Category: BSF Matthew 2021/2022

Welcome to AtoZMom’s BSF Blog! Learn about BSF (Bible Study Fellowship)’s BSF study of Matthew in 2021-2022. You’ll follow Jesus’s ministry all the way from his birth to his death on the cross that brought salvation to all of humanity. You’ll witness his resurrection, and with his resurrection, his redeeming purpose for all of mankind and his ushering in of eternal life.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 4: Matthew 12:1-21

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 12:1-21

Jesus and his disciples were walking through fields of grain. His disciples were hungry, so they began to eat the grain heads. The Pharisees claimed this was unlawful. Jesus responded that David ate consecrated bread when he was hungry and the priests desecrate the day by doing temple work. He says one greater than the temple is here, since he, the Son of Man, is Lord of the Sabbath.

The Pharisees ask Jesus if it’s lawful to heal on the Sabbath. He uses the example of if a sheep had fallen into a pit on the Sabbath, would they not rescue it? It’s lawful to do good on the Sabbath. Jesus healed a man with a shriveled hand, and the Pharisees plotted how to kill Jesus.

Jesus withdrew and healed all the sick, telling them to tell no one who he was. This fulfilled prophecy in Isaiah.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 4: Matthew 12:1-21

9a) No. The law was to do no work on the Sabbath. Picking heads of grain was not only allowed according to Deuteronomy 23:25, but it most definitely is not work. The law did not say, “starve on the Sabbath.”

b) Jesus responded that David ate consecrated bread when he was hungry and the priests desecrate the day. He says one greater than the temple is here, since he, the Son of Man, is Lord of the Sabbath. Mark 2:23:27 says the Sabbath is made for man and his rest. In 1 Samuel 21:4-6, we read that the priests gave David and his men consecrated bread to eat as long as they had kept themselves from women. Jesus meant that as Lord of the Sabbath, he can do what he pleases.

10) He cared more about people than laws.

11) The Pharisees are beginning to plot against him. Jesus knows he still has work to do before he is called home to God, so he withdraws to protect himself. He’s trying to keep a low profile and not draw attention to himself, so he tells those to not tell others, so he can continue his ministry here on earth.

12) I love how in his name, there is hope. Jesus’s name is so powerful that all we need to do is hope in him.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 4: Matthew 12:1-21

Human nature is to bring those down around you who are more successful than you, more popular, and who are helping others. Here, we see Jesus begin to suffer for his goodness.

If you love Bible maps like I do, check out this Bible resource!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 4: Matthew 12:1-21

This passage shows us how the Bible can be misinterpreted and the consequences thereof. The Pharisees would have Jesus and his disciples starve because in their minds they were doing work on the Sabbath. This is not what the Bible says at all.

Jesus, of course, never broke a law; he did break man’s interpretation of that law, and sometimes on purpose, to make a point.

Here, human need is more important than the rules of the Sabbath. Besides, Jesus says, the priests break the laws of the Sabbath constantly by performing their rituals, which is work. Mercy is more important than sacrificing for principles (Hosea 6:6)

Jesus once again proclaims his deity with his declaration that he is Lord of the Sabbath and greater than the temple, which was everything to the Jewish people at that time. He  himself is worthy of love, admiration, honor, sacrifice, service, and worship.

Jesus Healing on the Sabbath

Jesus sets the example of us going to church on the Sabbath.

The Pharisees try to set Jesus up with a man who needs healing, knowing Jesus will have compassion on the man and heal him.

Here, the Pharisees turn from just rejecting Jesus to plotting to murder him.

Jesus withdrew to preserve God’s plan for him. He healed all who came to him in faith, and this probably took a long time.

Jesus is the chosen Servant of God.  Matthew 20:25-28, Matthew 23:11, Mark 9:35, Mark 10:43-45. He still serves us by being our guiding light, our Savior, and loving us despite our sins every day.

Jesus doesn’t need to draw attention to himself; his deeds speak for themselves.

Jesus is gentle with those who are bruised and nourishes us who are like smoldering flames.

“The nations” refers to Jesus’s ministry to the Gentiles.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 3: Matthew 11:16-30

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 11:16-30

This generation is like children, Jesus says.

Jesus denouced cities (Korazin, Capernaum, and Bethsaida) he has performed miracles in because they did not repent. Tyre, Sodom, and Sidon will be better off on the day of judgment than them.

Jesus praises God for revealing himself to the little children. No one knows God except the Son and those whom the Son chooses to reveal to him.

Jesus calls those who are weary and burdened to come to him and he will give them rest. Learn from him who has an easy yoke and a light burden.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 3: Matthew 11:16-30

6a) Those who witnessed his miracles but did not repent.

b) If you don’t repent and accept Jesus, you will not receive eternal life.

7) “Because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children” for God’s pleasure.

8a) Jesus calls those who are weary and burdened to come to him and he will give them rest. Learn from him who has an easy yoke and a light burden.

b) He carries them for us, forgives our sins, and allows us freedom to live.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 3: Matthew 11:16-30

One of Jesus’s most famous quotes as he offers rest to those who are weary and burdened, as most of us are at some point in our lives. Learn from Jesus to be less weary and less burdened.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 3: Matthew 11:16-30

map of korazin, bethsaida, and capernaum www.atozmomm.com bsf matthewMany people will criticize just to criticize, as they did Jesus and John for nothing at all they did. Wisdom is proved by actions.

It is worse to know about Jesus and still reject him than to not know about Jesus and reject him. There is a greater responsibility with knowledge.

Here we learn that there are different degrees of accountability based on what you know and what you choose to do with that knowledge.  (Matthew 12:41; 23:13;  Luke 12:47-48), (Romans 1:20-2:16)

The cities Jesus mentions (Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum John 21:25🙂 all faced judgment. We are not told what happened here as we do not have all the details of Jesus’s life (what we could learn if we could!).

Note that the Father can only be known through the Son.

Jesus invites us to come to him, not go. We are to come as disciples, ready to learn how to live and now just receive grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

In ancient times, the yoke was what tied oxen together to do work. It was a symbol of a burden or obligation. The ancient Jews used this as a symbol of a yoke of the law, command, faith, repentance, and more. Jesus’s yoke is nothing in comparision.

Jesus is gentle and lowly and offers us rest. Jesus walks with us and bears burdens with us. He is our leader and mentor. Life is still hard, but with Jesus, he carries the hardships with us and for us.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 2: Matthew 11:1-15

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 11:1-15

Jesus is continuing his ministry in the towns of Galilee. John the Baptist was in prison, and when he heard Jesus had come, he sent his disciples to ask if he was the One. Jesus told them to tell John that he has come to help the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, and raise the dead. He has come to preach the Good News to the poor. All who hear and believe will be blessed.

Jesus then spoke about John the Baptist, saying he is the Elijah who was to come, a prophet who none have been risen greater than he. The kingdom has been advancing thanks to John.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 2: Matthew 11:1-15

3a) John is in prison, so he is probably hoping to get out when the One comes. He wants to know if Jesus will rescue him.

b) Jesus quoted Isaiah who prophesied about the Savior, saying when he (Jesus) comes, the deaf will hear, the blind will see, the lame will walk, and the humble will rejoice. He preaches Good News to the poor and binds up the broken hearted (Isaiah 14:3-5).

c) Many times: in our moves, our past bankruptcy, and even now as we try to navigate another move possibly and career changes. All changes test your faith in some way, and you learn to lean on God more and more.

4a) John the Baptist was probably confused if Jesus was a political Messiah, sent to overthrow Rome, or the one he is — the one to save our souls instead. So, he asked Jesus himself, as we all should.

b) By asking Jesus. By bringing their questions to him and asking and waiting for him to respond.

5) He said no one born of women has been greater than he.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 2: Matthew 11:1-15

Great example of how it’s okay to doubt who Jesus is and ask him to reveal himself. Many people come to Christ this way. Doubting is human, so give yourself some grace when you arrive at these moments in your life and continue to bring your doubts to Jesus.

Great historical fiction on the life of John the Baptist!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 2: Matthew 11:1-15

Some Bible scholars say that John sent his disciples to ask who Jesus was for the disciples’ sake and not his own.

John the Baptist was in jail for calling out Herod Antipas, the ruler of Judea at this time. Herod had seduced his brother’s wife and ended up marrying her. John rebuked him for it and ended up in prison Matthew 14:3-12.

John is confused here, no doubt. He may be expecting a political Messiah — one who will rescue him. Perhaps, he didn’t want Jesus to forget about his troubles, too. Being in prision is hard, no doubt.

Jesus uses the prophecies of Isaiah to say he has come — but not in the political way many crave.

Jesus commends John the Baptist as the greatest prophet and man for being Jesus’s herald.  Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1. Note that Jesus bears witness to John as he had done for him.

The kingdom of heaven is forceful in pushing back the darkness and in converting people to Jesus.

John the Baptist was in the spirit of Elijah  (Luke 1:17). John was the last of the Old Testament prophets. We see Elijah at the Transfiguration  (Matthew 17:3), and we’ll see him as one of two prophets to come in Revelation 11:3-12.

Fun Fact: “He who has ears, let him hear” was a saying of Jesus after he said something important he wanted his followers to remember.

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BSF Matthew Lesson 11 Additional Bible Resources

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

Hey all!

Great Bible resources on the commissioning of the 12 disciples.

Enjoy!

 

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Friday Digest BSF Matthew Lesson 11

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN MATTHEW 10 BSF LESSON 11

  • Christ’s path is hard
  • We are called to sacrifice for him
  • God equips those He calls for His work
  • Always pray for guidance
  • God awakens dead hearts to His Word
  • God has work for you to do
  • Choose God’s way over yours

TAKE AWAY: Love Christ more than life itself.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 5: Matthew 10:32-42

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 10:32-42

If you acknowledge Jesus (accept him), God will accept you in heaven. Whoever doesn’t won’t be accepted. Jesus did not come to bring peace; he came with a sword to ensure he is first in the hearts of men, not others. You must take up your cross and follow him. Those who accept Jesus will be rewarded.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 5: Matthew 10:32-42

14) If you acknowledge Jesus (accept him), God will accept you in heaven. Whoever doesn’t won’t be accepted. Jesus did not come to bring peace; he came with a sword to ensure he is first in the hearts of men, not others. You must take up your cross and follow him. Those who accept Jesus will be rewarded.

15) Because God is first in lives and deserves to have everything given up for him.

16) Take up your cross means you must be willing to die in order to follow Jesus. You die to self. You surrender everything, including allegiance to your family over Christ. Then, you give up your hopes, dreams, and even family to follow Christ and do his will. The reward is eternal life in heaven. Here is an old post of mine explaining this: HERE

17) I have had to give up my wants and desires for God’s will many times in this world.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 5: Matthew 10:32-42

I love how Jesus is encouraging his disciples that even though times will be tough, their reward in heaven will be more than worth it. What we all need to keep in mind.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 5: Matthew 10:32-42

We must publically confess our Christianity and not hide it from shame. It should be clear to others you are a Christian. Whatever Jesus is to you, we will be to him.

People, even families, are divided by Jesus’s message of eternal salvation, which is why a sword analogy is used. Jesus must be first in our lives.

The cross in Roman times symbolized death, not life like it does to us. Taking up your cross meant being willing to die to follow Jesus. When you are willing to lose your life for Jesus, you find it.

Fun Fact: This is the first time Matthew has mentioned cross.

We are to do good for Jesus’s disciples (priests, pastors, etc) by supporting them, even by giving them something as simple as a glass of water.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 4: Matthew 10:16-31

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 10:16-31

Jesus warns his disciples what they will face on their journeys. They will be like sheep among wolves. The disciples will need to be on their guard against men who will flog them in their synogogues and hand them over to their local councils. They will be arrested, but God will help them by giving them the words they will need via the Holy Spirit.

Jesus warns them others will hate them because of him, but if they stand firm, they will be saved. If people persecute them, move on. However, they won’t finish going through the cities of Israel after before he dies.

Do not be afraid, for they can kill the body but not the soul. Instead, be afraid of the Devil. No one will fall apart from the will of the Father.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 4: Matthew 10:16-31

11a) The disciples will be like sheep among wolves. They need to be on their guard against men who will flog them in their synogogues and hand them over to their local councils. They will be arrested, but God will help them by giving them the words they will need via the Holy Spirit. People will persecute the disciples.

b) It is the same. People persecute and hate Christians. Brother will betray brother and a father his child.

c) Doing the right thing has been costly in terms of job promotions.

12a) Do not be afraid, for nothing is concealed that won’t be made known, and they can kill the body but not the soul.

b) It’s always good to know that someone has got my back and that I’ll be alright no matter what.

13) The body can be killed but not the soul. This encourages me when death happens.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 4: Matthew 10:16-31

Following Jesus is hard, and it’s not all sunshine and roses. Jesus tells his disciples this in order to prepare them for the turmolt ahead.

Great for the shorter nights!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 4: Matthew 10:16-31

The disciples will face persecution, but they are to remain harmless, not fighting back. Opposition will be everywhere, including with governors and kings. Christianity will spread, threatening many.

Note the inclusion of the Gentiles in verse 18.

God and His words will be with them. Persecution will come from within families, too. Death will result. But persevere to the end. And don’t seek out martydom, but flee to those who will hear your message.

The Son of Man coming refers to God’s judgement of Judea in AD 70 when the temple was destroyed.

Since Jesus was persecuted, so too will they be. If Jesus was called the Devil (Beelzebub), so they too will be. Instead, be like Jesus, the teacher (Romans 8:29).

The Truth will prevail, so there is nothing to fear. The Truth will be known even if rulers try to suppress it. God cares for the disciples more than the sparrows.

Fun Fact: “Do not be afraid” is mentioned three times in these last 6 verses. With God, there is no room for fear.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 3: Matthew 10:1-15

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 10:1-15

Jesus called his disciples together and gave them the ability to drive out evil and heal every disease and sickness. The 12 are: Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, Thaddaeus, Simon, and Judas.

Jesus sent the 12 out to the lost sheep of Israel, not to the Gentiles or the Samaritans. Preach the message that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick; raise the dead; drive out demons; heal lepers. Freely give as they have received. Take no money, bag, extra clothes or sandals for the worker is worth his keep.

They are to stay at others’ homes while traveling. Bless the home if it is worthy. Move on if it is not.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 3: Matthew 10:1-15

6) He gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

7a) To the lost sheep of Israel. They were to not go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans.

b) Matthew 28:19-20 is the Great Commission, as Jesus sends out his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 says that the disciples will receive the Holy Spirit, and with this power they are to witness in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and all the ends of the earth. Romans 1:16 says that the power of the Gospel (God’s Word) can give salvation to those that believe. Believers will experience honor and peace according to Romans 2:9-11. Unbelievers will experience trouble and distress.

8 ) Preach the message that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick; raise the dead; drive out demons; heal lepers. Freely give as they have received. Take no money, bag, extra clothes or sandals for the worker is worth his keep. They are to stay at others’ homes while traveling. Bless the home if it is worthy.

9) Because hospitality was big in ancient times and was supposed to be given no matter what. Those who rejected the Gospel will face an eternity in hell, which is worse than what Sodom and Gomorrah experienced as burning sulphur rained down.

10) As you meet people, be aware if they may be open to Jesus. Preach the Good News, but if their hearts are closed, Jesus will judge them. You do your part by sharing.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 3: Matthew 10:1-15

I love the emphasis on going on and giving freely, but dusting the dust off your feet if your message is not received. We cannot let it bother us when others don’t turn to Jesus. God puts it on others hearts to follow Him or not by hardening hearts or loosening them. Our job is to share the message since we don’t know God’s sovereign will. He awakens dead hearts, not us! And give freely as we have been given to. Great stuff here!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 3: Matthew 10:1-15

The 12 Disciples

Really cool synopsis on the Apostles HERE

The disciples are listed in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Acts, but not the book of John.  Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:13-16, and Acts 1:13. Note they are of various backgrounds, as are all believers. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29. There are also other similarities: Peter is always first, and Judas is always last. The brothers are always paired together. Bible scholars see three groups of four, as if each had a leader:

  • Peter, Andrew, James, and John
  • Philip, Bartholomew/Nathanael, Thomas, and Matthew
  • James, Thaddaeus/Judas, Simon, Judas

Jesus equips those he calls to do their job (here, Jesus gave the 12 powers). The 12 have a future role in eternity (Matthew 19:28), helped found the church (Ephesians 2:20)., and shall be remembered always. (Revelation 21:14).

Fun Fact: This is the only time in Matthew the 12 are called apostles, meaning “one who is sent out.”

Iscariout may mean “man of Kerioth,” which is a town in southern Judea, or may mean “traitor.”

Bible Scholar Clarke notes that first the 12 are disciples Matthew 10:1 before apostles Matthew 10:2.. You must learn about God before you can preach about God.

The 12 Disciples Commissioned

It has always been God’s chosen people first (Romans 1:16), then the Gentiles. So it is with the disciples here.

Jesus needed help, so he sends his 12.

Note Jesus called them “the house of Israel.” To God, they will always be Israel, whether they have a state or not.

We are all lost sheep.  (Isaiah 53:6). Jeremiah 50:6

Jesus gives them the message he is delivering: The Kingdom of Heaven is near (Matthew 4:17)

Jesus tells them that God will meet their needs, like He meets our today. He will provide food, clothing, and shelter for them. They are to preach for free, and not charge for it. Give for free as you have received for free.

The 12 disciples who founded the church reflect the 12 Tribes of Israel who founded the nation of Israel. Israel was to be the light of the world. When they rejected him, the Gospel spread to the rest of the world.

The dusting of feet is symbolic of the Jews dusting their feet when they visited a Gentile nation so they would be clean.

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Jesus as the Shepherd bsf matthew www.atozmomm.com matthew 9

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 2: Matthew 9:35-38

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 9:35-38

Jesus began travelling through all the towns and villages, preaching the Good News and healing every disease and sickness. Jesus has compassion on the crowds. He told his disciples that they needed more people to preach, so ask the Lord to send out more workers to meet the need.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 2: Matthew 9:35-38

3a)  “They were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Basically, they were ignorant of God’s Word and needed to be fed.

b)

Psalm 23:1-3: God is our shepherd, providing us with everything we need. He restores our souls and guides us in righteousness.

Isaiah 53:6: All of us sin, but God leads us back.

Ezekiel 34:5-16: God will be our shepherd and look after us, his flock. He will rescue us and pasture us and gather us. God will bring back the lost, bind up the wounded, and strengthen the weak.

John 10:11-15: Jesus says he is the good shepherd. He knows his sheep, and the sheep know him. He lays down his life for his sheep.

1 Peter 2:24-25: Jesus died for our sins so that we could live. His wounds healed us. We were sheep that had gone astray, but now we have returned to the Shepherd.

c) Knowing they all need a Savior. The desire to help in a broken world.

4) There are more needy people than those who can help them, essentially.

5) God is the Lord of the harvest, so the Lord of everything. He is asking for prayer for more followers to preach the Good News.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 2: Matthew 9:35-38

I love the shepherd analogy. Shepherds weren’t the highest of classes in ancient times, so when God and Jesus say they are shepherds, they are identifying with us all.

Try this light for better reading during these shorter days!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 2: Matthew 9:35-38

We see God as a shepherd all throughout the Bible, beginning  with Jacob (Genesis 48:15) to Revelation 7:17. It was a powerful image for those who were shepherds in ancient times.

The original Greek word for “moved with compassion” is a very strong word that was used for pity.

Jesus is saying that for so long, the people have had no shepherds because the Levite priests were not doing their job and were corrupt themselves. It’s like they had no shepherd. In order to reap the most out of the harvest, workers are needed. We are to be the workers and help those seeking the Lord come to him.

“Send out workers” or thrust them forward in the ancient Greek. We are all to work for God’s kingdom.

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My Favorite Thanksgiving Items

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

Hey all!

Thought I’d so a post for my favorite Thanksgiving items. Happy Thanksgiving!

 

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