Page 82 - Advanced Life of Christ - Student Textbook

to the power of physical death, yet other generations will arise to perpetuate the church. And it will
continue until it has fulfilled its mission on earth as Jesus has commanded:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them
to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age”
(Matthew 28:18–20).

It is clear that Jesus was declaring that death has no power to hold God’s people captive. Its gates are
not strong enough to overpower and keep imprisoned the church of God. The Lord has conquered death
(Romans 8:2; Acts 2:24). And because “death no longer is master over Him” (Romans 6:9), it is no longer
master over those who belong to Him (https://www.gotquestions.org/gates-of-hell.html).

It is interesting that at that very moment, the disciples were standing before a large cave which seemed
to have no bottom. The pagans called the cave “the gates of Hades” since they thought that it was the
entrance to the underworld. Caesarea Philippi represented the worst evils of culture; it was filled with
idols, shrines, and immoral worship practices. In preparing them for His departure, Jesus assured his
disciples that the “gates of Hades” would not be able to stand against the power of God’s people. Jesus
defeated Satan through His suffering, death, and resurrection. Therefore, his people could overcome
Satan and have victory over evil places represented by Caesarea Philippi. Today we must continue to
confront satanic forces in our culture.

Peter’s declaration was exactly what Jesus was trying to help the disciples to understand. His claim to
be the Messiah, the Son of God finally seemed to pave its way into the hearts and minds of the disciples.
They were beginning to understand who He was. Now it was time to understand why He came.

Matthew 16: 21-28 tells us that from that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go
to Jerusalem and suffer under the religious leaders, and that He must be killed and on the third day be
raised to life. The immediate response of the disciples was to reject this future plan.

8.4 Let’s Practice…

1. Why did Jesus conclude his 18-month Galilean ministry when He did?

2. Have you ever noticed after the miracle of feeding the 5,000, how many baskets were
taken up? Why do you suppose Jesus created that number?

3. What event caused many of Jesus’ disciples to fall away and no longer walk with Him?

4. Jesus’ ministry changed drastically from the masses to a concentration on meeting alone with His
disciples. Why did he change His tactics?

5. What reason was suggested for the open reception Jesus obtained in the Decapolis when previously
He was rejected and asked to leave their area?

6. Why do you suppose Jesus took His disciples to Caesarea Philippi?

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