Matthew 16:13-28 – THOUGHT-PROVOKING QUESTIONS
One of the reasons for the sermon is to make people think.
A preacher’s job is to “reprove, rebuke and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:2) When the preacher is doing his job the congregation should respond by thinking about the preacher’s words and obeying them. The passage before us prompts me, as a preacher, to ask you three thought-provoking questions.
1. WHERE DO YOU STAND? – Vss. 13-19
The Lord first asked the disciples, “Who do men say that I the son of man am?” Vs, 13
Then the Lord asked the disciples, “But whom say ye that I am?” Vs. 15
It is important that we know who Jesus is and where we stand concerning Him.
Peter had the right answer “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Vs. 16
Who do you say Jesus is? Where do you stand concerning Him?
If you have the same answer as Peter, you should have made a decision to trust Him as your Savior. John 1:12-13, Acts 4:12, Ephesians 2:8-9
2. WHAT DO YOU SAVOR? Vss. 20-23
Jesus began to warn the disciples concerning his impending death. Vs. 21
Peter rebuked the Lord. Vs. 22
Our Lord told Peter that he didn’t “savor” or care about the things of God. He was more interested in the things of man than the things of God. Vs. 23
What do you savor? Are you interested in the things of man, or the things of God?
3. HOW (WELL) DO YOU SUBMIT? Vss. 24-28
To truly follow Jesus we must be submissive to Him. We must deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Him. Vs. 24
We must seek to lose our lives for His sake. That takes submission! Vss. 25-26
Jesus will reward us later. Vs. 27
How well you submit to the Master?