45 Days To Read The Gospel Challenge – The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 16: Jesus is Predestined
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Time: 35 minutes to complete lesson: 20 minutes to read the entire post and take the interactive quiz, additional 15 minutes to view video resource and comment on social media.
How to Get the Most Out of The Challenge
The Gospel consists of four books in the New Testament—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—that share the teachings of Jesus Christ. You can start the FREE “45 Day Challenge” at any time by visiting the ePrayer Circle homepage and selecting the “45 Day Challenge” menu option. Feel free to share these lessons and print them for use in your Bible study groups. You can also translate the content into multiple languages using the Google Translate menu bar on the homepage.
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.Transcript: HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS CHALLENGE
Step One. Start in the order of: the Gospel of John, Luke, Mark and Matthew for understanding.
The instructions are designed for accessibility and ensures the learner is not overwhelmed and confused. Post your questions in the comment section and the author will answer you. Please share your experiences and opinions.
Step Two. Each lesson takes about 35 minutes to complete: 20 min to study the lesson and take the quiz. 15 minutes to read the Bible resource
It is recommended to read the entire post and then take the quiz before reading or listening to the bible resources. Each lesson is self-contained and includes all resources needed.
Step 3: You should complete two lessons a day. 5 Days a week in order to complete the “45 Days to Read The Gospel Challenge in 45 days”.
There is no law that says you have to complete these lessons in 45 days. You are free to work at your own pace. Study the lesson and take the quiz in the morning, and later listen to or read the bible resources.
Step 4: Get organize with pen and paper. Take notes. Each lesson contains: Header Sections (Table of Contents): (1) chapter summary, (2) objectives, (3) outline, (4) reflection question, (5) chapter highlights, (6) resources, (7) interactive quiz, and (8) a call to salvation.
Step 5: Enjoy. The Gospel Changes Lives. Get active and communicate with others. Share the lessons with friends. No stress. Work at your own pace. Upon satisfactory completion you will receive a personal Certificate
Thank you for taking this challenge. Let’s get started.
Isaiah 9:6 KJV“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son, is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
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Before Starting this Course:
Read the Word in the parking lot while waiting on others.
Read the Word in the morning with coffee and at night for easy rest at bedtime.
Read the Word when you walk for exercise.
Send the Word to your social media platforms.
Text the Word to people to encourage them in the Lord: children, friends, spouses, acquaintances, or neighbors.
Keywords: #birthofjesus, #nothingimpossiblewithgod, #johnthebaptise, #jesuschrist, #gabriel, #prophesy, #allpower, #receiveinfaith
Overview of The Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Matthew was a former tax collector, called by Jesus to follow Him. His Gospel is believed to have been written between 50-70 AD, and it is the first book in the New Testament, even though it may not have been the first Gospel written. Matthew’s account emphasizes that Jesus is the promised Messiah and King, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies.
Matthew’s Gospel begins with a genealogy that traces Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham and King David, highlighting Jesus’ royal and Jewish heritage. It then moves into the story of Jesus’ miraculous birth, His baptism by John the Baptist, and the start of His ministry.
Mary and her husband Joseph were both from the lineage of King David. Matthew 1:17 “So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.” Matthew tells of a prophetic word that told of Jesus’ birth.
Matthew 1:23 “Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” It is interesting to note that Joseph wanted to divorce Mary quietly because of her pregnancy. But an angel came to him and verified that Mary was pregnant by the Holy Ghost. Therefore, Joseph stayed married to Mary and did not consummate the marriage until Jesus Christ was born.
Note: Jesus Christ is a name translated in the English versions. It is accepted by God. For this purpose these studies are on the English speaking version. Philippians 2:9 KJV “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name:” There are many names people call Jesus but it is only one name to be saved by. If you mispronounce other names (thinking that is the original name) then you are not calling on the Lord.
It is known that what we pronounce today is not the way it was pronounced then. Develop a personal relationship with the Lord and you will know he answers to the name name Jesus Christ (the blood sacrifice). He is the God of the living. Psalms 100:3 KJV 3 Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
The Gospel of Matthew is known for including many of Jesus’ key teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches about love, humility, prayer, and the Kingdom of God. Throughout the Gospel, Jesus performs miracles, heals the sick, and casts out demons, showing His divine authority.
Matthew also places a strong emphasis on Jesus’ role as a teacher and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. He frequently references the Scriptures to show how Jesus’ life and mission align with what was foretold about the Messiah. The Gospel also includes Jesus’ parables, teachings on discipleship, and warnings about the final judgment.
The story of Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection is the heart of the Gospel. Matthew ends with the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, spreading the message of salvation.
In summary, the Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and the King of all nations, whose life, death, and resurrection bring salvation to the world.
Note From Editor: The name “Jesus Christ” is an English translation, and it is accepted by God. Philippians 2:9 KJV says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.” People call Jesus by many praise names, but only one name is called upon for salvation by English speaking people and that is Jesus Christ. If you mispronounce other names thinking they are the original, you might not be calling on the Lord.
Language has changed over time, but when you have a personal relationship with Jesus, you will know that the name Jesus Christ, the Savior is accepted by God. The Holy spirit bears witness. Jesus gave His life for us. Psalm 100:3 reminds us, “Know ye that the Lord, He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.”
45 Days To Read The Gospel Challenge – The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 16: Jesus is Predestined
OVERVIEW OF THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW CHAPTER SIXTEEN
In this lesson, we explore Matthew 16, where Jesus reveals key truths about His identity and the foundation of the church. The chapter begins with a confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees who demand a sign, highlighting the importance of spiritual discernment. Then, in a pivotal moment, Peter declares Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, a confession that forms the foundation of the church. Jesus also teaches His disciples about the necessity of faith, the power of binding and loosing, and the cost of true discipleship, as He predicts His own death and resurrection.
Key themes include recognizing Christ’s divinity, the authority of the church, and the importance of following Jesus with full commitment.
By the end of this lesson, students will understand the significance of Peter’s confession, the role of the church, and the call to take up their cross and follow Jesus.
Jesus warned the Pharisees and the Sadducees who required a sign from him (outside of the miracles he performed) that they were evil and spiritual adulteresses. They would not receive a sign for their generation except for the words of the Prophet Jonas (scripture). Jesus warned his hungry disciples to not partake of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees, to not take bread from them because of their doctrines. The Pharisees and Sadducees were looking for reasons to charge Jesus and destroy him.
Matthew 15: 13-15KJV13When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that I the Son of man am? 14And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15He saith unto them, But who say ye that I am? 16And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus said the only way Peter knew that was because the Father in heaven told him and to tell no one.
Jesus tells the disciples he is going to be put to death and resurrected in three days demonstrating he is predestined and knows things are going to happen before they manifest. Peter gets upset about it. Jesus warns Peter that he is not to get in the way of God’s plan even if it is of discomfort to him.
Matthew 16: 21-KJV 21From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Note: Jesus in the flesh is the Son of God (blood sacrifice). We pray in the name of Jesus because we cannot pray to the Father or know the Father without going through Jesus Christ who bears our sins. Jesus’ blood cleanses us. That is why believers (Christians) must accept Jesus Christ as Lord. The name of God is Jesus Christ (I AM). The Father and Jesus have the same name I AM.
John 8:58 KJV “Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” John 1:1 KJV “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:14 KJV “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
John 14:6 KJV “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
It is important to know that if you go through trials or storms. There are many religions that worship many gods so it is important to know the name of the Father. Revelation tells us that upon Jesus’ return, we will learn his heavenly sacred name.
Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son, is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
John 1:1KJV “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:10 KJV “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.”
John 1:14KJV “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
Jesus states anyone who wants to follow him must deny himself and bear his cross. He promises to return in Glory and reward those according to their works.
Note: It is important to know that no one is saved by his works but by the grace of God However, God is a rewarder to those who seek him. Thereby, people do works because they are saved. Servants (Believers) of God will be rewarded for their works.
Ephesians 2:8KJV “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”
Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Romans 10:9-10 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.
John 3:5-6 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is the Spirit.
Time: 35 minutes to complete lesson: 20 minutes to read the entire post and take the interactive quiz, additional 15 minutes to view video resource and comment on social media.
Objectives for Chapter 16 -The Gospel of Matthew. What you will learn:
You will understand Jesus’ response to the Pharisees when they demand a sign and its significance.
You will explore why Jesus warns His disciples about the influence of the Pharisees and Sadducees, represented by “leaven.”
You will examine the people’s views of Jesus and the importance of Peter’s confession of His identity as the Christ.
You will learn how Jesus foretells His own death and resurrection, demonstrating His divine purpose.
You will discover what it means to follow Jesus by taking up your cross and the commitment it requires.
Outline for Chapter 16 of the Gospel of Matthew
1. The Pharisees require a sign.
2. Jesus warns his disciples of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
3. What the people think of Jesus, and Peter’s confession of him.
4. Jesus foretells his own death and resurrection.
5. Those who will follow him must take up their cross.
Reflection and Discussion: Something to think about.
Are you saved? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If not why not? Offer of Salvation:
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Romans 10:9-10 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.
John 3:5-6 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is the Spirit.
Resources For This Lesson
Click here for the King James Bible version in the text (pdf), mobile viewing on the web (KJV), YouTube audio, and video (Total time: ) Part One, Part Two and Part Three.
See “Chapter 16 Highlights” below for scriptures and help with the quiz. If needed, refresh the screen to retake the quiz.
Objectives for Chapter 16 -The Gospel of Matthew. What you will learn:
1. Jesus’ response to The Pharisees that require a sign. Matthew 16: 1-4 KJV
1The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would show them a sign from heaven.
2He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
3And in the morning, It will be foul weather today: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
4A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them and departed.
2. Jesus warns his disciples of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Matthew 16: 5-12 KJV
5And when his disciples came to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
6Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
7And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
8Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?
9Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets ye took up?
10Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
11How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?
12Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
3. The people’s opinion of Jesus, and Peter’s confession of him. Matthew 16: 13-20 KJV
13When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that I the Son of man am?
14And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
15He saith unto them, But who say ye that I am?
16And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
20Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
4. Jesus is predestined by the foretelling of his own death and resurrection. Matthew 16: 21-23 KJV
21From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
22Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
23But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offense unto me: for thou savors not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
5. Those who follow Jesus must take up their cross. Matthew 16: 24-28 KJV
24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
27For the Son of Man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
28Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Note: It is important to know that no one is saved by his works but by the grace of God However, God is a rewarder to those who seek him. Thereby, people will be awarded for their works. Ephesians 2:8KJV “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”
Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Interactive Quiz
#1. The Pharisees also with the Sadducees asked Jesus to show them a sign from heaven. What was Jesus response?
#2. Why did Jesus warn his hungry disciples to not take of the bread of the Pharisees and Sadducees?
#3. Who did Peter (the disciple) say Jesus was?
#4. True or False? Jesus demonstrates he is predestined by the foretelling of his own death and resurrection.
#5. Complete this sentence. Then said Jesus unto his disciples,
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Call to salvation:
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Romans 10:9-10 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.
John 3:5-6 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is the Spirit.