Jesus Predicts His Death- Matthew 16:21-28

What is the difference between the things of God and the things of men?

Bible Study

Matt 16:21-28

21  From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.

22  Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!”

23  But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

24  Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

25  “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

26  “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

 

27  “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

28  “Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

(NKJ)

 

Food for Thought

1.   What are some ways by which people try to find themselves?

2.   What is the one thing you would not want to happen to you in this life?

3.   What is the best reward you have ever received?

 

Bible Study

4.   What did Christ begin telling his Disciples would eventually happen to him? (16:21)

5.   How did Christ say he would suffer? (16:21)

6.   Who did Christ say would oppose him and make him suffer? (16:21)

7.   What did Jesus say would happen after he was killed? (16:21)

8.   How did Peter react to the news that Jesus would suffer and die? (16:22)

9. How did Jesus characterize Peter’s objections? (16:23)

10. What is required of the one who would follow Jesus? (16:24)

11. In what two ways can a person lose his or her life? (16:25)

12. A person’s soul is more valuable than what?  How? (16:26)

13. What did Jesus promise his Disciples? (16:28)

 

Kingdom Dynamics

14. Why did Peter get so upset when Jesus spoke about his future death?

15. Why was Jesus’ response to Peter so harsh?

16. What kind of Messiah was Peter expecting?

17. How grievous was the impending death of Jesus?

18. What is the difference between the things of God and the things of men?

19. How would you live differently if you knew exactly when and how you were going to die?

20. Why did Jesus have to die?

21. Did Jesus carry the cross for us or do we have to carry our own crosses?

22. What does it mean to you to “take up your cross” and follow Jesus?

23. In what situations do you find it difficult to follow Christ?

24. If a person’s soul is worth more than the whole world, how might that affect the way we spend our time?

25. What does it mean for you to deny yourself?

26. What might it mean for one to gain the whole world and yet forfeit his soul?

27. How does a believer forfeit his life?

28. What might tempt people to lose their life or exchange their soul?

29. What would you change in your life if you denied yourself for Christ’s sake?

30. In what way can Jesus’ doctrine be described as a prosperity gospel?

31. How should eternal rewards motivate us to live for Christ?

 

Practical Christianity

32. What do you need to do this week to center your thoughts on things of God?

33. What is the one way you can deny yourself today for Christ’s sake?

34. What change in your weekly schedule could you make to better reflect what God considers important?