Matthew Chapter Sixteen
The Pharisees and Sadducees Demand a Sign
[Text parallels Mark 8:11-12]
16:1 And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed.
Normally the two Jewish sects, the Pharisees and the Sadducees, had nothing in common, but since they both perceive Jesus to be a problem, they will be regularly seen together in opposition to Him. They ask Him for a sign from heaven to prove He was sent by God. Something that could not be attributed to natural causes or even demonic influences. Jesus answered, “You know the saying, ‘Red sky at night means fair weather tomorrow; red sky in the morning means foul weather all day.’ You know how to interpret the weather signs in the sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times!” (verses 2-3, NLT) Referring to an ancient mariner saying that when translated into English reads something like, “Red sky at night, sailors' delight. Red sky at morning, sailors' take warning.”[1] Jesus is acknowledging that they know how to correctly interpret weather warnings, but they cannot interpret the signs of the times, those things identified in Scripture that speak of future events. They were ignorant of Biblical prophecy, they really had no clue as to who they were talking to. Jesus once again responds to their request for a sign by saying, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” (see Matthew 12:38-41) A reference to His resurrection.[2]
Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees
[Text parallels Mark 8:13-21]
16:5 When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. 6 Jesus said to them, “Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 7 And they began discussing it among themselves, saying, “We brought no bread.” 8 But Jesus, aware of this, said, “O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? 9 Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? 11 How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
When they reached the other side of the lake, the disciples realized that they had forgotten to bring bread (Mark notes that they only had one loaf, see Mark 8:14). Possibly in response to the encounter with the Pharisees demanding a sign, Jesus told them that they should watch and be aware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. With the issue of not having any bread to eat on their minds, the disciples appear to be confused. Jesus, knowing they were worried about the lack of bread, asks them, “Do you not yet perceive?” (in other words, “Have you not figured out who I am?”) He then reminds them what He did at the two mass-feedings where over 9,000 people ate with much leftover. Essentially saying that whenever they are with Him there is nothing to worry about. Now that the issue of having no bread was resolved, Jesus returns to the subject regarding the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Jesus was using the term ‘leaven’ as He did in the parable of the hidden leaven (see Matthew 13:33), referring to their corrupt and false teaching.
Considerations
How Does God’s Word Get Corrupted?
To answer this question thoroughly would require its own book, perhaps two. The short answer would be ‘man’. The contrast between man and God is a lot more than what we might call significant. The apostle Paul summarized this when he wrote, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (1 Corinthians 1:25) So needless to say, man can and often does, misinterpret or misunderstand God’s Word. In Judaism several sects have come and gone, each with their own peculiarities and interpretations, especially regarding procedure, ritual, and the preservation of tradition. Sadly, most often leading to efforts to become self-righteous, the exact opposite of what the Bible teaches.
Before investigating the ‘how’, we should first look to try to understand the ‘why’. There are several potential reasons as to why someone might influence and ultimately corrupt the interpretation of God’s Word. Just as Paul essentially stated in the verse above, that God knows all but man only knows a small fraction, and that would be a very small fraction of what He knows. So, when someone tries to interpret God’s Word, especially without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they may not be able to comprehend correctly and therefore develop inadvertently an improper theology, incorrect interpretations or even inappropriate protocols (such as strict worship procedures). So the first source of corruption is by either man’s ‘innocent’ attempts to understand, or through arrogance, thinking they can reason like God.
The second source of corruption comes from unseen influences. Satan and his minions (fallen angels) are enemies of God (remember that they are created beings and even though very powerful, are no match for God) and they want to either destroy or corrupt anything that God considers precious (that includes Christians). Since they have many years of witnessing human behavior, they know very well mankind’s weaknesses and vulnerabilities, which allows them to effectively influence thinking and determine ways to corrupt interpretations. Satan began to influence mankind’s thinking almost immediately after creation. We read in Genesis that Satan, posing as a snake, asked Eve, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1) Satan began to plant a seed in Eve’s mind to consider the possibility that God may have a different agenda for her and Adam than what He told them. Needless to say, this source of corruption is far from being innocent. Satan asking, ”Did God actually say" remains at the heart of his attack on humanity to this day. Later in verse four, his attack goes one step further, this time directly contradicting God's words. "But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die.""
Now, as far as the ‘how’, those that may have inadvertently been misled or misinterpreted Scripture, often create some form of theology, dogma, or commentary that gets introduced to others who willingly follow (often blindly as they are unaware of the Biblical truth). Through the years those theologies give birth to various groups, denominations, ministries, or other church organizations. The corruption can even become further fragmented as people pick and choose what they want to believe. A common scenario found in church history is one that due to some conflict, people leave a church and form a new one. The result, as seen in any sizable town or city, are many Christian churches that refuse to work together.
It is interesting to note that the last epistle in the Bible gives us a clue and a warning regarding the inevitability of corruption being introduced in churches. In the fourth verse of the book of Jude, he zeros in on the problem, “For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (Jude 4) The phrase the ESV uses to translate the Greek word ‘pareisdysan’[3], it is the perfect word to describe the action of someone who, desiring to remain stealthy and quietly enter without undue notice, ‘creep’ into a church or perhaps a Christian’s life. Jude says they were long ago condemned (God knew from the beginning of time who would be against Him, see 1 Peter 2:6-8). Jude also calls these unfavorably-judged individuals, as being ungodly people (see also Galatians 2:2-5 and 2 Peter 2:1-3) who pervert the grace of our God. The Greek word ‘metatithentes’[4] (translated here as ‘pervert’) can also be translated as ‘exchange’ or ‘change’. If God’s grace is changed or perverted in any way, it doesn’t take a scholar to see that it could change the way people see and understand God. We need to remember that religion is man’s attempt to reach God, for Christians, it is Jesus who provided the way, in simple terms, Christianity is about a relationship. Since grace is a free gift, one that is not deserved, many people attempt to earn their salvation by adding some procedure or process (also known as ritual) in their lives, thus perverting God’s grace. Since Jesus did all the work, Christians should not let any ritual, tradition, or any other ‘process’ interfere with their relationship with Jesus, or cause them to take their eyes off Him.
We see that the Bible clearly teaches that some of the church’s greatest challenges will come from within the church. For example, in chapters 2 and 3 of the Book of Revelation we find that five out of the seven churches that received letters dictated by Jesus, point out problems from within the church (Ephesus, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, and Laodicea). Plus, we read about how Paul, James, Peter, John, and Jude all wrote about the problem of external influences coming into the church.
How do ideas, teachings, perversions, and other heresies enter the church or a Christian’s life unnoticed? One sure way is by appealing through mankind’s “dark side,” namely man’s sinful and lustful side of life. Jude said they, “pervert the grace of God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (Jude 4b) They deny that Jesus has any authority. It is interesting to see how this epistle follows 2 and 3 John. In 2 John we are warned to be careful who influences the church as well as our families, and in 3 John, the author tells us that we need to make sure that we are not incorrectly taught or influenced ourselves. Then here Jude shows us just how pervasive these seemingly random, but are actually well-organized efforts against God and His people, really are.
Let’s look at Jude 3 and 4 using the New Living Translation: “Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people. I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” Jude 3-4, NLT) In this translation Jude says these, “worms” go largely unnoticed (unchecked or at least not challenged) in our lives, here are some ways these ideas or ‘worms’ can get into our lives:
1. Entertainment, such as movies, television, and various online offerings.
2. Liberal education influences, including the teaching of evolution, ungodly morals, and the acceptance of what is deemed politically correct.
3. Some politics, especially when focusing on less-than-important sensationalism.
4. Living in a society that promotes and even expects narcissistic thinking.
5. Churches and church leaders that embrace and teach something other than the Gospel or God’s Word (such as the social gospel, environmental issues, or acceptance of other religions).
While none of these on the surface look like “bad things,” we can easily see how each can be used to slowly erode the truth of God, preventing, or at minimum slowing down Christendom’s ability to perform outreach. Christians often can take a cavalier attitude towards those things, because the rest of the world does them. Christians need to wake up and take notice! Just as unhealthy lifestyles don’t necessarily become a problem right away (such as eating the wrong foods, not exercising, not flossing our teeth, etc.) appealing to one’s worldly desires or thinking they are spiritually invincible, can and often will take their eyes off Jesus. Sadly, one of the first things that goes is outreach (active evangelism), the one item that all Christians were given an edict to do (see Matthew 28:18-20). Which should not be surprising, as that renders one essentially useless in the Kingdom, exactly what the devil desires for all Christians.
Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ
[Text parallels Mark 8:27-30 and Luke 9:18-21]
16:13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
Jesus and His disciples traveled approximately 25 miles north to Caesarea Philippi, a region near the sources of the Jordan River at the foot of Mount Hermon. It was a lush area that years earlier was the possible location of Laisch (some believe it was the location of the city of Leshen or perhaps Dan, see Joshua 19:47; Judges 18:2, 29). It became a region that was known for its worship of Baal. After being conquered by the Greeks, it was named Paneas, as it was the religious center for their god Pan. Then years later, after being conquered by the Romans, it was soon rebuilt by Herod Philip,[5] which he then renamed the city after himself. Regardless of name, the location continued to be a major center for worshipping pagan gods. During Jesus’ time the region was well known for its detestable acts of heathen worship and was the location of a large rock face that had a cave entrance that was considered to be a gateway to the underworld, sometimes referred to as the “Gates of Hell.” A location typically avoided by most Jews.
Some question why would Jesus bring His disciples to such a place? They must have been shocked when they heard they were going to Caesarea Philippi. It appears that Jesus wanted them to understand that while dark forces are indeed powerful and influential, He was indeed far greater (that of course would be an understatement), and that through Him, they too (His disciples) were going to have great influence.
Possibly surrounded by and in the midst of many pagan temples, idols, and in the locale of despicable worship taking place, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” In response, they said that some believe He is John the Baptist, or possibly Elijah (see Malachi 4:5-6), while others consider Him to be Jeremiah, or one of the Old Testament prophets. Then Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter immediately replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Peter had correctly identified Jesus as the Messiah[6] and as the Son of the only true God. Jesus immediately answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.” Jesus identifies Simon as being the son of Jonah (also known as John, see John 1:42), Jesus announces that he did not learn that about Jesus from his own reasoning, nor did hear it from another person, it was revealed to him by God the Father. In this text Matthew referred to Simon by his given name, along with the new name Jesus will gave him in the next verse.[7]
Before exploring further Jesus’ response to Peter, we need to understand that the following two verses have been highly debated between scholars, theologians, and the leadership of several denominations for many centuries. It would be nearly impossible to track down every variation, however, we will review a few of those insights.
16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Much of the debate regarding verse 18 centers around the identity of the ‘rock’. Some believe Jesus was referring to Peter, as the name ‘Peter’ (Greek ‘Petros’,[8] means ‘stone’). But when Jesus says He will build His church on this ‘rock’, He uses the Greek word ‘petra’,[9] which refers to a large projecting rock, a rock face, or a cliff. The Roman Catholic Church not only contends that the rock refers to Peter, but that he is their first Pope, thus identifying them as the first and only true church. But that interpretation raises more questions than answers. To begin with, Peter would have to been several hundred years old when the Roman Catholic Church was formed (history records him dying a martyr’s death).[10] Plus, the concept of having an intermediary on earth is against what we learn in the New Testament, that Jesus is the Head of the Church (see 1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:22; 4:15; 5:23; Colossians 1:18; 2:10, 19). Pastor and commentator John MacArthur summarizes:
For more than fifteen hundred years the Roman Catholic church has maintained that this passage teaches the church was built on the person of Peter, who became the first pope and bishop of Rome and from whom the Catholic papacy has since descended. Because of this supposed divinely ordained apostolic succession, the pope is considered to be the supreme and authoritative representative of Christ on earth. When a pope speaks ex cathedra, that is, in his official capacity as head of the church, he is said to speak with divine authority equal to that of God in Scripture.
Such an interpretation, however, is presumptuous and unbiblical, because the rest of the New Testament makes abundantly clear that Christ alone is the foundation and only head of His church.[11]
Others suggest that Jesus might have been gesturing and pointed to Himself as the Rock.[12] However, when you combine the fact that He brought them to this specific location and asked them this specific question, it is hard to not associate them together. Since Caesarea Philippi had a sizable rock face with a cave entrance known as a gateway to Hell, could Jesus have been making the remarkable statement that He was going to build His church on earth and nothing, including any interference from Satan’s realm is going to stop it? Jesus makes it clear that the gates of Hell[13] shall not prevail against the church. The word translated as ‘hell’ is the Greek word ‘hadou’,[14] which in context, becomes a reference to all powers that are attempting to work against God. This is not a proclamation that being a Christian or serving Him in any capacity, such as doing effective evangelism, will always be easy, but He promises that regardless of the situation or condition of the world, He and His church will indeed prevail.
It should be noted that this is the first appearance in the New Testament of the Greek word ‘ekklēsian’,[15] translated here as ‘church’, meaning “the called people,” the word can also refer to being called to assemble. Although the word appears 114 times in the New Testament (three times in Matthew), it is not found in any of the other gospel accounts.
16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
This verse is equally controversial, as the application of the word ‘keys’ (Greek ‘kleidas’),[16] has been widely interpreted. The word in fact does refer to keys, the variation of interpretation focuses mainly on what they do. Jesus first says that they are the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Then states that whatever is bound on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever its loosed on earth will be loosed in heaven. The root word translated as ‘bind’ and ‘bound’ is the Greek ‘deō’,[17] meaning to bind, fasten, or to bind around. The root word translated as ‘loose’ and ‘loosed’ is the Greek ‘lyō’,[18] meaning to loose, lose what is bound, to unbind, or untie.
In ancient times, the steward of a wealthy family, especially of the royal household, was given a key, probably a golden one in recognition of his office. Therefore, the phrase referring to giving a person the key naturally grew into an expression of raising him to great power (cf. Is. 22:22; Rev. 3:7). The Lord designated Peter as the one who at Pentecost was going to open the kingdom of heaven to a great crowd which was of the Jewish stock (Acts 2) and later at Caesarea Maritime, which was of the Gentiles (Acts 10).[19]
Many refer to this section of Scripture as the “Power of the Keys.” Catholics believe that it gives their priests the spiritual power to either forgive sins or withhold forgiveness (based on repentance). Many Protestants believe that the same authority belongs to all believers, as there is no longer any priesthood to act as intermediaries between God and man (Lutherans often refer to them as the “Office of the Keys”).
Another viewpoint is that Jesus is talking to Peter and that these keys open the Kingdom of Heaven for those on earth, here pointing to when he would later preach on Pentecost (see Acts 2:1-41), essentially launching the church with its primary mission of preaching the gospel message, thus allowing salvation through Christ. Those that accept Jesus are loosed from their bondage of sin and those who reject Jesus remain bound for condemnation.
Later in Matthew chapter 18, we read that Jesus uses the same phraseology, “Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 18:18) The context in that chapter, even though mainly instruction for admonition, clearly indicates if a person refuses to listen, they will not receive salvation.
While the Bible encourages confession to each other (see James 5:16), and allows the proclamation of forgiveness knowing that Jesus will forgive (due to His promises), the actual ability to forgive or deny forgiveness of sin can only be done through Jesus. Plus, man cannot withhold forgiveness if a person truly repents and seeks God’s forgiveness. The authority always remains in Jesus.
16:20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
This special session in Caesarea Philippi concludes with Jesus giving strict instructions (Greek ‘diesteilato’,[20] to give charge, when followed by a negative clause, like it is here, can be interpreted as forbid or prohibit) to tell no one that He was the Christ.[21]
Considerations
A ‘priest’ (Hebrew ‘kōhēn’),[22] refers to a person who has the primary duty of mediating between God and man. As an extension to that duty, they were also responsible to perform or officiate in various sacred rites. Prior to the establishment of the Aaronic Priesthood (see Exodus 28:1, 41; 30:30; 40:12-15 and Numbers 3:1-4), the leaders of various families (usually the eldest son) were responsible to perform basic priestly duties for their own families. But that has now all changed, Jesus is now our High Priest, so we no longer need any priest to be our intermediary or intercessor before God, as we can go directly to Him. We have direct access to God, “Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2, see also Ephesians 2:18; 3:12; Hebrews 10:19-25). This is one reason why most Protestant denominations prefer the title of ‘pastor’ (meaning ’shepherd’) rather than ‘priest’ for church leaders, since a “middle-man” is no longer required.
Sadly within Christianity there are many diverse ideas, interpretations, and varied theologies. These differences typically cause breakups and divisions among Christians, as evidenced by the large number of Christian denominations and church organizations. Many Christians are satisfied to simply acknowledge, “I have my theology (or beliefs), you have yours.” However, some of these variations go beyond non-essential protocols or beliefs, they would be considered Christian essentials, those things that are necessary to get right for salvation. The problem with denominationalism is that it can prevent someone from exploring God’s Word on their own. It is often the case that when someone who belongs to a group that embraces a specific belief, they would typically seek guidance from other like-minded individuals (or authors). While the idea of studying Scripture on one’s own may frighten some, they need to understand that someday they will be standing in front of Jesus and will be accountable for their own beliefs, not someone else’s opinion. There is only one book that matters when we die, the truth as written by the Holy Spirit in the Bible. It is imperative that every Christian know and continue to grow in God’s Word. The apostle Paul wrote: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:3-5) Besides, if a Christian does not know the Word, how would they know how to live a God-pleasing life? If troubled by a passage in Scripture, pray for discernment, remember what James wrote, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)
Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection
[Text parallels Mark 8:31-33 and Luke 9:22]
16:21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
Matthew notes that from that moment on, Jesus would regularly speak to His disciples regarding entering Jerusalem and facing the Jewish leadership who will put Him to death, but then after three days He will be raised from the dead. When Peter first heard this explained here, after leaving Caesarea Philippi, perhaps thinking he would be successful in protecting Him, he took Jesus aside and rebuked Him by saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” The disciples at this time did not fully understand why Jesus came to earth. Even though He had several of these talks about His encounter with the elders, chief priests, and scribes, followed by His death and subsequent resurrection, they will not understand until after His resurrection.
When Peter said that those things would never happen, Jesus turned and rebuked him, saying, “Get behind me, Satan!” Even though Peter’s statement was brash and blatantly arrogant, it was made out of love and compassion for Jesus. Hearing this response undoubtedly would have both surprised him and shocked him. Jesus accused Peter of speaking on behalf of Satan, that had to hurt, but Jesus is making two very important points that all believers should understand. First, we see Peter contradicting Jesus, we might ask why would he do that? It looks as if he thought that Jesus was wrong and that he had a better idea. It is easy for people, including Christians, to think that the Bible (or God) is wrong in some, possibly seemingly insignificant way, and suggest or teach something different. Thereby undermining God’s authority, something Satan strongly encourages. If it can happen with Peter, it is likely it can happen to any Christian.
Secondly, Jesus makes it clear that Peter was thinking like a man and not about the things of God. Since man is limited to the “physical realm” and can only perceive with their five senses, it seems unfair for Jesus to make such a statement. However, through the Word of God we can begin to understand who God is and what His will is (see Romans 12:1-2), as well as see His plan for man’s redemption and salvation. Of course it is easy for us, living after Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, to look back and see that Jesus’ death was not only necessary, it was the primary reason He came to earth. But Peter still was not able to piece together everything Jesus was saying at that time. It is important to note that Jesus called Peter’s lack of understanding a hindrance to Him. Christians can also become a hindrance to Jesus, if they remain ignorant of the Word of God. Again, there is no substitute (or graduation) for studying the Bible, Christians, in order to be ‘useful’ in His Kingdom must know and grow in Scripture.
Considerations
Simon Peter apparently saw his role as Jesus’ bodyguard. Nothing bad was going to happen to Jesus while he was around. But that was not Simon Peter’s job, instead of assisting Jesus, he potentially was thwarting God’s plan. Sadly, this type of interference from well-intentioned Christians is still common today. That is why knowing our role in God’s Kingdom is important. Not only do we need to know what Spiritual gifts we possess, we need to know when, where, and how they are to be used. Some believers, when they perceive a problem, will try to resolve it immediately without confirming through prayer, which can make the matter worse. All Christians have a role, always seek discernment and direction from the Holy Spirit before acting, but don’t wait too long!
Another form of “helping God” can be in the form of limited thinking, such as trying to ‘fit’ a supernatural phenomenon into a natural explanation. For example, the star that guided the Magi to the infant Jesus (see Matthew 2:1-12), instead of accepting the fact that nothing is impossible for God, some believe it was a juxtaposition of two natural sky objects (a combination of planets and stars), which negates or minimizes God’s abilities. God is not limited, He is truly omnipotent, all powerful!
Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus
[Text parallels Mark 8:34-9:1 and Luke 9:23-27]
16:24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. 28 Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
This passage should not be considered a separate discourse, it follows verse 23 regarding the need to understand life through God’s perspective and Word. Here, Jesus clearly states that those who call themselves Christian disciples (remember Matthew 28:19) will need to boldly follow Him, in other words, no undercover Christians nor prosperity seekers need apply. Christians are to deny themselves, being purged of worldly thinking and values, including valuing one’s own life. Many have debated the meaning of what He meant by taking up their cross and following Him. The cross was not only an instrument of death, crucifixion was an especially painful and humiliating way to die, one that was an effective deterrent for crime, disobedience, and insurrection. Jesus’ illustration would have been plainly understood, that taking up the cross would be perceived as working toward the goal regardless of the burden or cost. Anyone who values their life more than following Jesus in pursuit of worldly gain will lose that life. Those that are willing to lose their life for Jesus, will find it (Greek ‘heurēsei’,[23] to find, can be used metaphorically to perceive or learn by experience, such as in this context, the purpose or meaning of life).
Jesus explains by asking, “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (verse 26, NLT) The question essentially asks what could possibly be worth to temporarily possess in this lifetime, that one would be willing to forfeit their eternal life with Jesus? In this first direct statement regarding His second coming, Jesus refers to this yet-future event, as being when He returns with His angels in the glory of His Father. This will occur to repay (Greek ‘apodōsei’,[24] to give, to do something necessary in fulfillment of an obligation, to reward, to render either favorably or unfavorably), in accordance to what each person has done in their lifetime (see also Matthew 25:31-46), a time of judgment.[25] Understand that this is not a judgment regarding salvation as Jesus did all the work, nothing remains to be completed to finish being saved. One just needs to recognize they are a sinner and repent of their sins and accept Jesus’ promise of salvation.
Verse 28 is another controversial verse, it is often taken out of context by those believing that Jesus was referring to some of the people there in person would still be alive at His Second Coming. The text does not support that view, nor is there any further support of that interpretation. Some believe that He is referring to His ascension into heaven (see Acts 1:6-11), which can fit the context of the verse. While others believe He was referring to His Transfiguration, which is reported in the next chapter, making this verse best thought of as being the first verse of chapter seventeen. Remember, the breakdown of Scripture verses and chapters did not occur in the original text (see below).
Considerations
Chapter and verse divisions were not part of any original writing of Scripture. Through the years there have been a number of methods suggested, most were minimally embraced. The Geneva Bible published in 1560 was the first English Bible to include division by both chapter and verse. Shortly afterwards, the scheme used by the Geneva Bible publishers was considered the standard method of chapter and verse breakdown. However, not all numbering schemes are the same, even today.
Varied numbering schemes are especially notable in the Old Testament, which had a much longer history consisting of many Jewish traditions. For example, one of those traditions was to include the text found in Leviticus 6:1-7, to be appended to the end of chapter five (creating verses 20-26, allowing the subject of guilt offerings to be the only subject in chapter five), thus making the text of Leviticus 6:8-30 found in Christian Bibles to be identified in most Jewish publications as Leviticus 6:1-23 (verse 23 being the end of the chapter, allowing chapter seven to remain unchanged).
There are several variations of the Bible today, not just in chapter and verse locations, but also in which books should be included (known as the Canon, a term which refers to a standard), the names and order of the books, as well as many variations in translations.[26]
When Jesus talked about believers taking up their cross, does that mean that there will be suffering too? The apostle Paul makes that very clear, "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." (Romans 8:16-17) A Christian's life will not be free of pain and difficulty. God often uses hardship, difficulties, pain, and suffering to test our faith. Some, when faced with a difficulty, say that they are losing their 'religion'. Perhaps that is a good thing, as a religion or faith that cannot be tested is one that cannot last nor be trusted. If your faith cannot stand a test, then maybe it is not real faith. The faith of true Christians will grow stronger through hardship (see Romans 5:3; Hebrews 10:36; James 1:2-4; 2 Peter 1:6). It will not get weaker because of it.
The reality is that if you live for Jesus then you will suffer or be persecuted in some way. Paul also noted, "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12) Once you say 'yes' to Jesus, you enter a war. The battles that will be fought will be between you and the devil, the temptations of the world and our own sinful nature.
Since we live in an imperfect and corrupt world, God has given us weapons to use in our battles, and again it is Paul who introduces us to them, He calls them, the “Armor of God,” we need to learn how to use each of them: ”Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:10-18) It is best to keep the armor on at all times. Always remember that this is the armor of God, not your own, never forget that it is through His power and might that you can, and will, be victorious.
Even better news is that we are never alone, pain and suffering not only strengthens us, it drives us closer to Jesus, to depend on Him. We need to remember that God is always in control, even when things appear very differently or contrary. Besides, pain and suffering should always remind us that earth is not our home, Heaven is!
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[1] Unknown author.
[2] See commentary under Matthew 12:38-42.
[3] Strong’s Greek 3921.
[4] Strong’s Greek 3346.
[5] See Considerations under Matthew 2:7-12 regarding “Meet the Herods.”
[6] See Considerations under Matthew 1:17 regarding “Not a Last Name.”
[7] See commentary under Matthew 4:18-20 regarding the name Peter.
[8] Strong’s Greek 4074.
[9] Strong’s Greek 4073.
[10] Water, M. (2001). The New Encyclopedia of Christian Martyrs (pp. 31–32). Alresford, Hampshire: John Hunt Publishers Ltd.
[11] MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1985). Matthew (Vol. 3, p. 28). Chicago: Moody Press.
[12] See Considerations under Matthew 7:24-27 regarding “Jesus is the Rock.”
[13] See Considerations under Matthew 8:5-13 regarding “Hell By Any Other Name is Still Hell or Is it?”
[14] Strong’s Greek 86.
[15] Strong’s Greek 1577.
[16] Strong’s Greek 2807.
[17] Strong’s Greek 1210.
[18] Strong’s Greek 3089.
[19] Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.
[20] Strong’s Greek 1291.
[21] See Considerations under Matthew 9:27-31 regarding “Tell No One.”
[22] Strong’s Greek 3548.
[23] Strong’s Greek 2147.
[24] Strong’s Greek 591.
[25] See commentary under Matthew 12:33-37.
[26] See also Considerations under John 18:17-18 regarding Extra-Biblical Writings.