16. Notes_Gospel of Matthew_NABRE Chapter 16

 Read Chapter 16: The Gospel According to Matthew

മത്തായി അദ്ധ്യായം- 16 P. O. C ബൈബിള്‍

Notes on Matthew Chapter 16

The Demand for a Sign Matthew 16:1-4.

- The Pharisees and Sadducees approached Jesus, testing him and asking for a sign from heaven.

- Jesus responded, pointing out their ability to interpret the weather but challenging their understanding of the signs of the times.

Jesus' answer uncertain; may have been inserted from Luke. Rebukes Pharisees and Sadducees for missing signs of the coming kingdom.

- He declared that only the sign of Jonah would be given to an evil and unfaithful generation.

- After this, Jesus left them and went away.

The Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees Matthew 16:5-12.

- As the disciples crossed the sea, they forgot to bring bread.

- Jesus warned them to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

- The disciples, thinking about physical bread, expressed concern that they had none.

- Jesus rebuked them for their lack of faith, reminding them of the miraculous feedings of the five thousand and four thousand.

- He clarified that he was not speaking about bread but about the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

- The disciples then understood the warning about the leaven of the religious leaders.

Jesus warns against Pharisees' and Sadducees' teachings. Prepares for a new teaching authority derived from Jesus.

Peter’s Confession About Jesus Matthew 16:13-20.

- In Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked the disciples who people thought the Son of Man was.

- They shared various opinions, and Jesus asked them directly who they believed he was.

- Peter boldly confessed Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the living God.

- Jesus acknowledged the revelation, blessed Peter, and declared that on this rock, he would build his church.

- He gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven, with the authority to bind and loose.

- Jesus instructed them not to disclose his identity as the Messiah at that time.

Peter confesses Jesus as Messiah and Son of the living God. Jesus attributes the confession to a divine revelation granted to Peter.

The First Prediction of the Passion Matthew 16:21-23.

- Jesus began to reveal to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed, and rise on the third day.

- Peter, disagreeing with this fate, rebuked Jesus.

- Jesus, recognizing a Satanic influence, corrected Peter, emphasizing the divine plan over human understanding.

21–23 Jesus predicts his passion. Peter's refusal seen as a satanic attempt to deflect Jesus from his God-appointed course.

The Conditions of Discipleship Matthew 16:24-28.

- Jesus laid out the conditions for discipleship, involving self-denial, taking up one's cross, and following him.

- Those seeking to save their lives would lose them, while those losing their lives for Jesus' sake would find them.

- Jesus highlighted the incomparable value of one's soul, emphasizing that the Son of Man would judge everyone based on their conduct.

- He concluded with a solemn statement about some witnessing the Son of Man coming in his kingdom before tasting death.

Readiness to follow Jesus, even giving up one's life, is the condition for true discipleship. Repayment by Jesus at the final judgment.

Coming in his kingdom refers to the manifestation of Jesus' rule after his resurrection.