What's Happening

Peter’s Confession of Christ—Matthew 16:13–20

Open It

• In what ways do you consider yourself blessed?
• How would you describe an ideal church?

Explore It

• What broad, impersonal question did Jesus ask His disciples? (16:13)
• What different answers did Christ get to His question? (16:14)
• What pointed personal question did Christ ask His followers? (16:15)
• Who spoke up in answer to Christ’s question? (16:16)
• What answer did Peter give? (16:16)
• Why was Peter blessed? (16:17)
• What did Jesus promise about the Church? (16:18)
• What authority did Jesus promise to Peter? (16:19)
• Against what did Jesus warn His disciples at the conclusion of this discussion? (16:20)

Get It

• Who do you say Jesus is?
• What happened the first time you spoke publicly about your faith in Christ?
• What difference does it make what we believe about Jesus?
• What forces try to hinder God’s work today?
• Why should churches not be discouraged in their efforts to carry out God’s work?

Apply It

• What part in the building of Christ’s Church do you have now?
• What can you do or say to help a friend overcome an erroneous idea about Jesus this week?
• What are three ways you could make a public statement of your faith in Christ?