MATTHEW 16:13-28

1. Jesus asked two serious questions and Peter answered the hard one. (v.13-16).
   • What do both of these questions tell us about the disciples?
   • How well can you answer these two questions?
   • What will help us to have a faith like Peter?
2. Peter was specifically blessed for his confession (v.17-20).
   • Why was Peter blessed and what blessings did he receive?
   • How are we affected by the blessings that Peter received?
3. Peter takes issue with the message that Jesus will soon die (v.21-22).
   • What reasons would Peter have for taking Jesus aside?
   • What is our duty when the message of Jesus is not what we want to hear?
4. Jesus clearly rebuked the one He had just blessed (v.23).
   • How strongly did Peter feel this rebuke?
   • For what behaviors do we deserve this same rebuke?
5. The teaching that followed is all a part of this context (v.24-28).
   • How do denying self, taking your cross and following apply to verse 23?
   • How does verse 25 apply to verse 23? -How does verse 26 apply to verse 23?
   • How do the prophecies of verse 27-28 apply to verse 23 and to us?

Call to Action: To trust God’s message even when it’s not what we want to hear.