Retreat and Evaluation

After walking on water, Jesus continued training his leadership team for the mission. He was teaching them about love, humility, faith, and the true nature of authority. Along the way, he cast out demons, healed a young girl, confronted the religious leaders again, and fed 4,000 people—another miracle prompted by the disciples’ ongoing misunderstanding: “they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened” (Mark 6:52). It was time for another retreat, so Jesus took the team north to the district of Caesarea Philippi (Matt. 16:13). Take a look at what happened next.

Questions from your reading

• What do you know about Caesarea Philippi?
• What were people saying about Jesus?
• What declaration did Peter make about Jesus? How did Jesus respond?
• Jesus revealed some new things (Matt. 16:19,21). In this context, what was he trying to teach the disciples?
• What other questions do you still have?

Reflecting on your reading

Jesus moved north with his leaders for a ministry retreat—some time away from the crowds. As they travelled, he began evaluating the movement with them, starting with a simple but profound question: “Who do people say I am?” (Mark 8:27). It was the most important question they could be asked—not about the size of the crowds, not about how many new followers had joined, but about the very centre of their mission: who Jesus truly was.

This question still cuts through all the noise of our self-centered, humanistic world. It forces us to shift our gaze away from ourselves and focus on him. In the eternal scheme of things, it’s the most important question anyone will ever answer: Who is Jesus, and what will you do with him?

The disciples were well-positioned to answer. After six intense months of ministry—including their mission trip and the feeding of the 5,000—they had a clear sense of public opinion. But the answers were disheartening: “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets” (Matt. 16:14). After nearly three years of public ministry, many still misunderstood him.

Then came the turning point. Jesus asked, “But what about you? Who do you say I am?” (Matt. 16:15). There may have been a pause—a moment of uncertainty. Then Peter spoke: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16). What a moment! Peter got it right. The team was learning, growing, recognising who Jesus truly was. It must have been a deeply encouraging moment for Jesus.

But he used the moment to teach again. He reminded Peter that this revelation didn’t come from himself, nor from any human source—it came from the Father (Matt. 16:17). Pride had no place here.

Remember the words of John the Baptist at Aenon: “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven” and “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:27,30). If anyone understands who Jesus is, it’s only because God has graciously revealed it. Not through intelligence or effort, but through grace. If you’re learning anything from this study, it’s not because of the writer’s skill—it’s because your Father in heaven has opened your eyes.

There’s no room for boasting—only for gratitude. All we can do is fall on our knees and say, “Thank you, Lord. I am not worthy, yet you loved me enough to reveal your Son to me. I worship you.”

Applying what you’ve read

This moment in Matthew 16 gives an opportunity to correct two major misinterpretations that have caused pain and division in the Church for centuries.

First, the phrase “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matt. 16:18) has often been misunderstood to mean that Jesus would build his Church on Peter. But Scripture is clear: Jesus is the rock (1 Cor. 10:4), the foundation (1 Cor. 3:11), and the cornerstone (Eph. 2:20). Peter’s name means “stone,” not “rock.” Peter himself clarified this in 1 Peter 2:4—he and other believers are living stones built on the true cornerstone, Christ.

Second, some have taught that the Church should retreat from the world, fearing the advance of evil. But this passage teaches the opposite. Jesus’ Church is not on the defensive—the gates of hell will not stand against its advance. The Church is moving forward, led by the Lion of Judah, the King of kings. The enemy doesn’t stand a chance.

The Church of Jesus Christ is built on him as its foundation and cornerstone. He alone is its head (Eph. 5:23). No human could ever lead such a global, multi-generational, diverse body. But Jesus can—and he does.

Take some time today to ask God to help you centre your life on Jesus. Share what you’re learning with your disciples, and discuss how to live out these truths boldly and faithfully.

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