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.

jesus parable of lost sheep bsf matthew www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 19, Day 3: Matthew 18:6-14

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 18:6-14

Jesus explains that if anyone causes a child who believes in him to sin then it would be better to have a millstone hung around his neck and drowned in the sea. If something causes you to sin, get rid of it, even your hand, foot, or eye. It’s better to have eternal life with only one hand, foot, or eye than to be thrown into the fire of hell.

Don’t look down on the little ones. If one sheep wanders off, the shepherd goes and looks for it until he finds it. He is happier about finding that one sheep than the other 99. God is not willing to lose any of His lost sheep either.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 3: Matthew 18:6-14

7) Jesus said it would be better to have a millstone hung around his neck and drown in the sea.

8a) If something causes you to sin, get rid of it, even cutting off your hand, foot, or gouging your eye. He meant to take any step necessary to remove from your life the thing that causes you to sin.

b) I’ve underestimated how others are affected by your personal sin and how much it does affect other aspects of your life.

9) God cares about everyone and wants everyone to come to him.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 3: Matthew 18:6-14

We cannot underestimate the importance of getting rid of those things in your life that causes you to sin. Resistance to sin is easier when you’re not around it. This includes habits, relationships, entertainment, and comforts. If God cares so much for his lost sheep, so should we.

Great read!

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 3: Matthew 18:6-14

Pressuring others to sin is worse than just you sinning Jesus is saying here. It’s better to die Jesus says than to lead others to sin.

Our actions affect others, and we must consider our actions in relation to the spiritual welfare of others.

God will administer justice to those who sin and hurt us. This is one powerful reason to forgive others and to let things go. At the end, they will be punished.

It’s better to sacrifice now than face eternal punishment later on. It’s important to take the hand, foot, and eye gouging as figurative. The point is to take any step necessary to prevent you from falling into sin.

We are to protect the little ones of the earth. Here is where the idea of guardian angels comes from.

Parable of the Lost Sheep

See Luke’s parable of the Lost Sheep in  Luke 15:3-7

Since Jesus loved and cared for everyone, even those who go astray, so should we.

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greatest in the kingdom of heaven matthew 18 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 19, Day 2: Matthew 18:1-5

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 18:1-5

The disciples asked Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus called a child to him and said whoever humbles himself like children is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and they have to become like children to enter heaven. Whoever welcomes a little child like this child becomes like Jesus.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 19, Day 2: Matthew 18:1-5

3) The disciples asked Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus used a child as a visual example.

4) They change and become like children.

5a) Whoever humbles himself like a child is true greatness. That whoever serves others, namely God, rather than himself is great.

b) Most of the world honors those who do great things, not those who serve others with no expectation of reward. They honor self-sufficiency, not dependence.

c) In many ways with my family and others. It’s hard because we want to think highly of ourselves and never admit we are wrong.

6) This is a tough one since I don’t mingle with others all that much. Co-workers at work.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 19, Day 2: Matthew 18:1-5

I love how Jesus uses concrete examples, such as a child, to make his point. It makes it easier for us to understand and know what to do.

Great read!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 19, Day 2: Matthew 18:1-5

This teaching took place as the disciples and Jesus were walking to Capernaum. They were arguing which one of them was the greatest. The disciples were probably hoping Jesus would pick one of them as the greatest Luke 9:46.

Obviously, Jesus is the greatest. However, he is answering the question by pointing to the nature of a child instead.

Children in ancient times held little to no value until they grew up. Their opinion did not matter, and they were virtually ignored by others. They were raised to work and help their parents. However, children have not yet learned to be full of pride. They are utterly dependent on their parents for everything. Jesus not only gives value to children here, but he teaches how we are to be with God — totally reliant upon Him.

To humble yourself is to put yourself below someone else. This is Jesus’s point. You must put yourself beneath God to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Plus, how you treat others shows how much you love Jesus. Coming in Jesus’s name means your heart belongs to Jesus.

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Happy New Year www.atozmomm.com

BSF Matthew Lesson 18 Additional Bible Resources: New Year’s Day Edition!

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

Hey all!

Here are some great items/reads to get your inspired for 2022. Happy New Year!

Enjoy!

 

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

picture of fisherman so Jesus can pay the temple tax www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 5: Matthew 17:22-27

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 17:22-27

Jesus tells the disciples more about his impending death after they arrive back in Galilee. He tells them he will be betrayed, killed, and then he will be raised on the third day. His disciples are filled with grief at this news.

Jesus arrives in Capernaum. He is questioned if he has paid the temple tax. Peter (of all people) is asked if Jesus paid the temple tax. He replies yes. When Jesus sees him again, he asks Peter who does the kings collect their taxes from? Peter answers from others. Jesus says he (the Son) is exempt from paying the temple tax, but he tells Peter to go and catch a fish, open its mouth, and there he will find four-drachma coins to pay the tax so as to not offend anyone.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 5: Matthew 17:22-27

13a) That he would die.

b) They grieved. Jesus’s death should be a cause of joy for all.

c) I’ve grieved most of my moves to other locations, mainly because I did not want to move in the first place. Yet, there was a plan in all things, even in death.

14) Sometimes it’s best to not rock the boat and go along with what is asked of you.

15) So many. Every day, my needs are met. I’m encouraged in my job and my life

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 5: Matthew 17:22-27

I don’t remember the temple tax story, so I liked that best of all. Sometimes you just have to do the right thing. Period.

map of Caesarea Philippi www.atozmomm.comEnd Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 5: Matthew 17:22-27

Jesus usually paired his death with the hope his resurrection brought. The disciples were so grieved that they couldn’t comprehend the meaning of Jesus’s death until much later.

The temple tax is a tax every Jewish man paid. Jesus was not obligated to pay the tax since he was a priest (the Most High Priest in fact).

Jesus did not want to rock the boat, so he paid it. Plus, he wanted to set a good example for others. It’ good to think about and serve others, rather than ourselves.

Jesus used this tax to once again explain his deity to his disciples.

Obviously, the very fish that Peter caught that had money in its mouth would be a miracle from God.

Trying to catch one fish was something Peter, a fisherman, never did in that day. Instead, fishermen used nets to catch a lot of fish, so he was probably baffled by Jesus’s instructions. Still, you obey. I mean, it’s Jesus.

Jesus paid the price for all of us, as he does here for Peter in this example. Cool, isn’t it? It’s like Jesus never gives away an opportunity to foreshadow his true purpose on earth.

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transfiguration of christ by Giordano

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 3: Matthew 17:6-13

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 17:6-13

Peter, James, and John fell down to the ground when they heard God speak, afraid. Jesus came and touched them. He told them to not be afraid. When they looked up again, everyone was gone except Jesus. Jesus told them to tell no one about his Transfiguration until he has been risen from the dead.

The disciples were confused again, so they asked Jesus why Elijah must come first. Jesus explained that Elijah has already come, but no one recognized him (meaning Elijah was in the work of John the Baptist).

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 3: Matthew 17:6-13

7a) Peter, James, and John fell down to the ground when they heard God speak, afraid.

b) Jesus came and touched them. He told them to not be afraid. He comforted them, cares about them, and understands their fear.

c) I think when I learned that not everyone went to heaven as a kid. I realized it was His will, and not mine. Also, when I learned as an adult the true meaning of Romans 1:20. We are responsible for our eternal salvation, not God. I still walk in his ways and understand a bit more every day.

8a) Malachi predicted Elijah (identified as John the Baptist by Jesus in this passage) would precede Jesus. Luke 1:17 says how John the Bapist will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous — to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

b) John the Baptist told everyone to repent and turn to the Lord. Yet, he too was persecuted, imprisoned, and then killed.

c) Jesus uses the present tense. “Elijah comes and will restore all things.”

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 3: Matthew 17:6-13

What a moment! I wonder how I’d react if God appeared in a cloud to me? Everyone in the Bible is afraid. I wonder if I would be, too.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 3: Matthew 17:6-13

Note it was when God spoke that the disciples fell on their faces. They were cool with seeing Jesus transfigure, two dead guys alive, and God appear in a cloud, but the second God spoke, they were afraid.

The Transfiguration is yet another confirmation of Jesus’s divinity that the disciples needed. Mankind constantly needs to be reassured.

It is significant and fitting that only Jesus remains. This is truth for all of us. Jesus is there always; others may come and go from our lives, but not Jesus.

Not many would believe the Transfiguration story, so Jesus did not want more people doubting him.

Now the disciples were confused since clearly Jesus came before Elijah since he had just appeared. First, Malachi was most likely referring to the Second Coming when Jesus would come a final time. Second, as Jesus explains, Elijah had come already in the work of John the Baptist who ministered in the spirit and power of him. (Luke 1:17).

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The Transfiguration by Raphael www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 2: Matthew 17:1-5

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 17:1-5

Jesus went up a mountain with Peter, James, and John. Jesus was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus. Peter offers to build three shelters for them — one for each of them. Then, a bright cloud enveloped all of them and God spoke, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 2: Matthew 17:1-5

3a) They saw Jesus’s face that shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus.

b) Peter says he was an eyewitness of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God when God spoke at the Transfiguration.

4) Both Moses and Elijah were dead, so this shows God’s power to raise the dead. This shows how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecy, and it’s where Jesus can shine his glory, too.

5) Peter offers to build three shelters for them — one for each of them. This is a culture where hospitality rules, so Peter probably thought Moses and Elijah might stay awhile and would need a comfortable place to sit and talk.

6a) This moment was not about meeting earthly needs, like shelter, but instead was about shining God’s glory on and through Jesus. God did not want Peter to distract anyone or taper the message at all.

b) Listen to Jesus’s calling on my life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 2: Matthew 17:1-5

I wonder why Jesus chose only these three disciples to go with him. This would be something I wouldn’t want to miss!

Love this book with this lesson! God calls us to listen to Jesus; Jesus listens to us!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 2: Matthew 17:1-5

The Transfiguration takes place approximately three years into Jesus’s three and a half years of ministry. It is about one week after Jesus first tells his disciples he will be killed. The whole point is to reinforce to these three disciples who he really is. Transfiguration comes from the Latin “trans,” which means across and “figura,” which means shape or form. Thus, a change in shape.

Why did Jesus only take these three disciples? No one knows, as we are not told. Some say Jesus only took three because he wanted the Transfiguration to remain a secret (Matthew 17:9). Others say he only needed a few witnesses.

No one knows which mountain the Transfiguration took place on. There are guesses:

  • Mount Tabor
  • Mount Hermon
  • Mount Miron

Jesus was transformed both inside and outside. Many Bible scholars point out that the real miracle was that Jesus appeared an ordinary man for so long and hid his glory from all. The disciples see Jesus’s true glory.

Moses and Elijah

Moses was the first great lawgiver, and Elijah was the first great prophet. In addition, Moses had been dead 1400 years and Elijah 900 years.

Here, we have the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah) represent the Old Testament at this moment. They appeared in order to show the two institutions that Jesus had come to fulfill.

They spoke of the cross. How cool!

The Greek word for departure is “exodos,” where we get Exodus from. Thus, Jesus delivers as he departs. Cool!

Peter (of course) is the one to speak. The problem is he didn’t know what he was saying (Mark 9:6 and Luke 9:33  His words put Jesus at an equal level as Moses and Elijah — not good.

God appears in a cloud to save Peter from himself essentially. This is the same cloud of Glory God appears in in the Old Testament known as shekinah. As you know, no one can see God’s face and live, so this is fitting since the disciples are there.

Here, we clearly see Jesus above all else and everyone else.

Listen to Jesus! The one voice that matters.

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picture of a church or believers in christ www.atozmomm.com

Who is the Church?

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

Many people wonder, “Who is the Church?”

In Matthew 16, Jesus talks about the Church for the very first time.

The English word “church” is derived from a Greek adjective, kyriakos, which means “the Lord’s” or “belonging to the Lord.” The Church was officially born on the day of Pentecost in Acts. Jesus, however, prophesies about the Church here.

The Church is not a physical building; the Church is every person who has ever believed in Christ as God’s Son and Savior of humanity. Christ is the head of the Church, and we are called to meet together, to support one another, and to help each other in our earthly journey of following Christ and doing his will over ours.

Thus, some people in a church building are not Christians.

We are made for community, and when you embrace community and one another, the burden you bear, as a Christian, will be a lot less.

Find your “Church.” There, you will find love, support, acceptance, and help at every turn.

Merry Christmas www.atozmomm.com

End-of-the-Year Favorite Bible Resources

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

Hey all!

I’ve made a lot of Bible resource and Bible study tool recommendations throughout the semester so far. I thought I’d bring them all together at the end of the first semester of BSF Matthew study. Check them out if you missed them! Merry Christmas!

 

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