Study
25 From the Book of Matthew is: Matthew 16:1-20
1.
Christ condemns, in verses 1-4, the Jews’ inability to read ‘the
signs of the times’. What does He mean
by this? How were the disciples similarly guilty? See verses 5-12. What response should such signs produce?
2.
Verses 13-20. This
incident at Caesarea Philippi is clearly the ‘hinge-point’ of the Gospel
narrative. From now on Christ withdraws
from the crowds, and concentrates on teaching the disciples. Why is the
question about His Person so crucial? Cf. 1 Jn. 4:2, 3; 5:1a, 5.
3.
Note the three things which our Lord says to Peter in verses
17-19. With verse 17, cf. 1 Cor. 12:3; with verse 18, cf. 1 Cor. 3:11; 1 Pet.
2:4-6; and with verse 19, cf. 18:18; Jn. 20:23
