Message Notes

INTERMEDIATE SUNDAY SCHOOL 17 March 2024
STUDIES IN THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Text: Matthew 16

Subject: “If anyone desires to come after Me”

INTRODUCTION

24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

28 Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

Matthew 16:24-28

1. The Context

a) The Lord Jesus told His disciples about His suffering

b) This was prophesied Isaiah 53

c) The Lord Jesus would fulfil prophecy

2. The Rebuke of the Apostle Peter

a) He was fearful about suffering

b) He did not want the Lord to suffer

c) He did not understand fully what it takes for God’s salvation plan to work

3. The Challenge to all who would seriously follow the Lord Jesus

a) Deny Self

b) Take up the cross

c) Follow the Lord Jesus

THE FOLLY OF NOT FOLLOWING THE LORD

1. The desire to save one’s life
He will end up losing it

2. The so-called profit of gaining the world

a) But at what expense?

b) Losing the soul?

c) What can be exchange for the soul?

THE RETURN OF THE LORD JESUS

1. He promised that He would return one day

2. How would He return?

a) In glory

b) With angels

3. Why would He return?

a) To reward the faithful

b) To reign on earth

c) To judge a sinful world

THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN

1. Suffering and death

a) They are not everything

b) The Lord Jesus was raised from the dead

2. The Son of Man coming into His kingdom

a) The Church is part of God’s Plan

b) It is part of His Kingdom

c) The Lord said that He would build the Church

d) The faithful Apostles and Disciples saw the birth of the Church

OUR CHALLENGE

1. To find faith and courage

2. To learn how not to be afraid of suffering

3. To fully follow the Lord Jesus