those outside out. Perhaps the best way to understand Christ’s statement is to see it as a declaration that death will not have a hold on Jesus, the Messiah. He will overcome it, and that his death and resurrection—His victory over Hades—will demonstrate the victory that all of us have over death as a result of Christ’s sacrifice for us. His victory over death will also be ours! Hades is not a threat for us; its gates will not prevail.
  5. In Matthew 16:24, what is Christ telling all those who believe in Him?
    1. ANSWER: If we are going to follow Christ we are going to carry the burdens, the challenges, the troubles, that will most assuredly come with that decision. We cannot expect to follow Christ and not have to suffer as he did. If we are going to follow him, we must also pick up our cross and go with Him, leaving the worldly parts of our lives behind us and looking toward our eternal home with Him.
  6. 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)
    1. ANSWER: They were talking with Jesus about his coming departure from Jerusalem, his coming persecution and crucifixion, and his eventual departure, being taken up in the clouds forty days after his resurrection.
  7. What did Moses and Elijah represent to the disciples who were present, and what do they represent to us today?
    1. ANSWER: Moses and Elijah are living examples of God’s written word, the Law and the Prophets. Today they still represent that and they represent the two final prophets who will walk the earth just before Christ’s return.
  8. 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?
    1. ANSWER: Clearly none of the disciples had actually met either Moses or Elijah, and yet they knew who they were. I believe that this demonstrates that we will indeed recognize people in Heaven. We are not going to be among millions of strangers;, we’re going to be among millions or billions of the saved; and I believe that we are going to recognize every person there—and especially Jesus! I can’t wait.
  9. Did any of the three disciples who were with Jesus that day ever write about their experience? (See 2 Peter 1:15-18) Why?
    1. ANSWER: Peter was using this as eye-witness evidence that Jesus is real; and that he and the other disciples not only witnessed it, they actually heard it from God himself. In 1 John the Chapter 1, John tells us that the disciples heard, saw, and touched with their hands, as proof that Jesus was a real, physical being and that their experiences with Him were just as real.
  10. Read again Matthew 18:1-4. How is greatness measured in the Kingdom of Heaven?
    1. ANSWER: Greatness is measurd by humbleness. Greatness in the Kindgom is for us to be like children if our sincere desire is to glorify God and not ourselves; this is how greatness wiil be measured in His kingdom. It’s not about us, it’s about Him.
  11. In Matthew 18:5-6, who are "these little ones" that Jesus refers to?
    1. ANSWER: New believers.
  12. Who watches over these little ones and intercedes on their behalf before God? (see Matt. 18:10-11)
    1. ANSWER: Angels watch over them and are always in front of God to protect them.

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]