Tag: bsf answers

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.

Contact me today!

bsf matthew 11 www.atozmomm.com

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.

Contact me today!

carry your cross www.atozmomm.com matthew 10

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.

Contact me today!

disciples persecuted in synogogues www.atozmomm.com bsf matthew

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.

Contact me today!

 

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

Jesus commissions the 12 matthew 10 bsf lesson 11 www.atozmomm.com

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.

Contact me today!

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.

Contact me today!

 

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

jesus heals the blind and the mute in matthew 9 www.atozmomm.com bsf matthew

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 5: Matthew 9:27-34

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 9:27-34

Jesus continues on, and two men follow him, asking Jesus to have mercy on them, and they call him the Son of David. Jesus goes indoors, and the blind men come to him. He asked them if they believed he could heal them. They answered yes. Jesus touched their eyes, and they could see. He told them not to tell others, but they went out and spread the news instead.

Citizens brought a demon-possessed man to Jesus. He could not talk. Jesus drove the demon out, and the man could speak. The people were amazed by this miracle, saying this has never been seen before. But the Pharisees said it was the prince of demons who drives out demons.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 5: Matthew 9:27-34

13a) They blind men called Jesus the Son of David. They asked him to have mercy on them.

b) Jesus asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” Then he touched their eyes and healed them. He asked them to tell no one of this miracle. They disobeyed.

14) Jesus came to save his people. He opened the eyes of the blind and unstopped the ears of the deaf.

15a) The miracle amazed the crowd. They said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” The Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”

b) People don’t like authority. They don’t like to submit or be told what to do. People don’t want to give up autonomy or control.

c) Honestly, I’m not around people all that much. I work from home and don’t really go anywhere so I haven’t really ever had this occur to me. But I usually ignor people and pray for them.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 5: Matthew 9:27-34

It’s interesting to me how Jesus didn’t mind some of his miracles known, but that he asked others to be kept secret. It’s hard to fault the men for shouting their joy. Yet, this is a question of obedience. Jesus had compassion on others and healed them, but his primary mission was to bring forgiveness to sinners. He didn’t want his healings to overshadow his ministry. Plus, he knew the timeline he had for his ministry and did not want to draw undue attention to himself.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 5: Matthew 9:27-34

There were more infirmaries in ancient times simply due to their lack of medical knowledge. No one know about germs or infections and nor did they have a cure for them.

For blind people to follow others, they have to be determined to listen. These men were.

Fun Fact: This is the first time in the Bible that Jesus is called the “Son of David.” These men knew Jesus was the messiah. They appealed to mercy.

Fun Fact: No blind person was ever healed in the Old Testament.

Again, faith healed these men, and Matthew emphasizes that point.

Jewish priests believed that they could not help the demon-possessed man becuase they believed you had to know the demon’s name in order to exorcise it. Thus, if a demon made you mute so you couldn’t say their name, you were lost. Thus, Jesus’s miracle both showed this belief was not true and showed the power of Jesus.

However, the Pharisees, so used to absolute power, dismiss and reject Jesus as having the power from Satan.

These miracles prove Jesus’s authority and his divinity as the Son of God.

Contact me today!

jesus raises the dead in matthew 9 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 4: Matthew 9:18-26

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 9:18-26

A ruler came to Jesus to ask him to raise his daughter from the dead. Jesus and his disciples went with the man. At this time, a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years came up to Jesus and touched his cloak, believing if she did this, she would be healed. Faith healed the woman.

At the ruler’s house, there were flute players and a noisy crowd. He told them to go away because the girl was only sleeping, not dead. The crowd laughed at Jesus, and they were kicked out. Jesus then went to the girl, took her hand, and she got up. This news spread.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 4: Matthew 9:18-26

9) Both are characterized by faith. The woman believed she only had to touch Jesus’s cloak to be healed. The ruler believed Jesus had to touch the girl to be healed. In both cases, what they believed is what happened.

10) How Jesus heals by faith and in different methods and ways: with touch or just by touching his clothes.

11) When accompanied by faith, Jesus can and often does anything, including miracles.

12) I have a lot of needs lately it seems. I’m very unhappy with my job, so I’m looking for a new one. I’m don’t like where I live, so I would like to move sooner rather than later. My kids all have dreams they need help fulfilling, as does my husband. We are all waiting on God to move. This draws all of us closer to Him.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 4: Matthew 9:18-26

I love how faith is the answer in all of Jesus’s healings. Someone has faith that Jesus is God and in his healing abilities. Jesus then responds. This is true for us today. Have faith; Jesus will respond.

Something light-hearted for your week, especially for coffee lovers!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 4: Matthew 9:18-26

The ruler worshipped Jesus, as is appropriate for God. Humans (Acts 10:25-26) or angels (Revelation 22:8-9),  are not to be worshipped.

Note how the centurion in Matthew 8 believed Jesus could heal from afar and this ruller requests Jesus to come and touch his daughter. Thus, the centurion had greater faith.

The Woman Who Had Been Bleeding

The woman with blood has great faith Mark 5:21-43 and Luke 8:43-48 . Jews considered the woman unclean, so, odds are, she didn’t even think she could ask Jesus to touch her to heal her. However, her faith was big enough that a garment would suffice.

The garment that Jesus wore was like others in the time (he did not dress like a King). She touched a corner of his garment that had a tassel on it. These tassles of blue reminded those who wore it they belonged to God.

Note everyone who Jesus healed had faith in him, not in his clothes, his touch, or his words.

Jesus cured her immediately. He made sure people noticed the woman, although she didn’t want to be seen. Jesus wanted to make sure she knew:

  • Her faith had healed her
  • She could now enter society again without questions
  • The woman would not have to hide her healing
  • She did not steal the blessing
  • The ruler saw this healing to strengthen his faith
  • Jesus calls her “daughter,” a title we see no where else in the Bible given by Jesus to another

The Daughter of the Ruler

The ruler paid the flute players and crowd to mourn, which was common in that day. The crowd did not deter Jesus. Obviously, they had no faith.

Jesus healed this girl out of mercy and compassion. The ruler had enough faith to warrant this, too. While Jesus did not raise everyone from the dead (he will some day) that he encountered, he healed/raised those out of God’s will and when faith was shown.

Contact me today!

 

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

jesus heals paralytic in Matthew 9:1-8 www.atozmomm.com bsf matthew

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:1-8

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 9:1-8

Jesus arrived in Capernaum. Some brought to him a paralytic. Jesus told the man his sins were forgiven. Some teachers of the law took this as blaspheming God. Jesus said these words so that they would know that the Son of Man had power on earth to forgive sins. He then told the man to get up and walk, which he did. The crowd then praised God for such authority.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:1-8

3) The men who brought the paralytic to Jesus. Mark adds the details that the men made a hole in the roof and lowered the man down to Jesus because the crowd was so thick they could not get through. God can help others through your faith alone.

4a) Jesus healed the paralytic first off. Then, he forgave the man’s sins, saying he is the Son of Man who has authority to do so.

b) The teachers of the law were offended. They thought Jesus was blaspheming God and they said only God has the power to forgive sins. The man who was healed did as Jesus instructed: he got up and walked out, carrying his mat. The watching crowd was absolutely amazed. They praised God for His goodness.

5) Everything. It gives me hope everyday despite my sins.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:1-8

I love this story. So dramatic with the lowering of the roof. Now that would have been cool to see. It shows the faith of the men that they will do anything to get their friend help. It also shows the power of friendship. Do you have friends like this — who would do anything for you?

Great encouraging stories below!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:1-8

We see Jesus as healer of the sick as prophesied by Isaiah. Isaiah 35:5-6

Note that Jesus heals for need, not show. Bible scholars speculate that there’s a lot of need at this time due to a lot of unfaithfulness. Exodus 15:26

Reasons for “Your Sins Are Forgiven”

  • The friends’ faith is strong. By saying “your sins are forgiven,” Jesus is also strengthening the paralytic’s faith as he is most likely depressed with his lot in life.
  • Note that with Jesus’ words, he is taking care of the man’s soul more so than his body. This shows us that your heart is more important than your physical condition.
  • Sin takes precedence over anything else.
  • The Pharisees see this too.
  • This emphasizes that Jesus is here to forgive sins first and foremost.
  • Jesus is claiming to be God with these words.

The Pharisees

  • Note that is the “well-educated” who always object first to what is new.
  • Note the Pharisees do not object outloud, yet Jesus “hears” them. God knows everything.
  • This should have proved to the Pharisees Jesus was God since he read their thoughts.
  • The Pharisees are correct in the fact that it is blasphemous to claim to do something only God can do; they missed the point that Jesus is God by doing this.
  • Jesus heals and forgives  Psalm 103:3.

Fun Fact: This is the first mention in the Bible of opposition to Jesus.

Note God gets the glory here. Jesus is not out for himself, which false prophets are.

Contact me today!

 

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

jesus drives demons out of pigs www.atozmomm.com bsf matthew lesson 9

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 9, Day 5: Matthew 8:28-34

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 8:28-34

Jesus encounters two demon-possessed men in the region of Gadarenes or Gergesenes. They would not let anyone pass. The demons recognized Jesus and asked him why he has come.

They then asked Jesus if he would drive them out into the herd of pigs. Jesus granted their request. The herd of pigs then rushed off a bank into a lake and drowned. This scene scared the shepherds. They ran off to tell everyone what they had seen. The whole town became scared. They told Jesus to leave their region.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 9, Day 5: Matthew 8:28-34

13a) They two demonized men recognized Jesus and asked him why he has come and if he would torture them before the appointed time. They then asked Jesus if he would drive them out into the herd of pigs, which Jesus did.

b) They recognized that Jesus was the Son of God. James 2:19 tells us that even demons know that there is only One God — and they are afraid. They know they are doomed.

14) He took pity on the men.

15) Jesus’s actions scared the townspeople. Perhaps they thought he’d do the same to them. Jesus left because he knew they would not listen to him (Matthew 10:14).

16) It’s truly awe-inspiring and hard to put into words. It gives me hope to trudge along each and every day as I continually seek His purpose for my life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 9, Day 5: Matthew 8:28-34

I love how Matthew throws in so many varied stories. We go from Jesus healing many people to him rebuking a storm and helping those who are demon-possessed. Great stuff.

I love Tomie de Paola!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 9, Day 5: Matthew 8:28-34

map of region of Gergesenes or Gadarenes bsf matthew matthew 8 www.atozmomm.com
By By Nichalp – Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=460339

The exact location of the region of Gergesenes (or Gadarenes) is unknown. Bible scholars believe it is located on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galiee and was a small town where the larger city of Gadara was lcoated. Here, many Gentiles lived.

Do note the other Gospels tell this story, but only mention one of the demon-possessed men.

Any contact with dead bodies made Jews unclean. So these men who were coming out of tombs (presumably they were living there) were terrifying to the Jewish people.

Seeing Jesus, the demons knew their time was up. They knew they would be cast out and would suffer in hell forever.

Pigs are unclean to the Jewish people. Why they were there, no one knows. But it is the perfect place to cast out demons at that time. The demons wanted to possess the pigs rather than be left without something to terrorize. Note they had to get permission from Jesus in order to take over the bodies of swines.

Note that this is the only example of casting out demons into the bodies of animals. This may be where stories have come from of humans possessing animal bodies.

The demons were bent on killing, which is why they killed the pigs immediately. This proved, too, that the demons were now inside the pigs and not the men. Jesus wanted to ensure everyone knew this miracle had occurred.

One could say that the people could easily have been pleased that Jesus had driven the demons out of the men. Truthfully, it could have gone either way here. However, fear ruled, so the townspeople asked Jesus to leave. Plus, the destruction of the pigs cast doubt into the minds of those who saw. Would Jesus destroy them, too? This is exactly what Satan wants you to think. This is a message to us to be wary always.

Contact me today!

 

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