Pastor Brian McGuffin

Matthew 16: 13 - 23 ESV

Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ

13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed  this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

Discussion Questions

1. What is the message that most resonates with you after reading this passage?

2. Why are Jesus's questions for the Apostles so important for them?

3. What do their responses say about their faith and understanding of Jesus's identity and purpose?

4. What would your answers be to these same questions? What do your responses say about you and your identity in Christ?

5. Who do people say Jesus is today? Who do you say He is?

6. When we declare that Jesus is the Christ, we gain a new identity. How does this affect us in our lives as we are determined to follow the will of God instead of the will of society?

7. If we take a spiritual step toward Jesus, a spiritual battle will follow. How does Satan tempt us to set aside the will of God?

8. What practical steps can we take to bring ourselves closer to understanding the true nature of our identities as a child of God?

9. How do you now identify yourself as a Christ follower? How do others see you?