Matthew 16

Matthew 16:1-4

  • See Isaiah 48:1; 50:10
  • They said they wanted a sign from Jesus, but they refused to acknowledge what He had already shown them. This was hypocrisy.
  • Compare Matthew 12:38-41.

Matthew 16:5-12

  • The disciples were focused on physical things and missed Jesus’ point completely. Jesus was warning about the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
  • Compare Galatians 5:7-9.

Matthew 16:13-20

  • Jesus did not set in place any order of succession for the apostles, nor for a pope.
  • See Matthew 18:1-4; 14:22, 33.
  • John 6:66-69; 11:27 – People were recognizing that Jesus was the Christ.
  • Matthew 21:42-44; Romans 9:33
  • Matthew 7:24
  • I Corinthians 3:11
  • Ephesians 2:20
  • Jesus is the chief cornerstone. The apostles were part of the foundation. Jesus was not building His church on Peter. Jesus Himself was the cornerstone.

Matthew 16:21-28

  • If Jesus had bowed to Satan at any point, His entire mission on earth would be lost. Jesus was going to complete His mission, no matter the physical consequences.