Mark 8:27-30 and Matthew 16:13-20 refer to two retellings of the same conversation between Jesus and his disciples, but Matthew’s version has several changes. The first of which is the addition of the name “Jeremiah” when the disciples are reciting who people say that Jesus is. This is a more trivial addition to the passage, probably to give the disciples more credibility by tossing in another big name. Most notably, however, is what Jesus says after Peter claims him to be the Messiah. In Mark, Peter says, “You are the Messiah,” and that is pretty much the end of it. In Matthew, Peter purports Jesus to be “the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” to which Jesus responds with joy: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.” Matthew probably added this, again, to give the disciples more credibility contrary to the confused way the disciples are portrayed in Mark, not fully understanding quite who Jesus is.

Matthew 18 presents many themes and concepts added by Matthew. According to this passage, having the humility and likeness of a child will allow you passage into the Kingdom of God, and welcoming a child in Jesus’ name welcomes Him. Also causing someone to stumble and sin is worse than death itself. Jesus suggests the idea of unconditional forgiveness as well. Matthew adds these passages to provide further example of Jesus’ authoritative teachings.

Jesus is hostile towards the Pharisees because of their hypocrisy and narcissism. “They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them.” The Pharisees think themselves to be, essentially, gods and lawmakers and do not follow the laws that they set forth. Matthew characterizes them as a “brood of vipers,” which could allude to the serpent in the story of Adam and Eve.