Hey all!
Thought I’d find some good reads and more for you this week!
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
BSF Matthew Lesson 4 Additional Bible Resources
Friday Digest BSF Matthew Lesson 4
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN MATTHEW 4
- God’s Word is our weapon and our shield
- Jesus’s temptation proved his worthiness as the perfect substitute for sin
- Jesus is our example
- God’s truth is stronger than Satan’s lies
- Jesus’s power lies within you to resist sin
- The call to follow Jesus involves a cost, but a reward far greater
Take Away: It’s simple: As Jesus says, “Follow me.”
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 5: Matthew 4:12-25
SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 4:12-25:
John the Baptist was thrown in prison, so Jesus returned to Galilee from Nazareth. He went to Capernaum in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali to fulfill Isaiah’s words. Jesus preaches how the kingdom of heaven is near. Jesus began to call his disciples. He first called Simon Peter and his brother, Andrew, who were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. He next called james and John who were in a boat with their gather, Zebedee.
Jesus began to travel through Galilee, preaching the Good News and healing people of diseases and sicknesses. Large crowds began to follow him and bring their sick to him to be healed.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 5: Matthew 4:12-25
12 ) Capernaum in Galilee, fulfilling Isaiah’s words that the future king would come from there.
13 ) John the Baptist baptized people in the Jordan River who came from all over Judea.
14a ) Jesus called and they immediately followed him without question. They dropped everything they were doing in the moment.
b ) It’s best to answer God’s call immediately. Life is too short to delay.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 5: Matthew 4:12-25
We’re about to embark on an exciting journey with Jesus as he begins his work. What I would give to have walked with him.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 5: Matthew 4:12-25
Matthew begins his telling Jesus’s ministry in Galilee. John tells the story of an earlier ministry of Jesus where he himself baptized people and where we get the story of the Samarian woman at the well John 3:22 and 4:1-2.
Galilee was a very populuous area for Biblical times, which is probably why Jesus began there. He could make the biggest impact there. It was very fertile and had many wealthy citizens. Both Jews and Gentiles lived here side by side. In ancient times, there were nine cities that had 15,000 or more people who lived on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Remember that the people of Nazareth, his hometown, rejected him because they had seen him grow up ordinary (Luke 4:16-30), which is why he chose Capernaum. Plus, the disciples were there too, as we see. Jesus was the light in this region as Isaiah predicted.
Jesus waits until John the Baptist is put into prison to begin his ministry.
Do note that the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God seem to be the same thing. Bible scholars believe Matthew used the phrase “kingdom of heaven” because the Jewish people never wrote out the word “God.”
A Purpose
Jesus didn’t just randomly call his disciples. The Bible records other places where he encounters them (John 1:35-42 and Luke 5:3). Undoubtedly, Jesus knew who he would call ahead of time. Jesus calls most of the disciples when they were doing something. Jesus needed doers and action-takers.
Most rabbi had disciples so this was not unusual behavior on the part of Jesus. This is how rabbis taught other rabbis.
Just like we have guest speakers at church, they did so in ancient times, too.
Healing shows that Jesus could overcome the consequences of sin (which was death to the body).
FUN FACT: This is the first time the Bible mentions demon-possessed. It shows Jesus’s ultimate authority over the evil in the world. While Old Testament people were troubled by spirits 1 Samuel 18:10, 19:9), this is the first time it is mentioned of removing an evil one from the body.
Large crowds followed Jesus. He is successful.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 4: Matthew 4:1-11
SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 4:1-11
The devil tempts Jesus three times here. First, Jesus goes to the desert and fasts for 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus was hungry so the devil attempts to get Jesus to sin by appealing to his hunger. Jesus refuses to make bread out of stone, saying instead you should live on God’s word. The devil dared Jesus to fall from the highest point of the temple, telling him the angels will catch him. Jesus tells him to not test God. Finally, the devil offered Jesus the world if he would worship him (ironic since Jesus/God already had the world). Jesus banished the devil finally, and angels came to Jesus.
BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 4: MATTHEW 4:1-11
8 )
Deuteronomy 20:1-4: These verses talk about how God goes to war against our enemies with us. It’s important to remember that God fights our battles by our sides.
Matthew 6:25-26: These verses remind us to not worry because God will provide everything we need like he does for the birds.
Romans 1:21-22: Knowing God does not get you out of temptation. You must give thanks to him and glorify him.
Hebrews 12:1-2: This verse tells us to persevere through the life God has given us with an eye on Jesus. It can be easy to loose sight of Jesus in our troubles. We must not do that.
James 1:14-15: This verse reminds us that everyone faces temptation, which can lead to sin. We are not alone.
1 John 2:15-16: It can be easy to fall into the ways of the world; the ways of the world are temporary. God alone and His kingdom is permanent. Remember this is not our home and let go of the things you love here.
9 ) Hebrews 4:12: The word of God is sharp and penetrates to the soul. Ephesians 6:17: The soul of the spirit is the word of God. God’s word is a sword so we must wield it wisely.
10a ) Relationships. I’ve very selfish and not very good at helping others and sharing.
b ) I pray to be more open and more giving, as well as have better relationships with those around me. I like to think I’m getting better but don’t we all.
11) God sent angels to attend to his son after the temptation. Who are your angels in your life whom you can count on to pick you up after a rough time?
CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 4: MATTHEW 4:1-11
Life is full of ups and downs, and once Jesus hit rock bottom with the temptation, he was picked up by the hand of God. Picture God’s hand on you when you hit a low point, and stand up tall and proud in Him.
Great bookmarks to use when looking up multiple verses!
END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 4: MATTHEW 4:1-11
Jesus endured tempation for two main reasons:
- To identify with us
- To show us you can overcome temptation
Note that the Holy Spirit does not tempt (James 1:13). It led Jesus to temptation so that we can grow spiritually.
Jesus was tempted by the devil; we are usually tempted by the devil’s minions. We find relief when we give in to temptation; Jesus does not. Many Bible scholars argue that is a testing since the propert translation of the Greek verb here means “to test.”
“Luther’s remark stands true that prayer, meditation, and temptation are the three best instructors of the gospel minister.” (Spurgeon)
Jesus does not eat for 40 days and nights. Humans can survive up to two months without food (they need water), Jesus would have been in a state of starvation and desperate for sustenance (which is why we see the angels tending to him at the end). When you are that desperate for food and are at the point of death, you will give in to most temptations for food. Jesus endured it all for us. Amazing!
Jesus depended on God for all things (Hebrews 5:8) as we must, too.
TEMPTATION #1
Satan is asking Jesus to prove his deity by producing bread for himself. This would have been purely selfish if Jesus had given in. We see Jesus making bread in other parts of the Bible when he feeds 5,000 people (Matthew 14:13-21), so we know he has the power. He refuses to even entertain the devil here. Instead, he quotes Deuteronomy 8:3.
Jesus uses God’s truth to defeat Satan. So must we.
TEMPTATION #2
Satan tries to get Jesus to force God to use His powers to save him. The temple was 200 feet in the air. A jump would mean certain death unless God intervened. False prophets will use these means at the End Times.
Satan has the Bible memorized. He uses this knowledge to tempt us as he always takes the words of the Bible out of context (Psalm 91:11-12) and uses them to deceive us.
We must take the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) , and we must know what the Bible says so that we ourselves are not deceived. The early Christians could not read; in this day and time in our society, we have no excuse.
TEMPTATION #3
Here, Satan offers Jesus the world. In truth, Jesus already had the world. What Satan is really offering Jesus is an escape from the cross. Jesus obeys God’s will here and tells Satan to go jump in a lake. All Satan wants is worship and recognition. We, too, must be careful of this sin.
Note that Satan does have something to give Jesus: the earthly world. When Adam and Eve sinned, humans gave Satan authority here on earth (2 Corinthians 4:4). This is what Satan is offering.
TAKE AWAY: It is not a sin to be tempted; we all face that, even Jesus. It’s a sin to give into temptation and commit the act itself.
SATAN’S WEAPONS
The only weapons Satan has against us are lies and deceit. These, however, spark fear, doubt, and unbelief in our hearts, which can ruin our lives.
Our weapons? God’s word. Many mistake Satan’s lies for God’s truth, which is where sin happens.
Obviously, only Jesus knew what happened to him in the desert. He told his story to his disciples so they could share his example with us for all of time.
FUN FACT: All of the passages that Jesus quotes are from the Book of Deuteronomy. So many people today discount the Old Testament as too antiquated and full of laws that do not apply to us. But that is not the point of knowing the Old Testatment. If it’s in the Bible, there is a reason for it to be there. God wants us to know it. That should be sufficient for all of us.
Note how God cares for Jesus by sending angels to attend to his needs after the temptation. God does the same for us. When we feel spiritually attacked, God is there. He cares for us; He picks us up; He cradles us in His loving arms. Keep those images in mind in the midst of temptation. Remember, He doesn’t give us anything we can’t overcome (1 Corinthians 10:12-14).
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 3: Matthew 4:1-11
SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 4:1-11
The devil tempts Jesus three times here. First, Jesus goes to the desert and fasts for 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus was hungry so the devil attempts to get Jesus to sin by appealing to his hunger. Jesus refuses to make bread out of stone, saying instead you should live on God’s word. The devil dared Jesus to fall from the highest point of the temple, telling him the angels will catch him. Jesus tells him to not test God. Finally, the devil offered Jesus the world if he would worship him (ironic since Jesus/God already had the world). Jesus banished the devil finally, and angels came to Jesus.
BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 3: MATTHEW 4:1-11
5a )
TEMPTATION #1
Satan is asking Jesus to prove his deity by producing bread for himself. This would have been purely selfish if Jesus had given in. We see Jesus making bread in other parts of the Bible when he feeds 5,000 people (Matthew 14:13-21), so we know he has the power. He refuses to even entertain the devil here. Instead, he quotes Deuteronomy 8:3.
Jesus uses God’s truth to defeat Satan. So must we.
TEMPTATION #2
Satan tries to get Jesus to force God to use His powers to save him. The temple was 200 feet in the air. A jump would mean certain death unless God intervened. False prophets will use these means at the End Times.
Satan has the Bible memorized. He uses this knowledge to tempt us as he always takes the words of the Bible out of context (Psalm 91:11-12) and uses them to deceive us.
We must take the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) , and we must know what the Bible says so that we ourselves are not deceived. The early Christians could not read; in this day and time in our society, we have no excuse.
TEMPTATION #3
Here, Satan offers Jesus the world. In truth, Jesus already had the world. What Satan is really offering Jesus is an escape from the cross. Jesus obeys God’s will here and tells Satan to go jump in a lake. All Satan wants is worship and recognition. We, too, must be careful of this sin.
Note that Satan does have something to give Jesus: the earthly world. When Adam and Eve sinned, humans gave Satan authority here on earth (2 Corinthians 4:4). This is what Satan is offering.
The main compromise behind each is not having faith in God or believing God and His Word. Satan tried to appeal to earthly sins, which Jesus easily overcome as the Son of God.
b ) Well, we all can be tempted when we are low (here, Jesus is very hungry). When our strength to deal with the world breaks down, this is when we are most vulnerable to sin. We all can be tempted to test God and His Word, but, like Jesus, God is not to be tested for frivolous reasons and to prove something. God tests us, not the other way around. Satan appeals to our desire for power, to feel important, and to be someone. Culture influences us to be this way, too. Again, Jesus was the son of a carpenter here on earth. We can make great changes just as we are.
6 ) Temptation 1: Deuteronomy 8:3
Temptation 2: Deuteronomy 6:16
Temptation 3: Deuteronomy 6:13
7 ) 1 Corinthians 10:13: God will never give us a temptation we cannot overcome. This gives me faith to keep on fighting when I all I want to do is curl up and not fight. Some of my favorite lyrics to this song I’m recently listening to (not a Christian song) say “Why do all the monsters come out at night? Why do we sleep where we want to hide?” We have to be careful for Satan lurks in the dark places of our life. But respite in Jesus is right around the corner.
CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 3: MATTHEW 4:1-11
I love that BSF talks about 1 Corinthians 10:13, which I mentioned yesterday in my commentary. Sin is a choice, and even when we are low, God is there holding us and giving us the strength to fight.
END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 3: MATTHEW 4:1-11
Jesus endured tempation for two main reasons:
- To identify with us
- To show us you can overcome temptation
Note that the Holy Spirit does not tempt (James 1:13). It led Jesus to temptation so that we can grow spiritually.
Jesus was tempted by the devil; we are usually tempted by the devil’s minions. We find relief when we give in to temptation; Jesus does not. Many Bible scholars argue that is a testing since the propert translation of the Greek verb here means “to test.”
“Luther’s remark stands true that prayer, meditation, and temptation are the three best instructors of the gospel minister.” (Spurgeon)
Jesus does not eat for 40 days and nights. Humans can survive up to two months without food (they need water), Jesus would have been in a state of starvation and desperate for sustenance (which is why we see the angels tending to him at the end). When you are that desperate for food and are at the point of death, you will give in to most temptations for food. Jesus endured it all for us. Amazing!
Jesus depended on God for all things (Hebrews 5:8) as we must, too.
TEMPTATION #1
Satan is asking Jesus to prove his deity by producing bread for himself. This would have been purely selfish if Jesus had given in. We see Jesus making bread in other parts of the Bible when he feeds 5,000 people (Matthew 14:13-21), so we know he has the power. He refuses to even entertain the devil here. Instead, he quotes Deuteronomy 8:3.
Jesus uses God’s truth to defeat Satan. So must we.
TEMPTATION #2
Satan tries to get Jesus to force God to use His powers to save him. The temple was 200 feet in the air. A jump would mean certain death unless God intervened. False prophets will use these means at the End Times.
Satan has the Bible memorized. He uses this knowledge to tempt us as he always takes the words of the Bible out of context (Psalm 91:11-12) and uses them to deceive us.
We must take the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) , and we must know what the Bible says so that we ourselves are not deceived. The early Christians could not read; in this day and time in our society, we have no excuse.
TEMPTATION #3
Here, Satan offers Jesus the world. In truth, Jesus already had the world. What Satan is really offering Jesus is an escape from the cross. Jesus obeys God’s will here and tells Satan to go jump in a lake. All Satan wants is worship and recognition. We, too, must be careful of this sin.
Note that Satan does have something to give Jesus: the earthly world. When Adam and Eve sinned, humans gave Satan authority here on earth (2 Corinthians 4:4). This is what Satan is offering.
TAKE AWAY: It is not a sin to be tempted; we all face that, even Jesus. It’s a sin to give into temptation and commit the act itself.
SATAN’S WEAPONS
The only weapons Satan has against us are lies and deceit. These, however, spark fear, doubt, and unbelief in our hearts, which can ruin our lives.
Our weapons? God’s word. Many mistake Satan’s lies for God’s truth, which is where sin happens.
Obviously, only Jesus knew what happened to him in the desert. He told his story to his disciples so they could share his example with us for all of time.
FUN FACT: All of the passages that Jesus quotes are from the Book of Deuteronomy. So many people today discount the Old Testament as too antiquated and full of laws that do not apply to us. But that is not the point of knowing the Old Testatment. If it’s in the Bible, there is a reason for it to be there. God wants us to know it. That should be sufficient for all of us.
Note how God cares for Jesus by sending angels to attend to his needs after the temptation. God does the same for us. When we feel spiritually attacked, God is there. He cares for us; He picks us up; He cradles us in His loving arms. Keep those images in mind in the midst of temptation. Remember, He doesn’t give us anything we can’t overcome (1 Corinthians 10:12-14).
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 2: Matthew 4:1-11
SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 4:1-11
The devil tempts Jesus three times here. First, Jesus goes to the desert and fasts for 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus was hungry so the devil attempts to get Jesus to sin by appealing to his hunger. Jesus refuses to make bread out of stone, saying instead you should live on God’s word. The devil dared Jesus to fall from the highest point of the temple, telling him the angels will catch him. Jesus tells him to not test God. Finally, the devil offered Jesus the world if he would worship him (ironic since Jesus/God already had the world). Jesus banished the devil finally, and angels came to Jesus.
BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 2: MATTHEW 4:1-11
3a ) Jesus was in the desert sent by the Spirit to fast and face temptation by the devil.
b ) John 4:34 tells us that Jesus came to do the will of the Father and to finish God’s work of dying on the cross, cleansing us from sin so that we can be with God. Hebrews 2:14-18 tells us that Jesus suffered temptation so that we can be helped when we experience temptation. Jesus shared in our humanity to give us an example on how to live. It helps me know if Jesus can overcome, then so can I.
4a ) Eve doubted God’s word and His goodness. The serpent used this against her. In addition, the serpent knew that God wouldn’t kill them, and since Eve had no concept of what “death” was since nothing God had created had died, she had no idea. However, she doubted God’s word at the end of the day; Jesus did not.
b )
Differences:
- Jesus used God’s words as his defense and answer to the devil
- Eve knew God’s word, but let the devil twist it
- Eve gave in to her physical needs; Jesus used will power
- Jesus told Satan to leave him
Similarities:
- Both were tempted
- Both were alone
CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 2: MATTHEW 4:1-11
Matthew moves from this beautiful picture of Jesus’s baptism where God descends and commends His Son to this horrible picture of Jesus fasting and being tempted by the devil. This illustrates the Christian life perfectly. We can go from the highs of our lives to the next instant horrific lows. It should give us comfort that Jesus experienced this as well.
Check out this map guide for where Jesus walked:
Deluxe Then & Now Bible Maps – Paperback
END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 2: MATTHEW 4:1-11
Jesus endured tempation for two main reasons:
- To identify with us
- To show us you can overcome temptation
Note that the Holy Spirit does not tempt (James 1:13). It led Jesus to temptation so that we can grow spiritually.
Jesus was tempted by the devil; we are usually tempted by the devil’s minions. We find relief when we give in to temptation; Jesus does not. Many Bible scholars argue that is a testing since the propert translation of the Greek verb here means “to test.”
“Luther’s remark stands true that prayer, meditation, and temptation are the three best instructors of the gospel minister.” (Spurgeon)
Jesus does not eat for 40 days and nights. Humans can survive up to two months without food (they need water), Jesus would have been in a state of starvation and desperate for sustenance (which is why we see the angels tending to him at the end). When you are that desperate for food and are at the point of death, you will give in to most temptations for food. Jesus endured it all for us. Amazing!
Jesus depended on God for all things (Hebrews 5:8) as we must, too.
TEMPTATION #1
Satan is asking Jesus to prove his deity by producing bread for himself. This would have been purely selfish if Jesus had given in. We see Jesus making bread in other parts of the Bible when he feeds 5,000 people (Matthew 14:13-21), so we know he has the power. He refuses to even entertain the devil here. Instead, he quotes Deuteronomy 8:3.
Jesus uses God’s truth to defeat Satan. So must we.
TEMPTATION #2
Satan tries to get Jesus to force God to use His powers to save him. The temple was 200 feet in the air. A jump would mean certain death unless God intervened. False prophets will use these means at the End Times.
Satan has the Bible memorized. He uses this knowledge to tempt us as he always takes the words of the Bible out of context (Psalm 91:11-12) and uses them to deceive us.
We must take the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) , and we must know what the Bible says so that we ourselves are not deceived. The early Christians could not read; in this day and time in our society, we have no excuse.
TEMPTATION #3
Here, Satan offers Jesus the world. In truth, Jesus already had the world. What Satan is really offering Jesus is an escape from the cross. Jesus obeys God’s will here and tells Satan to go jump in a lake. All Satan wants is worship and recognition. We, too, must be careful of this sin.
Note that Satan does have something to give Jesus: the earthly world. When Adam and Eve sinned, humans gave Satan authority here on earth (2 Corinthians 4:4). This is what Satan is offering.
TAKE AWAY: It is not a sin to be tempted; we all face that, even Jesus. It’s a sin to give into temptation and commit the act itself.
SATAN’S WEAPONS
The only weapons Satan has against us are lies and deceit. These, however, spark fear, doubt, and unbelief in our hearts, which can ruin our lives.
Our weapons? God’s word. Many mistake Satan’s lies for God’s truth, which is where sin happens.
Obviously, only Jesus knew what happened to him in the desert. He told his story to his disciples so they could share his example with us for all of time.
FUN FACT: All of the passages that Jesus quotes are from the Book of Deuteronomy. So many people today discount the Old Testament as too antiquated and full of laws that do not apply to us. But that is not the point of knowing the Old Testatment. If it’s in the Bible, there is a reason for it to be there. God wants us to know it. That should be sufficient for all of us.
Note how God cares for Jesus by sending angels to attend to his needs after the temptation. God does the same for us. When we feel spiritually attacked, God is there. He cares for us; He picks us up; He cradles us in His loving arms. Keep those images in mind in the midst of temptation. Remember, He doesn’t give us anything we can’t overcome (1 Corinthians 10:12-14).
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
BSF Matthew Lesson 3 Additional Bible Resources
Hey all!
Since we saw a lot of symbols this week in our Matthew study, I thought I’d find some great additional Bible study tools for you!
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Friday Digest BSF Matthew Lesson 3
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN MATTHEW 3
- Repent and turn to Jesus
- God prepares you in your alone time
- Baptism shows you are ready and willing to follow God’s ways
- The story of the Bible is the story of Jesus
- When you confess, you take responsibility
Take Away: Turn from old ways to God’s ways.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 3, Day 5: Matthew 3:13-17
SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 3:13-17
John the Baptist baptizes Jesus who came from Galilee to the Jordan River. John said that Jesus needed to baptize him, not the other way around. Jesus told him he needed to be baptized to fulfill all righteousness. When Jesus was baptized, heaven opened up and the Spirit of God came down upon him. A voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 3, DAY 5: MATTHEW 3:13-17
12 ) Jesus came to earth as a human partly to show others how to live. He was baptized to show that Christians should be baptized as well.
13a) That the Spirit would come down from heaven as a dove and remain, baptizing with the Holy Spirit.
b) He was praying.
14 ) We are here only because of God. We are here to do His will, not ours. If we were doing our will, we’d all be sinners, doing whatever we pleased in utter chaos. Instead, we work to please our God, our Creator, as a form or worship and honor for what He has given us and done for us.
15) It is important as Jesus showed us how to live and what to do. Baptism is a special day when you accept Christ into your life publically. If Jesus did it, we should, too. Here, Jesus being baptized also legitimizes John’s baptisms of the people since it was outside of Jewish tradition.
CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 3, DAY 5: MATTHEW 3:13-17
I love how God opens up the heavens, showing his pleasure. God gives us many signs of how to live, as well as signs of reassurance that we are walking with Him. God does so much just for us. Try to digest that thought today. Great stuff!
END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 3, DAY 5: MATTHEW 3:13-17
John questions Jesus because Jesus had no sin so therefore had nothing to repent of. Yet, Jesus knew this was the right thing to do. This one act allowed Jesus to identify with mankind. This is the official beginning of Jesus’s ministry. It’s an important sign to all that Jesus is here.
God showed all sinners that Jesus was identifying with them, not being cleansed of any sin. It was important that God show everyone this was His Son and that Jesus was different, so he sent the physical sign of the dove for all to see. Jesus now has the power of God (he always did, since he is God, but this is official for humans, like a ceremony). It was also important that John the Baptist, now hugely popular with the people, recognize Jesus as the Savior. John 1:32-33
Note Noah sent a dove that returned with an olive branch from the ark. Doves in the Bible represent peace, love, gentleness, and hope for a better future.
God set his stamp of approval upon Jesus. Here, we see the Holy Trinity together in the Bible: God in heaven, Jesus on earth, the Holy Spirit coming down between the two. Beautiful picture, isn’t it?
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 3, Day 4: Matthew 3:11-12
SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 3:11-12
John the Baptist baptizes with water, but after him will come one more powerful who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He will gather his wheat (his people) and burn up the chaff with fire (their sins).
BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 3, DAY 4: MATTHEW 3:11-12
9) The Holy Spirit is part of the Trinity sent to be with us always and guide us in our ways. According to Zondervan’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, the Holy Spirit is the third person in the Trinity. He is God’s agent in creation, in the providential work of God in the moral sphere, history, and relationships, and a personal endowment. The Spirit is wise, has power and influence, and inspired the prophets. The Holy Spirit works in the lives of believers. If you are filled with the Holy spirit, you experience Christ living within.
John 15:26: The Holy Spirit is sent out from God to testify truth about Jesus.
John 16:13-14: The Spirit of Truth will guide you into all truth. He speaks to you and will tell you what is to come. He will bring glory to God by taking what is God’s and making it known to you.
Romans 8:9: Those who belong to Christ have the Holy Spirit within them. The Holy Spirit controls you.
2 Corinthians 13:14: The Holy Spirit is with you in fellowship.
Galatians 4:6: The Holy Spirit lives in your heart.
10) Ezekiel 36:25-27: You will have a new heart and a new spirit within.
John 7:37-39: Those who believe in Jesus will have the Holy Spirit flow within them as it will come upon them.
John 16:13: The Spirit of Truth will guide you into all truth. He speaks to you and will tell you what is to come.
Acts 1:5, 7-8: Jesus baptizes with the Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives them power.
11 ) The Holy Spirit helps me when I am tempted to sin and thereby draws me closer to God. He comforts me when no one else is there or can. He gives me strength in my weak moments.
CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 3, DAY 4: MATTHEW 3:11-12
I never really thought of the Holy Spirit as a person before. I think of the Holy Spirit as a being that comes down upon us. Thinking of the Holy Spirit as a person to me lessens the power of the Holy Spirit because the Holy Spirit is way above humans. (Romans 6:3-4). Lots of references today so leave extra time to look everything up. Great look at the Holy Spirit in the Bible. Here’s a link to Zondervan’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, if you are interested in this great resource today.
BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 3, DAY 4: MATTHEW 3:11-12
John baptized with repentance; whereas Jesus baptizes with himself by granting the Holy Spirit within.
John is humble, making it clear Christ is above himself.
Fire has always been a symbol of judgement in the Bible. Thus, Jesus is coming with blessings and with judgement for those who do not accept him. Fire also purifies in the Bible. Chaff is the part of the wheat that we not consume, and workers used a winnowing fork to separate the grain from the chaff. (Isaiah 4:4; Zechariah 13:9; Malachi 3:2; cf. Isaiah 1:25).
Too many Christians today forget that Jesus will judge at the Second Coming. He comes to save and to judge. Contact me with questions!
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.