Message Notes

INTERMEDIATE SUNDAY SCHOOL 18 February 2024
STUDIES IN THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Text: Matthew 16

Subject: “I will build My Church I”

INTRODUCTION

1. Caesarea Philippi

a) It is 40 km North of the Sea of Galilee

b) Fertile area

c) Many springs

d) Centre of many shrines/ temples built by different people

2. The Lord Jesus was in this area

a) It is in this place where the Lord Jesus made His historic statement about building His church

b) The doctrine of the Church is worth studying deeply

AN IMPORTANT QUESTION RAISED TO HIS DISCIPLES

13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”

14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

Matthew 16:13-14

1. The Lord Jesus as The Son of Man

a) This was the favourite term the Lord used to describe Himself

b) There were two main ideas associated with this title:

i) A term used in Psalm 8:4 to describe Man

ii) A term used in Daniel 7:23 to describe the Messiah

2. What were the opinions of the general public?

a) John the Baptist

b) Elijah the prophet

c) Jeremiah

d) One of the prophets

3. The Lord Jesus had performed so many wondrous signs
But they still could not come to a deeper understanding of the Lord Jesus

4. Sadly

a) The Lord Jesus was only regarded as a prophet

b) He was not generally regarded as the Messiah

A MORE PERSONAL QUESTION RAISED TO THE DISCIPLES

15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:15-16

1. Peter responded confidently

2. He declared:

a) “You are the Christ” (The Messiah)

b) “The Son of the living God”

3. This reflected:

a) His understanding

b) His faith

4. Peter had seen the Lord Jesus close up:

a) He saw His power

b) He saw His character

c) He had heard the Lord Jesus and how he taught with authority

d) He was thoroughly convinced as to the identity of the Lord Jesus

OUR CHALLENGE

1. How do we regard the Lord Jesus?

a) A good Man

b) A great Teacher

c) A mighty prophet

2. Can we say with certainty?

a) He is the Messiah

b) He is the Saviour

c) He is our Lord and Master