We see from this point on in Matthew that the antagonistic voices against Christ grow in their opposition to His ministry. Jesus continues to proclaim the truths of the kingdom as we also must do regardless of the outward circumstances.
Matthew 16: The Pharisees and Sadducees Demand Signs
1 And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven.
2 He answered them, "When it is evening, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.'
3 And in the morning, 'It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.
4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah." So he left them and departed.
The Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees
5 When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread.
6 Jesus said to them, "Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
7 And they began discussing it among themselves, saying, "We brought no bread."
8 But Jesus, aware of this, said, "O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread?
9 Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered?
10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered?
11 How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
12 Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"
14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
16 Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection
21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.
22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you."
23 But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man."
Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.
28 Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
Matthew 17: The Transfiguration
1 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.
3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.
4 And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah."
5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."
6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified.
7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear."
8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
9 And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead."
10 And the disciples asked him, "Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?"
11 He answered, "Elijah does come, and he will restore all things.
12 But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands."
13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.
Jesus Heals a Boy with a Demon
14 And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him,
15 said, "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water.
16 And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him."
17 And Jesus answered, "O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me."
18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?"
20 He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you."
21
Jesus Again Foretells Death, Resurrection
22 As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men,
23 and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day." And they were greatly distressed.
The Temple Tax
24 When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, "Does your teacher not pay the tax?"
25 He said, "Yes." And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?"
26 And when he said, "From others," Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are free.
27 However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself."
Matthew 18: Who Is the Greatest?
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them
3 and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,
6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Temptations to Sin
7 "Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!
8 And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire.
9 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
10 "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
11
12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?
13 And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.
14 So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
If Your Brother Sins Against You
15 "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
21 Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?"
22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.
23 "Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.
24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.
25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.'
27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.
28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, 'Pay what you owe.'
29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.'
30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt.
31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place.
32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.
33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?'
34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt.
35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
Things to think about…
Mt 16:1-4 and seeking a sign is often misunderstood. The Pharisees wanted a sign from heaven – like Manna from heaven. Jesus obviously rebukes their unbelief. Jesus reminds them again that the only sign that would be given is the sign of Jonah. He of course gave many signs that He was in fact the Christ. Signs and wonders done in ministry if they honour Christ within a biblical framework are to be sought after as they confirm the gospel and the power of the cross and the resurrection. If we are not seeing Christ’s miraculous power in our lives, we need to ask why. But even signs and wonders done in ministry is no guarantee of regeneration as Jesus had already affirmed in Mt 7:22.
Jesus’ teaching on the leaven of the Pharisees and false teaching, Mt 16:5-12 is still relevant today. Any teaching that follows a human format with the glory going to man is not of Christ. E.g a person or a ministry that does not focus on sin, repentance and faith in Christ, is what Jesus is talking about here. Such teaching is not the gospel – it is the leaven of the Pharisees. Unfortunately, there is a lot of this in the western church.
Jesus says Peter is blessed by the Father because he acknowledges Jesus is the Christ, Mt 16:16, but then he is rebuked and called Satan because he does not acknowledge the way Christ will die and be raised, vs 23. Even blessed Christians need to be sharply rebuked at times. Mt 16:13-28 is all connected and leads into the Transfiguration in Chapter 17. Jesus asks His disciples –“Who do you say I am”. Peter is commended for the right answer, but the wrong focus. The Saviour of Israel had to die on a cross. Jesus says that the church will be built upon him, but now Jesus tells Peter how this will happen, through His death, Mt 16:21. This was too much for Peter to hear. Jesus rebukes Peter because he was using human logic that was influenced by Satan. The kingdom of Christ is not achieved with an earthly sword. Jesus says some of them would see Christ’s kingdom before they died – this would begin in a week’s time with the transfiguration. Remember the response Jesus gave to Pilate – “My kingdom is not of the world, otherwise I would fight”. Israel today still believes the kingdom of Israel is established through military might. This is where the Zionists have it grossly wrong. Christ’s kingdom is inherited through faith, meekness, and righteousness - just as Jesus said it would be in the Beatitudes in Mt 5. He was about to show them what He meant.
Mt 16:24-28 are confronting words. Denying ourselves and picking up a cross was a very well-known reality for all those who heard Jesus. Those who picked up the cross were literally the walking dead. They were condemned to die under Roman law. They carried their cross to the place of execution. We are those who live in Christ, but are to be dead to sin and this world’s desires. We can gain the world, but it does not hold the same value as our soul, vss 25, 26. The soul lives on somewhere into eternity. The good news was for the hearers of Christ that His kingdom would be seen as he rose from the dead and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. This is what He means in vss 28, and yet it still has meaning for the end of the age when he returns and Jesus says that there are some among His hearers who would indeed be saved and not taste death. They would experience life with Him in paradise until they “see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom”, Mt 16:28. This is still a future experience for these folk and all those who are presently with the Lord.
The transfiguration was what Jesus was talking about regarding seeing the kingdom, Mt 17:1-8. Peter, James, and John were the ones that would not see death until this happened. Some have confused these words with the resurrection, Pentecost, or church growth (others have said it was AD70 or when Christ returns) – these were all part of it, but the Transfiguration was the immediate context. Moses (the law) and Elijah (the Prophets) appear to testify that this is the Christ and God the Father only says one thing, but it has timeless relevance “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him”. Good advice. Reading, studying and obeying the Word of God is putting this into practise. This passage also raises questions about how much the departed know about what is going on here on earth. We know there are special circumstances surrounding Moses and Elijah and how they departed this earth. But Christ is speaking with Elijah and Moses, likely within the hearing of Peter, James and John. Can departed souls reappear on earth and communicate with us? What about when the witch of en Dor called up the spirit of Samuel, 1Sam 28:7-19. My comments on that passage are that it was indeed Samuel. God allowed it in that one instance, but Christians are not to call up any spirit, Dt 18:10, 11. But here it is literally Elijah and Moses. Many would say they still feel departed family or friends. Christ however is the closest and greatest friend. In heaven the focus is on us and our communion with Him. This should also be our focus here.
In Mt 17:9-13 Jesus affirms that the Elijah to had come in the form of John the Baptist. We do however know that before the return of Christ there are two witness that come to the earth, they are killed and resurrected, Rev 11. Are these Moses and Elijah? We should not be dogmatic about it, even though there might be compelling arguments, they are not conclusive.
Faith is certainly a gift, Mt 17:14-21. The demon could only be cast out by Christ and not the disciples. We know they had completed some amazing ministry when they were sent out, Mt 10:5-8, including casting out demons and but could not do so in this case. Yet Jesus says the faith of a mustard seed can move mountains. I still don’t have that faith it seems. Neither does anyone else I know. Lord grant it to us. We say with this man - We believe, help our unbelief, Mark 9:24.
Jesus speaks of his death and resurrection, Mt 17:21-23. It says the disciples were “greatly distressed”. Yes and it seems in their distress they did not want to know more. We can often be so overwhelmed that we do not want to seek more answers. Our Lord knows our weaknesses and takes us on a journey of greater discovery that is for our good and His glory. Eventually the disciples had to confront the reality of Christ’s words. But as is often the case, we are those who “sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy”, Ps 126:5.
Peter answered on Jesus’ behalf regarding the temple tax Mt 17:24-27. When Peter arrives at the house Jesus knows what is on Peter’s mind and speaks first about the tax, vs 25. We are the sons that Jesus is speaking about, yet not to cause offense we obey the law…pay your tax. You never know, you might be rewarded with a rebate this year.
Never be confused about the ‘faith of a child’ passage, Mt 18:1-6. Jesus means that we are to trust Him like a child with simplicity and an open heart that accepts the word of God in all things. It does not mean that we behave like children and remain in spiritual ignorance or immaturity. A good verse to address this comes from Paul “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways”, 1Cor 13:11. I am amazed and humbled by the work of Destiny Rescue who deliver children out of child sex slavery. I always like their posts whenever children are set free from such evil. Jesus says the judgement upon their captors is worse than having a milestone tied around the neck and then to be thrown into the sea. Lord deliver our children from evil! A note to those who believe in annihilationism: - having a milestone around your neck sounds worse than being annihilated at the judgement. Jesus however says the milestone around the neck is to be preferred, rather than undergoing judgement. Hell is both certain and frightful. Both Annihilationism and Universal Salvation are doctrines of the devil, no question.
In Mt 18:7-9 Christ teaches on the temptation to sin and the requirement to cut off the offending member. While this is not literal, it is given in graphic detail by our Lord to magnify the seriousness of sin. We need to cut it off, to kill it at its source. If we are tempted online to sin or to stumble with our words or other form of self-control get some accountability immediately. Do not do it alone. Ask to help. Sometimes others need to help us to do the cutting.
With respect to Mt 18:10-14, who is the one lost sheep that the Lord is putting on your heart to go and seek out. Perhaps it is someone who has fallen away, a prodigal that you have been praying for, for years. Give them a call or drop around and see them and encourage them to consider Christ and the forgiveness of the cross. I am greatly encouraged by these verses. The 99 are already saved, that are in fact secure in Christ, they are in a pen, safe and secure. The one who is lost is open to the elements, wild animals and the danger of the terrane. The same for those who chosen by the Lord but either don’t know it or are in a state of rebellion. Christ’s mercy and grace brings them back, often of His shoulders. They are either too weak, diseased or still not following as they should. He carries them and brings them back safely. Often for us this is within an environment where there are other Christians, hearing and obeying the word. Pray that the Lord draws His lost sheep back to a place of communion and spiritual safety, that they may not perish, vs 14.
Most of us know the church communication/discipline passage quite well, Mt 18:15-18. The important thing is that the church carries it out when required. The process is the important thing to be noted. Go with one, then two, then the church. Elders need to be involved at stage 2 I believe. An elder should be have knowledge of the situation and the eldership decide how it is to be brought before the church if required. Church membership is required for this process to be properly implemented. As I have reminded you many times – almost to the annoyance of some I am sure; gossip, slander, and a divisive spirit should never be a part of the body of Christ. Disagreements will come, but causing division is never an option for a follower of Christ. Never make that choice. Praise God for the unity and openness we have at CBC – let’s not take it for granted and act quickly whenever we see it potentially being undermined.
Don’t you just love Peter, Mt 18:21. He is always wanting to find where the boundary is, either for his affections or his stupidity. He reminds me a lot of myself. Earlier he wants to build a tent from the transfigured Christ and speaks out of emotion. In this case he is wanting to know how far brotherly love should go when it comes to forgiveness, Mt 18:21. Look at our Lord’s response, Mt 18:22-35. Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving servant. The point of the parable is that we are the servant who has been forgiven a great debt. We also have a choice as to whether we hold a grudge, bitterness, anger, or envy towards another person. Let’s always keep short accounts because life is short, but eternity is long. Let’s live in the light of Christ by always showing forgiveness and grace towards others.
The parable of the unforgiving servant in Mt 18:21-35 has a very sobering conclusion. Remember it was Peter who initially asked the question regarding forgiveness. If believers act like the servant in the parable and do not forgive other servants of Christ, Jesus says we will not be forgiven by the Father. Look at the words of judgement that come to believers who do not forgive; “my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart”, Mt 18:35. The “of you” is not the world, but those who claim to have faith. Remember this parable comes after the issue of discipline within the church and so the household of faith is within the context of the parable. Forgiveness and reconciliation must be part of the church and a Christian’s hard wiring. If this isn’t the case our Lord sees it as denying the forgiveness of sin that comes from the Father. In such cases as alluded to in this parable, Jesus says prison still awaits, Mt 18:34. Such a person is therefore not saved and is still destined for eternal punishment. A fearful thought.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Sermon title was “The context of blessing” - from Matt 7:7-24
1. The Sermon on the Mount begins with the word “Blessed”. It then proceeds with the context of how we are to be blessed. Jesus says that we must ask, seek and knock, vs 7. Jay mentioned the reasons why we should expect God to answer, but also why he doesn’t answer at times. He used the example of earthly fathers when our children ask for things. But also when we ask, sometimes we don’t ask correctly, Jam 4:3. Discuss.
2. Why discussed “Spiritual Gps” on Sunday and the narrow gate and difficult way, vss 12-14. How do we know we are on the right track spiritually?
3. What is the quality of the produce coming off your spiritual farm, vss 16-20. How can we measure whether the fruit is good or bad? Often what we listen to and spend our time on is a good indicator. How can we discern whether we are following a wolf in sheep’s clothing or not, vs 15?
4. I believe some of the most fearful verses in scripture are found in Mt 7:21-23. How can we discern whether we are known by God or whether we are of the group that says “Lord, lord” where Jesus responds to them by saying “depart from Me I never knew you”?
Prayer Points
1. Pray for testimonies that people will be doing every second week. Please consider when you would like to do yours when the pastor asks you to share yours.
2. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
3. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points.
1. Safe return of everyone from holidays
2. Ministries started back.
3. Worship led by Rod, Zac, Molly and Reilly. Rin, Tim and Dan on the desks. You made Sundays praise enjoyable.
4. More visitors and spirit of joy on Sunday.
5. More restrictions being lifted.
Announcements
1. Combined service. 5pm Sun 24th Oct, Riverlife Baptist Church.
2. PlayPatch starts back this week.
3. Kids@church back. Please check your rosters
4. Recharge Youth – back on Friday 6:30pm at church all high schoolers.
5. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
