Conversation Between Jesus and His Disciples
Text: Mark 8:27-33, Matthew 16:13-23, Luke 9:18-22
25 May 2014
CAESAREA PHILIPPI
1. Towns of Caesarea Philippi Mark 8:27
2. Geographical location – 40 km north of Bethsaida
CONVERSATION BETWEEN JESUS AND HIS DISCIPLES
1. Teaching while they were walking Mark 8:27a
a) Mark’s observation
b) Matthew is silent
c) Luke notes that Jesus was praying Luke 9:18
2. Jesus asked His disciples what they had heard from the multitudes
Who do men say that I am? Mark 8:27b
3. Answers:-
a) John the Baptist
b) Elijah
c) One of the prophets Mark 8:28
4. Direct question to the disciples
Who do you say that I am? Mark 8:29a
5. Peter’s response
a) You are the Christ Mark 8:29b
b) You are the Christ, the Son of the living God Matthew 16:16
c) The Christ of God Luke 9:20
6. Encouragement given to Peter
a) His understanding was correct
b) This enlightenment came from the Father
7. Admonition of Jesus to His disciples
a) They are not to speak to anyone about His true identity for the moment
b) The Disciples would not know how to defend this statement of truth
c) They would have to wait for the day when they would proclaim this truth
d) That day would come after Jesus was resurrected from the dead
BUILDING OF THE CHURCH
1. You are Peter
2. And on this rock I will build My church
3. And the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18
AUTHORITY
1. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven
2 And whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven
3. And whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven Matthew 16:19
POEMS – Charles Tan
#46 HE PUT HIS HANDS ON HIS EYES AGAIN
Spiritual blindness is a malady that afflicts very deeply,
But few know the extent it would affect the soul spiritually.
The Scribes and Pharisees insisted that they had sight,
Their refusal to heed what Jesus said only deepened their plight.
The disciples struggled with the lack of spiritual sight as well,
They just could not fully grasp what Jesus sought to tell.
An occasion arose where Jesus could illustrate a lesson about blindness,
He gently ministered to a blind man from Bethsaida with great kindness.
Gently He touched the man’s eyes with His saliva so that the man may feel,
Jesus touched his eyes and he felt that he had been wonderfully healed.
Jesus asked him what he saw, and he said that he saw men as trees walking,
But that was surely far better than merely hearing people around him talking!
Jesus then put His hands on the man’s eyes for a second time,
Did he see better now, was this healing complete and divine?
The man’s face glowed with joy with new understanding and appreciation,
The disciples understood what Jesus sought to teach through this illustration.
Salvation and following Jesus were necessary steps that must be considered,
But for life and ministry to be effective and powerful much more must be pondered.
Spiritual discernment through diligent cultivation of the heart and soul must be sought.
Only then would the profound teachings of Jesus be understood and His compassion caught.
Inspiration: Mark 8:25