Clueless and Even More Clueless Matthew 16:1-12 Logos Bible Fellowship 1/16/2008

Breakdown of Passage 1. Sights and Signs for the Blind (vv.1-4) 2. Leaven and Loaves for the Learners (vv.5-12)

Overview  Matthew 16 is… …a critical chapter in the account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection …a critical chapter in the account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection …a high point in Jesus’ teaching and the disciples’ growth …a high point in Jesus’ teaching and the disciples’ growth …the climax of Jesus withdrawal from the crowds …the climax of Jesus withdrawal from the crowds  Some important teachings in Matthew 16 Peter’s confession of Christ (v.16) Peter’s confession of Christ (v.16) The first mention of the church (v.18) The first mention of the church (v.18) Jesus’ teaching that He must die and rise (v.21) Jesus’ teaching that He must die and rise (v.21) Jesus’ teaching about mandatory self denial (v.24) Jesus’ teaching about mandatory self denial (v.24)

Sights and Signs… (vv.1-4)  Pharisees – The “conservative” religious and political party. They insisted that the law be observed as the scribes interpreted it, and they were committed to the “tradition of the elders”  Sadducees – Group of “liberal” Jews made up of people from the leading families of the nation, mainly priests, merchants, and aristocrats. They rejected the “tradition of the elders” and were in conflict with the Pharisees. They denied the resurrection of the dead and the immortality of the soul, since they only followed the Law of Moses in the Pentateuch.  Why did these two groups join together?

Sights and Signs (vv.1-4)  The Pharisee and Sadducees asked Jesus for a “sign from heaven” (v.1; see parallel account in Mark 8:11-12)  Others who have asked for and/or offered a sign: Pharisees and teachers of the law – Matthew 12:38-41 Pharisees and teachers of the law – Matthew 12:38-41 Gideon – Judges 6:7-7:9; Hebrews 11:32 Gideon – Judges 6:7-7:9; Hebrews 11:32 Thomas – John 11:16, 14:5, 20:24-31; Acts 1:6-14 Thomas – John 11:16, 14:5, 20:24-31; Acts 1:6-14 The psalmist – Psalm 86:17 The psalmist – Psalm 86:17 Ahaz/Israel – Isaiah 7:10-14 Ahaz/Israel – Isaiah 7:10-14 Israel – Ezekiel 20:12 Israel – Ezekiel 20:12 The shepherds – Luke 2:8-11 The shepherds – Luke 2:8-11 The crowds – Luke 11:14-20, The crowds – Luke 11:14-20,  When does God grant a sign and when does He become angered?  Why did God call them an “evil and adulterous generation” (v.4)?

Sights and Signs (vv.1-4)  Jesus said, “Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times?” (vv.2-3) How well do you know Scripture? Is there anything you know better than God’s Word? Should there be? How well do you know Scripture? Is there anything you know better than God’s Word? Should there be? How does Romans 13:11 apply? How does Romans 13:11 apply?  What is the sign of Jonah? See Jonah 1:17-2:10; Matthew 12:38-41; Acts 17:31 See Jonah 1:17-2:10; Matthew 12:38-41; Acts 17:31 How is this a sign to the people How is this a sign to the people

Sights and Signs (vv.1-4)  Signs of the times… Jesus died to rescue us from the present evili age (Galatians 1:4) Jesus died to rescue us from the present evili age (Galatians 1:4) Now is the time of God’s favor for believers (2 Corinthians 6:2) Now is the time of God’s favor for believers (2 Corinthians 6:2) Now is a time of refreshing for those who have repented (Acts 3:19) Now is a time of refreshing for those who have repented (Acts 3:19) The time of judgment is coming for those who don’t repent (Luke 19:43-44; Acts 17:31) The time of judgment is coming for those who don’t repent (Luke 19:43-44; Acts 17:31) The time is short (1 Corinthians 7:29) The time is short (1 Corinthians 7:29)

Leaven and Loaves (vv.5-12)  The disciples showed a lack of trust in Christ’s provision Christ fed 5,000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish (Matt. 14:13- 21) Christ fed 5,000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish (Matt. 14:13- 21) Christ fed 4,000 with 7 loaves and a few fish (Matt. 15:32-39) Christ fed 4,000 with 7 loaves and a few fish (Matt. 15:32-39) What has Christ done for you? How do you trust Him more as a result? What has Christ done for you? How do you trust Him more as a result?  The disciples showed a lack of understanding in Christ’s teaching? What was their approach to understanding Him? Did they ask for clarification? Did they use good hermeneutics? How can you relate? What was their approach to understanding Him? Did they ask for clarification? Did they use good hermeneutics? How can you relate?

Leaven and Loaves (vv.5-12)  So, what is the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees? Hypocrisy (Luke 12:56) Hypocrisy (Luke 12:56) Attitude of unbelief toward Jesus (vv.1-4) Attitude of unbelief toward Jesus (vv.1-4) Pharisees added human legalism to God’s revelation (Matthew 15:8-9) Pharisees added human legalism to God’s revelation (Matthew 15:8-9) Sadducees subtracted from God’s revelation (Matthew 22:23) Sadducees subtracted from God’s revelation (Matthew 22:23) How does the church today add and subtract from God’s Word (see Deut. 12:32)? How does the church today add and subtract from God’s Word (see Deut. 12:32)?