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Matthew 16

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Easy Bible・Matthew 16

The Pharisees and Sadducees demand a sign from Jesus

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Passages

Key Passages

Matthew 16:1
The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.

About this Chapter

In this chapter, the Pharisees and Sadducees come to Jesus and ask him to show them a sign from heaven to prove his authority. Jesus responds by rebuking them for their lack of faith and understanding. He tells them that they can interpret the signs of the weather, but they cannot interpret the signs of the times. Jesus warns his disciples to beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees, which refers to their false teachings and hypocrisy. Later, Jesus asks his disciples who people say he is. They respond with various answers, but Peter declares that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Jesus praises Peter for his confession and declares that on this rock, he will build his church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Jesus also gives Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven, giving him the authority to bind and loose on earth. Jesus then begins to teach his disciples about his upcoming suffering, death, and resurrection. Peter, who had just been praised by Jesus, rebukes him and tells him that such things should never happen to him. Jesus responds sternly to Peter, saying, 'Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.' Jesus goes on to teach his disciples the cost of following him, emphasizing the need to deny oneself, take up their cross, and follow him.

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