Matthew Twenty

Matthew 20

1 - 16 The Laborers in the Vineyard

Another illustration that "the last will be first."

17 - 19 A Third time Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

20 - 28 The Request of the Mother of James and John

She wants them to sit, sone at Jesus' right and the other at Jesus' left. Jesus asks them if they are able "to drink the cup that I am about to drink." They say they are able and Jesus is noncommital: "You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right and left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my father. (My note: James was later martyred - Acts 12.2 and various legends report John's death)

29 - 33 Jesus Heals Two Blind Men

Question: What are various meanings does "the cup I am about to drink"?

Matthew Nineteen

Chapter 19

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=19&version=31

1 - 12 Teaching About Divorce

Pharisees ask Jesus if it is lawful for a man and woman to divorce. Jesus explains that a man and woman, once married, become one flesh. ". . . whoever divorces his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another commits adultery."

13 - 15 Jesus Blesses Little Children

Relate this to his statement about being like a child.

16 - 30 The Rich Young Man

A man asks what good deed he must do to have eternal life. Jesus lists the commandments. The man has kept these. Jesus tells him to sell all he has, give the money to the poor and follow him. The man grieves and leaves because he has many possessions. Jesus tells the disciples that it is a virtual impossibility for the rich to get into heaven.

Again, we are told not to store up wealth on earth, but in heaven.

Matthew Eighteen

Chapter 18

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=18&version=31

1 - 5 True Greatness

When the disciples asked Jesus who the greatest in the kingdom of heaven was, he replied, ". . . Unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Children are completely trusting of adults and we should be the same way toward God.

6 - 9 Temptations to Sin

Jesus warns against putting stumbling blocks in front of "little ones." I take this passage to mean don't try to put out the light in others' faith (esp. those new to the faith). (My notes say it could be "missionaries, disciples, recent converts, those of low social or economic status, or those weak in faith). Such "stumbling blocks" could be cynicism, being a bad example, etc.

10 - 14 The Parable of the Lost Sheep

God is concerned about all of us - especially those of us who are lost.

15 - 20 Disciplining Members of Church

This makes sense. If you have a problem with someone go to that person FIRST.

"Where two or three are gathered together, I am there among them." This is good for Bible study. Like I discovered from reading The Purpose Driven Life, Bible study is best in small groups. If the group gets too big, things become unwieldy. 2 or 3 is a good number.

21 - 22 Forgiveness

Peter asks how many times one should forgive, and Jesus says 77 [or 70 x 7 (490) depending on your translation]. At any rate, its a large number - just keep on forgivin'.

23 - 35 The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Slave owes money; lord forgives him. Slave goes to another slave who owes him money; throws the guy in jail until he can pay him. lord finds out; TORTURES first slave until he can pay him back. 35: "So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart."

The "from your heart" part is the hard part.

Question: I listed some ways we could be "stumbling blocks" to "little ones." What are some more?

Matthew Seventeen

Matthew 17

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=17&version=31

1 - 13 The Transfiguration

Jesus takes Peter and James to a high mountain. Jesus is transfigured before them. Moses & Elijah show up. Peter offers to make three "dwellings" for them (my notes: perhaps to prolong the vision). A voice from above says, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased! Listen to him" (remember what God said at the Baptism). When P&J look up only Jesus is there.

On the way down, Jesus tells them, "Tell no one about the vision until after the son of Man has been raised from the dead."

My notes: "The transfiguration echoes the appearance of God to Moses on Mt. Sinai. (Again, the NT is illuminated in the Old and the OT is fulfilled in the New).

14 - 21 Jesus cures a Boy with a Demon

22 - 23 Jesus again foretells His Death and Resurrection

24 - 27 Jesus and the Temple Tax

In Capernaum the temple tax collectors approach Peter. Peter tells him that Jesus pays it. On the way back, Jesus asks Simon from whom kings take their tribute -from children or others? "From others" Jesus: "Then the children are free. However, so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me."

Matthew Sixteen

Matthew 16

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=16&version=31

1 - 4 The Demand for a Sign

The Pharisees and Sadducees demand a sign from Jesus, and he tells them that there will be no sign except for the sign of Jonah.

4 - 12 The Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees

Jesus tells the disciples to beware the Yeast of the P & S. The disciples don't get that he means the teachings until he explains it to them.

13 - 20 Peter's Declaration About Jesus

Peter says "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus says, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heavne, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then he tells the disciples (sternly) not to reveal to others that he is the Messiah.

Note: The word "church" is found only here and 18.17 in the gospels.

21 - 23 Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

Peter rebukes Jesus, saying that he mustn't let the crucifixion happen. Jesus: "Get Behind Me Satan! you are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things (I'd hate to be on the receiving end of this, although I probably often deserve it).

24 - 28 The Cross and Self-Denial

Jesus: If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. . .

Question: What is the sign of Jonah?

Matthew Fifteen

Chapter 15

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=15&version=31

1 - 9 The Tradition of the Elders

The Pharisees are upset that Jesus & his disciples didn't wash their hands before eating. My note: The Pharisees' traditional interpretation of the Jewish law, passed on orally and believed by them to have been give with the written law on Mount Sinai.

10 - 20 Things that Defile

Jesus: "It is not what goes into the mouth that defile, but what comes out of the mouth." He says the Pharisees are the "blind guides leading the blind." Bad things that come out of the heart: evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. "These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile. (Although it might make you physically sick not to wash your hands). His point is, I think, that you should keep the commandments (big things) and not quibble about the oral tradition (small things).

21 - 28 The Canaanite Woman's Faith

A woman's daughter is tormented by a demon. The disciples want to send her away because she's hysterical, but Jesus says he was sent for the "lost sheep of Israel" and because of the woman's faith, the girl is healed instantly.

29 - 31 Jesus Cures Many People

The people praise "the god of Israel" perhaps suggesting that they aren't Jews.

32 - 39 Feeding the Four Thousand

Seven loaves and a fish go a long way.

Matthew Fourteen

Chapter 14

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=14&version=31

1 - 12 The Death of John the Baptist

Herod has John arrested and has a party for Herodias (his sister-in-law?). So her daughter (prompted by mom) asks for John's head on a platter. This is seen as a portent to Jesus' death.

13 - 33 Feeding the Five Thousand and Walking on the water

These first scene addresses physical hunger. The second is about faith - Peter follows Jesus out on the water a little ways out and then doubts.

34 - 36 Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret

This is the scene where folks are healed by touching the fringe of his garment.

Question: What does the scene on the water say about faith?

Matthew Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen

Lots of parables

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=13&version=31

1. The Parable of the Sower

Jesus says some seeds fell on the path, rocky ground, among thorns, and on good soil

2. The Parable of Weeds among the Wheat

3. The Parable of the Mustard Seed

4. The Parable of the Yeast

5. The Kingdom of Heaven is likened to a) treasure hidden in a field, b) a merchant in search of fine pearls, and c) a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind.

6. Jesus: " . . . every scribe who has been traine for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old."

Finally, Jesus goes home and is rejected by the locals who knew him going up. "Isn't that the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us?" So much for the home town advantage. . . .

Question: Why does Jesus say he speaks in parables?

Matthew Twelve

Chapter Twelve

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=12&version=31
1 - 14 Jesus and the Sabbath

Jesus upsets the Pharisees for going through the grainfields and healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. My notes state that these two stories, "show that Jesus, in contrast to the Pharisees, stresses human need over sabbath observance."

15 -21 God's Chosen Servant

Jesus fulfills the prophesy of Isaiah that states he will be God's chosen servant.

22 - 32 Jesus and Beelzebul

Jesus heals a demoniac who is blind and mute. The Pharisees claim that Jesus is Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons. Jesus says that if he were the ruler of the demons and he cast out Satan, how could that kingdom stand? He states that whoever speaks agains the Son of Man will be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

33 - 37 A Tree and Its Fruit

Jesus: "Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit."

38 - 42 The Sign of Jonah

The Pharisees ask for a sign and Jesus refers to the prophet Jonah who was in the belly of the whale for three days and three nights (this could be foreshadowing of his death and resurrection).

43 - 45 The Return of the Unclean spirit

See question

46 - 50 The True Kindred of Jesus

Someone says "Look, your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you." Jesus replies, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" And pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." (He doesn't reject them - he's just making a point)

Question: What does 43 - 45 say about the nature of sin?

Matthew Eleven

Chapter Eleven

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=11&version=31

1 - 6 Messengers from John the Baptist

John is in prison and writes to Jesus, asking, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" Jesus answers by telling his disciples to send word about what he has done.

7 - 19 John the Baptist is Identified as Elijah

Jesus speaks says that John is the "messenger sent ahead of you, who will prepare the way before you."

20 - 24 Woes to Unrepentant Cities

Jesus reproaches cities that did not repent (I wonder if any of these cities are still around).

25 - 30 Jesus as Wisdom's Spokesperson

Q: Why does Jesus compare John the Baptist to Elijah?

Matthew Ten

Chapter 10

Here's the link:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=10&version=31

1 - 5 Disciples and Apostles

Jesus gives the disciples the power to heal unclean spirits. Here is a list of the 12 apostles.

5 - 15 Sharing the Authority of Christ

Jesus sends out the apostles, instructing them to focus on the Jews ("the lost sheep of Israel") 7. "As you go, proclaim the good news, 'The kingdom of heaven is near." Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons . . . " If anyone will not hear them, "shake off the dust of your feet as you leave that house or town."

16 - 23 The Fate of the Disciple

Jesus warns the disciples, that they may be "dragged before governors and kings because of me," but he tells them not to worry "for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."

24 - 33 The Call to Courageous Confession

32 "Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven."

34 - 39 The Cost of Discipleship

34 Jesus says he did not come to bring peace on earth but a sword.

40 - 42 Sharing the presence of Christ

Jesus promises to welcome whoever welcomes him.

Question: What does this chapter say about salvation?

Matthew Nine

Chapter Nine

I'm reading the NIV today.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=9&version=31

1 - 8 Jesus Heals a Paralytic

In this miracle, Jesus heals a paralytic ("Take heart, son;" he says, "you sins are forgiven"). Some teachers of the law accuse Jesus of blasphemy. Jesus states that the Son of Man has authority on earth to fogive sins. He tells the man to get up and walk, which he does.

9 - 13 The Calling of Matthew.

Matthew is sitting at a tax collectors booth when Jesus says, "Follow me." Matthew does so. Later Jesus has dinner with Matthew, tax collectors and other "sinners." The Pharisees see this and are upset. Jesus says, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick . . . "

14 - 17 Jesus Questioned about Fasting

John's disciples ask Jesus why they and the Pharasee's fast but his don't. Jesus: "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. . . " Then he tells about the patch of unshrunk cloth on a new garment and the new wine into old wineskins.

18 - 26 A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman

Jesus raises the dead daughter of a ruler and a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years.
IMPORTANT FOR THE BAND: "When Jesus entered the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, he said "Go away. . ." The girl is not dead but asleep

27 - 34 Jesus Heals the Blind and Mute

Jesus heals two blind men "According to their faith." He drives a demon out of a mute man, causing him to speak.

35 - 38 The Workers Are Few

Jesus continues to teach, preach and heal. He says to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

QUESTION: Explain verse 15 in your own words. What does this have to do with fasting?

Matthew Eight

Chapter Eight

A lot going on in this chapter! Here it is:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=8&version=31

1 - 4 Jesus Cleanses a Leper

The first of ten miracles. Jesus heals the man and tells him not to tell anyone and to show the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded as a testimony.
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5 - 13 Jesus Heals a Centurian's Servant

The centurian's servant was paralyzed. Jesus agrees. The centurian says he is not worthy, "For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me." Jesus says, "I tell you, many will come from east and west and will eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven" . . . while the heirs (The Jews - spec. the Pharisees) will be thrown to hell. Jesus says toe the Centurian, "Go; let it be done for you according you according to your faith." The servant believes and is healed.

14 - 17 Jesus Heals Many at Peter's House.

Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law, plus many who were possessed with demons.

18 - 22 Would-Be Followers of Jesus

A scribe approaches Jesus, saying he will follow Jesus whereever he will go. Jesus: "Foxes have holes, and birds have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head."

Another disciple requests leave to bury his father. Jesus: "Follow me, and let the dead bury themselves."

23 - 27 Jesus Stills the Storm

On a boat, there is a windstrom. When the the disciples panic, Jesus says, "Why are you afraid, you of little faith?" He calms the storm.

28 - 9:1 Jesus Heals the Gadarine Demoniacs

Two demoniacs come out of the tombs and Jesus sends them into a herd of swine who rush down into the water where they drown. The Jesus takes his disciples into Capernaum.

Question: Jesus tells the leper go to the priest offer the gift that Moses commanded as a testimony. What is it?

Matthew Seven

Chapter Seven

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=7&version=31

1 - 12 Instructions on Conduct and Prayer

Some sayings on human conduct
- (1) Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.
- (6) Do not give what is holy to the dogs.
- (7) Ask and it will be given to you.
- (12) In everything do to others as you would have them do to you.

13 - 28 A Series of Warnings

- (13) Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction . . .
- (15) Beware of false prophets . . .
- (21) Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord," will enter the kingdome of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in Heaven."
- (24) Everyone then who hears my name and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock . . .

This ends the sermon on the mount.

Question: Explain, verse 6, putting it in your own words.

Matthew Six

Chapter Six

Link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=6&version=31

1 - 16 The Piety that God Rewards

"Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them: for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven." (Don't be showy) "Don't heap up empty phrases . . ." (Mean what you say). In fact, Jesus teaches us how to pray the Lord's Prayer (9 - 15).

19 - 34 Orientation to God

19. Don't store up treasures on earth but in heaven
22. The eye is the lamp of the body (I take this to mean don't look at things you shouldn't, but my notes state that "The evil eye was a metaphor for stinginess or jealousy" which makes sense too.
25. Do not worry . . . (I like the idea that worrying is a sin - God will take care of me)

Question: Name three things Jesus specifically Jesus recommends we NOT do when we pray.

Matthew Five

Chapter Five

1 - 11 The Beatitudes

The Sermon on the Mount - the first of Jesus' five great teachings.

12 - 16 Salt and Light

The salt must have taste; the light cannot be hidden. How can one call himself a Christian when he doesn't act like one?

17 - 20 Fulfilling the Law and the Prophets

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill."

21 - 48 Jesus' Teaching Alters the Law

Six antitheses contrast with Jewish law (my notes)

1) "Do not murder" is strengthened to "Do not become angry"
2) "Do not commit adultry" is strengthened to "do not think of committing adultry"
3) "Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce" is strengthened to "he causes her to commit adultry."
4) "You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you made to the Lord" is strengthened to do not swear at all - let your yes be yes and your no be no.
5) "An eye for an eye . . ." is changed to "turn the other cheek"
6) "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy" is changed to "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

Question: Why do you think Jesus made these chages to the law?

Matthew Four

Chapter Four

link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=4&version=31

1 - 11 The Temptation of Jesus

Jesus goes into the wilderness and the devil tempts him with 1) changing stones to bread (food - immediate pleasure) 2) jumping from the mountain (pride) and 3) the worship from kingdoms of the world. Jesus declines

12 - 17 Jesus Begins his Ministry in Galilee

Jesus goes to Capernaum to preach, in order to fulfill prophecy. He began to proclaim, (17) "Repent, for the kingdom of God is near."

18 - 22 Jesus Calls the First Disciples

Jesus meets Simon, Peter, and Andrew fishing by the Sea of Galilee. He says (19) "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." They immediately drop what they are doing and follow him.

23 - 25 Jesus Ministers to Crowds of People

Jesus' ministry broadens.

Question: How does Jesus use scripture to strengthen his argument against the devil?

Matthew Three

Chapter Three

link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=3&version=31

1 - 12 The Proclamation of John the Baptist

John appears in the wilderness of Judea, wearing clothing of camel's hair and a leather belt. He eats locusts and wild honey. He baptizes people in the Jordan as they confess their sins. He confronts the Sadducees and Pharisees

13 - 17 The Baptism of Jesus

Jesus comes from Galilee to be baptized by John. As he comes up from the water, the heavens open up and he sees the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased."

Question: What is John's reaction when Jesus wishes to be baptized by him?

Matthew Two

Matthew Chapter Two

Here's the link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=2&version=31

1 - 12 The Visit of the Wise Men

King Herod calls on his astrologers to search for the child. They do and are overwhelmed with joy. They offer him gold, francincense, and myrrh. Then they fail to return to Herod.

13 - 15 The Escape to Egypt

The Lord appears to Joseph in a dream and tells him to flee to Egypt

16 - 18 The Massacre of the Infants

herod orders all children two and under to be killed.

19 - 23 The Return to Nazareth

When Herod dies, and angel appears before Joseph and tells him to return Israel. They settle in Galilee.

Question: What prophesies are fulfilled in this chapter?