I will be speaking on The Church on Sunday, May 29, 2011 at The Life Centre in Ottawa. I will publish all my notes at 12:30 pm after the services are concluded.
Here is what must be understood as we review this portion of scripture.
The Church is God’s idea.
It comes out of His heart, full of expectancy that every member will be active and accomplish His purpose of seeking and saving the lost of every generation.
Matthew 16 is a must Starting Point to understand the church.
Remember, Jesus, whose Hebrew name is Yeshua, is speaking to His disciples, and they are all Jewish. This passage is full of meaning for them in the context of their culture.
They understand as Jews but we don’t as Gentiles. We need clarification.
Jesus takes the disciples away from the crowds. They take a day’s walk north of the Sea of Galilee to a non-Jewish area known as Caeserea Philippi.
It is here that Jesus asks them to tell Him what everyone is saying about Him. He is about to remind them that it doesn’t matter what people say, what matters is what God says.
"You are John the Baptist back from the dead"
Herod Antipas, the ruler in Galilee, has been speaking out of guilt for beheading John. Herod believes Jesus is John raised from the dead that is why He is doing miracles. Mt. 14:2
Others, "He is a prophet, perhaps Elijah."
The honoured guest at every Passover Meal, Elijah will announce the coming of the Messiah. At the end of every meal, a child is sent to the door to open it and see if Elijah is there. The child always returns disappointed.
Jesus asks them, "Who do you say I am?"
Peter answers that Jesus is the Messiah and He is the Son of the Living God.
A reference to the virgin birth noted in Isaiah and what was said from heaven at Jesus’ baptism - "This is my beloved Son."
Jesus does to Peter what all good rabbis do to students who give correct answers. He blesses him.
Do you want to be blessed by Rabbi Jesus? Then answer His question correctly!
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