1. In the first part of this chapter, vv. 1-4, the Pharisees and Sadducees (different sects, generally not known for collaborating) come together in order to test Jesus. This should be a clue as to their motives and their agendas. In this brief conversation, what does Jesus say about predicting the weather, and what does he conclude about his questioners?
2. In v. 8, Jesus asks, "Why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread?" What does he mean by this question and what reminder does he give to the disciples?
3. If you can, try to figure out what "the yeast" refers to and why this is such a serious concern.
4. What question does Jesus asks in v. 15? Why is this question so massive both for Peter and for us?
5. In light of v. 17, how did Peter come to figure out and understand who Jesus is?
6. What name change did Peter undergo in this chapter and what is the significance?
7. Just a few verses after Peter is called "blessed" he is called "Satan." Why did this happen?
8. This section (vv. 24-26) of Scripture is just amazing:
Then Jesus said to his disciples,“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?"
... write a short paragraph in response to what Jesus said here.
As we begin our week of reading, we are confronted with a number of key conversations. To begin with, the trap or trick of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
I think there is a lesson here for us. When we come to Jesus with our hardened demands, our expectations, trying to trap or trick him into something ... in those situations we never find mercy.
In fact, the tables turn and, at best, we see our hard hearts as in a mirror. That sort of attitude or outlook prohibits any outworking of grace.
But, as we come to Jesus genuinely, we find a different outcome. With our questions and doubts sure, but also with a bit of faith. As we approach him humbly, aware of our weakness and our never-ending string of mistakes. As we say, like the Canaanite woman we met in Matthew 15, "Lord, help me!" Then God begins to work.
Then, like the 5,000 (Matt. 14) and the 4,000 (Matt. 15) who ate and were satisfied, Jesus has compassion on us.
It's a bit of a paradox really: as we give-up, we find. But, if we try to save our life, we lose it.
Another key insight, I think, is Jesus' rebuke to Peter in v. 23, because he was thinking of "merely human concerns."
In all sorts of places in Matthew's gospel, we learn that Jesus knew the thoughts of various people. And, he knows our thoughts too. He might be asking us, do we have merely human concerns on our minds?
He is inviting us, difficult as it might be, to exchange those concerns for his concerns. As we think about those things and pursue them, we will find peace. And we will find joy. We will find life. Would God helps us, and lead us, and make our minds and hearts awake and alive.
And, like Peter, would the true identity of Jesus be revealed to us.