Recall from our previous discussion on Matthew 16:4 that a “generation” is characterized by certain assumptions and beliefs, and in Biblical usage it is not necessarily to be understood in a temporal, linear sense in the way we think of the generations of “depression-era”, “baby boomers”, “x-ers”, and “millenials”. Remember too that true salvation is…
When Jesus, Peter, James and John returned to the other disciples from the Mount of Transfiguration who met them? See Luk 9:37. Why had such a large crowd been gathered together around the other disciples? See Luk 9:38-40. Besides the spectacle of the demon-possessed boy, how might the inability of the disciples’ to cast it…
When does Luke say Jesus descended with the disciples from the Mount of Transfiguration? See Luk 9:37. What do his words indicate about how long it took them to descend, and hence how far they must have gone? What did Jesus command them on the way down the mountain? See Mat 17:9. Why did He…
How does Matthew describe the cloud that overshadowed them? Cf. Luk 11:34,36 where the same word is translated “full of light” and “illumined”. What is the significance that it was a “bright” cloud? Think: How does this cloud contrast with the cloud that came down on Sinai at the giving of the law? See Ex…
Who appeared to Jesus at the transfiguration, and what is the significance of their appearance? See Mat 5:17, Luk 16:16, Joh 1:45, Rom 3:21. What were they talking with Him about? See Luk 9:31 and note that “departure” is the Greek word exodos. Which Old Testament person was a type of Christ with whom Moses…
Upon what high mountain did Jesus ascend with the disciples? Hint: where were Jesus and the disciples at when Peter made his great confession, and what very high mountain is in that vicinity? See Mat 16:13 and cf. the NET Bible maps and pictures copied below. What disciples did Jesus take with Him? Where else…
Mat 16:27 From the immediately preceding context, what sort of “coming” does Jesus mean when He speaks of His coming in the glory of His Father with the angels, and what sort of recompense or reward is referred to for men’s deeds? See Mat 13:40-42, 49-50 and note that the Greek word for “deeds”…
Mat 16:24-26 In spite of Jesus not fulfilling people’s expectations, what great confession had Peter just made? See Mat 16:16. What had Jesus just begun teaching His disciples must happen to Him as the Messiah? See Mat 16:21. Was this their expectation even though they believed Him to be the Messiah while others had…
Mat 16:21 Matthew records that “from that time” Jesus began to show his disciples that He must be delivered up and suffer; from what time? See the context of the previous verses, and observe that this would have been in the late summer or early fall before His crucifixion the following spring. What was significant…
What are the “gates of Hades”? See Isa 38:10, as well as 3Ma 5:51, Wis 16:13, Psalms of Solomon 16:2 and from the Apocrypha[1]. See also Job 38:17, Psa 9:13, 107:18. Note that “overpower” in Mat 16:18 means to overcome or prevail over, win out; see KJV and Luk 23:23 where the same word is…