Matthew 16: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Matthew 16 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus asking for a sign from heaven (vv. 1-4). He rebuked them for their inability to interpret the signs of the times, declaring that the only sign given would be that of Jonah. After crossing to the other side, Jesus warned his disciples to beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees (vv. 5-12). The disciples misunderstood this warning as concerning bread. Jesus reminded them of the miracles he performed with loaves in the past, and they then understood he was speaking about their teachings.

Key verse

“Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:16 (WEB)

Outline

Matthew 16:1–4 Pharisees and Sadducees Demand a Sign
Matthew 16:5–12 Warning About the Yeast
Matthew 16:13–20 Peter's Confession of Faith
Matthew 16:21–23 Jesus Predicts His Death
Matthew 16:24–28 The Cost of Discipleship

Discussion questions

In v4, why does Jesus mention the 'sign of the prophet Jonah'?
What does Jesus refer to as 'the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees' in v6?
In v19, what is the meaning of the 'keys of the Kingdom of Heaven' that Jesus gives to Peter?
Why does Peter rebuke Jesus in v22, and what does this indicate about his understanding?
When have you struggled with self-denial as Jesus describes in v24?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Matthew 16: Mark 8, Luke 9, Matthew 10.

Before next time: read Matthew 17.