Study Questions for June 7, 2026

The Promised Son of God by Dale Beaver
Read Matthew 16:13-20; 1 Peter 2:4-6; Ephesians 2:20; and 1 John 3:8.

1. Read Matthew 16:13. Jesus leads His disciples to Caesarea Philippi, which was 25 miles away from their familiar fishing villages and deep into "true enemy territory" filled with pagan temples. Why do you think Jesus chose such a "dark," non-religious setting to ask the disciples who He really was?
2. Pastor Dale describes the Greek god Pan—the chief deity of that region—as a "rustic" deity over shepherds and hunters who was believed to inspire "panic" or sudden, irrational fear. How does the unpredictable and terrifying nature of these pagan gods contrast with the character of Jesus as the Son of the living God?
3. When asked who Jesus is, the disciples list several popular cultural opinions: John the Baptist, Elijah, or Jeremiah. Pastor Dale notes that while these were "respectable" and "prophetic" answers, they were all wrong. Why is it dangerous to let public opinion or modern culture define your personal view of Jesus?
4. Read Matthew 16:15-17. Peter declares, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God," and Jesus explains that this was revealed by the Father rather than learned from humans. Have you ever had a "lightbulb moment" where you realized Jesus wasn't just a historical figure, but your personal Savior?
5. Pastor Dale clarifies that the "rock" the church is built on is the accurate confession of who Jesus is. Read 1 Peter 2:4-6. How does viewing Jesus as the "living cornerstone" provide a stable foundation for your life when your own circumstances or the culture around you feel shaky?
6. In Caesarea Philippi, there was a literal, massive cavern in a cliffside that locals called the "gates of Hades," believing it was a portal to the underworld. When Jesus says the gates of hell will not conquer His church, how does knowing He made this claim right in front of a physical "portal of evil" increase your confidence?
7. Pastor Dale points out that gates are defensive structures, not offensive weapons, stating, "The church isn't here to destroy the enemy. It's here to empty his prison". In what ways can you go "on the offense" this week to rescue others through the message of the gospel?
8. Read Matthew 16:19. In the ancient world, keys were symbols of royal authority given to a steward to manage a king's house. Since Jesus has given the church "the keys," how should this sense of stewardship and responsibility affect the way you manage your interactions with those who don't yet know Him?
9. Even after making his "Great Confession," Peter still struggled and had to be corrected by Jesus shortly after. Pastor Dale notes that we are "being built... in this imperfection". How does Peter’s journey give you grace for your own spiritual failures and growth?
10. Close in Prayer: Thank Jesus for being the Promised Son of God who came to "destroy the works of the devil". Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the courage to live out an authentic confession and to use the "keys" He has given you to invite others into His freedom.

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Analogy for Understanding: The church is not a scared fortress trying to keep the world out; it is a rescue squad led by the King, standing right at the enemy's front door. Just as a first responder uses tools to break into a burning building to save those inside, the church uses the "keys" of the gospel to open the gates of hades and lead people into the light and life of Jesus Christ.