SABBATH

God's Gift to Us

Biblestudy: Matthew (Part Twenty-One)

Matthew 16:1-19
#BS-MA21

Given 10-Mar-82; 79 minutes

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description: The Pharisees and Sadducees, who normally opposed each other, joined forces against their common enemy, Jesus. They should have recognized Jesus as the Messiah based on the prophecies, but they refused to admit it. Jesus warned His disciples against the "leaven" or doctrine/teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees because it did not change people inwardly. The Pharisees focused on outward rituals while permitting inward sins. The Sadducees sought change through materialism and politics, not inward change. When asked who people say He is, the disciples report He is seen as John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. When asked who they say He is, Peter declares "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." This knowledge is revealed by God, not humans. Jesus says He will build His church on the rock, meaning Himself, not Peter. The gates of hell will not prevail against it because Christ lives. Giving Peter the "keys" refers to authority to make binding decisions, not change God's law. It is authority to judge matters within the framework of God's revealed law.