Summary: In today’s discussion we look at the four things Jesus says He must do in Matthew 16:21. All four fulfill prophecies about Jesus. We’re taking a closer look at why He must go to Jerusalem, and how it fulfills the promise to Abraham to provide a substitute sacrifice. How by being in Jerusalem, Christ is next to the temple , bringing forward both contrast and parallels we can use to explore how we should relate to Christ. Part of this guide builds on and further explores the prophecy in the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7) speaking of Solomon and Christ that was first introduced in guide 3. Also relevant from guide 3, is the understanding that the Old testament/old covenant points to Christ.
Break the Ice
- What is your least favorite responsibility?
- Do you have a favorite responsibility?
Bring the Word
Read Matthew 16:13-21 and Luke 18:31-33.
- What things did Jesus say he must do?
- What level of importance is He placing on doing these things?
- Do these things fulfill prophecy?
- Why is it important that Jesus fulfills the prophecies?
- Are there reasons besides fulfilling prophecy that Jesus must do these things? Why?
- *Note: A few prophetic verses for reference–Zechariah 9:9, Isaiah 53, Psalm 16:10
Read Genesis 22:1-14.
- What region does God instruct Abraham to go?
- In what ways is Isaac a picture of Christ?
- What type of sacrifice did Isaac ask about and Abraham say that God would provide?
- Why do you think a ram was provided in this story and not a lamb?
- Why would Abraham name that place, The Lord Will Provide and not The Lord Provided?
Read Deut. 12:5-7; 2 Samuel 7:12-15; 2 Chronicles 3:1-2; and 2 Chronicles 7:1-4.
- How does Jerusalem fit God’s instructions for the place the Israelites are to take their sacrifices?
- Is Solomon the one to build “a house for my Name”?
- What did he build that fits that description?
- What was the Name of the place the Temple was constructed?
- Do you think this means this is the same mountain Abraham went to sacrifice Isaac?
- In Ezekiel 8-11 the glory of the Lord departs from the temple, at this time does it still meet the requirements for the place of sacrifices?
Bring it Home
Read John 2:13-22.
- How would you describe the functional condition of the temple building?
- What temple did the Jews think Jesus was talking about?
- What temple was he talking about?
- What contrast and parallels exist between Christ and the temple?
Read John 1:29-34.
- Can Christ be both the temple and the sacrifice? Why or why not?
- In what ways does Christ serve the functions of the temple for us?
Begin a Discipline
Prayer: Keep praying for wherever you see a need!
Reading: Try reading a chapter a day.
Reflection: What stands out? Pray for understanding and reflect on what you read at different times throughout the day.
Journaling: Continue the discipline of journaling by writing 1-2 paragraphs on how God speaks to you through His word. Write down things you learn about Him and things you learn about yourself.