“WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?”

Matthew 16:13-26

Key Verse: 16:15,16

1. Read verses 13-14. Where had Jesus been and what had he been doing? Where is Caesarea Philippi? What factual and objective question did Jesus ask his disciples? What was their answer and what does this mean?

2. Read verses 15-16. What second question did Jesus ask? How is this question different from the first one? Who answered? What did he say? What does this mean? What did it mean to the one who answered?

3. Read verse 17. What did Jesus say about Simon Peter’s response? What does it mean that this truth about Jesus was not grasped by human wisdom or effort, but was revealed by the Father?

4. Read verses 18-20. What is the rock on which Jesus would build his church? What is Jesus’ sure promise of victory over Satan? What are the keys of the kingdom about which Jesus speaks? To whom were they given? Why did Jesus warn his disciples to keep his identity secret?

5. Read verse 21. What did Jesus tell his disciples about what lay ahead for him? Why must he go to Jerusalem? Why must he suffer like this? What is the note of good news?

6. Read verses 22-23. How did Peter respond to Jesus’ words? Why could he not accept Jesus’ word? How did Jesus rebuke Peter? What does this mean to have in mind the things of God? The things of men?

7. Read verses 24-26. How does one become a disciple of Jesus? What does it mean to want to save one’s life? What does it mean to lose ones’ life for Jesus? What is Jesus’ value system? What is ours?

8. Read verses 27-28. What does Jesus promise? Why must we not delay in our decision to follow Jesus?