Peter boldly declares who Jesus is and this becomes the pivot of Jesus’ turn toward Jerusalem. Peter’s declaration calls us to respond to Jesus.
Matthew 16:13-20
Sermon Outline
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’” (Matthew 16:13)
Jesus’ First Question (Matthew 16:13-14)
- “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
- Who Have People Said Jesus Is?
- John the Baptist (Matthew 14:2)
- Elijah (11:14)
- Jeremiah or one of the prophets (12:41)
Jesus’ Second Question (Matthew 16:15)
- “But what about you? Who do you say I am?”
- How had the disciples previously named Jesus?:
- Rabbi with authority to teach (4:18-22; 7:28; 13:10-17, 36)
- Healer and miracle worker (8:14-15; 14:18-21, 25-27)
- Enigma: “What kind of man is this?” (9:27)
- Friend of Sinners (9:11-13)
- Son of David (9:27)
- Awesome one: “Truly you are the Son of God” (14:33)
Peter “Names” Jesus (Matthew 16:16)
- “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.”
- Jesus is the Messiah
- Jesus is the Son of the Living God
Jesus Names Peter (Matthew 16:17-20)
- Jesus’ naming of Peter: “you are Peter”
- An aside about Jesus’ command for silence on the matter
Encountering Jesus Today
- Hearing Jesus ask us: “who do you say I am?”
- “Naming” Jesus personally
- Hearing Jesus name us
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When have you experienced generous provision for a great need in your life? What happened?
- This week we conclude our series, “Who Do You Say I Am?”, by looking at Matthew 16:13-20. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through the Scripture. Then, whether you’re on your own or with others, read that passage aloud.
- Background: This episode takes place near Caesarea Philippi, which is the furthest north of any part of the Gospel of Matthew. It is likely Jesus has drawn away just with His disciples for this conversation. This is also a turning point in the Gospel, revealing Jesus’ identity more fully than before.
- In verses 13 and 14, Jesus asks a question of His disciples and they offer a response. What is their response? When have we heard Jesus compared to figures like what they mention (see Matthew 11:14; 12:41; 14:2)?
- What is the difference between the questions Jesus asks in verses 13 and 15? Why do you think this might be important?
- Simon Peter’s response to Jesus in verse 16 is one of the most significant and dramatic in the entire Gospel. What do you think the phrases “the Messiah” and “the Son of the living God” mean? What is Peter really saying?
- How have you or would you answer Jesus’ question: “But what about you? Who do you say I am?”
- What does Jesus say about the source of Peter’s answer and the significance of Peter’s role in the early church in verses 17-19?
- Why do you think Jesus orders the disciples not to tell anyone He is the Messiah in verse 20?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Matthew 16:15-16
- Read through the Gospel of Matthew up to this point and note any way that Matthew records or describes titles of Jesus that would answer the question, “Who is Jesus?” Step back to reflect upon all the titles of Jesus given thus far in the Gospel of Matthew.
- Take some time in stillness to reflect on Jesus’ question: But what about you? Who do you say I am?” How are you answering that right now? How might Peter’s answer or other titles of Christ in Scripture give shape to your answer?
- Consider reading further on the titles of Jesus with John Stott’s The Incomparable Christ or Michael Scanlan’s Titles of Jesus.