Gospel of Matthew - Week 5

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5-7, Luke 6:17-49

Understand the Passage:

1. Chapters 5-7 of Matthew are referred to as the "Sermon on the Mount." In the context of what we have been studying in Matthew to this point, what is the significance of transitioning to these teachings of Jesus?
2. Read Luke's parallel account in Luke 6:17-49 - sometimes referred to the "Sermon on the Plain." Do you think Matthew's account is a single discourse or a compilation of Jesus' teaching over time? How would you support your position?
3. In the passage, how has Jesus' teaching changed course from his (and John's) earlier message of "Repent..." What do you believe the purpose in this shift in message was?

Application

1. A scholar described the Sermon on the Mount as "neither an impractical ideal nor a fully attainable possibility." What words would you use to describe the principles in the Sermon to a new believer?
2. At the conclusion of the Sermon, the crowds were amazed because Jesus taught with authority. Who would you call an authority in your life? Where do you find yourself turning in difficult times?
3. The Sermon is meant to introduce the key aspects of the Kingdom of Heaven. Which of Jesus' teachings represent a call to action for you today? Why?

Gospel of Matthew - Week 4

Scripture Reading: Matthew 4 (NIV) / See Also Matthew 4 (Message)

Quick Note: I recommend that you occassonal reference one of the various "paraphrase" translations of the Bible to enhance your Bible study. The Message (see second link above) is a really good one, and is available on www.biblegateway.com. I would not rely on this as your primary translation, but as a supplement.

Understand the Passage:

1. What circumstances in the Old Testament would Jesus' time in the wilderness parallel for a Jew of Jesus' day? What is the importance of these connections?
2. Why did Jesus need to be "tested" before initiating his public ministry? (note: Matt 4:1 "Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness..")
3. What type of tests did Jesus encounter in the wilderness? How might we characterize them in modern terms?
4. What strikes you about the calling of Jesus' first disciples and the launch of his public ministry?

Application

1. What is the prevailing attitude in today's church toward testing or tempatation? What temptations are inevitable for most people?
2. The devil offered Jesus the kingdom without the cross - how are we tempted in the same way today?
3. In what specific area of your life is temptation the strongest these days? What steps can you take this week to resist the temptations you are facing?
4. What does it mean for you personally to "follow" Jesus? In what way do you consider yourself a fisher of men?

Gospel of Matthew - Week 3

Scripture Reading: Matthew 3

Understand the Passage

1. What significance does John the Baptist play in the Gospel story? Why do you think he is such a eccentric character?
   
2. What message did John the Baptist communicate? Who does he reserve his harshest words for in Chapter 3? Why?
3. What ideas would the images of the winnowing fork, gathering of wheat, burning of the chaff convey to someone of Jesus' day?
   
4. What do you think Jesus was baptized by John? Why was this important?

Application

1. What warnings would John the Baptist have for our generation? For us?
2. What do we rely on, apart from God, for our salvation?
3. What is the difference between God's discipline and God's judgment?
4. God's voice proclaimed he was "well pleased" with Jesus. What do you think pleases God?