Peter's Confession Series

Matthew 16:21-23

[Context]

1. Peter had just confessed Jesus as the Messiah (the Christ) and it is here where he receives a new name (from Simon to Peter). Simon meant sifted or swayed, Peter means Petros / rock.

2. It is only after Jesus’ identity is firmly established with the disciples that Jesus begins to share where his journey will lead – his betrayal, arrest and crucifixion (death).

3. The death of Jesus was part of the plan God had but what about the disciples who had given up their lives to follow him? They had families, some were married, potentially had kids, their had jobs and friends they left behind.

4. Peter thus does not have the mind nor the plan of God in view when he pulls Jesus to the side and tells Jesus – this is how its going to be.

5. Jesus’ response is you (Peter) don’t have the mind of God/the plan of God in view and in fact, you are now being used by the devil. Jesus thus tells Peter, your place is behind me, to follow me; not in front of me to lead me.

Mark 10:45

• From the disciple’s perspective – how could Jesus initiate his kingdom?

1st John 2:16 (Temptation)

• Lust of the Flesh.

• Lust of the Eyes.

• Pride of Life.

Temptation in the Garden (Genesis 3:1-6)

• Did God really say – Pride.

• The fruit looked delicious – Lust of the eyes.

• Her Husband ate it – Lust of the flesh.

Temptation in the Wilderness: Matthew 4:1-11

1. Turning Stones to Bread:

a. Lust of the eyes.

b. This temptation attacks the provision and sovereignty of God.

c. “If you are the Son of God…” In other words, prove your deity.

d. Turn these stones into bread…Use the power of God for your own personal satisfaction.

e. Man shall not live by bread alone…Jesus was HUNGRY but his TRUST in the WILL and TIMING of God the Father was greater than his hunger.

2. The Highest City:

a. The Pride of life

b. Satan’s attempt here is to force the Hand of God to act on Jesus’ behalf.

c. In this temptation, Satan utilizes Scripture indicating that he knows the Word of God. He quotes Psalm 91:11-12 (however he leaves out part of the passage).

d. The Word was written FOR US, not TO US. The Word is written to teach, encourage and discipline us for the purpose of Godliness – Satan only uses the Word to DECEIVE us.

e. Jesus’ Reply: Proper application of the Word of God. (Take nothing out of context)

3. Worship

a. Satan wants Jesus to take a shortcut to the cross; knowing the Cross would release the forgiveness of God to humanity because it is through the shedding of blood forgiveness flows.

b. Jesus DOES NOT challenge the authority of Satan (All this I will give you means Satan has a degree of control over this present world and its kingdoms).

c. What is Satan after here? He wants to receive recognition from God.