2025 Study of Matthew’s Gospel

YOU ARE THE MESSIAH,

THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD

Matthew 16:13-28

Key Verses 16:16

1. Why do you think Jesus took his disciples to the region of Caesarea Philippi (13a)? Why did Jesus first ask his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” (13b) In what ways did people compare Jesus to prophets like John the Baptist, Elijah, or Jeremiah (14)? Who do people say Jesus is today?
2. Why is Jesus’ second question, “But what about you? Who do you say I am?” so important (Ro 10:9-10; Jn 20:31)? What was Simon Peter’s response, and what does it reveal about his personal faith in Jesus (16)? What does the title “the Messiah” mean in the context of Jewish expectation? What does the confession “the Son of the living God” mean? In what ways is Peter’s confession a turning point in the gospel story?
3. How was Peter able to make the right confession about Jesus (17)? How did Jesus bless Peter after his confession (18-19)? What does each of these mean: “on this rock I will build my church,” “the gates of Hades will not overcome it,” and “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven”?
4. What did Jesus begin to teach his disciples about the way of the Messiah (21)? Why did Jesus sharply rebuke Peter, calling him a “stumbling block” (22-23)? What does Jesus mean when he says that anyone who wants to be his disciple must “deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow” him (24)? What does Jesus’ teaching reveal about the true value of life (25-28)?
5. What is your personal confession of faith about who Jesus is? What does following Jesus practically look like for you right now?