Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:13–17
Introduction
A. If Jesus did not parade Himself as the Messiah, how did Peter conclude that He was in fact the Son of God (Matthew 16:16)?
B. Peter listened to the witnesses of Jesus, and so must we.
Discussion
I. Jesus first calls John the Baptist to the stand (John 5:32–35).
A. This was a man of excellent reputation (Matthew 11:11, 21:26).
B. His coming was prophesied (Matthew 17:10–13; Malachi 4:5).
C. He testified of Jesus to his disciples (John 1:6–9, 34–37).
II. Jesus calls His own works to the stand (John 5:36).
A. They spoke for themselves (Luke 7:19–23; John 15:24).
B. Jesus didn’t profit from them in any way (John 7:16–18).
III. Jesus next calls the Father to the stand (John 5:37–38).
A. This first occurred at Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:13–17).
B. It happened on the “holy mountain” (2 Peter 1:16–18).
IV. Jesus calls the Scriptures as His next witness (John 5:39).
A. The apostles often used the Scriptures to identify Jesus as the Christ (Acts 2; 8:35; 17:2–3; 26:27).
B. Jesus used them to the same end (Luke 26:46–48).
V. Jesus calls Moses to the stand next (John 5:45–47).
A. Peter called on this witness in Jerusalem (Acts 3:22–23).
B. Stephen called on this witness in his defense (Acts 7:34–53).
C. Paul preached from the writings in Rome (Acts 28:23–24).
Conclusion
A. Can we call our works as a witness that we are Christians?
B. Are you making the great confession that Peter made?