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his chapter is a juxtaposition of
false doctrine to true. For some folk, the word doctrine makes their
eyes glaze over. But it shouldn't be that way. Souls
are saved &/or condemned based upon doctrine. God is glorified &/or
ridiculed based upon doctrine. Eternity is affected by doctrine. Jesus was
known for His doctrine. Doctrine is a litmus test for spiritual authenticity.
Matthew 16:1-12 shows us the
Pharisees and their false doctrine. Their doctrine pushed them toward cynicism.
They had confidence in themselves and no confidence in God. They were good at
things that they could taste, touch, see, hear, smell and do, but their
religion was all surfaces and no substance. Jesus warned his disciple about
these highly religious leaders. He basically called their doctrine a cancer; a
poison; an infectious disease; a communicable spiritual pathogen. Their brand
of false doctrine was very dangerous (vs. 12).
From verse 13 on, we get a
good dose of the antidote for false doctrine. The most important doctrine of
all regards the name, nature and identity of Jesus Christ. If we get that part
right, the rest of our doctrines can fall into line rather smoothly. With the
Father's help, Peter got it right (vs. 16). Peter's declaration concerning
Christ's character and role was so precise and perfect that Jesus immediately
declared that such a confession would be used as the very foundation of the
Church which He intended to build (vs. 18), an institution designed for the
purpose of promoting true doctrine in a world polluted with the devil's
doctrines.
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