Producing A Crop - My Answers & Thoughts

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My answers to homework from the previous week are posted here.

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Esther Chapter One

In 586bc Israel taken invaded by Babylon.  Jerusalem was destroyed and captives were taken to Babylon under the direction of Nebuchadnezzer.  The prophet Daniel was one of those captives taken to Babylon. 

In 539bc (approx. 50 years later) Babylon is overthrown by the Persian king, Cyrus.  Under his reign, a group of exiled Israelites return to Jerusalem. (See Book of Ezra)  After living there for so long, there were many Israelites that decided not to make the trip but instead stayed in the Babylonian/Persian region.  It could be that they had made a home there and decided to stay where it was comfortable instead of returning to the unknown of a country that was in ruin.  Many were aging and the young may have only remembered their current home.  These Israelites lived under the Persian rule of King Cyrus.

In 486bc (100 years after Israel was taken into captivity) Xerxes became king over Persia.  He was said to be impulsive and with an ego.  He had a winter palace in Susa, the southern part of the Medo-Persian Empire; east of Babylon. It is here that the events of this book take place.  They begin approximately 480 years before Jesus was born.

What are we going to read about in the following verses? Vs1  what happened during Xerxes time of ruling king over 127 provinces from India to Cush.

Where is this king ruling from?  Vs2  His winter Citadel (palace) in Susa

What happened in the third year of his reign? Vs3  he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials.  The military leaders of Persia and Media, the princes and the nobles of the provinces were present.

What could this be compared to in our time?  A state dinner

What did the king do for 180 days prior to this event? Vs4  he displayed the vast wealth of the kingdom and his splendor and glory.

When the 180 days ended, what took place and where? Vs5  a banquet lasting 7 days in the garden of his palace for all the people in the Citadel.  (the palace employees)

History reveals that he was preparing to invade Greece and the 180 days was for planning battle strategies and for providing confidence that he had the wealth and strength to carry out his plans.  It was said that Persian kings loved to show off their wealth, wearing lots of gemstones and even adorning gold jewelry in battle.

How would you describe the decorations for this banquet? Vs6  beautiful and expensive

How was the wine served for this large gathering? Vs7  in goblets of gold – each one different (no paper cups).

How much royal wine was there?  It was abundant

How much were the guests allowed to drink for 7 days? Vs8  no restrictions – as much as they wanted.

What was the Queen’s name? vs9  Vashti

What was she doing during this time?  She was giving a banquet for the women in the royal palace.

How was the king feeling on the 7^th day of celebration? Vs10  he was in good spirits from the wine.

He is about to command something; of who is he going to command? His 7 Eunuchs

Eunuchs were men in the king’s service that helped out with the kings women.  They were castrated men.  this was done so they would be completely devoted to the king and no one else.  (there was nothing to get in the way  of their service to the king or their loyalty to him – no wife, no children, no urges with the harem women).

What did the king command? Vs11  that the queen be brought before him, wearing her crown so he could display her beauty to all the guests.

Why did he want to do this?  She was lovely to look at.  (he wanted to show her off)

What did the Queen do at this command? Vs12  she refused to go.

How did the king feel about that?  He was furious and burned with anger.

He felt humiliated in front of his guests.  These were the leaders that he was trying to show that he was capable of leading and winning in battle.  Yet he couldn’t even “control” his own wife.

What was customary in these types of matters? Vs13  to consult experts in the law and justice.

So what did the king do?  he spoke with the 7 wisemen that understood the times.  (politics haven’t changed much since then, have they?)

What is noted about these men? vs14  they were closest to the king and had special access to him and wee highest in the kingdom.

What did the king ask? Vs15  according to the law, what must be done to the queen since she did not obey my command?

Who spoke up and what did he say? Vs16  Memukan.  She has done wrong, not only against the king but also against the nobles and the peoples of ALL the provinces.  (talk about making a big deal out of nothing)

What was the big deal to them? Vs17-18  her conduct will become known to all the women and they will all act up against their husbands.  There will be no end of disrespect and discord. 

It was an all male party and against Persian custom for a woman to appear in a public gathering of men.  Vashti may have figured it was better to disobey her drunken husband than to break custom, in hopes that he would come to his senses later.  She was between a rock and a hard place.    Also she may have been pregnant and that would really affirm her decision to not break custom.  It is thought that she gave birth to the king’s son, Artaxerxes, later, in 483bc which would line up with the time line:  Xerxes became king in 486bc, then in the third year of his reign he held the banquet – 483bc.   Something to consider is that the king would take long periods of time (30 days or more) without requesting the presence of his queen.  (we will see that in a later chapter).  Therefore it is possible that he didn’t even know that she was with child.

What do the wise men suggest that the king do about his wife? vs19  draw up a decree in the laws of Persia and Media, that cannot be repealed, that Vashti is never again to enter the presence of king Xertes.  Also give her royal position to someone else – who is better than her. 

What do they say will happen when this decree is proclaimed throughout the vast realm? Vs20  all women will respect their husbands, from the least to the greatest.

How do all the men feel about this? Vs21  they all agree it is a wonderful idea

So what did the king do?  all that Memukan proposed.

What news did the king send out all over his kingdom? Vs22  that every man should be ruler over his own household. 

These men took this to an extreme.  Sounds like slavery not marriage.  In this region of the world, it seems that was the one edict that was kept for the generations.     

Another note about Vashti;  She hadn’t really done anything wrong and yet received a harsh punishment.    But if she was the mother to Artaxerxes, then God gave her a son that later became king and was instrumental in allowing the Jews to begin rebuilding Jerusalem.  If this was the case, I love that God didn’t forget her.

Matthew Chapter Twenty Eight

What day does this chapter open with? Vs1  the day after the Sabbath, the first day of the week.  Sunday.

Jesus died on Friday, Saturday was the Sabbath and now it is Sunday, the 3^rd day.

Who went to look at Jesus tomb?  Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (mother of James and John).

Why do you think they went to look at the tomb?  (see Mark 16:1-3)  to anoint Jesus body

What happened there? Vs2  there was a violent earthquake.  The angel of the Lord came down from Heaven, rolled back the stone and sat on it.

What was the angel’s appearance like? Vs3  lightening and His clothes white as snow.  I love this description – like lightening.  Think about what lightening looks like.

How does this compare to John’s vision in Revelation 1:16?  The same

Also, don’t forget Matthew’s description of the transfigured Jesus in Matthew 17:2. 

Who could this angel have been?  Jesus.  perhaps it shows the pure spirit of Jesus. 

What does this scripture tell us about the guards?  Vs4  they were so afraid of the angel that they shook and became like dead men. 

What did the angel say to the women? Vs5  do not be afraid for I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.   (he didn’t tell the guards not to be afraid, they shook with fear and fell as dead men).

What else did the angel say? Vs6  He is not here; He has risen just as He said He would.  Come and see the place where He had laid. 

What message were the women to bring to the disciples? Vs7  Jesus has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him. 

What did the women do? Vs8  they hurried away and ran to tell the disciples.

How do they feel?  Afraid but joyful.

Why do you think they would feel this way?  Fear comes with uncertainty, yet joyful because Jesus is who He said He was and he is no longer dead. 

Who met them on their way? Vs9  Jesus

What did the women do?  Fell collapsed at His feet and worshipped Him. 

What message did He give them? Vs10  don’t be afraid.  Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, there they will see me. 

Let’s explore these events further by looking at the other gospels. 

Mark 16:1-8.   Where did the women meet, or find, the angel?  Inside the tomb.

The stone was rolled away so the guards met the angel outside , then went inside where the women met the angel. 

Read Luke 24:1-12.  How many angels does Luke say there were?  2

Read John 20:1-18.

Each account varies slightly.  Personality is most likely the issue.  Everyone concentrates on different details.  Thank about you and 3 friends telling the same story.  Some might put emphasis on what Jesus had said.  Another might put emphasis on the fact that Mary was told to go and tell the disciples.  Another on the angelic encounter and how it made them feel. 

Write what you think are the Main points of this scripture. 

Now check to see if they vary or are the same in all 4 gospels. 

None of the main points or important points varied. The angels moved the stone and spoke to Mary.  Jesus was gone, He had risen.  Mary was to go and tell the disciples.  Jesus came to Mary and spoke to her. 

(Too bad there wasn’t a gospel according to Mary. LOL)

While the women run to tell the disciples, what else was taking place? Vs11  the guards went into the city to report to the chief priests everything that had happened. 

What did the chief priests do? Vs12  they met with the elders and devised a plan.  They gave the soldiers a bunch of money.

What did the chief priests instruct the soldiers? Vs13  you are to say that His disciples came during the night and stole Him away while we were asleep. 

What if this report gets to the Governor? Vs14  we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble. 

What did the soldiers do? Vs15  they took the money and told the false story.

How far did this lie get?  It was widely circulated among the Jews for years to come.

From this point Matthew skips to Jesus ascension.  But there were other events that took place for 40 days before Jesus left earth.  To see the other events, read Luke 24:13-49, John 20:19-31 and John 21:1-25. 

John 20:19.  Where were the disciples that night?  Together, with the doors locked

What were they afraid of?  The Jewish leaders

Here is an interesting thing that I don’t want us to miss… Look at Luke 24:44-45.  Jesus reminded the disciples of what He had said previously, then what did he open and for what purpose?  He opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures

What does this tell us that we need to do before we read or study the Bible?  Pray that Jesus would open our minds for understanding.

Back to Matthew 28. 

Where did the disciples go and why? Vs16  to the mountain.   Jesus had told them to go.

How many disciples went?  11

What did they see there? Vs17  jesus

What did they do?  Worshipped Him

Did everyone believe it was Him?  No, some doubted.

What did Jesus say to them? Vs18  all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

How much power had been put in Jesus hands?  All

Because of this, what did he instruct the disciples to do? Vs19  go and make disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

What else were they instructed to do? Vs20  teach the new disciples to obey everything He had commanded them.

What final encouragement did He give them?  Surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.

Read Luke 24:46-49.

What additional information does this gospel give us?  He reminded them of the Messiah scripture and told them He would send them what the Father had promised.  Then He said “but stay in the city until you have been clothed with the power from on high.

Read Luke 24:50-51. 

What happened after His final words?  He lifted up His hands and blessed them and left by being taken up into heaven. 

Read Revelation 1:1, 1:12-18, & 5:1-6.

Where is Jesus now?  In Heaven

Congratulations for staying with this Bible study and persevering to the end. 

I hope that you have learned more about God and have drawn closer to Him through it. 

I bless and encourage you to continue your journey through the scriptures and to grow deeper in your faith.

In order to be well-rounded believers, we must understand the whole counsel of God.  Therefore after spending a long time in the New Testament through Matthew’s Gospel, we will go further back and begin a study of the Old Testament Book of Esther. 

I hope you will join me once again.  This new study will begin on September 19. 

Chapter Twenty Seven

At the end of chapter twenty-six, Jesus was arrested.

What took place in the morning? Vs1  the chief priests and elders made plans on how to have Jesus executed. 

What did they come up with? Vs2  they bound Him and handed Him over to Pilate

What was Pilate’s title or position?  A Roman Governor for that region

Judas (who betrayed Jesus) must have stayed to watch what would happen to Jesus.  What did he see and what did he do? Vs3  Jesus was condemned. He was seized with remorse and returned his payment, the 30 silver pieces, to the chief priests.

What did he admit to the chief priests? Vs4  he sinned by betraying innocent blood.

He tried to right his wrong.  What do the highest, most “religious” people say to him?  What is that to us, that is your responsibility.

What did Judas do with the money? Vs5  he threw it into the temple and left.

Then what did he do?  He hanged himself

The chief priests picked up the coins and what did they say about them? Vs6  it is against the law to put them into the temple treasury since they are blood money.   So in their minds it was okay to pay out blood money, but not to take it back and put it into the temple treasury. 

What did they do with the money? Vs7  they brought the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners.  A good way to ease their consciences - take the money and do something “charitable” with it.

Does doing something right cancel out a wrong?  Repenting, changing their hearts and releasing Jesus would have been the right thing to do, the way to reverse their wrongs.  Sin can’t be covered over.  It has to be dealt with head on by facing it, admitting and changing our hearts and behavior.

What was the bought field named? Vs8  the field of blood

Prophecy was fulfilled by this.  What did the prophecy say? Vs9-10  they took the 30 pieces of silver and they used them to buy the potter’s field as the Lord commanded me.

Jeremiah 19:1-11 & 32:69 tells the history of the potter’s field that the chief priests bought with the blood money.  The Lord had Jeremiah break the potter’s jar there as judgment on Israel (Jeremiah 19), then He told Jeremiah to buy the field as a sign that restoration would one day come (Jeremiah 32)

 

Where was Jesus? Vs11  he was brought before the Governor

What was Jesus asked?  Are you the king of the Jews?

What was His answer?  You have said so.

At that, who spoke up with accusations? Vs12  the chief priests and Elders

What did Jesus say to these accusations?  Nothing

Because of this, what did Pilate, the Governor, ask Him? Vs13  don’t you hear the testimonies they are bringing against you? 

How much did Jesus reply to all of this? Vs14  no reply, not a single charge

Who was amazed by this?  Pilate

It must have been an amazing thing.  Afterall, everyone defends themselves when being accused of things they weren’t guilty of.

What was the Governor’s custom during the Jews Festival? Vs15  to release/pardon a prisoner that was chosen by the crowd.

At the time there was a well known prisoner, what was his name? vs16  Barabbas

When the crowd gathered, what did Pilate ask them? Vs17  which do you want me to release, Barabbas or Jesus, who is called the Messiah?

He asked this because, what did Pilate know?  It was out of self interest that they handed Jesus over.

Pilate expected that if he gave them a choice between a hardened murderer who incited rebellion against Rome and a man claiming to be their own Messiah, they would see that Jesus was harmless in comparison and what to do with Jesus would be taken out of his hands.

While Pilate sat on the judges seat, what happened? Vs19  his wife sent him a message “don’t have anything to do with that innocent man for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of Him.”

What were the Chief Priests and Elders doing to the crowd? Vs20  persuading them to ask for Barabbas release, and the execution of Jesus.  Even in the name of God and what is good people do wicked things, especially when it threatens their own interest.

When the Governor asked which they wanted released, what did the crowd say? Vs21  Barabbas

Then what did Pilate ask them? Vs22  what shall I so with Jesus who is called the Messiah?

Their answer?  Crucify Him!

What then did Pilate ask? Vs23  why, what crime has he committed?

What did the crowd say? Crucify Him!

What did Pilate see was happening? Vs24  he was getting no where, and the crowd was getting riotous. 

What action did he take and say?  He washed his hands in front of the crowd and said “I am innocent of this man’s blood.  It is your responsibility.”

Even Pilate having been warned by his wife’s dream chose self interest over truth.  He knew that Jesus hadn’t done anything that warranted death but still gave him over for it because if a riot broke out, his job would have been jeopardized. 

How did the people smugly answer Pilate? Vs25  His blood is on us and on our children.  They sounded pretty confident in what they believed…and they were wrong.

What did Pilate do? Vs26  he released Barabbas and had Jesus flogged.  Then he handed Him over for crucifixion.

Go back to Matthew 26:1-2.  What prediction did Jesus make?  He would be handed over to be crucified.

Why have Jesus flogged if He was going to the cross to die anyway? 

Look at the events in the Gospel of Luke. 

Luke 23:4-5 – Look at what Pilate told the crowd.  What did they accuse Jesus of?  Stirring up the people all over Judea by His teaching.

What was said about how far He was doing this?  All the way from Galilee to here.

Luke 23:6-7 – what did Pilate do when he heard this information?  Sent Him to Herod, who happened to be in Jerusalem.  (He tried to pass the buck)

Luke 23:8-12 – Herod must have seen Jesus as a magician of some sort.  Why was he excited to see Him?  He hoped to see Him perform a sign or wonder.

Who was standing by, vehemently accusing Jesus to Herod?  The Chief Priests and Teachers.

What did Herod and his soldiers do to Jesus?  Ridiculed and mocked Him and dressed Him in an elegant robe and sent him back to Pilate.

In verse 12, what took place that day?  Herod and Pilate became friends, before which they had been enemies.

Amazing what common interests can turn enemies into friends. 

Read through Luke 23:13-25 to see how Luke recalls the events.

 

Back to Matthew.

What happened to Jesus after Pilate handed Him over? Vs27  the soldiers took Him to the Praetorium and surrounded Him.

Then what?  Vs28  they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him.

Then what? Vs29  they twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head.  They put a staff in His hand and knelt in front of Him mocking Him “Hail King of the Jews”.

Then what did the soldiers do? Vs30  they spit on Him, took the staff and struck Him on the head again and again.  How terrible that must have hurt being hit on the head with a crown of thorns on you.

When they were done mocking, what happened? Vs31  they took off the robe and put is clothes back on and led Him away for crucifixion.

Who did they meet as they started the walk to the place of crucifixion? Vs32  Simon from cyrene

What did they force him to do? Carry Jesus cross

How do we know that this wasn’t Simon Peter?  The designation was included that he was from Cyrene

By looking at the verses in Matthew, would we know that Jesus started out carrying His own cross?  No

What place did they come to, and what does it mean? Vs33  Golgotha, the place of the skull

What did the soldiers offer Jesus? Vs34  wine mixed with Gall.

Did He take it?  No, He tasted it and then refused to drink.  Gall is known to be a narcotic, given to people to deaden pain.

Once they put Him on the cross, what did the soldiers do? Vs35  divided up His clothes by casting lots.

One commentary said that soldiers often cast lots for the clothes of those they crucified.  But I can’t help but feel this was different from other times.  With others, they probably brought the clothes home to be used, but with Jesus, His had to be soaked in blood and dirt after being flogged, beaten and having a crown of thorns dug into His head sending blood down on to His clothes.  In this case, He was a celebrity.  They may have wanted His clothes for the storytelling, much like today. 

What did the soldiers do? Vs36  sat down and kept watch over Him.

What was above Jesus head on the cross? Vs37  “this is Jesus, the King of the Jews”.

Who was crucified there along with Jesus? Vs38  2 rebels

How were they placed?  One on His left and one on His right

What did the passerby’s do? Vs39  shook their heads and hurled insults at Jesus.

What specific thing was said to Jesus? Vs40  “you who are going to destroy the temple and build it in 3 days, save yourself!  Come down from the cross if you are the Son of God”

Who else mocked Him in a similar way? Vs41  the chief priests, teachers of the law and elders. 

When did they say they would believe in Him? Vs42  If He came down from the cross

In what other way did they mock? Vs43  he trusts in God, let God rescue Him now, for He calls Himself the Son of God.

Who also heaped insults on Him? Vs44  the rebels being crucified with Him.

Read Luke 23:39-43.

What do you learn in Luke’s version?  One of the rebels defended Jesus and asked the other “don’t you fear God?”  This criminal pointed out that they deserved what they got, but Jesus had done nothing wrong.  He told Jesus to remember him when he came into His kingdom.  Jesus told the criminal that he would be with Him in paradise that very day.

Remember what Jesus taught in Matthew        .  On one side is the sheep and the other is the goats.  Etc…..

Hanging on the cross, Jesus was fully human experiencing all the pain and suffering that the others experienced.  Except that he didn’t accept the narcotic, and He had been beaten and flogged prior to the cross.  Matthew 4:1-10, I believe that the tempting in the wilderness was a precursor to how Jesus would act when he was on the cross.  Once again he is suffering and vulnerable.  He is being taunted by the people on the ground and next to Him.  These people are saying similar things to Him as what Satan said in the wilderness and yet He doesn’t defend Himself, nor does he give in.  He simply trusts the Father with His life.

What happened at an unusual hour? Vs45  darkness came over the land

At what time did this happen?  From 12 noon until 3 in the afternoon 3 hours of darkness in the afternoon.

What happened at 3:00? Vs46  Jesus cried out in a loud voice “my God , my God, why have you forsaken me?”

What did some of them there think he was doing? Vs47  calling Elijah

From the distance the people were kept, they may not have been able to hear Him well or it  may have been the roman soldiers that misinterpreted the Hebrew words.

What did one person do? Vs48  ran and got a sponge soaked in wine vinegar, put it on a staff and brought it to His lips.

What did the others say about this?  Vs49  leave Him alone, let’s see if Elijah comes to save Him. 

What happened next? Vs50  Jesus cried out again and gave up His spirit.

Read John 19:30.  What were those last words Jesus cried out in a loud voice?

It is finished

Read Psalm 22 and note the parallels of what we have seen in Matthew.

Jesus cried out to God, “My God why have you forsaken me?”

Jesus was mocked and insulted.  He was told to rescue Himself, come down from the cross if you are Messiah. 

They pierced His hands and feet, they stared and gloated, they divided His clothes and cast lots for them.

Amazing, isn’t it?  Over 1,000 years prior to the events of Jesus death, David wrote about, prophesying, the same things.

 

What happened at the moment Jesus gave up His Spirit? Vs51  1. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. 

2. the earth shook

3. rocks split

4. tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.

When the curtain tore in 2, was it torn from earth to heaven or from heaven to earth?  Heaven to earth – this indicates who tore the curtain, the Father.

What did the people of verse 51 do to solidify the miracle, or miraculous event? Vs53  they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17.  When will this take place again?  When the Lord comes again.

When the Centurion and the other guards of Jesus saw all these things, what was their reaction? Vs54  they were terrified and exclaimed “surely He was the Son of God”.

Who was there watching from a distance? Vs55  many women

Why were they there?  They had followed from Galilee to care for Jesus needs.

Who was among them? Vs56  Mary Magdalene, Mary-mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons, James & John

As evening approached, who went to Pilate? Vs57  a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph.

What had this person become?  A disciple of Jesus

What did he ask Pilate? Vs58  if he could have the body of Jesus.

What did Pilate order?  That it be given to him.

What did the man, Joseph, do? Vs59-60  he took and wrapped Jesus body in a clean linen cloth and placed it in his own new tomb.  He rolled a big stone in front of it.

Who was sitting opposite the tomb? Vs61  Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (probably the one from verse 56).

There are a few additional pieces of information in the other gospels to see.

Read John 19:38-42.  What else do you learn from John?  Joseph was a secret disciple at that time.  Nicodemus was with him.  They prepared the body with spices and myrrh and wrapped it in strips of linen. 

Read Luke 23:50-54.  What day was it?  Preparation day.

What was about to begin?  The Sabbath

The Sabbath started at sundown and was a day of rest.  The day before the Sabbath was preparation day, to get ready to have a day off.  It may have meant caring for the animals, getting meals ready for the next day, etc. 

Back to Matthew.

The next day, after preparation day, would be the Sabbath.  What did the Pharisees do on that day? Vs62    they went to Pilate.

What did they say? Vs63-64  they told Pilate that Jesus had said that in 3 days he would rise again.  So they requested that he give an order for the tomb to be made secure until the 3^rd day.  Otherwise the disciples will come and steal the body and tell the people that He has been raised from the dead.  If this happens this deception would be worse than the first.  (Jesus teachings)

What were Pilate’s instructions? Vs65  go and make the tomb as secure as you know.

How did they do this? Vs66  they put a seal on the stone and posted guard.

Go back to Matthew 12:9-14. 

What did the Pharisees ask Jesus while looking for a reason to bring charges?  is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath? 

They were suggesting that healing was work and unlawful on the Sabbath.  Now this Sabbath wasn’t just the weekly Sabbath, it was the yearly Passover Sabbath- remember they ate the Passover meal before Jesus arrest.  (the last supper)

What is it that the Pharisees are doing on the Passover Sabbath day? Vs62-66  Going before Pilate about having the tomb secured and then sealing the tomb.  Although they impose laws on others, they have justified to themselves that this is ok.  Isn’t it amazing how we can find fault with others but rationalize or justify our own actions that contradict what we expect from others?

This was a long and difficult chapter with many events.  Reading about all that Jesus suffered and went through and then finally His death never gets easy for me.  But I’m always grateful for the chapter that follows….

Chapter Twenty Six - Part Two

 

What does this tell us about the blood of the Son of Man?  If we don’t drink His blood we will not have life in us.

What two things did they do after eating? Vs30  they sung a hymn and left for the Mount of Olives.

At the Mount of Olives, what did Jesus tell His disciples? Vs31  this very night they would all fall away on account of Him.

Imagine being His disciple and having spent so much time with Him and then hearing Him say this.  I can’t help but wonder how they felt.

Jesus goes on to quote prophecy; Zechariah 13:7.  What did the prophecy say? Vs31  I will strike the shepherd and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.

Jesus told them that He would go ahead of them to Galilee after what? Vs32  He had risen

Who speaks up and what did he say? Vs33  Peter.  He said he would never fall away on account of Jesus even if all others had.

What sobering information did Jesus give back? Vs34  truly I tell you, this very night before the rooster crows, you will disown me 3 times.  The rooster crows in the morning.  Therefore, he would disown Jesus 3 times that night, before sunrise.

How did Peter respond to Jesus? Vs35  even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.

The group went to the Mount of Olives.  What garden did they stop at there? Vs36  Gethsemane

For what purpose was Jesus going off by himself?  To pray

Who did he take with Him? Vs37  Peter, James and John.

How was His mood when He got them to Himself?  Sorrowful and troubled

What did Jesus tell them? Vs38  my soul is over whelmed with sorrow to the point of death.  Stay here and keep watch with me.

He went a little farther away from them and what did He do? Vs39  he fell with His face to the ground and prayed, “my father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.  Yet not as I will but as you will.”

Go back to verse 27-28.  What was in the cup?  Jesus blood of the New Covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 

When Jesus asked the Father that the cup be taken from Him, what was He asking?  If there was any other way to do this.  May I not have to shed my blood?

Knowing that this was the Father’s will, to bring redemption to humankind, what did He submit to?  The Father’s will.

He went back to the disciples and what did He find? Vs40  they were sleeping.

What did he ask?  Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?

Why did He want them to keep watch? Vs41  so they would not all into temptation

What did He say was willing?  The spirit

What did He say was weak?  The flesh

In verse 21 what did Jesus say was going to happen?  One would betray Him.

In verse 28 what do we understand is going to happen?  His blood will be poured out

In verse 34 what did He say Peter would do?  Disown Him that very night

In the context of these segments of scripture, what do you think verse 41 means?  They needed to be on guard (spiritually) because even though they love Him and their spirit wants and knows what’s right, the body (humanness) is weak and wants to give in.

What does this mean for us?  We need to be aware of temptations we encounter and pray to be strong against them.

Stop and think for a moment; what is your usual or normal response to temptation?  Have you ever actually prayed when you felt extremely tempted about something?

What did Jesus do a second time? Vs42  went away and prayed.

What did Jesus pray?  Father if it is not possible for the cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.

Look at the wording in the 2 similar prayers of verses 39 & 42.  What new insight did Jesus seem to learn?  The cup wouldn’t be taken away unless He drank it.

When Jesus went back to the disciples, what did He find? Vs43  them sleeping

What did he do? Vs44  went away a third time and prayed.

Then what? Vs45  He went back to the disciples again and said “are you still sleeping and resting?”

What hour had come?  For the Son of Man to be delivered into the hands of sinners.

Finally, He tells them to get up, we are leaving.  Who did he say was coming? Vs46  His betrayer

While Jesus was still speaking to the disciples, who arrived and what did he bring with him? Vs47  Judas.  He brought a large crowd with him, armed with swords and clubs.

Who sent them?  The chief priests and elders

What had the betrayer arranged ahead of time? Vs48  a signal.  The one he kissed is the man you arrest.

What did Judas do? Vs49  he went to Jesus at once and said “greetings Rabbi” and he kissed Him.

What did Jesus say to him? Vs50  do what you came for, friend. 

Judas had travelled closely with Jesus.  H was part of His close knit inner circle and he did the unthinkable, he betrayed Jesus.  And yet, what did Jesus still call him?  Friend.

What did the officials do? Vs50  they stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested Him.

What happened next? Vs51  one of Jesus disciples drew his sword and struck the official, cutting off his ear.

Read John 18:10 to see who drew the sword.  Who was it?  Peter

Now read Luke 22:49-51.  What additional piece of information does Luke, the doctor, give us?  Jesus touched the man’s ear and healed him.

What did Jesus say about this? Vs52  put your sword away.  All who draw a sword will die by the sword.

What did Jesus say that He could do if He wanted to be rescued, and what would happen? Vs53  He would call on His Father and at once have more than 12 legions of angels at His disposal.

Why didn’t Jesus do this? Vs54  scripture would not be fulfilled.

What did Jesus ask them all? Vs55  Am I leading a rebellion that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me?

Then, what did He point out? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching and you did not arrest me.

Why is this taking place this way? Vs56  to fulfill what the prophets wrote.

What did the disciples do?  They all fled and deserted Jesus.

Where was Jesus taken and who was there? Vs57  to Caiaphas the High Priest.  The teachers of the law and the elders were there too.

Who followed? Vs58  Peter

What did he do and why?  He entered the high priests courtyard and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.

What were the gathering of Jewish leaders looking for? Vs59  false evidence against Jesus

Why?  So they could put Him to death

If it was “false” evidence that they were looking for, what does that tell you about the charges against Him?  They had no charges – nothing against Him except their hatred.

Did they find anything? Vs60  no

Who had come forward?  Many false witnesses

I wonder how much they got paid.  Judas got 30 pieces of silver for his part.

What did 2 declare? Vs60-61  that Jesus said He was able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in 3 days.

What did Caiaphas ask Jesus? Vs62  are you not going to answer?  What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?

What did Jesus say?  Vs63  nothing, He remained silent.

What did Caiaphas demand Jesus to tell him under oath of the living God?  If He was the Messiah, the Son of God.

How did Jesus answer? Vs64  you have said so.  (or, it is as you say).  But I say to you all, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven. 

What did Caiaphas call Jesus words? Vs65  blasphemy

What did he say they didn’t need any ore of?  Witnesses

Then what did he ask the group? Vs66  what do you think?

How did they answer?  He is worthy of death

Have you ever served as a juror?  How seriously did you, or would you, take that position?

Does it seem that this group had their minds made up ahead of time?

Why do you think, they never considered that He was the Messiah?

Once they decided what His sentence should be, what did they do to Him? Vs67 

They spit in His face and struck Him with their fists.  Others slapped Him.

What did they tell Him to do? Vs68  prophecy - who hit him.

Where do your views about God come from; passed down from parents, preaching by pastors, reading other’s thoughts or from scripture?  We have to be careful that we don’t have a preconceived idea of who God is.  

What if our earlier training is wrong and so we are wrong, just as the chief priests, elders and Sanhedrin of Israel were?  Holiness, truth, and increased faith come from being close to God.  He is Holy and holds all truth so we stick close to Him and we become more like Him. 

Where was Peter sitting? Vs69  in the courtyard

Who approached him?  A servant girl

What was said to him?  You were with Jesus

How did Peter respond? Vs70  I don’t know what you are talking about

What did Peter do? Vs71  he left and went out the gateway

What happened there?  Another servant girl saw him and told the people there “this fellow was with Jesus”

What did Peter say? Vs72  I don’t know the man

After a little while what happened to Peter? Vs73  those standing there went to him and said “surely you are one of them, your accent gives you away”.

How did Peter respond? Vs74  he called down curses and swore “I don’t know the man!” 

What happened as soon as he finished speaking?  A rooster crowed.

What did Peter remember? Vs75  the word that Jesus had spoken “before the rooster crows you will disown me 3 times”. 

What did this memory cause Peter to do?  He went outside and wept bitterly.  

Matthew Chapter Twenty-Six Part One

Jesus finished saying “all these things”.  What were they?

Jesus concludes His teaching on when the Son of Man will come back, being watchful, and eternity. 

What did Jesus remind the disciples is two days away? Vs2  the Passover

What will happen on that day?  The Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.

Meanwhile, who was gathering? Vs3  the chief priests and the elders of the people

Where did they assemble?  In the palace of Caiaphas, the high priest.

For what purpose did they assemble? Vs4  to scheme on arresting Jesus secretly and kill Him.

Think about this….was it a deliberate intention to have Jesus murdered?  Yes

When did the gathered people decide it would NOT be a good time for this? Vs5  during the festival

Why?  The people might riot

Where was Jesus at this time? Vs6  In Bethany, in the home of Simon the leper

What took place there? Vs7  a woman came to Jesus with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume.  She poured it on His head as He was reclining at the table.

What was the disciples problem with this? Vs8-9   why waste this, the money could have been sold high and then given to the poor.

Read John 12:4-6.

Which disciple do you think was the one to start this discussion and why?  Judas, he was keeper of the money bag and helped himself to it.

What did Jesus say the woman had done? Vs10  a beautiful thing to Him.

How did Jesus justify what she did? Vs11  the poor you will always have with you, but you won’t always have me.

What did He say the perfume was for? Vs12  to prepare Him for burial.

This event was so special; what did Jesus say would always happen because of it? Vs13  it would be retold wherever the gospel was preached.

Jesus had 12 men, called disciples, that He was sharing His life and teaching with intimately.  Which one is mentioned in this verse? Vs14  Judas

Why is he mentioned, what did he do? vs14   He went to the Chief priests

What did he say? Vs15  what are you willing to give me if I deliver Him over to you?

What was the offer?  30 Pieces of silver

What did he watch for from that time on? Vs16  an opportunity to hand Jesus over.

When I really sit and think about this, my mind is blown.  This man sat under Jesus teaching, saw all His miracles, heard His heart for the Father and saw the mercy and love that He had for sinners.  We are talking about sitting with God in the flesh!  How could he so easily go and make a deal to deceive Jesus for money?  How could he have hardened his heart so badly?

For some reason Judas was addicted to money.  We know he took care of the money bag for Jesus and the disciples and he helped himself to it.  We also know that he protested the bottle of perfume being poured over Jesus.  Hi remark was “it could have been sold and given to the poor”.  Did he really think that Jesus didn’t know what he was up to? 

Whether Judas was a gambler, drug addict, shopaholic, or anything else, he allowed his sin to blind him and keep his heart from really engaging with Jesus.

Ask God to search your heart now.  Is there something in your life that is getting in the way of you completely engaging with Jesus? 

This is one of the best things to ask God every day:

Psalm 139:23-24

Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.

 See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

 

What did the disciples ask Jesus? Vs17  where do you want us to make preparations for the Passover? 

Which day during the festival did they ask?  The first day

What instructions did Jesus give? Vs18  go into the city to a certain man and tell him the teacher says my appointed time is near.  I am going to celebrate Passover with my disciples at your house.

What did the disciples do?  Vs19  As Jesus said.

Where was Jesus when evening came? Vs20  reclining at the table with the 12.

What were they doing? Vs21  eating

While there, what did Jesus say?  Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.

Imagine after all the teaching and travelling and joy they have shared, they are now enjoying a holiday evening and Jesus comes out with that statement, which probably seemed out of the blue.

How did they feel about what He said? Vs22  sad

What did one after another say to Him?  Surely you don’t mean me?

How did Jesus answer them? Vs23  the one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me.  (they all may have dipped their bread with Him)

Then what did Jesus tell them? Vs24  things will happen just as has been written.  But woe to the man who betrays me.  It would be better for him if he had not been born. 

Who spoke? Vs25  Judas

What does the text tell us about him?  He would be the one to betray Jesus

What did he say to Jesus?  Surely you don’t mean me, teacher.

How did Jesus answer him?  You have said so

During the meal, what did Jesus do and say? Vs26  he took the bread, gave thanks and broke it.  He gave it to His disciples and said “take, eat, this is my body”

What did Jesus do and say next?  Vs27-28  He took the cup, gave thanks and handed it to His disciples saying “drink from it, all of you.  This is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Why was Jesus blood poured out? Vs28  for the forgiveness of sins (atonement)

What did Jesus tell the disciples next? Vs29  He will not drink from this fruit of the vine until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.

Jesus called the cup “His blood” and told them to drink it.  He said He would not drink from it again until the new day when they drink together again, in his Father’s kingdom.  This may have been Jesus way of confirming what He already told them - He would be crucified and this was to be their last time together. 

Every time a covenant was made or renewed, death occurred.  

Read Leviticus 17:10-14 and Deuteronomy 12:23-25. 

What is the life of every living creature?  It’s blood

What does this scripture say not to do?  Not to eat or drink the blood.

Read John 6:53-58.

What does this tell us about the blood of the Son of Man?  If we don’t drink His blood we will not have life in us.

Chapter Twenty Five

 

Jesus says “At that time”.  What time is Jesus speaking of? (see previous chapter) Vs1 the day the Lord will come

What will the kingdom of heaven be like?  10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom

How many virgins were foolish? Vs2  5

How many virgins were wise?  5

What did the foolish ones do? vs3  took their lamps but didn’t take oil.

What did the wise ones do? vs4  they took oil in jars with their lamps.  (prepared)

The bridegroom was a long time in coming so what happened to the virgins? Vs5  they became drowsy and fell asleep.

What happened at midnight? Vs6  the cry rang out “here’s the bridegroom, come and meet Him.”

Which virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps? Vs7  All

What did the foolish ones say to the wise ones? Vs8  give us some oil our lamps are going out.

How did the wise respond? Vs9  no, there may not be enough for both of us, go and buy some for yourselves.

The foolish virgins went to buy oil, what happened while they were gone? Vs10  the groom arrived, the ones that were ready went into the wedding banquet with Him and the door was shut.

The others arrived late, what did they say? Vs11  Lord, Lord, open the door for us

What did the groom say? Vs12  truly, I tell you, I don’t know you.

Because we don’t know the day or hour of Jesus return, what should we do? vs13  keep watch

The wise virgin prepares for the bridegroom.  The foolish one doesn’t and loses out.

If you think it was mean of the wise virgins not to share their oil, you missed the point.  You see; my relationship with Jesus will not get you where you need to be.  You have to have your own relationship with Him.  I can encourage you to get oil and I can teach you how to get oil, but you have to have your own oil when the time comes.  The point of this story is: we each have to be ready

Jesus used stories that the people of that culture could relate to.  The story of the virgins and their oil had to do with the way the Jewish culture prepared for marriage; the bridegroom would come unexpectedly to collect his bride. 

 

How do we know that Jesus is still making the same point about His return? Vs14  he says “again”

What will His return be like?  A man going on a journey who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them.

What did the man give his servants? Vs15  to one; 5 bags of gold, to another; 2 bags and to another; 1 bag.

How was it decided by the man how much each would be in charge of?  According to their ability.

What did the servant with 5 bags do and how did it turn out? vs16  he put the money to work and gained double the money.

What about the servant with 2 bags? Vs17  he put it to work and doubled his money too.

What about the servant with 1 bag?  Vs18  he dug a hole and hid it

When did the master return? Vs19  after a long time

When he returned, what did he do? he settled accounts with each

The servant with 5 bags showed the master his return on his investment; what did the master say? Vs20-21  well done good and faithful servant, you have been faithful with a few things so I will put you in charge of many.  Come and share in your master’s happiness.

When the servant with 2 bags showed the master his return, what did the master say? Vs22-23  the same thing

What did the servant with 1 bag tell the master? Vs24-25  I know you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.  So I was afraid and went and hid your gold and her eis what belongs to you (one bag).

What did the master call him? vs26  a wicked and lazy servant

Why? Vs26-27  he should have at least given the money to the bank so he would have received interest on it.  He should have made some effort even if he was afraid.

What was the servant with one bag told to do? vs28  give it to the servant with 10 bags.

Why?  Vs29  whoever has, will be given more and they will have abundance. 

What happens to those who don’t have?  Even what they have will be taken from them. 

What happens to the lazy servant? Vs30 he is thrown outside into the darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 

Where to begin?....

For a long time this parable bothered me because I would focus on the money.  But this is not a story about investing money or greed.  It is really about obedience and readying ourselves for the masters return.  Two servants were faithful whereas one didn’t really trust his master.  Out of his lack of trust, he disobeyed. 

The master knew that he had trust issues that’s why he only trusted him with one bag of gold (“each according to his ability”.)  This servant didn’t really know his master.

Jesus tells the same thing in three different ways to make sure that each personality can understand His point. 

Think about this in terms of what God has entrusted to you spiritually.  We have the treasure of Jesus, are we to invest it in others or bury it in the ground?  When Jesus returns how much investment will you have made for Him?

The point of Jesus return is not when it will take place, but what have we done while we waited.  The master in this parable was gone a long time which is how it will be for most of us as we wait for Jesus return.  We have abilities that God has given us.  One servant buried his gold to keep it safe, living the way that he wanted while the master was gone.  Let’s not bury our treasure while we wait for the masters return but instead invest it in others for the kingdom. 

When the Son of Man comes in glory, who will be with Him? vs31  the angels

Where will He sit?  On His glorious throne.

Who will be gathered before Him? vs32  all the nations

What will He separate?  The people, one from another.

What will the separating be like?  Like a shepherd separates sheep from goats.

Where will each go? Vs33  sheep on the right, goats on the left

I just had a thought; is this why it used to be thought that you were cursed if you were left handed?  There was a time when they tried to correct you and make you switch to righty because lefty was so frowned upon.  This Bible makes it clear that on the right side is the valued position, the sheep go on the right, the goats on the left…just a silly thought J

What will the king say to those on the right? Vs34  come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance.

What is the inheritance?  the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world

Why will they inherit this? Vs35-36  Jesus was hungry and they fed Him, He was thirsty and they gave Him a drink, He was a stranger and they invited Him in.  He needed clothes and they clothed Him, He was sick and they helped Him, He was in prison and they visited Him. 

How will the righteous answer this? Vs37-39  Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you or thirsty and give you a drink? When di we see you a stranger and invite you or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go visit you?

How will the king answer the righteous? Vs40  truly, whatever you did for one of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did for me. 

Look at what teaching Jesus had just finished teaching…the parable of the 3 servants.  The 3 servants were to invest their money; the spiritual meaning is that we are to invest in the kingdom with the abilities that God gives us and now Jesus even tells what the investments are   – feeding, hydrating, clothing, healing, visiting.

There is an inheritance that comes to the good and faithful servants.

What will He say to those on His left (goats)? Vs41  depart from me you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 

In verse 31, who will come with Jesus when He returns?  His angels

According to verse 41, are all angels devoted to God?  No some are Satan’s

According to verse 32-33, are all humans devoted to God?  No some are sheep (righteous) and some are goats (cursed). 

What are two things that the people on the left of Jesus called?  Goats and cursed.

Why will these people depart for the fire? Vs42-43  they never lifted a finger to help Jesus.

What will they ask? Vs44  when did we see you in need and not help you?

What will Jesus tell them? Vs45  whatever you did not  do for one of these in need, you did not do for me.

When the separating, or explanations, are finished, what will happen? Vs46  they will go away to eternal punishment but the righteous to eternal life. 

What are you final thoughts on these judgments?  Doing doesn’t make you righteous.  It is the condition of the heart responding with action.  If we do things to try and gain eternal life, it is pointless see Ephesians 2:8-10.  However, if we have a heart for God then we are obedient to love and serve others out of that love. 

Matthew Chapter 24 - Part 2

What did Jesus say not to believe? Vs26  If anyone tells them that the Messiah is in the wilderness or in the inner rooms.

Why not believe it? Vs27  because the coming of the Son of Man will be as visible as lightning.  The lightning can take place in the East but still be visible in the west.

Where do vultures gather? Vs28  where there is a dead body. 

 Luke 17, Jesus is speaking of the same period in time.  In Luke 17:37 What question did the disciples ask that Jesus answered?  Where will this take place?

What was Jesus answer to the question?  Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather.

What did Jesus tell them would take place immediately after the distress? Vs29  the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give it’s light, the stars will fall from the sky and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.

Read Isaiah 13:9-13.  Does this sound like the same day that Jesus spoke of?  Yes

How many people survive this time?  Few, they are scarcer than pure gold more rare than the rarest gold (the gold of Ophir).

Has history seen a day like this yet?  No

Read Revelation 6:12-13.  Does this sound like the same day that Jesus spoke of?  Yes

This day, which we have not seen yet in history, was prophesized in the Old Testament, the Gospels (by Jesus) and the New Testament book of Revelation.

Would you say that God is serious about this taking place?  Yes, it is spoken of in various place of scripture, not just once and all of God's prophecy comes to fruition. 

How do you see a just, wrathful God in these verses?  Evil, wickedness and sin must be accounted for.  God will pour out the wrath that is due and exercise His judgment for godlessness.

How do you see a loving, merciful God in these verses?  God has warned throughout history that this day would come and these events would take place.  No one will have an excuse for not being prepared.  On that day, everyone will answer for the sin that runs rampant, but we can give our lives to Jesus and we don’t have to be afraid.

Once the distress has taken place and the heavenly bodies shaken, what sign will appear? Vs30  the Son of Man in Heaven.

What will ALL peoples of the earth do?  they will mourn

What will they see?  the Son of Man coming on the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory.

What will He send His angels to do with a loud trumpet call? Vs31  gather His elect from the 4 winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

Who gets gathered?  His elect

From where?  The 4 winds (NSEW) – one end of the heavens to the other

Is He gathering only the people left on earth?  No, ALL His people.  Those who were in heaven and those on earth, from everywhere.

Who do you think Jesus’ elect will be?  Christians – those that the Father has given Him – John 17:20-26.

As of today, has any of this taken place yet?  No

What does Jesus tell us to learn from about the timing? Vs32  the fig tree

What about it?  When it’s twigs get tender and the leaves come out, you know summer is near.

What will we know when we see all these things? Vs33  that His return is near.

What did Jesus say about this generation? Vs34  they will not pass away until all these things have happened.  I assume that this means either the generation of Jesus covenant – more of an age or a span of time like the age of grace.  Or it could mean that the events listed will take place within one generation of people.  The last generation.  The events will not be spread out for too long once they begin. 

Eventually, what will pass away? Vs35  this heaven and earth.

But what never will pass away?  God’s Words

In regards to the day that Jesus is seen coming on the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory and an angelic trumpet call; when will be the day and hour?  Vs36  no one knows except the Father.

Does Jesus know what the date will be?  No

What will the days be like when Jesus returns? Vs37  like the days of Noah

How are these two “times” compared? Vs38  the days before the flood people were eating, drinking, marrying and giving children to marriage.

Besides Noah, did anyone know or act like or prepare like something was coming? Vs39  no

When did they find out?  When the flood took them

That is what it will be like when the Son comes back in glory.

Two men will be together in the field; what will happen to them? Vs40  one will be taken and the other left.

Just so we know this isn’t gender related, what will happen to the two women grinding? Vs41  one will be taken the other left.

What is the warning to them/us? Vs42  keep watch because we don’t know what day the Lord will come.  (but we do know the signs of the age that He will come)

If the owner of a house knows what time a thief will come, what would he do? vs43  he would have kept watch and not let his house be broken into.

Therefore, what did Jesus say we should be, and why? Vs44  be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when we don’t expect, like the thief.

Jesus return will be unexpected.  How fast will the sorting of those that know and love Him and those that don’t, take place?  (Back to Vs41)  one is taken the other is left – sudden and quick.

What do you think it means to “keep watch” - to watch the sky day and night?  Watch for the signs that He Himself has told us about.  Be alert and of sober mind. 

The next verse is a rhetorical question.  It answers what it asks; the faithful and wise servant is the one the master put in charge of the servants in His household to give them their food at the proper time.

What would it be good for the Master to find when He returns? Vs46  that servant doing what he was put in charge to do (feeding the others). 

What will this servant be put in charge of? Vs47  all of the masters possessions.

What is the servant called if he feels he can put off his work because the master is away for a long time? Vs48  wicked

What does he do instead of feeding the others? Vs49  he beats them and eats and drinks with drunkards.

What will happen to this type of servant in charge? Vs50  the master will come  on a day when he does not expect Him and an hour that he isn’t aware of.

What will the master do? vs51  cut him to pieces and assign him to a place with the hypocrites where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Strong words.  These words were said by Jesus.  Make no mistake, God is merciful, compassionate and full of grace.  But He is also wrathful and just. When the day comes for Jesus return you will either be found doing the master’s will or you will be caught doing your own.  Jesus didn’t suffer and die so that we could accept His gift of grace and then go on living in the disgusting way of deliberate sin. The servant that puts off what the master has put him in charge of doing, will be considered wicked.  (vs48).

Do you love Jesus?  It’s time for us to take our salvation more serious…time is short.

Matthew Chapter Twenty Four - Part 1

Where was Jesus? Vs1  outside the temple, walking away

What did His disciples do?  they came up to Him and called attention to the temple buildings.

Read Luke 21:5.  What were they saying?  Remarking on how beautiful

What did Jesus tell them? Matthew 24:2  truly I tell you, not one  stone here will be left on another, every one will be thrown down.

As Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him alone.  What did they want to know? Vs3  when will this happen and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?

What was the first thing that He told them? Vs4  watch out that no one deceives you.

What is going to happen? Vs5  many will come in His name claiming they are the Messiah and they will deceive many

What else will happen? Vs6  they will hear of wars and rumors of wars.

How are they to react to this?  Don’t be alarmed.

Why?  Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 

I was struck by the words “don’t be alarmed”.  With the political climate of the world that we live in right now, that’s all you hear from people – alarm. Yet Jesus said not to be alarmed, these things would happen and we / His followers are to go on serving as usual. 

What else will happen? Vs7A  Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.

What else?  Vs7B  There will be famines and earthquakes in various places (all over).

What does Jesus call these instances or events? Vs8  Birth pains

What will happen next? Vs9  they will be handed over to persecution and put to death or be hated by all nations because of Jesus.

What will happen in the midst of this? Vs10  many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other.

What else? Vs11  false prophets will appear and deceive many.

What is a prophet?  Someone that brings a word from God.

So what would a false prophet do?  bring a word claiming to be from God but isn’t – a false word.

What will increase? Vs12  wickedness

Because of this, what will happen to people’s hearts?  Their love will grow cold.

As believers, this is something that we need to be on guard about.  It may be easy to allow cynicism and disgust to take over when everything around us has become wicked.  But we can’t allow our hearts to grow cold.  Although we can’t compromise on sin, we have to remember to keep our love alive.  “speak the truth in love” and hate the sin but love the sinner. 

What happens to those that stand firm in truth to the end? Vs13  they will be saved

Saved from what? Pain? Death?  No, we all still experience pain and physical death (unless rapture) but they will be saved from compromise and eternal death. 

What will take place with the gospel of the kingdom (the good news)? Vs14  it will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to ALL Nations.

Then what will happen?  The end will come

What did Jesus say was a defining moment? Vs15  when you see the Abomination that causes Desolation standing in the holy place.

Who spoke of this in the past?  The prophet Daniel.

Read Daniel 9:26-27, 11:31.

The Abomination of Desolation took place with Antiochus Epiphanes (IV).  However, for Jesus to refer to it as something to come, it shows us that it will take place again.  (It could be why He specifically says, “let the reader understand”. 

The Old Testament taught the Jews that they weren’t to eat pig, it was unclean.  The abomination was that Antiochus Epiphanes slaughtered a pig on the temple altar and then jammed the mean down the throats of the priests – choking them to death.

When they see the Abomination caused by desolation happen, what should those in Judea do? vs16  flee to the mountains

What else did Jesus say about those in Judea? Vs17  Don’t even stop  to take something out of the house…run.

What else? Vs18  if your working don’t hurry back to the house for a coat.

What do these three verses provoke you to feel about that day?  An urgency

Who will it be especially difficult for in those days? Vs19  pregnant women and nursing mothers

What should they hope/pray for? Vs20  that this does not take place in the winter or on the Sabbath.

Read Mark 13:12.  What additional information does this gospel give?  Families will betray each other, children will rebel and parents will put children to death.

Back to Matthew.  What will there be at this time? Vs21  great distress unequaled to anything that has taken place before and never to be equaled again.

Think about the Holocaust and Pompei and other horrific events in history.  It is hard to imagine that there is a time coming that will be even worse than we have experienced on earth. (unequaled)

This time in history will be so bad that if the days weren’t cut short, what would take place? Vs22  no one would survive

For whose sake are the days shortened?  The elect

Read Mark 13:20.  What do you learn about the elect?  God chose them

When this time comes, what did Jesus warn against believing? Vs23  when they hear “here is the Messiah” or “there He is”

Why, what will appear? Vs24  many false messiahs and prophets will appear.

What will they have the power to do?  perform great signs and wonders to deceive (deceive even the elect if possible)

Look at the way verse 24 speaks of false messiahs deceiving people, “even the elect if that is possible.”  When I think about who the elect are that He refers to in this time period, it would have to be people that know Him well and are devoted to Him in truth.  Almost like people that have been sealed by Him.  I wonder if they could be the people mentioned in Revelation 7:4-8 or Revelation 14:1-3. 

This verse addresses the disciples original question in verse 3.  What did Jesus say? Vs25  see, I have told you ahead of time. 

Sequence of events:  go back over the verses listed below and write the “sign” so you can see the sequence

Verse 5  people come claiming to be Messiah and deceive many

Verse 6  wars and rumors of wars

Verse 7a  Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom

Verse 7b  famines and earthquakes all over

This is just the beginning

Verse 9  Believers handed over for persecution and death, and hated by all nations because of Jesus

Verse 10  Many will turn from the faith, and will betray and hate each other

Verse 11 Many false prophets will appear and deceive many

Verse 12  an increase of wickedness and the love of most will grow cold

Verse 14  the gospel will be preached in the whole world

Verse 15  the Abomination that causes desolation will stand in the temple

He was speaking to His disciples. Many of these things they were going to experience, a few they would not. 

 In Luke 21:24 Jesus said Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

A roman general destroyed Jerusalem in AD70.  Since then, the Gentiles have “trampled on it.”  The Muslim Dome of the Rock Mosque is where the temple used to stand.  The temple was destroyed as Jesus said it would be.  The Jews and Christians underwent persecution and death.  Many Jews and Christians have turned away from the faith and betrayed each other, false prophets have come and gone and continue to come, wickedness has increased continually and love has grown cold.  Many of these events have occurred and are speeding up and intensifying since then, and will continue until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

Matthew Chapter Twenty Three

Jesus just finished answering the Pharisees question and left them feeling a little humiliated.  Then what did Jesus say to the crowds and the disciples? Vs1-2  the teachers and Pharisees sit in Moses seat

Because of this, what do the people have to be careful to do? vs3  everything they tell them. 

What should they NOT do and why?  What the Pharisees and Teachers do because they don’t practice what they preach.

What did Jesus say about their laws/rules? Vs4  they are cumbersome heavy loads on other people’s shoulders, but they are not willing to lift a finger to help move them.

The Pharisees sit in Moses seat or took over where Moses once led from.  Because of this, they tell the people what to do and how to live.  But Jesus said, be careful Not to do what they do because they don’t follow their own rules.  They are not good examples, they leadership is a farce.  They make following God difficult and cumbersome and they don’t do anything to help those that are in need or are struggling.

What did Jesus reveal about the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law? Vs5-7 

Verse 5  everything is done for people to see.  they make their outward adornments large (phylacteries wide and tassels on garments long) so everyone can see how spiritual they are.

Verse 6 They love and take the places of honor at the banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues. 

Verse 7  they love to be greeted with respect in the market places and to be called Rabbi by others.  (Rabbi means teacher or spiritual teacher)

What did Jesus say about that term? Vs8  they are not to be called Rabbi because there is just one teacher and all others are brothers.

Jesus is talking to spiritual leaders.  What did He tell them they aren’t to do? vs9  Call anyone on earth father (in the spiritual sense, like “holy father”)

Why?  They have one Father and He is in Heaven. 

Since He is speaking to spiritual leaders about spiritual matters, what do you think He means by this?  Are we not to call our birth fathers, father?  He means no one on earth should be given supreme authority.  They are all bothers and the only “God the Father” is in Heaven.

What else should they not be call themselves and why? Vs10  instructors.  They have one instructor - the Messiah

Who is greatest amongst them? Vs11  their servant

What is the explanation for all this? Vs12  those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Jesus begins a list of condemnations for the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law.  What did He accuse them of doing? Vs13  shutting the door of the kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces.  They do not enter nor will they let those enter that are trying to.

Some manuscripts use include the same words as Luke 20:47 here.  Read that verse.

What else did it say about the Pharisees and Teachers?  They take widows houses (probably because they can’t afford to pay temple fees or for sacrifice) and make a show of things with lengthy prayers.  These men will be punished severely.  Jesus reveals their hearts through these verses.  Everything they did was motivated by selfishness, not by a heart for what’s right for God.  And who would better know their hearts than God?

What did Jesus say “woe” to them for in this verse? Vs15  they do a lot of travelling just to win one convert and then that convert is made twice as much a child of hell as they are.

What did Jesus call them? Vs16  blind guides

Why are they doomed (woe’d)?  they make up ridiculous scenerios and exceptions.  Like if you swear by the temple it means nothing but if you swear by the gold of the temple then it is binding. 

They have it backwards; what did Jesus ask that reveals this? Vs17  what is greater; gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred?

What else did they get backwards? Vs18  if anyone who wears by the altar it means nothing but if you swear by the gift on the altar it is binding.

Again, what did Jesus ask that reveals their ignorance? Vs19  which is greater the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred?

How did Jesus straighten this out? Vs20-21  revealing that when you swear by, or make an oath by swearing truth on the altar you cover anything on it.  And anyone who swears by the temple swears by it and the one who dwells in it.

He goes further, what else did He say? Vs22  anyone who swears by Heaven, swears by God’s throne and by the one who sits on it.

Phew!  What it boils down to is that Jesus is teaching them that they need to see things broader; that zeroing in on details are silly.  God needs to be acknowledged in all things.  Don’t be so foolish to believe that a relationship with God is rule following or nit-picking.

Jesus continued His teaching to the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law.  Why did He say they are doomed (woe’d) now? Vs23  they are hypocrites that give a tenth of everything, right down to their spices and herbs, but neglect the more important matters of the law, like justice, mercy and faithfulness.

They should have practiced the latter but not by neglecting the former. 

Is Jesus saying that they shouldn’t tithe?  No, It shouldn’t be the main focus, the focus should be on the reason to tithe – the heart behind it.

What is Jesus showing them with this verse? Vs24  they concentrate, or over-focus, on the tiny while neglecting the bigger things.

I have seen people become obsessed with everyone giving a tenth of their income, they preach tithing all the time.  I believe in tithing and the Bible is pretty clear about it. (I could do an entire study about it)  But we can’t allow our hearts to close to needs around us because of a “we gave at the office” mentality, that is not at all what God intended.  When needs arise for others we can’t close our hearts in self-righteousness and say “I gave my tithe and if everyone else did then those people would be taken care of.”  We, Christians, are to be people of the heart.  No matter how much we have given, we need to always be open for giving more when God brings a need before us.

Why are the Pharisees and Teachers doomed next? What does Jesus have against them?  Vs25  they clean the outside of the cup and dish (the parts seen by others) but inside they are cull of green and self indulgence. 

What instructions did He give them? Vs26  first clean the inside and then the outside will also be clean.

Is Jesus talking about a Utensil cup?  No, He is talking about them.  If they get the inside straight, (their hearts/motives) it will automatically reflect on the outside (their actions). 

Now what did Jesus say they were woeful for? Vs27  they are like white washed tombs. 

They are beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead bones and everything unclean. 

how did He explain this? Vs28  on the outside they appear righteous, but on the inside they are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

Imagine having a position of great importance in the community, thinking you are better than others and then having Jesus say this to you.  How do you think they are feeling?

How would a prideful heart respond?  In anger.  Most likely wanting retaliation, vengeance, pay back, etc…

How would a humble heart respond? Horrified that they had missed this.  They would feel ashamed that they had to be rebuked and maybe even throw themselves at Jesus feet, begging for mercy and forgiveness.

What else do these leaders do, that Jesus points out? Vs29-30  they build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous and say “if we had lived in the days of our ancestors we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.” 

When they say these things, what are they doing? Vs31  testifying against themselves that they are the descendants of those who shed the prophets blood. 

What did Jesus tell them they will do? vs32 complete what their ancestors started.

What did He call them? Vs33  snakes, a brood of vipers.

What did He ask?  How will they escape being condemned to hell?

What did He tell them He will send and that they would do? vs34  He will send prophets, sages and teachers and they will kill, crucify and flog in their synagogues.    They will also pursue them from town to town.  (this was His prophecy about how they would kill Him and then His followers/disciples after Him.  He was crucified and His disciples were chased from town to town, region to region and killed for their faith, by word of the Pharisees and leaders). 

What will they become responsible for? Vs 35  all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth from the first murder of Abel.

Who will this come down on? Vs36  this generation (the generation that was living then)

Why do you think it will come down on them?  Because they would be responsible for Jesus death. 

Jesus lamented.  What was He saying? Vs37  He mourns for Jerusalem – because He has longed to bring them into His house, even with all the wrong they had done, but they were unwilling.  For generations God tried to make them His people, not just in name but in truth.  He wanted them to “get it”.  But they wouldn’t surrender their will and submit their hearts.  They chose their own way.

How were they left? Vs38  desolate.  (Without His filling)

When would they see Him again? Vs39  when they say “ blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”

What had been said when He came to Jerusalem this time?  Matthew 21:9  Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. 

They needed to recognize Him as Lord, and so do we.

He was going to leave earth (by crucifixion, then ascension) and He wouldn’t be back until the end of days.  Whenever that day comes...

Matthew Chapter Twenty Two

Jesus continues speaking.  He begins telling another parable.  What did He say the kingdom of Heaven is like? Vs1-2  A king who prepared a wedding banquet for His son.

Who did the king send his servants to? Vs3  those that were invited to the banquet.

What happened?  They refused to come.

What did the king do? vs4  sent more servants with the message that he has prepared the dinner, everything is ready, come to the banquet.

How did those invited respond? Vs5  they paid no attention and went off to work.

What did some do? vs6  seized the servants, mistreated and killed them.

How did the king feel about it? Vs7  he was enraged.

What did he do?  sent his army and destroyed the murderers and burnt their city.

What did the king tell his servants? Vs8  the banquet is ready but those I invited did not deserve to come.

What did he instruct the servants to do? vs9  go to the street corners and invite anyone you find.

What did the servants do? vs10  went out and invited all the people they could find – good and bad and the wedding hall was filled.

When the king came into the guests, what did he notice? Vs11  a man who was not wearing wedding clothes

What did he ask? Vs12  how did you get in here without wedding clothes?

What was the man’s response?   He was speechless

What did the king tell his attendants to do? vs13  bind his hands and feet and throw him outside into the darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Why? Vs14  many are invited but few are chosen.

Who is the king?  God

Who is the son?  Jesus

Who were the servants?  The prophets

Who are the guests that wouldn’t come?  Jews/Israel/religious leaders

Who are the guests that the wedding was opened up to?  The Gentiles, the ordinary, the sinners.

Why did the man without wedding clothes get thrown out?  He hadn’t put on wedding clothes - He hadn’t prepared himself

Read Revelation 19:6-9 and Revelation 21:9-10

What wedding is the parable referring to?  The lamb and His bride.

According to the parable, who would the bride be?  Jerusalem

Who are the uninvited guests that the wedding is opened up to?  Christians, the Church

Who would the man be that didn’t wear the proper clothes?  One who didn’t accept Jesus

Read Isaiah 61:10, Revelation 22:14 and Revelation 3:4.

What are the proper clothes?  Jesus righteousness.

Read Revelation 22:14-15.  What do you understand about the man from this verse? He practiced falsehood.  The man was thrown out for not being dressed properly.  He hadn’t clothed himself in Jesus righteousness.  He was thrown outside in the darkness with those that practice falsehood (unrepentant). 

The Pharisees and teachers thought they were destined for heaven because of their ethnicity, status and position – self righteousness.

Jesus was telling them that the Son has been sent as the groom and the way into the kingdom (wedding) is through Him.  he was telling them that because of their stubbornness, the wedding (kingdom) was opened up to outsiders, to anyone that would accept Jesus invitation and clothe themselves in Him. 

All are invited to the wedding of the lamb.  Some will just not come, others will be against the wedding, others will think they are able to get in but they will be thrown out.  Only those wearing their faith in Jesus will attend.

After hearing this, the Pharisees left and made some plans.  What were the plans for? Vs15  to trap Jesus in His words.

What did the Pharisees do? vs16  sent their disciples to Jesus along with the Herodians (people who supported Herod Antipas).

These people address Jesus with flattery.  What did they say they knew about Him? vs16  that He was a man of integrity and He taught the way of God in accordance with the truth and wasn’t swayed by others.

When someone begins a question or comment with flattery or trying to butter you up, what can you usually expect?  They are trying to set you up.

Then their question came which reveals why they brought the political Herodians with them.  What is their question? Vs17  is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?

What had Jesus figured out about these people? Vs18  their evil intent

How did He answer them?  You are hypocrites.  Why are you trying to trap me? Can you even imagine Jesus’ frustration?  These are His people, people He is trying to help and they keep missing what He is telling them and try to find a problem with Him instead.

What did He ask to be shown? Vs19  a coin used for paying taxes.

They brought Him a denarius.  What did He ask then? Vs19-20  whose image and inscription is this (or on this coin)? 

The answer? Vs21  Caesar’s

What did Jesus tell them?  Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.

How were they affected by this answer? Vs22  they were amazed so they left Him.

Explain what you think Jesus’ answer means:

We have to answer to both.  Give Caesar his money, but give God your heart.  He had called them hypocrites.  They really didn’t know Him or understand what He was trying to do. They brought political people with them with the intention of having Him arrested for opposing Caesar.    But He didn’t, he told them to pay Caesar and by doing so scolded them for their crooked hearts.  They proclaimed his integrity in the beginning thinking it would force Him to be honest.  But Jesus never had a problem being honest, He didn’t have twisted intent like many human leaders have.

I wonder if the disciples ever had discussions about the motives and manipulation of the Pharisees and religious leaders.  They witnessed all of the evil intent and Jesus rebuking them and yet there isn’t any conversations recorded about them.

The Pharisees left, but “that same day” who showed up? Vs23  the Sadducees

What does scripture tell us was significant about them?  They didn’t believe in the resurrection

What did they go to Jesus with?  A question

What part of Mosaic law did they bring up? Vs24  if a man dies without having children his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. 

What example do they tell Jesus? Vs25-26  7 brothers.  The first brother died and each one married the wife as each died.

What is their question? Vs27-28  who’s wife will she be when she dies?

What did Jesus tell them? Vs29  you are in error because you don’t know the scriptures or the power of God.

Remember what verse 23 told us about the Sadducees; they didn’t believe in the resurrection.  Jesus is addressing that.

What did He say would happen to people at the time of resurrection? Vs30 

They will not marry or be married.  They will live like the angels in heaven.

Jesus speaks of the resurrection of the dead by quoting scripture.  What did He tell them? Vs31-32  “have you not read what God said to you?  I am the God of Abraham the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob”  He is not the God of the dead but of the living.  Or in other words, there is resurrection, God is the God of the resurrected – the spiritually alive.

He answered the issues of their hearts more than the issue that they asked about.

How did the crowd feel about His teaching? Vs33  astonished

Who heard that Jesus silenced the Sadducees and what did they do because of it? Vs34  the Pharisees heard and then got together.

An expert in the law had a question for Jesus.  What was his intent for this question? Vs35  to test Jesus

What did he ask? Vs36  which is the greatest commandment?

Jesus didn’t hesitate to answer.  What did He say? Vs37  love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind.

Which commandment was this? Vs38  the first and greatest

What is the second greatest commandment? Vs39  Love your neighbor as yourself

What did Jesus say about these two commandments? Vs40  All the law and prophets hang on them

What do you think that means?  All the laws fall under these.  This is what the law was for, to enforce the LOVE of God and others – not to replace it.

Jesus saw an opportunity.  What was the opportunity and what did He do? vs41  the Pharisees were gathered together so he asked them a question.

What did Jesus ask? Vs42  what do you think about the Messiah?  Whose son is He?

What is the reply?  The Son of David

Now Jesus gives them a question to think about, what did He ask? Vs43-45  How is it then that David speaking in the Spirit, calls Him Lord?  If He calls Him Lord, how can He be his son?

How did they reply? Vs46  no reply.

What did the question cause them to do?  not ask any more questions.  No one dared.

Jesus revealed how to achieve the kingdom of Heaven, through the wedding parable.

As usual, the Pharisees didn’t like what He had to say, they had stubborn hearts (or were stiff necked people as God had called their ancestors in the Old Testament).

He was trying to tell them to let down all their piousness and pretenses and believe.  Just have faith and seek God with their hearts, not their status.

Choose God, over World.

Matthew Chapter Twenty One

Jesus  and His disciples had been travelling.  They came to the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem.  Where did Jesus send two disciples? Vs1-2 to the next village

For what purpose?  To find a donkey with a colt by her.  Untie them and bring them to Jesus.

What if someone questions what they are doing? Vs3  tell them the Lord needs them and will send them back.

What did this fulfill? Vs4  prophecy

What had been foretold?  Vs5  your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Read Zechariah 9:9. 

Isn’t it amazing to see how these things were foretold over 500 years before Jesus came to earth?

What did the disciples do? vs6  they did what Jesus instructed them to do.

What did they do when they brought the donkeys to Jesus? Vs7  placed their cloaks on them, for Jesus to sit on.

What did the crowd do that had been following Jesus? Vs8  spread their cloaks on the road and cut branches and spread them on the ground.  Palm branches and leaves would provide a covering.

Crowds were ahead of Him and behind Him.  What were they shouting? Vs9  Hosanna to the Son of David.  (Hosanna means Save but is also used to praise God)  Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.  Hosanna in the highest Heaven – Save or praise in the highest Heaven!

What did they call Jesus?  Son of David

Do these shouts sound like they believed Jesus to be the Messiah?  Sure.  They knew prophecy said that the Messiah would come from David’s line. 

Jesus entered the city this way.   What did the people in the city ask? Vs10  who is this?

What did the crowds answer? Vs11  Jesus the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.

In the middle of all the excitement, what did Jesus go and do? vs12  he entered the temple courts and drove out those buying and selling there.  He overturned tables for the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.

Who did He drive out?  Those buying and selling. 

Jesus quoted scripture; what did He quote? Vs13  my house will be called a house of prayer.

What is done in this type of house?  Prayer, communion with God.

What did Jesus say they had turned it into?  A den of robbers.

People had set up shop inside the temple courts for their own benefit.  They were charging travelers for changing currency to the temple currency so they could buy offerings for their sacrifices.  The merchants sold birds/doves and animals for sacrifice at inflated prices because many of the people had travelled such a long distance that they couldn’t have brought their own animals with them.  The merchants and money changers were using God’s house as a way to take advantage of the people and get rich.  None of this is what God intended when He set up the system of burnt offerings and sacrifice.  His temple was to be a place of cleansing and communing with Him. 

Do you think that this principle (of merchant using the church to make money) happens in our Churches today?  Explain:  charging huge fees for speaking and Bible study materials.  Just like the world, the more popular a speaker becomes, the more the people are charged to come and hear them teach or the more expensive their materials (dvds) become.  Not that they shouldn’t be able to make some money and support their families, but some have gotten to a place where they are robbing God’s people.

Once Jesus cleared the corruption from the temple, what took place? Vs14  the blind and lame came and Jesus healed them.

Who became indignant with Jesus? Vs15  the chief priests and teachers of the law

What did they see that made them this way?   The wonderful things that Jesus did and the children shouting in the courts “Hosanna to the Son of David”.

What did they say to Jesus? Vs16  do you hear what the children are saying?

Jesus answered once again with scripture; what did He quote for them?  From the lips of children and infants, you Lord, have called forth your praise.

It was the place of the chief priests and teachers to know the law and words of the prophets.  They would have recognized what Jesus said.  They should have opened their eyes to Him, especially now. But this is what happens when we close our heart to the truth.  For them, their pride got in the way of truth, they had head knowledge but no heart engagement.

After this, what did Jesus do? vs17  He left and went to Bethany for the night.

Early in the morning, where did he go? Vs18  back to the city.

How did he feel; physically?  Hungry

What did He see by the road? Vs19  a fig tree

He went up to it and what did He find?  Nothing but leaves – no fruit

What did He do?  He cursed it.  He told it “may you never bear fruit again.”

What happened immediately?   It withered

When the disciples saw this they were amazed.  What did they want to know? Vs20  how did it wither so quickly?

What was Jesus answer? Vs21  if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do this, but you can tell a mountain to throw itself into the sea and it will happen.

If they believe, what will they receive? Vs22  whatever they ask in prayer.

I think “belief” is nore than wishing.  There must be a deep rooted heart connection to God for this kind of belief.  He added “in prayer” indicating a strong relationship to the Father is required.

Jesus always taught in ways that required thinking, such as parables.  There is a parallel between the tree without fruit and doubt and belief. 

If we doubt we are like trees that don’t bear fruit – useless.

If we stay close to the Lord, such as through prayer, we can accomplish great things, like moving mountains rather than being fruitless.

They arrived back in the city.  Where did Jesus go straight to? Vs23  the temple courts

Jesus was trying to avoid contact with the leaders earlier in His ministry.  But now, He is boldly seeking them out for confrontations.  Now He is taking His message to their turf – the temple. 

He began teaching there and who came to Him?  the chief priests and elders.

What did they ask?  By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?

How did he answer this?  Vs24  I will ask you one question first, if you answer it, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

What was Jesus question for them? Vs25  where did John’s baptism come from, from heaven or human origin?

What did they do?  discussed the question amongst themselves.

They began to calculate their answer.  What was the dilemma? Vs25-26  if they say his baptism is from heaven, then they will want to know why we didn’t believe Him.  But if we say human, we are afraid of the people because they think He was a prophet.

So how did they answer? Vs27  we don’t know.  (sounds like they really didn’t know)

What did Jesus tell them about their question?  Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing things.

Jesus tells another parable.  A man had two sons.  He told the first to go and work in the vineyard.  How did the son reply and then what did he do? Vs28-29  he said I will not, then he later changed his mind and went.

The father told the second son the same.  How did the son reply and what did he do? vs30  he said, I will, but he didn’t go.

What did Jesus ask? Vs31  which of the two did what the father wanted?

How did they answer?  The first.

Who did Jesus say would enter the kingdom ahead of the teachers?  Tax collectors and prostitutes

Why? Vs32  John came to show them the way of righteousness and they didn’t believe in him, but the sinners did.  And even after they saw all that has taken place, they still didn’t repent and believe in Him.  they still said “we don’t know” when asked about John the Baptist.

In your words, what do you think Jesus was telling them in this?

Jesus told another parable.  What did a landowner do? vs33  planted a vineyard, put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower.  Then he rented it out to some farmers and moved to another place.

When harvest time came, what did the landowner do? vs34  he sent servants to the tenants to collect his fruit (rent). 

How did the tenants respond? Vs35  they seized the servants, beat one, killed another and stoned another.

What did the landowner do? vs36  he sent more servants, more than the first time. 

What did the tenants do?  treated them the same way

What did the landowner do, last of all? Vs37  sent his son to the tenants.

What did he think should happen?  They would respect the son

What did the tenants say to each other? Vs38  they said, this is the heir let’s kill him and take the inheritance.

What did the tenants do? vs39  they threw the son out of the vineyard and killed him.

In this parable, who are the tenants?  The leaders/Chief priests and teachers

Who is the landowner?  The Lord

Who are the servants? The prophets

Who is the son?  Jesus

What did Jesus ask the leaders about the parable? Vs40  when the landowner comes, what will He do?

How did they answer? Vs41  he will bring those wretches to an end and rent the vineyard to other tenants who will do right.

Before we go any further, how do you feel about their answer? 

Do you think they understood what Jesus was getting at?

What an amazing thing.  Jesus pointed out to them exactly what was happening.  God is the landowner, they are only renting here and they owe Him.  The religious have rejected, thrown out and killed the prophets who were sent previously and now they are going to kill the Son, the heir.  Because they want things to stay the way they like it.  They reap the benefit of the current system, just like the tenants of the field.

How did Jesus respond to them? Vs42A  have you never read the scriptures.   Remember who He is talking to…the Teachers of the law and chief priests.

Then Jesus quoted Psalm 118:22-23; scripture they would know.  What point was Jesus making? Vs42B  He is the Son, the stone the builders rejected, and even though the tenants killed Him, He will become the cornerstone.  Although He will be killed, it will end up being a marvelous thing.

What is going to happen to the kingdom of God because of this? Vs43  it will be taken away from the religious and given to people who produce its fruit – kingdom fruit.

What will happen to those that fall on the cornerstone? Vs44  they will be broken to pieces.

What will happen to anyone the cornerstone falls on?  They will be crushed.

What did the Leaders know? Vs45  Jesus was talking about them.

Did they repent? Vs46  no, they looked for a way to arrest Him.

What were they afraid of?  The people that thought He was a prophet.

So they weren’t afraid of God, but they were afraid of the people.   What a sobering thing.  We should all examine ourselves to see who and what motivates us.  Are we afraid of God or are we afraid of losing our status-quo?

Matthew Chapter Twenty

Jesus told a parable that related to the kingdom of Heaven; what did He relate the kingdom to? Vs1  a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard.

What did the landowner agree to pay the workers for a day in the vineyard starting early in the morning? Vs2  a denarius

Mid-morning (9am) What did the landowner find? Vs3  he went out and found others standing doing nothing in the marketplace.

What did the landowner tell the people? Vs4  go to work in my vineyard and I will pay you whatever is right.

What did they do? vs5  they went to work

At noon and at 3pm, what did the landowner do again?  He went out and did the same thing – hired more workers.

What did he do at 5 in the afternoon? Vs6  he went out and found others standing around and asked “why have you been here all day doing nothing?”

What was the answer? Vs7  No one has hired us

What did he tell them to do (at 5 in the afternoon)?  Go and work in my vineyard

What did the landowner do when evening came? Vs8  he told the foreman to call the workers in and pay them their wages. 

Who was first to be paid and who was last?  The last ones hired were to be paid first and the first ones hired were to be paid last

How much did the late comers get paid? Vs8  a denarius

What were the mid day workers paid? Vs9  a denarius

What were the early hired men expecting? Vs10  to receive more

What did they get paid?  A denarius

How did they feel about their payment? Vs11  they grumbled

What was the complaint? Vs12  the ones that worked only one hour were paid the same amount as us who bore the burden of the work and the heat of the day.  They had been made equal.

What did the landowner tell them? Vs13 -14  I am not being unfair.  You agreed to work for a denarius.  Take your pay and go, I want to choose to pay them the same as you.

What did the landowner ask the early workers? Vs15  don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own $$?   Are you envious because I am generous?

How did Jesus sum the parable up? Vs16  the last will be first and the first will be last.  (the same teaching as in chapter 19:28-30)

What does this mean to you?  What do you make of it?  I believe it means that it doesn’t matter if you are Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, or what your social status is.  Whenever you choose to follow Jesus, you are rewarded the same as someone that had been following Him for years.  Even if it is at the end of life, we all get eternal life, salvation, if we believe and ask.  God is a generous landowner who gives grace equally to all.

The disciples were looking for or expecting somethings special from their early following of Jesus. They thought it would give them some special standing in Heaven.  Chapter 19 closed with them asking what will those that have followed Him be rewarded, and then what about those that have sacrificed in their lives for Him.  Jesus answered those that were first will be last and those that are last will be first, then He went on to teach this parable. 

Where was Jesus headed next? Vs17  Jerusalem

What did He do with the 12 disciples?  Took them aside

What did He tell them about His sentencing by the Jewish leaders? Vs18-19  the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and teachers of the law.  They will condemn Him to death.

What will be done to Jesus?   He will be handed over to the Gentiles by the Jewish leaders, mocked, flogged and crucified.

What will happen on the third day? Vs19b  he will be raised to life – resurrected.

Who came to Jesus at that point? Vs20  the mother of Zebedees sons. (James & John).

What did this person want? Vs20-21  she asked a favor; please grant that my sons may sit on your right and your left in your kingdom.

What did Jesus tell her? vs22  you don’t know what you are asking, can you drink the cup I am going to drink?  I imagine He told her she didn’t know what He was asking and then turned to her sons and asked them if they could drink the cup He would drink.

Then what did Jesus tell them? Vs23  they would indeed drink from His cup.  But to sit at His right and left is not for Him to decide.  Those places are for whoever the Father prepared them for.

How do the other 10 feel about the woman’s request? Vs24  indignant. 

Jesus called them all together to listen; what did He tell them?vs25  the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over the gentiles and their high officials exercise authority over the rulers.

This is not how things work in Jesus kingdom.  Status and titles aren’t important, what is? Vs26-27  whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant.  Whoever wants to be first must be your slave. 

What example did Jesus give? Vs28  just as He, the Son of Man, did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.

In what ways did Jesus serve on earth?  He healed, taught, delivered from demons, provided food when needed.

When Jesus and His disciples were leaving Jericho, who followed them? Vs29  a large crowd

Who sat by the roadside? Vs30   two blind men.

What happened when they heard Jesus was passing by?  They shouted “Son of David, have mercy on us”

What did the large crowd that followed Jesus out of Jericho do? vs31  they told the men to be quiet

What did the two men do?  shouted louder

This got Jesus attention.  He stopped, and what did He ask? Vs32  what do you want me to do for you?

What did the men say? Vs33  Lord, we want our sight

What happened? Vs34  Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes.  Immediately they received their sight and they followed Jesus.

Jesus has compassion for us.  He is asking you what do you want me to do for you?  What is your reply to Him?

The blind men’s hearts were ready for Jesus.  Once healed, they followed Him. 

Based on all that we have read in Matthew so far, the large crowds followed Jesus because of His healing and teaching – His miracles and renewed thinking.  So doesn’t it seem odd that the crowds would tell the blind men to shut up, since blind men need a miracle? 

Let’s think about his as followers today.   Are we telling people in need of Jesus to be quiet or are we leading them and making a path to healing?   Could we be getting in the way of others coming to Jesus?   I hope the answer to this is no. 

Matthew Chapter Nineteen

Jesus finished His teaching on forgiveness and then what did He do? vs1  he left Galilee and went into Judea to the other side of the Jordan river.

Who followed Him and what did Jesus do for them? Vs2  large crowds, He healed people there.

Who else went to Him there? Vs3  some Pharisees

For what purpose?  To test Him

What did they ask?  Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?

How did Jesus answer? Vs4  haven’t you read , in the beginning the Creator made them male and female.  (they were Pharisees – students of the law – they should know the answer to this which is why He said “haven’t you read”)

Jesus said “for this reason” For what reason does a man leave his parents and become united to his wife? Vs4-5  God created them male and female.

What do the two become? Vs5-6  one flesh.  No longer two, but one

How did Jesus answer the question of divorce? Vs6  what God has joined, let no one separate.

Then what did they ask? Vs7  For what reason did Moses allow that a man divorce his wife and send her away?

How did Jesus answer to that? Vs8  Moses permitted divorce because your hearts were hard.  But it was not this way from the beginning.

What did Jesus say is considered adultery? Vs9  anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman.

Why did Moses allow divorce? Vs7  because the people’s hearts were hard

In your words; what had God intended from the beginning, concerning marriage?

He intended for a man and woman to marry and become one.  No one tears their own flesh away.  God calling them “one flesh” let’s them know that they are permanent.  Just as one wouldn’t get upset with his arm and cut it off, he also wasn’t to get upset with his wife and cast her away.  One flesh – together forever (for better or worse)

If being married means you become “one” and are married for life, then what do the disciples think is best? Vs10  not to marry

What did Jesus say about that theory? Vs11  not everyone can accept this – only those who have been given it.  (given the ability to not marry or have a need for sex, or a family)

What are the two types of people who can live this way? Vs12  those that are born to not desire women and those that choose to live that way for the sake of the kingdom.

Who was brought to Jesus and for what purpose? Vs13  little children, to have Jesus put His hands on them and pray for them.

How did the disciples deal with this?  They rebuked the people

What did Jesus say about it? Vs14  let the little children come to me and don’t keep them away, for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.

What did Jesus do? vs15  He placed His hands on them and then went on.

And then a man came to Jesus, what did he ask? Vs16  Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life? 

How did Jesus answer? Vs17  why do you ask me about what is good

How many are good?  Only one is good

How does one enter eternal life?  Keeping the commandments

What specifically did the man want to know? Vs18  which commandments?

What was Jesus answer to that? Vs18-19  do not murder, steal, give false testimony, honor your mother and father and love your neighbor as yourself.

What did the man tell Jesus, and then ask? Vs20  I have kept these.  What do I still lack?

You can see into this man’s heart that he knows something is still missing. He follows commands, keeps the rules, but still doesn’t’ feel secure.  He could have gone away happy with Jesus first answer, but he knew there was still something not right in his life.  Keeping the commands didn’t seem like enough.  Either that or he was being prideful and expecting Jesus to praise him or appoint him to something.

What did Jesus tell him? vs21  go sell your possessions and give to the poor and you will have treasure in Heaven, then come and follow me. 

Jesus knew that the man’s heart was not engaged.  He was looking for the “things” he could do instead of the one that could change him.  This still happens today.  People want to keep their old ways, follow the rules, do A and B and then spend the rest of their time and life doing what they want.  Being systematic is often easier than following Jesus. 

Did the man get excited about Jesus instructions? Vs22  no, he went away sad.

Why?  Because he had great wealth. 

Jesus knew his heart, he knew his situation and knew that this was the barrier that kept the man from finding eternity with Him. 

Had the man sold everything and followed Jesus, he would have found the happiness that he was seeking.  His wealth kept his heart from engaging.

Think about your life, is there something that keeps you from experiencing the fullness that Jesus wants you to have?

The man went away.  What did Jesus say to His disciples? Vs23  It is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of Heaven. 

What is easier done than a rich man entering Heaven? Vs24  a camel to fit through the eye of a needle.

Write why you think this would be: Having wealth takes away the need to rely on God.  You can buy whatever you need and you have plenty to distract you from being with God.

What did the disciples think about this teaching? Vs25  they were astonished

What did they want to know?  Who can be saved?  If nothing is done on merit of a man’s actions, who can be saved?  I think there are plenty of people today that still struggle with this. 

what did Jesus tell them? Vs26  with man, this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. 

What is possible?  People can be saved.  It’s impossible for men to do anything to save themselves, but it is possible for God to save them.  So seek God, not works.

Peter has a thought that causes him to ask a question; what is the question? Vs27  We have left everything for you, what then will there be for us?

In Jesus answer, when will they be rewarded? Vs28  at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne.

What will those that have followed Him, be rewarded?  They will sit on thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel.

What about those that have sacrificed in their lives for Him? vs29  they will receive 100 times as much and will inherit eternal life.

Jesus gave an indication that there will be justice for those that follow Him.  How will things be different in Heaven than on earth? Vs30  those that were first will be last and those last will be first. 

I think there is a really good piece of scripture for us to look at before we put this chapter to rest.  Please read Luke 16:19-31

This teaching is clear about how different things will be in eternity.

Where was Lazarus, the beggar when he died?  At Abraham’s side

Where was the rich man when he died?  In Hades

Who was first on earth?   The rich man

Who was last on earth?   The beggar

In verse 24, what is the rich man doing that Lazarus had to do on earth?  begging

What did Abraham tell the rich man in verse 25?  In your lifetime you received your good things while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 

You may not consider yourself “rich” in accordance to U.S. figures, but globally we in the U.S. are incredibly rich.  For instance, we have access to clean water, food availability, and medicine for common illnesses.  Most U.S. households have more than one television, a cell phone for each household member, and at least one car.

Now what did your heart feel initially when you read this, it could be very telling of how much you value your earthly treasures. 

Is this scripture telling us that if we have money on earth we will go to Hades?  Or that we can’t be saved unless we live like beggars and paupers? 

I’m leaving my thoughts to these questions for you to read now.

I would love to defend my way of living and say that Jesus would not have meant that literally but I don’t know that for sure, He certainly meant it to the man that approached Him. 

This I do know; Jesus knew what was in the heart of each man he spoke with and what their motives were behind their questions.  From the first people on earth, God has always been about the individual’s heart.  What’s on the inside and what is keeping us from Him.  Words mean nothing if the heart isn’t engaged.

I believe that we can’t hold anything on this earth to tightly, we must be willing to give up anything other than Him. 

Luke 14:26 says “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.” 

Nothing should come before our love of Him.  Nothing…No one.  Period.

I believe that this is more the point than selling everything and giving it to the poor.  Although we shouldn’t step over the poor and ignore their begging or needs. 

This teaching is like the eye that causes you to sin, gouge it out.  If something takes you away from God get rid of it.

Let nothing come before God in your life.  Abraham was even willing to sacrifice Isaac, the love of his life.  Let there be nothing that you are unwilling to give up if He asks you to…including your own life. 

Let’s end here with a prayer.  Ask God if there is anything in your life that gets in the way of following Him. 

Matthew Chapter Eighteen

Three of the disciples witness the miraculous transfiguration of Jesus and soon after they all see a demon driven out of a boy.  Jesus speaks to them about having faith and then provides another miracle through the mouth of a fish.  Jesus indicates that they are children of a king (He is the king) and therefore they shouldn’t have to pay taxes according to the ways of the world.  So the disciples have a concern.

What did the disciples ask Jesus? Vs1  who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?

Who did Jesus call and put among them? Vs2  a little child

What did He say in answer to their question? Vs3  unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven.

Who is greatest? Vs4  whoever takes a lowly position like the child.

Think of ways that a child is lowly and write them down: dependent, lacking wisdom, trusting, in that day they came last.

What did Jesus add to His answer for the disciples? Vs5  whoever welcomes one such child in my name, welcomes me.  When we are gracious and loving to the lowly, we are being gracious to Jesus.

Jesus defines in this verse, what a “child” is; what did He say? Vs6  one who believes in Him. 

What will it be like for anyone who causes one to stumble?  It would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the sea.

Who will face “woe” for causing people to stumble? Vs7  the world.  Things that cause others to stumble or sin must come, but we don’t want to be the one who they come through. 

What did Jesus say about our own hand or foot? Vs8a  if it causes us to stumble cut it off and throw it away.

Why? Vs8b  it is better to live maimed or crippled than to have to hands and feet and be thrown into the eternal fire. 

What about if our eye causes us to stumble (sin)? Vs9  gouge it out

Why?  It is better to live with one eye than have two and be thrown into the lake of fire.

What point is being made here?  Does Jesus want us to physically hurt ourselves?  Jesus is giving a warning about being on guard.  Stumbling or sinning can take place easily if we aren’t aware.  It seems to happen when we allow the world to have an effect on us.  “Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble.”  We must have an effect on the world, not the opposite. 

Why did Jesus say to them, not to despise or think low of another little one? Vs10  their angels in heaven always see the face of God.

There isn’t a verse 11 because some manuscripts include Luke 9:10 as verse 11 and others do not.

How would Luke 9:10 fit with this teaching?  It is for the purpose of all that Jesus came.  To seek and save the lost.  God sees all people, we are not to judge or mistreat those that aren’t as “spiritual” or mature as us because Jesus wants them to be saved too.

Jesus now puts this teaching into context.  What does He say about a man owning one hundred sheep? Vs12  If one wanders away He will leave the flock together to go and find the one.

Why would He be happier about the one than the ninety-nine? Vs13  because it has been restored.  The other ninety-nine are safe, and now the one is back and safe too.

What does God the Father not want to have happen? Vs14  He doesn’t want anyone to perish.

The little ones are spiritually immature.  Those that don’t have faith yet or are in the early stages of faith.  The angels in Heaven see how God loves them and they pursue watching them. 

What are we to point out to a brother or sister? Vs15 their sin

How are we to do this?  Alone, just the two of you.

How will you know if they are being restored?  If they listen to you..(I believe this means, takes heed, not just hear you out.

What do you do if they don’t listen? Vs16  take one or two others with you and approach them again. 

Why do this?  So that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three. 

How does this compare with Deuteronomy 19:15?  The Old Testament law required two or three witnesses for a conviction, one was not enough.  Jesus said He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it.  His teaching lines up with it.  The law is still the moral principle to live by, it just isn’t the way to Heaven or a relationship with the Father. 

In these verses, what do you think is the definition of a brother or sister….a sibling?  No, fellow Believer.

What if the one you are trying to correct still refuses to listen? Vs17  tell the Church and then treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.  As someone without faith, not a part of the Church.

Read these references and write a conclusion of what they tell you: Romans 16:17, 1 Corinthians 5:1-2, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-14, 2 Corinthians 13:7-9,

1 Corinthians 6:1-6  Although we have a hard time with this in this age, we hear more about “grace” now than correction, there is still plenty of exhortation in the New Testament to correct the Believer and not just accept them in sin.  We are called to adhere to “truth” and to allow correction for our benefit and to give correction for others benefit.  When a believer doesn’t listen to correction we are to leave him out of fellowship, stay away from him, and treat him as a tax collector, pagan or unbeliever so he will be ashamed.  We don’t need to shame them, but allow room for the Holy Spirit to work and convict them. 

Keeping in mind the three verses prior; what do you think Jesus is talking about in this verse, what will be bound or loosed? Vs18  The decisions or actions of the righteous.  If the decision is made to put a sinning brother out of the church and treat them as a pagan, it will be backed up in Heaven. 

If two or more are witnesses together, asking God for something, what will happen? Vs19  God will do it for them

Why? Vs20  because where two or more gather in Jesus name, He is there with them.  You have probably heard this verse quoted before.  How does the meaning change for you after seeing it in this context?  Jesus is talking about making decisions for the Church, or about dealing with Believers who sin.  If we come together in agreement and ask God to bless our decision, He will answer.  This isn’t a blank statement about whatever we want and ask for as long as there are two of us it will be given.  It is actually about making decisions for the Church.  It appears in the context of correcting a brother and having two witnesses for in order to take action.

Because Jesus tells them to forgive and accept a brother back that has repented or listened to their correction; what is Peter’s question in response? Vs21  how many times shall I forgive a brother or sister that sins against me?  Up to seven times?

What did Jesus say? Vs22  77 times or 70x7 times.  Or limitless.  If the brother or sister repents, he/she is to be restored, however many times it takes.  We are all sinners, we all mess up.  Some take longer to learn lessons or to change behaviors and get it right.  If they truly repent over their mistake we are to forgive, no matter how many times.

Be honest with yourself….is this hard for you to accept?

Jesus then tells a parable to help them understand this point.  What is the kingdom of heaven like? Vs23  a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 

How does the settlement start? Vs24  a man who owed $10,000 bags of gold (a great debt) was brought to the king.

What did the king order for the man’s settlement? Vs25  that he, his wife, and their children and all that they had, be sold to repay the debt.

What did the man do? vs26  he fell on his knees before the king and begged “be patient with me, I will pay everything.”

What did the king/master do? vs27  he took pity on him and cancelled the debt.

What did the servant/man do in response? Vs28  he found someone who owed him 100 silver coins (a small debt) and grabbed him and began to choke him.   he demanded the man pay back what he owed him. 

What did the fellow servant/man do? vs29  fell on his knees and begged him to be patient and he would pay it back. 

How did the man respond to this servant?  (Keep in mind this is the same man that the king had pity on and cancelled his large debt)  Vs30  he had him thrown in jail until he could pay.

when others saw this, how did they feel and what did they do? vs31  they were outraged and they went and told the king.

What did the king do? vs32  called the man in and told him he was wicked.  He reminded him that he had cancelled his bags of gold debt because he had begged him to.

What did he ask the man in light of this? Vs33  shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?

What did the angered king do? vs34  handed him over to the jailers to be tortured until he paid back the debt.  Which would be never, how could he pay it back while in jail being tortured?

What did Jesus tell the disciples about this story and forgiveness? Vs35  this is how God the Father will treat you unless you forgive your brother or sister from the heart.

In this parable, who is the king?  God

Who is the first servant?  Us, he had great debt, like we do.  but God, through Jesus, has cancelled our great debt.  If someone sins against us their one debt isn’t anywhere near as large as the one we owed to God.  So if God forgives us and cancels our great debt, we have no business condemning and punishing another for a sin against us. 

What’s interesting is that we can’t just overlook the sin or say that we forgive.  We are told to forgive from our heart. 

So to wrap up this segment of scripture; If we take our freedom as selfishness instead of looking out for fellow believers first, and cause someone to stumble; whether it is making someone question the faith or leading them down a path to sin, woe to us. 

If we see that when a believer is in sin we are to try and correct them, if  they don’t repent, we are to bring other witnesses with us to correct and then finally the whole Church if necessary.  If they still don’t repent, we are to stay away from them, don’t have fellowship with them so they will be ashamed, or miss the fellowship and repent. 

If a brother repents, we are to forgive them over and over every time they repent 70 x 7. 

Matthew Chapter Seventeen

Where did Jesus go after six days passed? Vs1  up a high mountain

Who did he take with Him?  Peter, James and John

What happened there? Vs2  Jesus was transfigured before their eyes.

What details are given?  Jesus face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as the light.

Who suddenly appeared and were talking with Jesus? Vs3  Moses (the law) and Elijah (the prophets)

Who spoke up? Vs4  Peter

What did he say?  Lord it is good for us to be here.  If you wish, I will put up three shelters; one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.

There isn’t any mention that the men were introduced to the sudden visitors and yet they knew who they were.  There weren’t any photos of them, they lived years apart from each other and yet they still knew who they were. 

Moses and Elijah were two of the most significant men of God to the people of Israel.  Moses initiated God’s law – the first five books of the Bible, and Elijah was used to bring about some incredible Old Testament miracles.  Elijah was the most dramatic of the prophets to Israel.  Both of these men had an intimate relationship with God. 

Even though Peter had told Jesus that he thought He was the Messiah, the son of the living God (Matt 16:16), he seems to see Him as equal to Moses and Elijah with this statement.  Shelter could be translated "tabernacle”, Peter will build a tabernacle for all three of the great men.  He made a mistake though, Jesus was not the same as the other two, He was greater.  The law revealed a need for a Savior, the prophets foretold of a Savior coming and Jesus was the fulfillment of both!

While Peter was speaking, what took place? Vs5  a bright cloud covered them and a voice came from the cloud saying “this is my son, whom I love, with Him I am well pleased.  Listen to Him!”

Perhaps God is cutting Peter off to let him know that Jesus is greater than Moses and Elijah.  “This is my Son! Not just another man.”

What did the three disciples do at the sound of this? Vs6  fell face down on the ground, terrified.

What did Jesus do? vs7  He touched them and told them to get up and not be afraid.

When they lifted their eyes, what did they see? vs8  just Jesus

What instructions did Jesus give as they left the Mountain? Vs9  don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.

From that statement it was pretty clear of what was going to happen.  There shouldn’t be any doubt in these three disciples now.  They now know that Jesus is God’s son, from God’s own mouth, and that He will die and raise back to life.

What did the disciples ask? Vs10  why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?

Read Luke 1:15-17.

What did the Lord tell Zechariah in the temple before Elizabeth’s conception?  that John the Baptist would be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth. Vs15

He would bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord. Vs16

He would go on before the Lord in the Spirit and power of Elijah to make the people ready and prepared for the Lord.  Vs17

Who was the prophet that had already come that was “like Elijah”?  John the Baptist

However, the teachers had missed him because they expected someone that would come and back them up – be part of the establishment.  Even though their history showed that prophets almost always came in opposition – to warn against the establishment.

Back to Matthew 17.

What sobering details did Jesus give them? Vs11-12  Elijah has already come and the Teachers did not recognize him.  They did what they wanted to him.  In the same way He, Jesus, would suffer at their hands as well.

Who did the disciples recognize that Jesus had been calling Elijah? Vs13  john the Baptist

What happened when they came upon a crowd again? Vs14  a man came to Jesus and knelt before Him.

What was asked of Jesus? Vs15  the man asked that Jesus have mercy on his son, (heal him) because he has seizures and is suffering greatly.

What was happening?  The son sometimes would fall into the fire or the water during seizures.

What action had the man taken earlier that didn’t help? Vs16 he had brought him to Jesus disciples for healing.

What did Jesus say to that? Vs17  you unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I stay with you?  How long shall I put up with you?  Bring the boy here.

Who do you think Jesus is talking to in this verse?  I believe it is the disciples. 

Who did Jesus rebuke in order to heal the boy? Vs18  a demon

What happened when Jesus gave His rebuke?  The demon came out of the boy and he was healed at that moment.

In private, the disciples asked Jesus something; what was it? Vs19  why couldn’t we drive it out?

What was Jesus answer? Vs20  because you have so little faith.

What did Jesus say about a mustard seed?  If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can tell mountains to move.  Nothing will be impossible for you.

According to this statement; how much faith did the disciples have?  Smaller than a mustard seed – very little.

They traveled with Jesus, watched miracle after miracle, had left their own lives to follow Him and yet had very little faith.    How is this possible? 

Do you see this type of faith in our churches and among us today?

Read Mark 9:28-29.

This is the same event as in Matthew.  How is this type of demon driven out?  Through prayer. 

Read Romans 10:17, look at it along with Mark 9:29 and write in your words, how our faith is increased.   Faith comes through hearing the message and it is increased

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”

The more we get to know God and His Word, by reading and praying, the more our faith increases. 

(Some of the manuscripts include similar words to mark 9:29 here so that would be verse 21.  But this book leaves out a verse 21)

They came together in Galilee.  What did Jesus tell His disciples would happen? Vs22  the Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.

When this happens, what will take place next? Vs23  those men will kill Him and on the third day He will be raised to life.

How did the disciples feel about this news?  They were filled with grief

Where did Jesus and His disciples arrive next? Vs24  Capernaum.

Who approached Peter?  The collectors of the two-drachma temple tax. (the 2 drachma temple tax was a Jewish tax on males that went to the maintenance of the temple).

What did they ask Peter?  Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?

What was Peter’s answer? Vs25  yes He does.

Peter went back into the house and Jesus asked him something.  What did He ask Peter?  From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes, from their own children or from others?

How did Peter answer? Vs26  from others

What did Jesus say about their own children?  They are exempt

If kings of the earth do not pay tax or charge their own children tax, then Jesus, being a king, should not have to pay tax nor should His children (the disciples).   

But what instruction did Jesus give regarding paying the tax? Vs27  go to the lake, throw out your line and take the first fish that you catch and open its mouth.  You will find a 4 drachma coin, take and give it to them for my tax and yours.

For what reason will they pay the tax that they should be exempt from?  So that they may not cause offense.

Why do you think that Jesus chose this way to provide the money for the tax? 

We are still required to actively participate in providing.  God ultimately provides but he equips us to work and take part in the process.  Fishing was Peter’s trade, his way of providing for himself. 

This chapter really emphasized faith and Jesus Lordship (the transfiguration). 

He reveals He is king and also that God’s plan is for Him to suffer.  The disciples learn how important faith, prayer and action is.

Matthew Chapter Sixteen

Who came to Jesus? Vs1  Pharisees and Sadducees

For what purpose or motivation?  To test Him

What did they ask for?  a sign from Heaven

What did Jesus tell them? Vs2-3  When they say the sky is red in the evening, the weather will be fair and when it is red in the morning it will be overcast.  You know how to interpret the signs for weather but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.

There were plenty of signs to prove that Jesus was the one that was prophesied about.  But instead of looking at those, they wanted something specific (magical) from Jesus.  Actually, the fact that Jesus knew prophecy and scripture so well as a carpenter was a great sign.

Who looks for a new, updated sign? Vs4  a wicked and adulterous generation.

Will they get it?  No, except the sign of Jonah.  (trouble)

Read Jonah 1:1-6.

When Jonah turned his back on the Lord and ran, what did he end up in?  trouble

Read Jonah 1:14-17.  How long was Jonah in the fish?  3 days and 3 nights.

Do you remember what Jesus did in the same amount of time that fulfilled scripture?  Died and rose in 3 days.

Jesus left with His disciples to cross the lake again.  What did the disciples not bring with them?  Vs5  any of the bread

What did Jesus say to them? Vs6  be careful.  Be on our guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 

During discussion; why did the disciples think Jesus had said that? Vs7  because they didn’t bring any bread

Jesus heard their discussion; what did He say to them in verse 8?  You of little faith, why are you talking about not having bread?

What did Jesus remind them of? Vs9-10  they didn’t have to worry about bread, remember how He multiplied it?  He could certainly feed them and wouldn’t be talking about bread with that statement.

What did Jesus repeat? Vs11  be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 

What did they understand then? Vs12  Jesus was talking about being on guard against the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 

What region did they arrive at next? Vs13  Caesarea Philippi

What did Jesus ask the disciples?  Who do people say the Son of Man is?

How do they answer? Vs14  some say John the Baptist, Elijah, Jerimiah or another prophet.

Jesus asks a question that identifies that He is the Son of Man.  What is the question and how do we know He is the Son of Man? Vs15  What about you, who do you say I am?  He changed from who do people say the son of man is, to who do you say I am?  You know He is referring to the question previously, He switches the way He asks it:

Who do people say the son of man is; what about you, who do you say I am?

Who answers, and what was his answer? Vs16  Peter.  He said “you are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God”. 

What was Jesus response to him? vs17 blessed are you Simon, son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in Heaven. 

What did Jesus say to him next? Vs18  I call you Peter (or you are Peter) which means Rock, so “you are Rock” and on this “rock” I will build my Church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 

What do you think this means?  Jesus gave Peter the new name “Rock” because He knew that Peter would one day stand strong for His Church.  Peter named Jesus as Messiah and Jesus named Peter as His Rock. 

What will Jesus give Peter? Vs19  the keys of the kingdom of Heaven. 

What do the keys do?  they bind things in heaven that have been bound on earth and loose in Heaven whatever is loosed on earth. 

Look back at verses 15-16.  What had Peter confessed?  Jesus was Messiah

In verse 17 Peter is blessed for confessing this.  He will be the Rock (foundation) of Jesus Church.  What is the Church about? – What is it designed to do?  spread the gospel or good news.  The foundation for spreading the news that Jesus is Messiah.

Read Isaiah 22:22.

What is the key to?  The house of David.

What can be done with this key?  What it opens no one can shut and what it shuts no one can open. 

In light of this, what would the keys be for?  To unlock hearts, to allow people to become part of the Church without the Pharisees.

Read Job 12:13-15.

What belongs to God?  Wisdom, power, counsel and understanding.

What is God capable of?  Tearing down and never being rebuilt.  Those He imprisons cannot be released.  Holding back waters and raining down flood to devastation.

Jesus has the keys, he gives them to Peter-the foundation of the Church.  When the kingdom is open, anyone that believes in Jesus as the Messiah can come in.

Remember in Matthew 5:17, Jesus said “ Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”  I believe this means that through Jesus there is no more punishment for sin.  He didn’t come to throw out the law, the rules or standards are still in place, but because of Jesus sacrifice there is no more punishment for those that are His, or are Believers.  The Church has the keys (Jesus) to unlock hearts.

What did Jesus warn the disciples about? Vs20  not to tell anyone Jesus is the Messiah.

This marked a turning point in Jesus’ teachings.  What did he explain to the disciples from that day on? Vs21A  He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the religious leaders (elders, chief priests and teachers of the law). 

How did Jesus say it was going to turn out? Vs21B  He would be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

What did Peter do? vs22  he took Jesus aside and rebuked Him; saying “never Lord, this shall never happen to you”. 

What was Jesus response to Peter? Vs23  get behind me Satan, you are a stumbling block to me; you do not have God’s concerns in mind, only human ones. 

Jesus reveals that a godly life isn’t a selfish or self centered one.  We have to keep our wants in check and be sure they don’t  conflict with the Lord’s purposes.  Peter didn’t want Jesus to leave or to suffer, his humanness was speaking.  Just as our humanness often sees things a s bad, that God wants to use for His purpose. 

What is something in  your life right now that you are fighting against, or that you may see as bad, that may be part of God’s purpose?

What did Jesus say to His disciples? Vs24  whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 

Once again, as in Matthew 10:38, this is a peculiar thing for Jesus to say to His disciples at this point. What had NOT happened yet?  He hadn’t been crucified nor was there any talk of crucifixion yet. 

What happens to someone that values their life over God? Vs25  they will lose it.

And if one accepts Jesus, what happens if the worst takes place and someone loses their life on account of Jesus?  They will find life

What did Jesus say about gaining the whole world? Vs26  what good is it if you lose your soul; or forfeit your soul for temporary earthly pleasure. If someone lives a good long time and acquires the whole world what good would it do if when he/she died they lost their soul for Heaven?   What can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

Who will come in his Father’s glory? Vs27  the son of man

Who will he come with?  The angels

What will he do when he comes?  Reward each person according to what they have done. 

We will be judged according to we have done.  First and foremost Did we choose Jesus?  How much did we listen to Him?  Did we seek Him through prayer and His Word?  Did we do what He asked us to do?  Did we go where He sent us?  Did we not let fear control us? Did we choose Him over ourselves?  Did we forgive? Did we love others and show mercy?  Etc.

Jesus told them that some standing there would not taste death before seeing what?  Vs28  the son of man coming in His kingdom

I don’t believe that this reference to “the son of man coming in His kingdom” is referring to the end of days when Jesus returns as conqueror.  In order to understand this statement we need to look at the context of the chapter.  Starting in verse 4 we see that Jesus left the crowd and got in a boat with His disciples.   Jesus begins to talk about the kingdom of Heaven.  Who is Jesus is talking to in this segment?   His disciples, not the crowds.

He explains that He must suffer and die to be raised to life.  We now know that when He is raised, He has conquered death for all. 

I believe that this is when He will be “coming in His Kingdom”, when He is raised from the dead.  This is when He brought the kingdom of Heaven/salvation to earth.  Most of them had not tasted death before He came back to life from death.  One had – one betrayer. 

Read Matthew 27:3-5.  Who had tasted death before seeing Jesus resurrected or “coming in His kingdom”?   Judas

Matthew Chapter Fifteen

In the past few chapters we have seen that Jesus’ miracles are reaching far and wide.  People are scrambling to come see and hear Him in person.  They bring their sick, lame, and demon possessed and all are being healed. 

Who comes to Jesus with a concern? Vs1  some Pharisees and teachers of the law

What was the concern?  Why do His disciples break the tradition of the elders.  They don’t do the ceremonial washing before they eat.  Which was a tradition that had become like law.

They were in Gennesaret and the Pharisees came all the way from Jerusalem to challenge Jesus.

What did Jesus ask in response? Vs3  why do you break the command of God for the sake of tradition?

What command does Jesus refer to? Vs4  honor your father and mother.  Anyone who curses father and mother is to be put to death.

How is this explained; how have they broken the command? Vs5  they took resources that should have helped their parents and were supposedly using them for God.

They took a vow, called a Corban Vow, which was an offering.  They would take money that should be supporting their parents and gave it to God. This made them neglect their parents and gain prestige for their “devotion to God”. 

What were they doing to the word of God in this practice? Vs6 nullifying it.  They claimed to devote more to God, but Jesus said they nullified God’s word, and therefore God, by doing this.

What did Jesus call them because of it? Vs7 hypocrites

Who did Jesus say had prophesied about them?  Isaiah

What did the prophet say about them? Vs8  they honor God with their lips but their hearts are far from Him.  (lip service)

Put into your own words, what this means.

Read Matthew 7:21-23.  What does this say about lip service?

In the end, they/we will list all the things that they/we did for God – prophesy, drive out demons, perform miracles….(and they can add, give our parents money to you in offering.) None of it will matter if their/our hearts are from Him. 

What did Jesus say about their worship? Vs9  it’s in vain.

What does that mean?  It does nothing for God or for them.

Jesus calls the people to Himself.  What did He tell them to do? vs10  listen and understand.

Now He answers the Pharisees questions from verse 2.  What do they need to understand? Vs11  what goes into a mouth isn’t what defiles them, but what comes out is what defiles them. 

What did the disciples come to tell Jesus? Vs12 the Pharisees were offended when they heard Him say this.

Does Jesus panic, or feel bad? Vs13  no

How does He answer?  Every plant my Father had not planted will be pulled up by the roots. 

What did that mean? Vs14  they are blind guides.  If blind lead blind, both will fall into a pit. 

Explain this in your words:

If those that won’t open their hearts to truth lead people who don’t know truth, both will perish.  How do you teach something that you aren’t knowledgeable about? 

What did Peter want Jesus to do? vs15  explain the parable to them.

What did Jesus tell Peter?  Are you still so dull?  (Or foggy minded).  Do you still not understand?

At the beginning of the chapter, what was the Pharisees concern? Vs2  the disciples not ceremonially washing before eating.

What did Jesus say about what enters the mouth? Vs17  whatever enters the body through the mouth also exits the body.

What about what exits the mouth? Vs18  those things come from the heart and those are the things that defile them, not the things that enter the mouth.

What comes out of the human heart? Vs19  evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, lying, slander.

Jesus sums up the teaching; explain here: vs20  those are what defile a person, not eating with unwashed hands.

What did Jesus do after He finished this teaching? Vs21  He left and went to the region of Tyre and Sidon.

Who came to Him? vs22  a Canaanite woman. 

What did she cry out?  She cried out Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me.  My daughter is demon possessed and suffering terribly.

Even though she was a Canaanite, not an Israelite, who did she know Jesus was?  Lord, Son of David.

What did Jesus do for her? vs23  nothing

What did the disciples want Him to do and why?  Send her away because she was following them, crying.

What did Jesus tell the disciples? Vs24  He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. 

How do you feel about what He said?

What did the woman do? vs25  she knelt before Jesus and said, “Lord, help me”

What did Jesus tell the woman? Vs26  It isn’t right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.

Did she get offended and storm off? Vs27  no, she said yes it is.  Even the dogs get the crumbs that fall from the Master’s table. 

Have you ever felt ignored or discarded by God?  How did you respond?

What did Jesus say to her? vs28  woman, you have great faith, your request is granted.

What happened at that moment?  Her daughter was healed.

This shows us that even when it seems that God isn’t answering, we need to keep pursuing Him.  To hold out in our faith and submit ourselves to Him even more. 

With this woman He also showed the disciples that though the Gentiles were considered “dogs” to the Jews, their faith in Him saved them just as much as the Jews faith saved the Jews.  Since the entire first part of the chapter is about how faith is a heart issue, not an outward issue, He really drives home the point here.  Showing that she is considered a dog (outward) yet her great faith (inward) has healed her daughter.

Jesus left the region of Tyre and Sidon to go where? Vs29  along the seashore of Galilee.

Where did He stop?  He sat down up a mountainside

Who came to Him and what did they bring? Vs30  great crowds.  They brought the lame, the blind, crippled, mute, and many others and laid them at His feet.

What did he do?  He healed them.

What amazed the people there? Vs31  to see the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing.

What did the people do as a result?  They praised the God of Israel.

You get the sense that these people weren’t Jewish.  They praised the God of Israel could mean that either some weren’t Jewish or some were but hadn’t been praising their God.  Maybe praising other gods that were of the region.

What did Jesus call His disciples together for? Vs32  to tell them he had compassion on the crowd there.  They had nothing to eat and He didn’t want to send them away hungry. 

How long had the people been with Jesus?  3 days

Don’t you just see a giant worship session in this?  People gather to hear Jesus, they bring their broken loved ones to Him for healing.  There is rejoicing and praising the God of Israel.  Then they stay to watch others being healed and rejoice with them. They were reveling in the work of God and didn’t want to just go home to their normal lives.  They wanted to be a part of all of it. 

Three days passed and they were still there!  

Jesus took each one as an individual.  He didn’t just wave His hand and heal everyone at once, which He could have. Oh no, He wanted them to come to Him individually, just as He wants each of us to come individually for salvation.   We each have to come to Him on our own, no blanket salvations.  There is to be an intimate relationship with each person, through their own faith. 

What do the disciples ask Jesus? Vs33  where they can get enough bread to feed the crowd, in such a remote place.

Jesus answers with a question; what is the question? Vs34  how many loaves do you have?

How many is there?  7 loaves and a few fish

What did Jesus instruct the crowd to do? vs35  sit down

Then what did He do? vs36  He took the loaves and fish and gave thanks and broke them.  He gave them to the disciples.

What did the disciples do?  gave them to the people

How far did the small amount of food go? Vs37  they all ate and were satisfied

What was left after everyone ate?  7 basketfuls of broken pieces.

How many were fed that day? Vs38  4,000 men and women and children

What did Jesus do after that? Vs39  sent the crowd away, got in a boat and went to Magadan.

Sometimes we find it hard to believe that God would/could do something like this.  Something so physically minded, opposed to spiritually. 

If you have time, check out these other times when God provided:

1Kings 17:12-16

2 Kings 4:42-44

Exodus 16:14-26

Did any of these instances leave them set for life, or did they still have to have faith that God would provide the next day?

Why do you think that is?

Read Luke 12:22-24.

What does God want us to do every day?  Depend on Him, trust Him, seek Him, have faith.

Is this the way that you live?

Matthew Chapter Fourteen

During the time of Jesus’ teaching and miracles, who had been hearing things about Him? vs1  Herod the tetrarch – which means he was one of 4 rulers over the 4 districts.  His half brother, Philip ruled over another part of the 4 regions.

What did he tell his servants? Vs2  this is John the Baptist, he has risen from the dead.  That’s why he has miraculous powers.

How did Herod know John? Vs3-4  he had arrested him and put him in prison because John had pointed out that it wasn’t lawful for him to have his brother’s wife, Herodias.

Herod had his half brother, Philip’s wife, Herodias living with him immorally after she left her husband. 

People have never liked truth.  They don’t want to be told that they are doing something wrong.  This is why “tolerance” is so prevalent in today’s society.  Truth is removed and compromise replaces it. 

How did Herod want John dealt with, and why hadn’t he done it? Vs5  he wanted him killed but he was afraid of the people because John was a prophet.  (Governing has always been a political game it seems)

What happened on Herod’s birthday? Vs6  Herodias’ daughter danced for the guests and pleased Herod.

What did Herod promise because he was so pleased? Vs7 he promised to give her whatever she asked for.

What did the girl ask for and why? Vs8  she asked for the head of John the Baptist because her mother told her to ask for it.

How did the king feel about her request and what did he do? vs9  he was distressed.  But he granted it because he had made the promise in front of his dinner guests.

What happened? Vs10-11  john was beheaded in prison and it was brought to the girl on a platter and the girl gave it to her mother.

What did John’s disciples do? vs12  they took and buried the body and then told Jesus.

In a society where brutality has become common place, people aren’t affected by it unless it touches them personally.  People become hardened by it.  The same is true today.  What types of stories on the news does it take to shock us now?  We hear of another murder or another hit and run and are unaffected.  This young girl had a mother that prostituted her out and used her to get what she wanted.  The girl took it all in stride; when she was handed the head of a dead man, she simply handed it over to her mother. 

When Jesus heard this had happened, what did He do? vs13  he withdrew by boat, privately to a solitary place. 

When the people heard about this, did they leave Him alone and allow Him to have some quiet?   No, they followed Him on foot from the towns. 

Jesus finally came back and landed, He saw the large amount of people that had gathered.  How did He feel about them and what did He do? vs14  He had compassion on them and healed their sick. 

As evening approached, what was the disciples concern? Vs15  they were in remote place and it was getting late.  Send the crowds away so they can get to the villages in time to buy food. 

What did Jesus tell the disciples to do? vs16  give them some food.

What was their dilemma? Vs17  they had only 5 loaves and 2 fish.

What did Jesus then tell them to do? vs18  bring the loaves and fish to Him.

Where did the fish and loaves come from?  (the only place you will find it is in John 6:9)

A lad had them

What did Jesus do? vs19  He had the people sit down.  He took the food, looked up to heaven, gave thanks and broke the loaves.  Then He gave them to the disciples.

The disciples distributed the food amongst the crowd of people.  Did each person get a crumb? Vs20  no, they ate to satisfaction.

What was left over?   12 basketfuls of broken pieces.

Leftovers? Really?  There was only 5 loaves and 2 fish to feed over 5,000 people, and from that equation you get leftovers?  One for each disciple- 12.  Isn’t Jesus just amazing?

How large was the crowd that ate from the loaves and fish? Vs21  5,000 men.

What happened next and how soon? Vs22  Jesus made the disciples get in the boat and leave for the other side, while He dismissed the people.

What did Jesus do? vs23  went up on a mountainside to pray.

Later that night where was He and with whom?  He was on the mountainside alone.

Where was the boat? Vs24  a distance from land.

What was happening to it?  It was being banged by waves because the wind was against it.  So they were headed into the wind and weren’t getting far because the waves were hitting it.

When did Jesus leave to meet the disciples? Vs25  a little before dawn.

How did Jesus get to them?  He walked on the lake (in the wind and wild waves).

So apparently, they had been rowing all night and were still in the middle of the lake.  Yet Jesus came walking across the lake like it was nothing.

When the disciples saw Him, were they relieved and happy? Vs26  no, they were frightened, they thought He was a ghost.

Jesus must have seen their reaction, what did He tell them? Vs27  take courage, it’s me, don’t be afraid.

What did Peter say to Jesus, to test and see if it was Him? vs28  if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water.

Jesus response? Vs29  come

What did Peter do? vs29  he got out of the boat and walked on water toward Jesus.

Once he did this, what did he see? vs30  the wind

And what happened when he saw it?  He began to sink and cried out, Lord save me.

What did Jesus do immediately? Vs31  He reached out and caught Peter.

What did Jesus say to Peter?  You of little faith, why did you doubt?

What happens when we take our eyes off of Jesus and look at the environment around us or our circumstances?  We forget who Jesus is and what He is capable of.  We begin to doubt, lose faith and sink in the storm we are in.

Peter took his eyes off of Jesus after being distracted by the wind.  Think about it for a few minutes, what is the wind in your life?  What causes you to get your eyes off of Jesus?

What does James  tell us? James 1:5-7  when we ask for wisdom, we are to believe and it will be given.  When we doubt we are like a wave in the sea, tossed and blown by the wind.  Doubters shouldn’t expect to receive anything from the Lord.

What happened when they climbed into the boat? Vs32  the wind died down

Why do you think that happened at that time and not earlier? Jesus was showing them (and us) that we can’t take our eyes off of Him; that there will be storms and distractions in life but that we have to keep our faith through them.  It was a divine appointment for Peter.

How did the ones that were in the boat watching, react? Vs33  they worshipped Jesus and acknowledged Him as the son of God. 

Funny that this was the event that made them believe.  They had seen so much take place with Jesus.  They had just left the multiplied bread and fish, but now, they can finally see it. : /

They finally reach the other side of the lake, what did the men of that area do when they recognized Jesus? Vs34-35 they sent word that He was there to all the surrounding country.

What did the people do? vs35-36 they brought their sick to Him and begged Him to let their sick just touch His robe.

What happened to all those that touched Him?  they were healed

Was there magic in the garments that Jesus wore?  No, He was the healer and knew each one that touched Him.  Because of His compassion and grace, He let their faith in Him heal them. 

Remember what He said to the woman in Matthew 9:22?  Your faith has made you well.

Read Ephesians 2:8.  What happens to us when we put our faith in Jesus?  We are healed spiritually – Salvation.

I feel like the biggest thing that we see here is that Jesus doesn’t discriminate.  Everyone that touched Him was healed.  All it took was faith. Once one becomes “healed” they have responsibility.  The disciples had to learn, they spent intensive time with Jesus while He was on earth to learn all they could so that they could take over and be His hands and feet with the help of the Holy Spirit.  We are spiritually healed.  We also have the responsibility to learn all that we can so that we can be His hands and feet in this world, spreading the Gospel, until we leave for the next one.

Congratulations on getting through this chapter, it was a long one and it was one of those that took lots of prayer and discernment to fully follow.  Now, let's see if we came up with the same thoughts...

Matthew Chapter Thirteen

Jesus was in a house during His last teaching (12:46 His mother and brothers stood outside).  Where did He go? Vs1  out of the house and sat by the lake

What did He get into and why? Vs2  a boat, because such large crowds gathered around Him. 

What did He tell the people? Vs3  many things in parables

What did He start with?  A farmer went out to sow his seed.

In this parable, what happened as the farmer scattered seed? Vs4  some fell along the path and the birds came and quickly ate it.

Where did some also fall? Vs5  on the rocky places, without much soil.

What happened to this seed?  It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow.

Because of this, what happened to the plants? Vs6  the sun came up and scorched them and they withered because they had no root.

Where else did seed fall? Vs7  among the thorns (weeds).

What happened to these plants?  The thorns grew up and choked the plants.

Where else did seed fall? Vs8  in good soil

What happened?  It produced a crop a 100, 60 or 30 times what was sown.

What does good soil do?  it feeds the plant, allows it to put down deep roots and survive – thrive. 

Who does Jesus want to hear what He is saying? Vs9  whoever has ears

What do the disciples ask Jesus? Vs10  why do you speak in parables?

His reply? Vs11  the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom has been given to you, but not them.  Anyone willing to open the ears of their heart and truly hear what God is saying, God will provide more and more understanding.  Parables allow those who really seek to get His meaning, but those who aren’t seeking, they are just stories  that didn’t make sense.

Who will be given more? Vs12  whoever has – will be given more. 

More what?  Knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of Heaven. 

How much will these people have?  An abundance

What about the ones who do not have this?  Even what they have will be taken from them.

This is a great explanation of the way we received understanding of God and His Word.  If we love Jesus and truly seek His Word and understanding, each time we go through the Bible we will get more understanding of it.  We don’t suddenly possess all knowledge at once, it is a process, whoever has – will be given more.

What was it that Jesus is talking about again? (Vs11)  the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of Heaven.

Why do you think that the Disciples had this but others did not? 

(hint: Matthew 4:19-20)  Jesus called “Come, follow me”  “At once they left their nets and followed Him.”

Further exploration: 1 Corinthians 2:10-14, 1 Corinthians 1:18

Read Matthew 13:13-15.

Jesus explains why He speaks in Parables.  Do you understand what He is saying?  Write it in your own words:

You can either shake your head and walk away dismissing and thinking He is a nut, or you can lean in, listen harder and seek to understand.  If they want it, they will get it.  But first; God wants their hearts.

Jesus calls the disciples, blessed, why? Vs16  because their eyes see and their ears hear. 

Who longed to see and hear what the disciples have been able to see and hear? Vs17  many prophets and righteous people.

Read Hebrews 11:1-13.

What were the faithful people listed in Hebrews 11:1-12 living by when they died?  Faith

What did they not get to see or hear?  What had been promised.

They lived by faith seeing and welcoming the things promised through prophecy about the Messiah, understanding that earth was not their permanent home.

So now, what are the disciples seeing and hearing that the other righteous ones didn’t?  the Messiah, the promised one of God!

What will Jesus explain to them? Vs18  the parable of the sower

This is wonderful; we don’t have to guess, Jesus Himself gives the explanation:

What is the seed that is sown along the path?  Vs19  the message about the kingdom

What happens when someone hears the message but doesn’t understand it?  The evil one comes and snatches away what was planted in their hearts.

Go back to verse 4; if the seed represents the message or the word of God, what represents the evil one?  The birds

Who does the seed on rocky ground (vs5-6) represent? Vs20  someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy, but since it has no root (because there is no soil it can’t sink down deep) they only last a short time.

When do they fall away? Vs21  when trouble or persecution comes “because of the Word”.   They get scorched or wither.

Who does the seed among the thorns (vs 7) represent and what keeps it from growing? Vs22  someone who hears the word, the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word/seed making it unfruitful.  (the weeds choke the seedlings).

Lif’e’s own distractions choke out the word that is planted so that we don’t return to it; we put our time and energy elsewhere and don’t grow.

What does the seed in good soil (vs 8) represent? Vs23  someone who hears the word and understands it.

What does this seed produce?  A crop, yielding 100, 60 or 30 times what is sown.

According to this, do they all produce the same crop?  No

Are they all fruitful?  Yes to some degree

What do you think is required for one to hear the word and understand it?  A heart that is ready or open.  Faith and then commitment to learn and stay connected.

After the explanation of the parable, what did Jesus go into telling them? Vs24 another parable

What is the kingdom of Heaven like?  A man that sowed good seed in his field.

What is the seed?  The Word

What happened while everyone slept? Vs25  his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and then left.

Who is the enemy and what do weeds represent?  Satan is the enemy sowing.  The weeds are the worries and deceitfulness of wealth – distractions

What are the deliberately sowed weeds designed to do? (vs22)  choke out the word of truth, making the plants unfruitful.  (distract and discourage)

The wheat sprouted and formed heads, but what also came up? Vs26  weeds

What did the servants ask the owner? Vs27  didn’t you sow good seed?  Where did the weeds come from?

What did the owner tell them? Vs28  an enemy did this

What did the servants ask next?  Do you want us to pull the weeds?

Does the owner want this? Vs29  no

Why or why not?  Because they could uproot the wheat too.

What is to be done? Vs30  let them grow together until the harvest.  Then he will tell the harvesters to collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned.  Then gather the wheat and bring it to my barn.

Let’s look at a few things here:

Who do you think that the owner represents?  Jesus/God

Who do you think that the servants represent?  God’s people, true Believers

What do you think that the bundles to be burned represent?  (Revelation 20:11-15)  The unrepentant, unbelievers

What does the barn represent?  (Revelation 21:1-3)  the kingdom of Heaven

Put it all together here; write what you think this parable is telling us: At harvest time, the wheat (Believers) will go into the barn (Heaven) and the weeds (unbelievers) will be bundled and burned (go into the lake of fire). 

Also, why would pulling the weeds be a risk to the good plants?

Often they look the same.  We see people in Churches that represent themselves as Believers but like wheat and weeds, you can’t tell which plant it is until they grow.  That may be why many in the Church don’t grow, so we can’t tell who they really are.  We don’t want to risk hurting a young Believer or a growing Believer by misjudging them or making mistakes.  Be aware, be alert, but let God sort them out. 

What did Jesus do next? Vs31  told another parable

What is the kingdom of Heaven like?  A mustard seed which a man planted in his field.

How is it like that? Vs32  it is the smallest of seeds but it grows into the largest of plants and becomes a tree big enough for birds to perch on it.

What do you think this is telling us?    First, I believe, we have to realize that the kingdom of Heaven is not a geographical place in this reference, but instead the gathering of the spiritual.  The kingdom of heaven grows and multiplies in a person.  If that person is fertile soil.  It isn’t forced on anyone, but for anyone that plants it in their hearts it fills them and they grow immensely.  The same is true about the gathering of Believers (the Church); with fertile soil the Believers gather and grow but the enemy also sows his plants there.  I’m not sure if it is the case here, but, birds often represent evil in the bible, so the kingdom of Heaven would be how the body of believers grow into a large bush, big enough for even the evil ones to come and perch in/on it.

Jesus tells another parable; what is the kingdom of Heaven like in this one? Vs33  yeast that a woman mixed into a lot of flour until it worked through the dough.

What is the only way that Jesus spoke to these crowds? Vs34  in parables

What prophecy was fulfilled? Vs35  I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.

Read Psalm 78:1-8.

Ultimately, what is to be accomplished with the parables and the telling of things from the past (things of old)?  That they would put their trust in God, not ignore Him.  You would have to know God in order to understand.

Jesus left the crowds and went inside.  His disciples followed.  What did they ask? Vs36  tell us the meaning of the parable of the weeds in the field. 

What is the answer for the one who sowed good seed? Vs37  the Son of Man

What is the field?  The World

What is the good seed?  The people of the kingdom

What are the weeds? Vs38  the people of the evil one

Who is the enemy who sowed the weeds? Vs39  the devil

What is the harvest?  The end of the age

Who are the harvesters?  The angels

What will it be when the weeds are pulled up and thrown in the fire? Vs40  the end of the age

What will the sower of good seed (Son of Man) do? vs41  send out His harvesters (angels) and they will weed out of His kingdom, everything that causes sin and all who do evil.

What will happen to the weeds? Vs42  they will be thrown in the burning furnace where they will weep and gnash teeth. 

Then what will happen to the righteous? Vs43  they will shine in the kingdom of their Father. 

Who should hear this?  Whoever has ears to hear.

What is the kingdom of Heaven like and how? Vs44  treasure hidden in a field.  When a man found it he re-hid it and then went in joy and sold everything to buy the field. 

What is the kingdom of Heaven like?  Vs45  a merchant looking for fine pearls

How is it like that? Vs46  when he found one of great value he went away and sold everything to buy it

Should we sell everything to buy the kingdom of Heaven?

What is the kingdom of Heaven like? Vs47  a net that was put in the lake and caught all kinds of fish.

How is it like this? Vs48  when it was full the fisherman pulled it to shore, then sat and collected the good fish, but threw the bad away.

What does this mean?  When the end comes the net will be pulled up with everyone in it.  Those that are God’s will go to Heaven with God, the others will be thrown away.

When will it be like this? Vs49-50  the end of the age. 

How?  The angels will come, separate the wicked from the righteous and throw the wicked into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

What did Jesus ask His disciples? Vs51  do you understand all these things?

What is their reply?  Yes

I ask you the same; do you understand all these things? 

Why do you think that Jesus said the same thing over and over but in different ways?  I feel like He talked so much about the kingdom of heaven, the righteous and the wicked and the end of the age, that He was really pushing His point.  He didn’t want anyone to leave without understanding how the kingdom of Heaven works.  He wanted everyone to understand that there are good and evil and that in the end it is all sorted out.

What is a teacher of the law who becomes a disciple in the kingdom of Heaven compared to? Vs52  the owner of a house who brings out of his store room new treasures as well as old.

What does this mean??  The Teachers know the Old covenant and what is prophesied about the new covenant.  Anyone that becomes disciples of Jesus has both the old treasures and the new.  The Old treasures were in place to reveal the new.

When did Jesus move on? Vs53  when He finished these parables

Where did He go next and what did He do there? Vs54  He went to His hometown to the synagogue and began teaching.

What were the people’s thoughts about Jesus?  Amazed, they wondered where He got His wisdom and miraculous power.

What did they ask, or recognize? Vs55  He was the carpenters son, Mary was His mother and His brothers were James , Joseph, Simon and Judas.

What do these two verses reveal to you about Jesus family? Vs56  he had 4 brothers and multiple sisters

Knowing who He was and what family He came from, were they excited about His knowledge and teaching? Vs57  no they were offended

What did Jesus say about this?  A prophet is not without honor except in His own hometown and his own home.

Why do you think this is?  They knew him when they saw him as a boy and didn’t see anything that seemed like he was being groomed for teaching or knowing the scriptures so well.

What did the people of that town lose out on because of their lack of faith? Vs58  miracles

Wow!!  That was a full chapter!

There were really only a few teachings in this chapter but Jesus said them over and over again in different ways for emphasis.

There should be no doubt about the fact that there are Believers and Non-Believers.  That there is good and there is evil.  That there is an enemy that plants his followers among our Churches (bodies of Believers) and that sometimes, at first, they are not easy to recognize.  I also believe that we have to be careful when trying to pull the weeds, because we can disrupt the roots of the other plants when we do.  That is why this chapter tells us to leave the two together until the harvest.  A good, hardy, healthy plant will endure, even among the weeds, until the end.   

We also should now know that there will be a harvest and 2 different places that people will go at that harvest, one being a store house or barn, the other the furnace.

Matthew Chapter Twelve Part Two

Who was brought to Jesus? Vs22  a demon possessed man who was blind and mute.

What did Jesus do?  He healed him and the man could talk and see.

The people are astonished, what do they say? Vs23  could this be the Son of David?  They are starting to recognize that Jesus could be the Messiah, the Promised one.

How did the Pharisees respond? Vs24  It is only by the prince of demons that He drives out demons. 

What did Jesus know? Vs25A  their thoughts

What did Jesus say will not stand? Vs25  every kingdom, city and household divided against itself

Jesus explains what He means by this.  How does it relate to the Pharisees calling Him Beelzebul? Vs26  If Satan drives his own demons out, how can Satan’s kingdom stand?  Or, why would Satan drive his own forces out of men, how would this make Satan’s kingdom stronger? 

What does Jesus ask? Vs27  If I drive demons out by Satan’s power, then by whose power do your people drive them out by?  Or are all people who drive out demons, demon possessed?  If I am, then are you when you do it?

What did Jesus interject here to make them think? Vs28  If it is by the Spirit of God that He does this, then the kingdom has come.  (they really should have thought about this a little more)

How do you steal from a strong man? Vs29  tie him up and make him helpless.

What do you think this means, in regards to Jesus being accused of being Satan?  If Jesus was Satan, why would he steal; from Himself.  Why would he take his own possessed and drive his own demons out of them.  The only way to take a strong man’s things is to tie him up.  The way to steal from Satan is to bind him.  Satan wouldn’t bind himself to steal his own possessions.

If someone isn’t with Jesus, what are they? Vs30  against Him.

According to this scripture, is there a gray area?  If you are not with Him, is there a middle ground?  No

Also, there is an active spirituality in the world.  If you are not gathering with Jesus (saving souls) then you are scattering – pushing them away.

What can be forgiven? Vs31  sin and slander

What can not be forgiven?  Blasphemy against the Spirit

How can we humans blaspheme the Holy Spirit?  Giving Satan the credit for the work of the Holy Spirit.  Refuse to acknowledge God’s power in Jesus.  Not listening to the prompting of the Spirit to accept Jesus

Again, what can be forgiven? Vs32  someone who speaks against the Son of Man.

Who cannot?  Anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit

Explain what you think this means?  If we speak against Jesus as a human, that can be forgiven, but not if we speak or denounce the power that comes from Him (Holy Spirit power) that cannot.  Because the power comes from within, the Spirit is to live in us, it is the evidence.  If we possess the Holy Spirit, we can deny His living inside of us.

What will a good tree produce? Vs33  good fruit

What will a bad tree produce?  Bad fruit

Therefore, how do you know if a tree is good or bad?  By it’s fruit

How does this relate to us as people, not trees?  I think we need to look at the wording here.  What will a good tree produce or a bad tree produce…I believe Jesus is talking about spiritual healthiness.  He is not telling us that in our own power we need to be good or bad; we are not measured by our deeds.  He is saying that what is inside is what is revealed outside.  Our deeds only reveal what is going on inside.  If we are spiritually sick, our attitudes and actions will reveal such.  The same is true if we are spiritually healthy. 

What did Jesus call the Pharisees that accused Him of being Beelzebul? Vs34  a brood of vipers

Jesus sums up this teaching; what did He say about a good man and an evil man? Vs35  good things come out of a good man because they are stored up in him.  likewise, an evil man has evil things that come out because of evil stored up in him.

What will everyone have to give an account for on the day of judgment? Vs36  every empty word they have spoken

On the day of Judgment, what acquits us and what condemns us? Vs37  our words

Do you think this is saying; if we are careful and only speak kind words we will be accepted in Heaven?

I think it is answered in Matthew 15:18.  What do our words really reveal about us? What is in our heart.

Our hearts are what truly matter.  Generally what comes out of our mouths just reveal what our hearts consist of.  So when Jesus finishes this teaching, He is really saying to the Pharisees and the crowd, judge me by what I say and do.  Good in my heart makes me heal the demon possessed, not evil.  But you accuse with viciousness, so what’s in your heart?

What do the religious leaders ask Jesus for? Vs38  a sign

Who did Jesus say asks for this? Vs39  a wicked and adulterous generation.

Will they get what they ask for?  No, except the sign of Jonah

What will they get? Vs40  the sign of Jonah.  Jonah was 3 days and 3 nights in the fish’s belly. 

What kind of sign will be similar?  The son of man will be 3 days and 3 nights in the heart of the earth.

What will the men of Ninevah do? vs41  stand up at judgment with this generation and condemn it

Why?  They repented after hearing the message and a visit from Jonah.  Now something greater than Johan is here and these people reject it!

Read Jonah 1:1-2.

What did the Lord tell Jonah to do?  go to Ninevah and preach against it because of it’s wickedness.

Jonah 1:3  Did Jonah do it? No he ran away

Jonah 1:17  What happened to Jonah?  He was swallowed by a huge fish and stayed in its belly 3 days and 3 nights.

Jonah 3:1-3  after 3 days and nights what did Jonah do?  he went to Ninevah and preached God’s words. 

Jonah 3:10   How did the people of Ninevah respond to the message?  They repented, turned from their evil. 

After Jonah’s 3 days in the fish belly, many people became saved.  After Jesus 3 days in the earth, many people became saved (and continue to).  Yet the generation that would not listen to Jesus thought they were already saved because of their Jewish birth- right and status.  They will be condemned by Ninevah and the other Gentiles yet to come. 

Who else will be at the judgment and condemn them? Vs42  the queen of the south

Why?  She came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom

Read 1Kings 10:1-9.After talking to Solomon, who did the queen come to see and why?  Solomon, because she heard of his relationship to the Lord. 

Who did the queen praise? Vs9  the Lord God of Israel – she became a Believer.

This Queen had come to Solomon after hearing of his greatness.  These people have someone even greater and they reject, instead of listening.

What happens to an impure spirit when it leaves a person? Vs43  it goes through arid places seeking rest but doesn’t find rest.

What does it decide to do? vs44  go back to the house it left (the person).

What does it find when it arrives?  The house/person unoccupied, swept clean, and put in order.

What does it do after finding this? Vs45  it gets 7 other spirits more wicked than itself and then all move in together.

After this, how is the person’s condition compared to before the spirit left?  Worse

Jesus is saying something is going to live in our soul.  If an evil spirit is removed and not replaced with God (The Holy Spirit) no matter how much they have cleaned up their act, they are an empty dwelling that any spirit can take up residence in. 

For who did Jesus say this is what it would be like? Vs45  this wicked generation

What was Jesus told while He was teaching? Vs46-47 his mother and brothers were standing outside wanting to speak to Him.

What was His response? Vs48 -49  who is my mother and brothers?  These are (His disciples).

Why do you think He replied this way?  Was He trying to disrespect His family? He was making a point that if you are part of God’s family, you are His family.

Who is His family (brothers and sisters)? Vs50  whoever does the will of God the Father.  (Family in Christ)

Jesus comes to people one on one.  Each one that is healed gets an individual appointment with Him, a personal touch.  The same is still true now.  We each have a personal relationship with Jesus, we come one on one to Him.  He cares about the individual.  He kept trying to get the Pharisees to see this, but they wouldn’t open their hearts to Him.

Matthew Chapter Twelve - Part One

What did Jesus and His disciples do on the Sabbath and why? Vs1  They went through the grain fields, picked some heads of grain and ate them.  They were hungry.

Who saw this? Vs2  the Pharisees

What did they say to Jesus?  Your disciples are doing what is unlawful

What example did Jesus give (of someone they considered to be great) doing what is unlawful? Vs3-4  David ate consecrated bread

What else did Jesus point out? Vs5  the priests working the temple on the Sabbath, desecrate the day by doing temple duty and yet they are considered innocent?

After speaking about the temple, what did Jesus tell them? Vs6  something greater than the temple is here. 

What words did the Pharisees not understand? Vs7  I desire mercy not sacrifice.

If they understood these words spoken through Hosea, how would they be living?  They would be merciful instead of condemning.  (they wouldn’t judge so harshly)

Who did Jesus say the Son of Man was? Vs8  Lord of the Sabbath

What is He telling them?  He is Lord.  He created the Sabbath.

Where did Jesus go next? Vs9  into their Synagogue (of the people He had been speaking to.)

Who was there? Vs10  a man with a shriveled hand.

The Pharisees must have followed Him there.  What were they looking for?  A reason to bring charges against Him.

What did they ask Him there?  Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?

Jesus had answers for them when they tried to trap Him for eating and picking grain, so now they try a new tactic.

How did Jesus answer this question? Vs11  if any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath will you take hold and pull it out? 

Wouldn’t they try and help it out?  They wouldn’t let their investment just die in the pit, they would overlook the fact that it was the Sabbath to get their animal out.

Then what did He say to them? Vs12  a person is much more valuable than a sheep, therefore it is lawful to do good to another on the Sabbath.

What did Jesus do? vs13  He told the man to stretch out his hand and when he did it was completely restored, just as the other hand.

Did the Pharisees rejoice in this miracle? Vs14  no, they went out discussing how they could kill Jesus. 

Self interest is scary.  They didn’t like Him usurping their authority.  Their way of life was being threatened with this teaching of Jesus. They over looked the fact that He had authority and was authority.  All they could see was how it affected them.  They would have to humble themselves and repent if they accepted His authority.  Instead, they felt the need to get rid of Him.

What did Jesus know that caused Him to withdraw? Vs15  the Pharisees were plotting how to kill Him. 

Who followed Him?  a large crowd

What did He continue to do?  heal all who were ill

What did He warn the people not to do? vs16  tell others about Him

Why? Vs17  to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah.

What do you see about Jesus in this prophecy? Vs18  He is God the Father’s chosen servant, whom the Father loves and delights in.  He has put His Spirit on Jesus (after the baptism with John the B) and He will be the one that the Nations learn justice from.

What do you see about Jesus in this prophecy?  Vs19-21 He won’t argue with people, which He didn’t do.  He didn’t defend Himself to the Pharisees.  He will be a gentle ruler or king, not the warrior king that Israel seemed to be expecting.  Jesus didn’t bring attention to Himself in a prideful way, in fact he told people over and over not to tell others about Him. 

Matthew Chapter Eleven

When Jesus finished His instructions to His twelve disciples, what did He do? vs1 He went on to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee (Galilee was a region).

Who was in prison and heard about what Jesus had been doing?  Vs2  John

What did he do? vs2-3  he sent some of his disciples to ask Jesus if he is the one to come or should thy expect someone else?

Look ahead to verses 7-10; who is this person?  John the Baptist

How did Jesus answer the question that was brought? Vs4  go back and report what you hear and see

What types of things were taking place? Vs5  the blind could see, lame walk, lepers cleansed, deaf could hear, dead are raised (the leaders daughter) and good news is proclaimed to the poor.

What did Jesus say next? Vs6  blessed is anyone who doesn’t stumble on account of me.

What?  Why would Jesus say this?  John the Baptist was a forerunner to the Messiah (Matthew 3:3)  He baptized Jesus.  He spoke boldly and ended up in prison (Luke 3:19).  He is now sitting in prison while the Messiah is on earth and performing miracles.  John is probably wondering why Jesus hasn’t come to help him.  Why not come and get him out of prison.  Jesus would have known that John was questioning in his heart and his disciples as may have been as well.  Jesus comment tells them not to doubt because of John not being released.  God’s plan is bigger than we can see.  John paved the way for the Messiah, but now his part was done.  When we don’t get something that we want or ask for, we shouldn’t doubt (stumble) that God is real.  Like Jesus advised John’s disciples, all we need do is look around and see the things that God has done and is doing.

As John’s followers leave, what did Jesus begin to speak to the crowd about? Vs7  John

What are the three points that Jesus makes about why the people went into the wilderness to see John? Vs7-10

1.    Vs7  You did not go to see the landscape or the plants

2.    Vs8  You did not go to see a well manicured man/speaker, you would have gone to a palace to see that. 

3.    Vs9-10  you went to see a prophet and he was more than your known prophet, he was prophesied about by the early prophets.  “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.”

The people were desperate for truth.  They travelled out to the wilderness to hear a message of hope from a man that was quite less then regal in appearance.  This man had a message that would prepare the way for the Messiah and now they have the Messiah, that truth that they were so desperate for.  John’s work is no longer needed, it has been accomplished. 

Was there any human being whose work had been more important than John’s? vs11  no

Who will be greater than him?  whoever is least in the kingdom.  Whoever humbles himself to follow Jesus.

What had been happening to the Kingdom of Heaven? Vs12  it had been subjected to violence and violent people had been raiding or attacking it.  A clash was taking place since John the Baptist emerged.  He went against the status quo of the religious leaders. 

Up until the time of John, what had led the people to the Lord? Vs13  the prophets and the law.

The prophets prophesied until the time of Malachi, then there were 400 years without a word from the Lord until John the Baptist emerged preaching repentance and baptism.

Who was John? Vs14  the Elijah, who was to come

See Malachi 4:4-6  The final prophet (before the Messiah) who like Elijah, confronted sin head-on and warned the people to return to God (which is what repentance is – confronting sin head-on and turning back to God)

Who will hear what is being said? Vs15  whoever has ears to hear.

Read Isaiah 6:10 & Isaiah 32:3.  According to these verses, what type of hearing and seeing is being spoken of?  Spiritual.  Eyes and ears open to truth and understanding.  It takes an understanding to hear and see how this is the fulfilling of what the prophets foretold. 

What did Jesus compare that generation to? Vs16  to children sitting in the market places calling out to others. 

What was called out? Vs17  we played the pipe for you and you did not dance; we sang a dirge and you did not mourn)

This generation was Irrationally changing;  they found explanations for anything that didn’t suit them.  If Jesus said dance, they say mourn, if Jesus said mourn, they say dance. 

John the Baptist didn’t eat unclean or drink fermented drink – he was under the Nazarite vow and yet what was said about him? vs18  having a demon

Jesus sat with the people and broke bread with them and drank wine with them and what was said about Him? vs19  He was a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.

How is wisdom proved right?  By her deeds

What is the bottom line of what Jesus was teaching in this segment?  They found fault with everything Jesus did, and anyone that didn’t adhere to their ways/rules.  They assumed what they did was right and that they had great wisdom.  But wisdom is proven by deeds.  Jesus acted out of love and people benefited from it.  Pharisees and Legalists acted out of piety and others felt judged and belittled, and no one benefited from it. 

What did Jesus begin to do after this speech/teaching? Vs20  denounce the towns in which most of the miracles had been done.

Why?  Because they did not repent

Tyre, Sidon and Sodom were most likely Pagan cities with reputations for great evil.  Bethsaida, Chorazin and Capernaum were cities occupied with Israelites.   What did Jesus say about these cities?  Vs21-24  Woe to Israelite cities, the others would have mournfully repented if they saw the miracles that the Israelite ones were seeing with Jesus there.

Why do you think that Tyre, Sidon and Sodom would have been spared if they had seen these miracles and yet the Jewish cities mentioned, had not repented?

The wicked make no excuses for themselves, they leave God out and do what they do.  Often when they see the truth of God they repent.  But the pious Jews were rejecting Jesus, thinking that they were better.  They liked their religious system and rejected the truth of Jesus for religiosity and status.  The Pharisees preferred their position of authority and ability to fleece the people.  They had the miracles before them but couldn’t accept them because they refused to give up the system that they had created, fooling themselves to believe that they already had God. 

Jesus stopped to praise the Father.  What did He give praise for? Vs25-26  for making wisdom and truth understandable to little children (or unschooled).  And for hiding it from the scholars or those that consider themselves wise.  You can’t be a know it all with God.  You have to come with an open heart, available to learn and accept.

What has been committed to Jesus? Vs27  all things

By whom?  The Father

Who can know the Father?   Those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him. 

Who do you think that would be?  Those that come into relationship with Jesus.

What did Jesus say to those that are weary and burdened? Vs28  come to Him and He will give rest.

How did Jesus say He would give rest to the tired? Vs29  by taking on His yoke and learning

How do you think that would work since a yoke is something designed for work or control?  Submit ourselves to Him.  He does the leading and we follow in step.  A yoke keeps the oxen in place and makes their work easier; instead of fighting against each other by heading in different directions they work together easing the load for each other.

What did Jesus say that He is as a master?  Gentle and humble in heart.

What specifically will we find rest for in His leadership? Vs29b  our souls

What does He say about His yoke? (think of the yoke as His leadership or authority) Vs30  it is easy and His burden is light 

  

Matthew Chapter Ten - Part Two

In the beginning of this chapter Jesus is preparing His disciples for the work that He has for them to do, as well as the response that they will get in doing that work. 

When they are persecuted in one place, what are they to do? vs23  flee to another place. 

What will not happen before the Son of Man comes?  They would not finish going through the towns of Israel. 

It sounds to me like Jesus was giving them their mission in this chapter.  I don’t think that they actually went out at that point, leaving Jesus, and began their ministry.  It sounds more like this was going to be their mission once their time with Jesus was over. 

Those 12 disciples would not get through all the towns of Israel before they were persecuted and killed. 

What did Jesus say about the student and the servant? Vs24  the student is not above the teacher nor the servant above the master.  The student will not be treated better than the teacher nor the servant better than the master.  If the master experiences hardship, how can the servant expect not to. 

What does verse 25 tell us?  If Jesus has been called Beelzebul when He drove demons out of the possessed, (Matt 9:34) then how can the disciples not expect to be called it as well?  Yes by being His disciples there will be trouble, they will come against the same evil that He had come up against. 

Why shouldn’t they be afraid? Vs26 there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.  In the end it will be made known that they were faithful and of God, not Beelzebul. 

They will hear Jesus voice in the quiet (in the dark and whispered).  How are they to respond to what they hear? Vs27  They are to speak it.  If they hear it in the night, tell it in the daylight and proclaim it from the rooftops. Again, don’t be afraid to be His followers.

Why shouldn’t they be afraid of those that kill the body? Vs28 they cannot kill the soul.

Who should they fear?  The only one that kill both the body and the soul in hell.  (God)

Sparrows aren’t worth much, they could buy two for a mere penny.  Yet how does God look after them? Vs29  not one will fall to the ground, outside the Lord’s will, unless He allows it to happen.

How well does God know us and care for us? Vs30  He even knows the number of hairs on our heads. 

Are we worth more than sparrows? Vs31  yes, we are worth more than many sparrows

We don’t have to be afraid of anyone or anything because God loves us and will care for us however He decides.  Therefore, what does Jesus tell us? Vs32  whoever acknowledges me before others, I will acknowledge them before my Father in Heaven. 

What will Jesus do to those that disown Him before others? Vs33  He will disown them before His Father in Heaven.

Why do you think that Jesus would do this?  Because we lack faith

If we believe that we are more precious than sparrows and we acknowledge Jesus before others, what does that say about our faith?  We have real faith and believe what God tells us. 

Jesus didn’t come to bring peace to the world.  He didn’t come to make worldly peace, (tolerance) or to unite everyone together under the status quo.  What did He come for? Vs34-36  to bring a sword.  To turn families and people against each other

Does this mean that Jesus’ purpose was to bring discord?  No, He came to bring a new way of thinking, to revive genuine faith, and that in itself will bring trouble.

When you choose Jesus, who will be your enemies? Vs36  members of your own household – those that don’t want Jesus and His ways

Are we to align ourselves with anyone over Jesus? Vs37  no, and it may mean losing family.  (Even church family.)  If our church is stuck in the old way of traditions and rituals, when we try to introduce a relationship with Jesus instead, it can bring hostility. 

What did Jesus say about following Him in this verse? Vs38  whoever doesn’t take up their cross is not worthy of Him. 

We don’t have to drag a wooden cross around with us daily.  But we have to carry whatever persecution and rejection comes from following Him.  If we deny Him or reject Him because of difficulty, we aren’t worthy of Him. 

At this point in Jesus ministry, the disciples had no idea that He would be crucified on a cross, it wouldn’t be until after His death that this verse would have a real meaning to them.

What happens to the one that finds their life? Vs 39  they will lose it

What happens to the one that loses their life for Jesus sake?  They will find it

According to what we just read in the previous verses, what do you think “finding your life” means?  Preserving it.  To deny Him in order to save yourself from enemies. 

What do you think that “losing your life for my sake” means?  Choosing to be true to Jesus when persecution comes.

True life will come through Him.  He is all that we need to be concerned about.   Physical death is not to be feared when we know Jesus. 

Anyone that welcomes them (us) when they bring the message of Jesus, is actually welcoming whom? Vs40 Jesus

And anyone that welcomes Jesus is actually welcoming whom?  God the Father

There is reward in welcoming a person of societal standing.  When they welcome them as such, they get what they have earned.  What will happen to the one that is open to one of Jesus disciples? Vs41-42  They will not lose their reward, or they will receive their reward. 

I see this as when one treats a prophet as a prophet they are rewarded by a prophet.  (rewarded accordingly) When one treats a righteous man as a righteous man, they are rewarded by a righteous man.  (rewarded accordingly)  Their motivation comes with the idea of it is good for them to do so. 

But when one treats one of Jesus disciples kindly, it doesn’t have the same motivation, because there is no worldly gain for it, they will be rewarded accordingly by God.

My thoughts on Matthew Chapter Ten - Part One

Who did Jesus call to Himself? Vs1  His disciples

For what purpose did He gather them?  To give them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

What are the names of those that Jesus gathered to Himself? Vs2-4 

1.      Simon (Peter)   2. His brother, Andrew   3. James, son of Zebedee   4. James brother, John   5. Philip   6. Bartholomew   7. Thomas   8. Matthew, the tax collector   9. James, son of Alphaeus   10. Thaddaeus   11. Simon the Zealot   12. Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him.

Who did Jesus send them out to? Vs 5-6  the lost sheep of Israel.

Who were they to stay away from?  Gentiles and Samaritans

Why do you think they were to go to that certain group and stay away from the others?

(These verses may help: Acts 13:14, Ephesians 1:2, Mark 7:24-30)

God chose the Jews to be the ones that He revealed Himself through.  Unfortunately they missed the mark.  God is consistent and therefore would present the new covenant to them first. 

What were they sent to say? Vs7  proclaim “the kingdom of Heaven has come near.”

What were they to do? vs8  heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons, freely they received the power and freely they were to give restoration.

Look at the events of this chapter so far.  How specific was Jesus about who He gave His authority to?  Very, His 12 disciples, they were even named by name and description. 

How specific was He about who they were to evangelize and minister to?  Very - only the Jews.

Do you think that everyone gets the ability to heal and drive out demons today?

What did Jesus tell them not to take with them? Vs9-10  gold, silver or copper (money), or bag of provisions, extra clothes.

What do you think the statement “the worker is worth his keep” means?  A good worker is worth being put up and provided for.  They are going to work for their keep.  Either, they will be paid for ministering to the people in the towns or they will be provided for by God because of their doing His work.

Where will they stay? Vs11 they will look for a worthy person to stay with at each place they enter and stay with them until they leave that town. 

What do they do when they enter a home? Vs12  give it a greeting

After they evaluate the home, what are they to do? vs13  let their peace rest on it if is deserving.  If it isn’t then let their peace return to them.

If anyone doesn’t welcome them or listen to their words (ministry – gospel), what should they do? vs14  leave the town and shake the dust off their feet.

How will that place be treated on the day of judgement? Vs15  worse than Sodom and Gomorrah (because they were Jews, not Gentiles; and they witnessed the Messiah in person and still rejected truth).

What will the disciples be like out in the world? Vs16  sheep among wolves

Think about that, what kind of complications or implications would this mean?  A lot of opposition, vulnerable, open to danger

What will they need to be like in this environment? Vs16  shrewd as snakes but innocent as doves.

What does this mean?  To be on their guard watching all around them, yet not become reactive or hardened. 

Jesus tells them to be on guard.  What is going to happen to them? Vs17 they will be handed over to local governments and flogged in Synagogues.  The Govt won’t like what they are teaching, nor will the religious groups. 

But what will they be when brought before Governors and Kings? Vs18  witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.

Why shouldn’t they worry about this ahead of time? Vs19  when this happens, they will be given what to say.

Who will be speaking through them? Vs20  the Spirit of their Father God.

When we look at the disciples as sheep among wolves; who are the “wolves” in this verse? Vs21  brothers, fathers, children

What will those “wolves” do?  betray each other and even have each other put to death.

Why will the disciples be hated? Vs22  because of Jesus

What happens to the one who stands firm to the end?  They will be saved

Does this contradict Ephesians 2:8-9?  How or how not? 

Ephesians is clear about how we are saved – by God’s grace, through our faith. 

Therefore it seems that this verse in Matthew is a reminder.  If I can put it in my words I would say “stand firm because you have salvation, you will be in eternity. Or, if could mean that your salvation will be proven (evidenced).” 

Let me add as a reminder that these are my answers and thoughts.  I don't claim to be an authority so they are not "set in stone".  If you found something different during your study time, that's okay.  Just make sure that it lines up with the "whole of scripture".  

Here is what I came up with for Matthew Chapter Nine:

Jesus healed a demon possessed man and then the people of that region pleaded with Him to leave.  What did He do? vs1  He got into a boat and crossed the lake to His own town.

What happened when He got there? Vs2  some men brought Him a paralyzed man lying on a mat (Luke 5:17)

What did Jesus see in the men?  their faith

What did He say to the paralyzed man?  Take heart, your sins are forgiven

What is the first thing that the teachers of the law that were there, think to themselves? Vs3  this fellow is blaspheming

What did Jesus know? Vs4  their thoughts

What did He say to them?  Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?

What did He ask? Vs5  what is easier to say; “your sins are forgiven” or “get up and walk”?

Or what is easier to do, forgive sins or heal limbs (if He had the power to heal, He had the power to forgive)

Jesus said He wanted them to know something; what does the Son of Man have authority to do on earth? Vs6  forgive sins

What did He tell the paralyzed man to do next?  Get up, take your mat and go home.

What did the paralyzed man do? vs7  Got up and went home

What did this do to the crowd? Vs8 filled them with awe and they praised God.

Why did the crowd praise God?  Because He had given such authority to a man

Jesus already owned the authority, they just didn’t realize it yet.

Why do you think that Jesus started the paralyzed man’s healing with forgiveness of sins?  I think that it was because Sin and affliction were seen as connected back then.  They believed that someone with issues like that had sinned or their parents had sinned.  I believe that He also wanted to make a point in front of the Pharisees to get them thinking.  Their hearts were hard and they were skeptically watching Jesus’ moves.

Who did Jesus come across as he went on from there? Vs9  Matthew

What was this person doing?  Sitting at a tax collectors booth

What did Jesus say to him?  follow me

What did the person do?  followed Him

Were you surprised by this information?  Mathew has been relaying this information up to this point as an outsider, an observer.  Now he can give this information as an insider, as a disciple.  It was well into Jesus ministry before Matthew joined the ministry.

Where did Jesus end up? Vs10  at Matthews house having dinner.

Who came to eat with Jesus and His disciples?  Many tax collectors and sinners

Matthew joins Jesus ministry. He has Him over for dinner (because he probably was a man of means, tax collecting was good income) and he invites his friends and fellow workers over to meet and hear Jesus.  What if we did the same thing; we come to know Jesus and then invite our friends and coworkers over to our house for dinner and introduce them to Jesus. 

Who asked the disciples about this when they saw what was happening? Vs11  the Pharisees

When Jesus heard the question, what explanation did He give? Vs12  it isn’t the healthy that a need a doctor, but the sick.

What did He tell the Pharisees to do? vs13  go and learn what it means; I desire mercy not sacrifice, for I have not come to call the righteous, but the sinners.

Let’s explore this statement a little more.  See Hosea 6:6, 1Samuel 15:22 & Isaiah 1:17-18.

What does God desire more than rituals and traditions?  Mercy, obedience, humble hearts

The truly righteous don’t need a call, they are already His.  The sinners, those outside the sheepfold need the call and teaching of Jesus.

Do you feel that you understand what it means that God desires mercy over sacrifice?  He wants our hearts connected to His.  Sacrifices and offerings are things that should come from a heart of love, not as a replacement for love and relationship with God.  People often try to do things to be right with God, when what He wants is us to be with Him.  Sacrifices and offerings are meaningless if they are done out obligation alone, they should be done out of the outpouring of our hearts.  That is why mercy is better, it reveals the heart of God in us. 

Who came and asked Jesus a question? Vs14  John the Baptist’s disciples

What is the question?  We and the Pharisees are on the same page for fasting, why don’t your disciples fast?

What did Jesus compare Himself to? Vs15  a bridegroom

What is His explanation?  Who mourns while the groom is with them?  The time will come when the groom is gone then they can fast.  (in other words; fasting is not done during celebration.)  Now is the time to eat, enjoy and celebrate.  The day will come when I will be gone, then mourning and fasting can take place. 

What did Jesus use for an example next? Vs16-17  you don’t sew unshrunk cloth on to new cloth or pour new wine into old wineskins.

Why don’t you do this?  Because the new doesn’t work with the old.  An old wineskin would burst if you put new wine in it that hadn’t yet fermented.  Because as it fermented it would expand and pull the wineskin seems apart.

Old ways of doing things don’t go with the New Covenant.  They exist next to each other but they aren’t used together.  Jesus brought something new.  He didn’t come to pour His life into the old way, he came with a new way. 

As Jesus was giving the explanation, who came to Him? Vs18 a synagogue leader

What did he ask?  He knelt before Jesus and said “my daughter has just died.  But if you come and put your hand on her she will live.”

Think about this; who were the ones that really disagreed with what Jesus was doing and teaching?  The religious leaders.  Yet a synagogue leader came to Jesus when in dire need.

What did Jesus do? vs19 He went with the man

Who went with Him?  His disciples

What happened on His way to see the dead girl? Vs20  a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years came up behind Him and touched the edge of His cloak.  (an unclean woman)

What did she say to herself? Vs21  If I can just touch His cloak, I will be healed.

Jesus turned to look at her, what did He say to her? vs22  take heart daughter your faith has healed you.

What happened to her immediately?  She stopped bleeding

Read this event in Luke 8:41-48.  What additional information do you find in Luke?  The man’s name was Jairus.  It was his daughter, she was 12 years old.

When Jesus left with him the crowd was so large it almost crushed Him.  The woman had come up behind Him and when she touched His garment she immediately stopped bleeding.  Jesus called out and asked who touched Him.

Peter tried to explain that there were many crushing up against Him.  But Jesus knew someone specific touched Him because “He knew that power had gone out from Him.”  The woman came trembling and confessed.  She confessed and gave testimony to the entire crowd there that she stopped bleeding.  This woman most likely trembled because she was not to touch or be touched while she was unclean.  Here she was touching a Rabbi; it was a desperate act and it could have gotten her into terrible trouble.  But this was Jesus, he knew her pain and he loved her.

Have you ever felt the power of the Holy Spirit go out from you?  Or into you?

Have you ever given testimony about how Jesus has healed you?  I have been healed from a very troubling past.  I have given testimony to it but because I am so completely healed I don’t feel the need to talk about it so much anymore.  Reading this reminds me that my healing should still be a testimony for others, that I can bring hope to others.  Like this woman, I am completely healed.

What if people just reached out like this woman did, and received healing.  But many don’t, instead they keep their hard exterior or they try everything else, except reaching out to the One who can help.  (I am talking about spiritually.  How many people try every other kind of religion except simply coming to Jesus)

Jesus got to the leaders house and who was inside? Vs23  a noisy crowd and people playing pipes (a funeral or mourning gathering).

What did Jesus tell these people? Vs24  go away, the girl is not dead, she’s sleeping. 

What did the people do when they were told this? They laughed at Jesus

They put the crowd outside and then what did Jesus do? vs25  he went and took the girl by the hand. 

What happened to the girl?  She got up

Why do you think that Jesus told the mourners that she was sleeping instead of telling them that He was going to bring her back to life?  Maybe He was still trying to keep a low profile – didn’t want to appear showy?

The crowd of mourners must have heard what had taken place because what happened throughout the region? Vs26  news of this spread

Jesus moved on.  Who followed Him? vs27  2 blind men

What were they calling out?  Have mercy on us son of David.

He went indoors and these people approached Him.  What did Jesus ask them?  Do you believe that I am able to do this? (heal you)

How did they answer?  Yes we do

What did Jesus do and say next? Vs29  He touched their eyes and said “according to your faith, let it be done to you.”

What happened to them? Vs30  their sight was restored. 

What stern warning did Jesus give?  See to it that no one knows about this.

Again, why do you think Jesus said this?  He had just brought a girl back to life and had been performing miracles to the event that crowds were coming to Him.  So why wouldn’t He want the blind men telling others? 

Think about Jesus statement in verse 29.  If the men had lied or doubted they may or may not have been healed because it was according to their faith.  Jesus may also have made this statement to show others that faith is part of the interaction with Him.  After all, he didn’t come to bring physical healing, His main reason for coming was to bring spiritual healing.  The physical was partly His compassion and partly to reveal the spiritual need.  If we look back at the healings we will see faith as a part of each of them.  Let’s not marvel and get so caught up in the miraculous physical part that we miss the fact that Jesus really came to miraculously reconcile.

Did they do what Jesus instructed? Vs31  no, they went out and spread the news

As they went out the door, who was brought to Jesus next? Vs32  a man who was demon possessed and couldn’t talk.  (remember the last demon possessed man?  He was a screamer and violent.  Demon possession manifests different in each person.)

What happened to this man? Vs33  the demon was driven out and the mute man spoke. 

How did the on-looking crowd react?  They were amazed and said “nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”

What were the Pharisees thought on this? Vs34  that Jesus was driving out demons by the power of the prince of demons.  They had an answer for everything.

What does verse 35 tell us?  Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the good news (gospel) and healing every disease and sickness.

When He saw the crowds coming to Him, why did He have compassion? Vs36  they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  (what is a sheep like alone without a shepherd?  In big trouble, vulnerable)

Then what did He tell His disciples? Vs37  the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 

Explain what you think this means. 

So many people were spiritually broken and confused.  The religious leaders had turned religion into a hardship and the people were oppressed.  They were physically oppressed by the Romans and spiritually oppressed by their own leaders. They were without a shepherd, or a leader that had their best interest at hand. 

What did Jesus tell His disciples to do? vs38  ask the Lord (pray) to send out workers into this harvest field.  (pray for help)

Write your interpretation of what this means:

God provides the harvest, so ask Him to provide the workers for it.  If He creates a plentiful crop, He can certainly equip enough workers to harvest the crops – spiritually speaking.

Write additional thoughts or questions:

In this segment of scripture, I was overcome by the reminder that Jesus came to heal in the spiritual, but had so much compassion that He couldn’t help but heal in the physical as well. 

At the end of the chapter He brings it all together by telling us that the people were like a sheep without a shepherd, helpless and vulnerable and they should pray for help.  Our closeness to God is what really matters.

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