Matthew 16-18

Matthew 16

The Pharisees and Sadducees(normally opposing groups) come together to test Jesus

• They demand a sign from heaven, likely meaning a dramatic, undeniable cosmic sign (beyond His miracles)
• Jesus rebukes them:
  • They can interpret the weather signs (red sky)
  • But cannot interpret the “signs of the times” or the spiritual significance of what God is doing through Him
• He calls them a “wicked and adulterous generation” and offers only the “sign of Jonah” (pointing forward to His death and resurrection)

 Leaven of the Pharisees

• The disciples cross the lake but forget to bring bread
• Jesus warns them: “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees”
• The disciples misunderstand, thinking He is talking about literal bread
• Jesus rebukes their lack of understanding and “little faith”, reminding them:
  • of the feeding of the 5,000 (12 baskets left)
  • of the feeding of the 4,000 (7 baskets left)

Peter’s Confession 

• Jesus takes the disciples to Caesarea Philippi, a region filled with pagan temples and idol worship
• He asks:
  • “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
  • Answers include John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah
• Then He asks directly: “But who do you say that I am?”
• Peter responds: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”
• Jesus blesses Peter:
  • Says this truth was revealed by the Father, not of his own human reasoning
• Jesus speaks of:
  • building His church (ἐκκλησία) (first use of the word!!)
  • the “gates of Hades” not overcoming it
  • giving the keys of the kingdom (authority to declare access)
• He then tells them not to tell others yet

About Peter (from https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-16/)

iii. There is no doubt that Peter had a special place among all the disciples, and that he had some special privileges:

· He is always listed first in the listings of the disciples.

· He opened doors of the kingdom to the Jews in Acts 2:38-39.

· He opened doors of the kingdom to the Gentiles in Acts 10:34-44.

iv. Yet there is no Biblical argument whatsoever that Peter’s privilege or authority was passed on. To put it one way; one might say that Jesus gave Peter the keys, but didn’t give him the authority to pass them on to further generations, and there is not a whisper in the Scriptures that Peter’s authority was to be passed on.

From this point forward, Jesus begins to clearly teach:

• He must go to Jerusalem
• suffer from religious leaders
• be killed
• and be raised on the third day

Peter takes Jesus aside and rejects the idea of a suffering Messiah

Jesus:“Get behind me, Satan!” 

 Cost of Discipleship 

• Jesus turns to all the disciples and explains what following Him truly means:
  • deny yourself
  • take up your cross 
  • follow Him
• He contrasts:
  • saving your life vs. losing it
  • gaining the world vs. losing your soul
• He speaks of future judgment:
  • the Son of Man will come in glory with angels
  • each person will be repaid

Matthew 17

The Transfiguration 

• Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain privately (unsure which mountain) 
• He is transfigured μεταμορφόω (metamorphoō) “to change form” or “to be transformed”
  • His face shines like the sun
  • His clothes become dazzling white
• Moses and Elijah appear and speak with Him
• Peter suggests building three tents 
• A bright cloud overshadows them  (God’s presence)
• A voice from heaven declares:“This is my beloved Son… listen to Him”
• They ask about Elijah:
  • Jesus explains Elijah has already come (John the Baptist), but was rejected

Jesus is the fulfillment of Law (Moses) and Prophets (Elijah)

Healing the Demon-Possessed Boy

• Father says his son has
  • severe seizures
  • often thrown into fire or water
• The disciples had attempted to heal him but failed
• Jesus laments the faithlessness of the generation
• He rebukes the demon, and the boy is immediately healed
• Privately, the disciples ask why they couldn’t cast it out
• Jesus explains:
  • because of little faith
  • even faith like a mustard seed is effective

Jesus again tells the disciples:

• He will be delivered into human hands
• killed
• raised on the third day
• This time, the disciples respond with deep grief, though they still don’t fully understand

Tax collectors ask Peter whether Jesus pays the temple tax

• Peter quickly says yes
• Inside, Jesus explains: kings do not tax their own sons 
• However, to avoid causing offense, Jesus instructs Peter:
  • catch a fish
  • find a coin in its mouth
  • use it to pay the tax for both of them

Matthew 18

The disciples ask: “Who is the greatest in the kingdom?”

• He tells them:
  • unless they turn and become like children, they will not enter the kingdom
• He emphasizes:
  • humility = true greatness
  • receiving a child = receiving Him

Jesus warns about causing “little ones” (believers) to stumble

• better to have a millstone hung around your neck
• Calls for emoval of sin (hand, foot, eye imagery)

Parable of the Lost Sheep 

• A shepherd has 100 sheep; one wanders off
• He leaves the 99 to search for the one
• Rejoices more over the one found than the 99

 Dealing with Sin in the Community 

• Jesus gives a step-by-step process:
  1. private confrontation
  2. bring witnesses
  3. tell the church
• If unrepentant, treat as outsider
• Speaks of “binding and loosing” and agreement in prayer

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Forgiveness 

• Peter asks how often to forgive (up to 7 times?)
• Jesus replies: “seventy-seven times” (limitless forgiveness)
• Parable:
  • servant forgiven enormous debt
  • refuses to forgive a small debt
  • is judged for his lack of mercy

Application

Jesus reveals His identity as the Messiah. He calls His followers to be like children- humble and of great faith. He also calls us to be forgiving, and to treat each other with respect.