Today we look at the central passage in Matthew's gospel and what Sinclair Ferguson calls the hinge of this book, Matthew 16:13-20. After this great passage, Jesus declared that he must go to Jerusalem to suffer, die, and be raised again. We have noted that much of Matthew 11:2-16:20 is a very sad portion of this gospel, focused on the rejection Jesus faced from His own people, even those who had known Jesus since He was a child. And yet very properly, Matthew ends this section in a very climatic way. Here in these verses, in the midst of great darkness, we have four great reasons for hope and confidence. This passage is also in many ways a difficult passage. But I don't want the difficulties to overshadow that which is quite clear. I want us to focus on four great reasons for hope that we find here in these verses. First, Peter's great confession of faith in verses 16-17. Second, Jesus Christ, the great builder of His Church and Protector, verse 18. These first two points will be our focus today. And then next week, Lord wiling, we will look at two other points; Third, the great foundation that has been laid for us in the work of the apostles. Fourth, the Keys to the Kingdom, which we have been graciously given.
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