MATTHEW 16

In today’s study we have three titles. Verses 1-12 The leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Verses 13-20 The church and its Foundation. Verses 21-28 Jesus foretells his Passion. Matthew 16 continues from 15, verse 1 reads.

Mat.16:1] The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

We know the Pharisees are the elders and the priest of the temple. Who are these Sadducees? We find them to be G4523 Saddoukaios pronounced sad-doo-kah’-yos and it means; a Sadducaean (that is Tsadokian) or follower of a certain heretical Israelite. Sadducees = “the righteous”. 1. a religious party at the time of Christ among the Jews, who denied that the oral law was a revelation of God to the Israelites, and who deemed the written law alone to be obligatory on the nation, as the divine authority. They denied the following doctrines: a. resurrection of the body. b. immortality of the soul. c. existence of spirits and angels. d. divine predestination, affirmed free will. In other words, they did not believe in life after death. My question would be then why were they ever listened to? And why were they involved with the temple? Back to Matthew 16:1, don’t overlook that they tempted Jesus and asked for a sign. Matthew 16 and verse 2 reads.

Mat.16:2] He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
[3] And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

Claiming to be priests, they are unlearned. They should have been waiting for this time, the first advent, the coming of the Messiah. Let’s go to Zechariah 9 and verse 9 reads.

Zec.9:9] Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

They, if they were indeed priests, would have known this scripture. They are tempting Jesus. Also, I want you to know that to deny Zion is to deny Jesus Christ. Back to Matthew 16 and verse 4 reads.

Mat.16:4] A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

This word Generation is Offspring, Jesus is speaking to the Kenites. Let’s find a little help understanding this better. Let’s go to Proverbs 30 and verse 12 reads.

Prov.30:12] There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

And in Isaiah 65 and verse 5 reads.

Isa.65:5] Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.

These Pharisees and Sadducees tried to tempt Jesus by asking for a sign, he told them no sign but the sign of Jonah. Three days he will be in the tomb, then he will be resurrected.

Mat.16:5] And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
[6] Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

We have learned throughout our studies that Leaven represents sin. Jesus just told them, and us today, to beware of the sin within the churches.

Mat.16:7] And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
[8] Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?
[9] Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

They took up twelve baskets of false teachings. Mat.14:20.

Mat.16:10] Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

They took up seven baskets of false teachings. Mat.15:37.

Mat.16:11] How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?
[12] Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

We had come to these verses to explain both chapters 14 and 15 about the feeding of the multitudes. But now that we are here, I know it is hard to understand how the disciples could seem to be hardheaded. But, let me remind you it is written by them for us in these end times to have the understanding. Let’s go to 1Corinthians 10 and verse 11 reads.

1Cor.10:11] Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

That should help us understand the disciples a little better. Back to Matthew 16 and verse 13 reads.

Mat.16:13] When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

Notice his Holy Name, I Am is only interrupted by the Son of man.

Mat.16:14] And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

Elias and Jeremias are Greek for Elijah and Jeremiah the prophets. We know that Herod thought he was John the Baptist risen.

Mat.16:15] He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

Here we have his Holy Name, I Am uninterrupted. Jesus is asking who do you say I Am to them.

Mat.16:16] And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Simon (a hearing) Peter (rock) says, you are the Messiah (Christ, the anointed One), the Son of God. This is important today, because this is the statement of Baptism. Let’s go to Philip with the eunuch after Philip taught him Jesus. Acts 8 and verse 36 reads.

Acts 8:36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
[37] And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

And in Hebrews 1 and verse 2 reads.

Heb.1:2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Don’t overlook this word “Worlds”, it is G165 Ion or aiōn in Greek and means; period of time, age. knowledge of the three earth and heaven ages are so important in understanding God’s Word. Back to Hebrews 1 and verse 3 reads.

Heb.1:3] Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
[4] Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
[5] For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

And finally, in 1John 4 and verse 13 reads.

1John 4:13] Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
[14] And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
[15] Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
[16] And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

I hope this helps with understanding Baptism. Back to Matthew 16 and verse 17 reads.

Mat.16:17] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

Going back to 1John 4:13-16, given to us by the Spirit, the knowledge of the Father giving us the Savior, the Son. Trinity. Now, let’s look at Jesus calling Peter Barjona, Simon means; a hearing, ears to hear. Bar means; son. And Jonah means; dove, Holy Spirit. Only the Father can open eyes or ears to his Word. Jesus tells Peter he is blessed for this.

Mat.16:18] And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Let’s go to Psalms 9 and verse 13 reads.

Psa.9:13] Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:
[14] That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.

The gates of hell shall not prevail, because we have salvation. Now let’s go to Psalms 107 and verse 16 reads.

Psa.107:16] For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.
[17] Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.

Because we are sinners in the flesh.

Psa.107:18] Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.

Not the milk, but the meat of God’s Word.

Psa.107:19] Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.
[20] He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

He sent his only begotten Son (Word) and healed us with Salvation from the gates of hell. Back to Matthew 16 and verse 19 reads.

Mat.16:19] And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

This verse here is one of the most awesome promises to us from God. Note the keys (The Key of David) of the kingdom of heaven. This is the ability given to God’s Elect to know good from evil. To the woman’s seed from the serpent’s seed (Kenites). But, also is given the promise of binding evil spirits here on earth to be bound in heaven. And loosening those possessed by evil spirits to be loosed also for heaven. Let’s go to Luke 10 and verse 19 reads.

Luke 10:19] Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
[20] Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

An awesome promise from our Lord. Back to Matthew 16 and verse 20 reads.

Mat.16:20] Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

Mostly said here for what is about to be said. But also, because he was having trouble getting around through the multitudes.

Mat.16:21] From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Jesus is telling us who is responsible for his murder. It is the serpent’s seed, the Kenites, those within the house of God. He also tells them that he will be “raised again” on the third day. Peter will have trouble understanding this, and out of love he will resist. I believe as an example for us in these end times.

Mat.16:22] Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
[23] But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

This sounds very harsh. He knows Peter’s love for him, but that this is written for us in these end times, he says this so that we think spiritually and “Stand” against Satan.

Mat.16:24] Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Expect persecution for following Jesus, remember they hated him and will hate you also, very obvious in today’s world. Paul taught about this in 1Thessalonians 3 and verse 3 reads.

1Thes.3:3] That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
[4] For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
[5] For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

Back to Matthew 16 and verse 25 reads.

Mat.16:25] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Never be afraid, remember 1John 4 and verse 15 reads.

1John 4:15] Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

Back to Matthew 16 and verse 26 reads.

Mat.16:26] For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Only God owns your soul. Let’s go to Ezekiel 18 and verse 4 reads.

Eze.18:4] Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

God alone claims all souls. You cannot sell your soul, he owns it. Repent of your sins, and they are blotted out as if they had never existed. The beauty of being Christian. Back to Matthew 16 and verse 27 reads.

Mat.16:27] For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

We have here the second advent. Jesus comes in clouds with his angels. Let’s go to 1Thessalonians 4 speaking of “Where are the dead” and verse 14 reads.

1Thes.4:14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

He is putting together an army to bring back with him at the second advent. All who sleep in him, died believing he is the Son of God. Now, let’s not overlook it said our rewards are according to our works. The only thing we take with us to heaven are our works. Let’s go to Revelation, first Rev.14 and verse 13 reads.

Rev.14:13] And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Now let’s go to Revelation 20 and see why it matters so much to you and me, verse 11 reads.

Rev.20:11] And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
[12] And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
[13] And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
[14] And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
[15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

This is why our works are so important, it is what we are judged and rewarded for. Back to Matthew 16 and verse 28 reads.

Mat.16:28] Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

Some say this meant that they would not die, not true all in the flesh die, except a few. What this means is they would see him after three days in the tomb in all his glory (Transfigured Body). Jesus gave them ample warning that he would be crucified and would be raised again. They did not remember this, perhaps because of the trauma of the crucifixion. Nonetheless, Jesus would tell them in another gospel to meet him in Galilee on the third day. they would forget that as well. Great chapter, let’s go to his throne.

Father, we thank you for your word and ask that you bless all that love you in Jesus’s precious name, Amen.

KJV along with The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of The Bible