Monday, February 4 - Matthew 16

Matthew 16 -  Monday, Febrary 4

 

 

16:1-4              Jesus refused to give a sign to those who sought it as a test.  Why do you think He is especially angered by these Saducees?   Have you ever asked God to send you a sign?   How did the reception of a sign or the lack of one affect your faith?

  

16:5-12:           What do you think was dangerous about the teaching of the Pharisees and Saducees?  How is yeast a good example of how little deviations can affect something dramatically?

16:13-20:   Jesus is direct in His questioning of the disciples.  “Who do YOU say I am?” he asks.  Peter, moved by the Holy Spirit, gives a meaningful confession of Jesus as Messiah.   When did you first come to believe in Jesus as the Savior of the world?   Have you ever confessed Him before a hostile crowd?

 

16:21-28:     Shortly after Jesus praises Peter’s confession, He says to Peter, “Get behind me Satan, you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”   How were Peter’s comments reflective of Satan’s temptation of Jesus?   How is the “easy way out” a temptation for every Christian?

 

What does it mean, to “take up one’s cross?”  How is a Christian called to “deny himself?”