Matthew
Matthew
1:1-17 The genealogy of Jesus
Genealogy of Jesus shows us that the barriers between men and women are broken down: women share in the official genealogy of the Messiah alongside men. The barrier between Gentiles and Jews are broken down too.
- Sinners, Gentiles and women are included in the genealogy of Jesus - what does this say about who can be part of Christ's family
- What does it mean for Jesus to bring an end to exile (1:11-12)?
1:18-25 The birth of Jesus
The first great name accorded to the child of promise is Jesus (21), meanin, ”The Lord saves.
8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Immanuel - “God with us”
The Father loces us enough to send his Son, the one who shares both God’s nature and ours. He comes to rescue his people from their sins (21), enemies far deadlier than Rome.
- Why do you think Jesus needed to be conceived by the Holy Spirit (1:18)?
- Considering the many ways that God speaks, how has God spoken to you?
2:1-12 The Magi visit the Messiah
- At what moments has your response to Jesus been more that of Herod, the chief priests or the Magi?
- How does your knowledge of Christ lead you to act?
2:13-23 The escape to Egypt and return
- In what ways does Jesus embody the fulfillment of the history and people of Israel?
- Since no opposition was able to stand against God's mission in Jesus, what encouragement can we draw from this passage about facing opposition?
3:1-12 John the Baptist
3:13-17 The baptism of Jesus
Jesus baptism shows the order of being baptised (cleansed), and then receive Holy Spirit.
4:1-11 The temptation of Jesus
God deliberately allows temptation. Its arrival does not mean that God’s blessing has evaporated. It simply allows the temporal and the emotional to be separated from the lasting. Temptation builds spiritual muscle.
If we do not know the Scriptures and trust the Spirit in warfare against Satan we will not share in the victory of God’s Son. However, if we do, the Spirit will bring Scriptures to our attention when temptation presses, and, like Jesus, we will have the power to overcome.
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
- How would you answer someone who felt that being tempted is an indication that God's blessing has evaporated?
- What lessons do we learn from Jesus' experience about overcoming temptation?
4:12-25 The start of Jesus' ministry
5:1-12 Christian character (The beatitudes)
5:13-20 Salt and light
5:21-30 Avoiding anger and immorality
- Why, in Jesus' view, do hatred and insults bring the same guilt and judgment as murder?
- How would you explain the 'gouge out your eye' command (5 29) to another Christian?
- What might you need to do in the light of what Jesus says in this passage?
5:31-42 Faithfulness and honesty
5:43-48 Love on display
6:1-6 Parading our piety
7:13-20 Making choices
- #What is attractive about the broad way (7 13-14) and what is unappealing about the narrow way?
- How would you discern whether a teacher or prophet was genuinely from God?
8:1-17 The healing of Jesus
- What do each of the three healings indicate about Jesus' mission?
- To what extent do you think disciples of Jesus today should expect to replicate his healing ministry?
8:18-22 Costly and immediate discipleship
- What does 8:18-22 tell us about following Jesus?
- How do these verses fit in which what has gone before and what follows?
8:23-9:8 The power of Jesus
- Why is Jesus asleep in the boat (8:24)?
- What does this say about his authority and control over events in our lives?
- What is the significance of the demons going into the pigs?
9:9-17 The calling of Matthew and a question about fasting
- What does Jesus mean by 'it is not the healthy who need a doctor' (9 12)?
- What attitudes of the Pharisees and the religious should we avoid (9 11, 14)?
9:18-34 The newness of Jesus
- How does this section (9:18-34) relate to what has come before (9:9-17)?
- What do these three stories teach us about faith and unbelief?
- While a disciple's faith may be imperfect, what is the one necessity concerning fath that is required?
9:35-38 The workers are few
- How do you respond to those who are harassed and helpless (9 36)?
- How can you be a more effective worker in God's harvest field (9 38)?
- Why does Jesus tells us to pray?
- What difference does prayer make for God's reaping his harvest?