Study Questions on the Life of Simon Peter: 8
Study 8 – Matthew chapter 16 verses 21-23
Peter a Hindrance to Jesus
1. In Peter’s confident rebuke to Jesus we can see some significant failures on his part as mentioned below. What lessons can we learn from each of these?
- He failed so soon after making his confession. (Clue – the sermon mentioned the need to seek God’s grace to help us carry a full cup with a steady hand)
- He failed so soon after Christ’s teaching in verse 21.
- He failed to understand the significance of Christ’s suffering and death in relation to salvation.
2. What assurance do we get from what the sermon called “Christ’s infallible insight” as he responded to Peter? (see also Luke 22 verses 31-32).
3. It was to Peter that Jesus addressed the words “get behind me Satan.”
- In what ways could we allow ourselves to be used by Satan against Jesus and his Church?
- Why is it comforting to realize that Jesus did not dismiss Peter from being a disciple, although he rebuked him?
- How does the above challenge us in regard to how we treat others?
4. Jesus spoke to Satan through addressing Peter with irresistible authority. He found the words of Peter, as he was being used here by Satan, a temptation to him.
- a. What was Satan’s aim here and in the earlier temptation of Christ (chapter 4 verses 1-11)?
- b. Read Matthew 9 verses 1-8, especially verse 6. Why is it important to us that Jesus forgives our sins with the same authority with which he dismissed Satan?
- c. The sermon stated that “believe” and “repent” are imperatives and that “imperatives do not have a future tense.” What do we need to realise from this:
i. For our personal salvation
ii. in witnessing to others about God’s salvation.
