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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 7, Day 2: Matthew 6:1-18

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 6:1-18

Be careful to not do acts of righteousness before men; if you do, you won’t have any rewards from your Father in heaven. Instead, all you will have is man’s applause and recognition, when you really want/need God’s. Do not give to the needy for yourself and for recognition (let your left hand know what your right hand is doing). Instead, give in secret. The Father will know and will reward you.

Pray to God unseen so you are not trying to impress men in order to give the impression you are righteous. Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Pray the Lord’s prayer. Forgive those who sin against you, and God will forgive you for your sins.

Do not fast in order to appear pious for men. Instead, don’t let others know you are fasting and look good while fasting. Your Father will see you and reward you.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 7, Day 2: Matthew 6:1-18

3a) Be careful to not do acts of righteousness before men; if you do, you won’t have any rewards from your Father in heaven.

b) About giving to the needy: Do not give to the needy for yourself and for recognition (let your left hand know what your right hand is doing). Instead, give in secret. The Father will know and will reward you.

About prayer: Pray to God unseen so you are not trying to impress men in order to give the impression you are righteous. Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Pray the Lord’s prayer.

About fasting: Do not fast in order to appear pious for men. Instead, don’t let others know you are fasting and look good while fasting. Your Father will see you and reward you.

All of Jesus’s examples teach to do these things for God and not for man’s recognition.

4) Jesus says to shine God’s light in Matthew 5:14-16. In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus says to not parade your good deeds around in order to seek man’s approval. Instead, God knows what you do, and you will be rewarded. Christians are to do good works so others can see God, but these works are not to be done in order to be seen doing these good works by others.

5) I tend to not care at all what others think. It can be easy to fall into the trap of putting up appearances, however. God and His opinion are all that matter.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 7, Day 2: Matthew 6:1-18

Good lesson ensuring you are working for God and not others. We can fall into this trap just because we aren’t cognizant of it.

Great reminder of God’s grace!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 7, Day 2: Matthew 6:1-18

This passage is warning us of worrying too much about your image, rather than who you truly are. Don’t do things for appearances; do them for the right reasons.

Applause and attention of men fade away quickly; God’s rewards are eternal.

Jesus speaks to giving, praying, and fasting since they were and still are so central to the Jewish faith and now Christians as well.

GIVING

Giving alms to the poor was expected of people, and it was counted as righteous. Doing so makes you a hypocrite if they are acting pious when they truly are not.

Hypocrite has ancient Greek origins of meaning “an actor.” However, its meaning changed to playing roles on a stage instead. Instead, give and not know you are giving because you are generous.

PRAYING

You should not pray to be seen. They insult God. Praying on street corners and in public without the right heart is not what Jesus wants.

Instead, pray in your room. This Greek word for “room” was a storeroom where treasures were kept.

Pray with meaning and not with words to impress God. Instead, let your words be few Ecclesiastes 5:2:

God knows our wants and our prayers before we speak them. We pray not to communicate these to Him, but instead to show God our hearts and desires and increase our faith in God.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

It’s important to remember that the Lord’s prayer is just a model that shows relationship, reverence, trust, and dependence on God.

  1. Recognize who you are praying to (Our Father in Heaven). Jews of the day rarely used “Father” for God as it was too intimate for them. God is in heaven, holy and glorious. Our Father includes everyone.
  2. God’s name, kingdom, and will above all else.
  3. List your needs — bread, forgiveness, and strength to resist temptation. Debts here refers to our sins. We all face temptation (James 1:13),, but we all have ways out.(1 Corinthians 10:13).
  4. Praise God. (Many Bible scholars agree the last line of the Lord’s supper was added later on since it was omitted by most early transcribers.

FORGIVENESS

You must forgive if you are to be forgiven by God. It is not an option.

For more on forgiveness by Jesus, read here: (Matthew 9:2-6, 18:21-35, and Luke 17:3-4).

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 5: Matthew 5:38-48

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:38-48

Jesus says that previously an eye for an eye was the rule, meaning if someone did you harm, you do them harm back. However, Jesus says the opposite. If someone does you harm, do not resist them. Give and lend to those who ask.

Jesus says to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Love and greet everyone. God handles the evil.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 5: Matthew 5:38-48

11) To not retaliate and to not resist. He teaches to respond in kindness, to love your enemies, and pray for those that persecute you.

12a) Most people want revenge and retaliation when they have been wronged. It can consume them.

b) Unsure. Unsure if I’m persecuted or if I have enemies.

13a) My goal is to strive to be like Jesus. Obviously, we can’t be perfect, but it’s a goal nevertheless. And goals are good things to have.

b) Galations 5:16 says to live by the Spirit and you won’t gratify the desires of a sinful nature. Ephesians 4:22-24 tells us to put on our new selves in Christ. Philippians 2:12-13 says that it is God who works in you for his purposes. The idea of “being perfect” is just to do good in your life and in others’. Use the power of Jesus to do so.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 5: Matthew 5:38-48

I had not remembered Jesus’s call to be perfect here. While I love shooting for goals, this is one we all will never reach. However, getting better every day is a good goal to have.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 5: Matthew 5:38-48

You’ll find “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” here (Exodus 21:24). This command had been corrupted over time, which is why Jesus is clarifying it here. He says to let God be our defender when people insult us or do us wrong. Should you resist evil? Yes. However, the everyday slights and offenses shoulbe let go immediately and ignored. You just give it weight when you respond.

Jesus is using the slap here to mean insult. Obviously, if someone hits you, you defend yourself.

The cloak here is confusing. It’s referring to a Law that says that the outer cloak you were wearing could not be taken (Exodus 22:26; Deuteronomy 24:13).

Going the extra mile in Jesus’s time referred to the fact that Roman soldiers could command a Jew to carry their pack for one mile. This is where our saying comes from that now means to go above and beyond expectation. Read more HERE

Love Your Neighbor

Love your neighbor is an ancient Mosaic law (Leviticus 19:18). However, the teachers of the time were adding on to hate your enemies. The Bible never says this. Instead, Jesus says love your enemies who are our neighbors, too. Respond to your enemies in love, which is what God would do.

Christians are called to be better than others because of the power of the Holy Spirit. Our responses speak volumes about our relationship with God.

To be perfect, we need God’s righteouness (Romans 3:21-22) Keeping God’s laws makes up righteous.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 3: Matthew 5:21-30

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:21-30

Jesus says that you can commit murder in your heart when you are angry with others and you will then be subject to judgment. Be reconciled with those who you are angry with. Settle matters before it goes to court because going to court could land you in jail. Jesus says you commit adultery if you look at someone with lust. Gouge out your eye and cut off your hand if it causes you to sin. Losing a part is better than losing yourself.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 3: Matthew 5:21-30

6a) Jesus said you can kill someone with your mind and heart, and not just physically. Hate can be just as strong as murder. If you hate your brother, you are a murderer and John says that no murderer has eternal life in him.

b ) To be reconciled with others before bringing gifts to God and to forgive others.

c ) I really don’t hate anyone right now. But I don’t have a lot of friends.

7a) Jesus said you commit adultery in your heart if you look at someone else with lust.

b ) Basically, stay out of situations that will cause you to lust or be angry with others.

c ) Sex and sexual innuendos are everywhere in society. It can be hard to escape them. Philippians 4:8 tells us to think about other things, such as whatever is pure, noble, true, right, lovely, and admirable. This is what Jesus says. Don’t look at things or do things that can cause you to sin in your heart.

8 ) 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us that we can overcome our temptations and that God always provides a way out and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 tells us to take our thoughts captive. Basically, we are in charge of what we think, and staying out of sinful situations keeps us safe and helps us to not sin.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 3: Matthew 5:21-30

Living is hard, but with God, it’s bearable. God provides us ways out of sin and helps us every step of the way. All we have to do is take his hand.

Try this book for encouragement:

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 3: Matthew 5:21-30

Things aren’t necessarily true because they are old; look at how long people believed the earth to be flat. Jesus is saying that here.

The Law is a heart matter, too.

Anger at others is a normal, human reaction. The anger Jesus is speaking of is the anger that causes thoughts of revenge and unforgiveness.

“Raca” is a ephithet for someone who is of low intelligence. Today, you’d call soemone dumb or an idiot.

Jesus says being reconciled to others is more important that religious duties. We are to be at peace with others Romans 12:18

Settle your anger or you will be a slave to it. Ephesians 4:26-27

The penalty is not money here. It’s suffering for eternity.

Jesus is saying committing adultery is a sin, but so is adultery of the heart. However, the act is much worse than the thought.

This concept is anything that we covet. You choose to linger on corrupt thoughts. Banish them for good.

Pluck Out Your Eye and Cut Off Your Hand

Plucking your eye out and cutting off your hand is not meant to be literal here. We are supposed to change the part of us that tends to sin. Wishful thinking won’t get us there.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 2: Matthew 5:17-20

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:17-20

Jesus is still on the mountain, preaching. He says that he has come to fulfill the Law of the Prophets, not to abolish it. The Law will remain until God’s plan is accomplished. Those who preach and follow these commands will be called great in heaven; those who break the command will be called least. Only those righteous will enter the kingdom of heaven.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 2: Matthew 5:17-20

3a) The Old Testament is still relevant, and its laws need to be followed.

b) Jesus echoes my belief. I’ve never disregarded the Old Testament. As long as you keep in mind that Jesus is greater, you’re good.

4a) Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus was tempted as we are but remained perfect. Jesus’ example is to stay true to God’s word

b) Jesus’s death and sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice to cleanse us from our sins. In the Old Testament times, God’s people sacrificied animals for their cleansing blood. Here, Jesus finished it once and for all.

c) Jesus preached how he fulfilled all of the prophecies in the Old Testament — how his life, death, and resurrection were all God’s work.

5) The Pharisees and the teachers of the law believed they were better than others when they upheld the law. It was not a heart change for them. To be right with God, you must follow His will and ways whole-heartedly, and not just go through the motions.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 2: Matthew 5:17-20

Although the Bible does not record Jesus’s every word, we can probably imagine that these 4 verses were repeated a lot. Jesus coming to be the Messiah and fulfill the Law was the crux of what God’s people needed to believe. One of Jesus’s goals was to proving this to the people. One can imagine that the people asked Jesus how he fulfilled the law repeatedly. Great summary here of what Jesus probably repeated a lot.

One of my favorite songs and what God wants from us.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 2: Matthew 5:17-20

Jesus did not oppose God’s law, but instead came to fulfill it. The phrase “the Law and the Prophets” was used repeatedly in the Old Testament as a way to refer to God’s law.  (Matthew 7:12, 11:13, 22:40; Luke 16:16; John 1:45; Acts 13:15, 28:23; Romans 3:21); (Luke 24:44); or (Matthew 5:18; John 10:34, 12:34, 15:25; 1 Corinthians 14:21).

“For assuredly” or “I tell you the truth” are signature phrases of Jesus that no other prophet used. It means “truly” or “amen.”

Jesus came to fulfill the law, not contradict it. He did so perfectly. He completed the law and never contradicted it.

The words and the letters of these words are important (other translations use “jot” and “little”, which are marks in the Hebrew language). Everything God says is important.

The Old Testament shows us we cannot please God without Jesus. We are to obey the commands of the Old Testament, but not in a legalistic mindset like the Pharisees had. Righteousness is only through Christ Galatians 2:21: For if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.

The law teaches us God’s heart; Jesus shows us and gives us God’s heart.

The Pharisees took everything to the extreme, even tithing herbs (Matthew 23:23). Paul is a good example of the rigidity of the Pharisees before his conversion. Acts 23:6, 26:5; Philippians 3:5.  Philippians 3:6-9: explains the righteousness of Christ versus the Pharisees. Righteousness is from faith in Christ.

Fun Fact: There are 613 stipulations in God’s law.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 5: Matthew 5:13-16

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:13-16:

Jesus calls believers the salt of the earth, but we must maintain our salt or we will be lost.

Jesus calls believers the light of the world, and like a city on the hill, your light cannot be hidden. Let your light shine as a testament to God so that others may come to know him.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 5: Matthew 5:13-16

15a) Salt in the ancient world was mainly used for preserving food since refrigeration did not exist, and it was used to make food taste good. Salt is a necessity to the human body and its functions. It is essential for nerves and muscle function, as well as the regulation of fluids within our bodies. You will see animals lick salt because they need it, too. Salt also heals wounds. Its chemical composition, sodium chloride, forces liquid (and the bacteria in the liquid) out of the body, speeding healing. It has many uses outside of this. Great salt history HERE and HERE

b) There are many thoughts from Bible scholars about being the salt of the earth. Some think we are to preserve the world from evil, to enhance the flavor of the world, or to stop the decay in the world — to stop sin’s power to destroy our lives. Great reads HERE and HERE

16a) At its core, light illuminates. We cannot see anything without light. It opens our minds to what is there.

b) Christians are to illuminate or make visible Christ. Our good works are to shine for all to see. We are to be the light, the TRUTH, in a dark world. In Philippians 2:15, the apostle Paul says, “Believers, you are to shine as light in the world.” To be a beacon to bring others to the light.

17) We cannot bring God’s word to others and banish evil without living out God’s word. Our lives bring others to Christ, not our words. By being humble and showing mercy, as well as seeking God to be better every day, we will bring others to Christ.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 5: Matthew 5:13-16

I love this! I love the analogies, and I love the history! The best thing you and I can do for others is to be Christ-like. We flavor the earth with our actions and our words, we heal the earth, and we shine God’s truth everywhere we go.

Here’s a cool salt and light bible devotional I found!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 5: Matthew 5:13-16

Salt is precious, it preserves, and it adds flavor to the world. Christians do the same. Do not lose your saltiness, or you become useless to others. Salt also heals. Your actions and words can heal a broken soul.

Jesus is the ultimate light of the world (John 8:12 and John 9:5). We are now responsible for preventing decay and shining biblical truth in the world. This also means we are to get out in the world in order to shine.

Our light should be visible to others, like a city in the distance. We are to shine brightly for Jesus. The lampstand is intentionally placed there, as should our light be intentionally shined. Our good works will shine bright and bring others to Jesus. Let others see God in you.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 4: Matthew 5:9-12

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:9-12

Blessed are the peacemakers who will be called the sons of God. The persecuted will have the kingdom of heaven. You are blessed when you are insulted. Your reward in heaven will be great. The prophets were persecuted, too.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 4: Matthew 5:9-12

12a) The one in your family who just wants everyone to get along. They are the facilitators of communication and advocates for relationships to be mended.

b) 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 tells us that since we have been reconciled to God through Christ that we can reconcile others to God and reconcile situations and people around us.

13a) People persecute us because we have God and Jesus and know where we are going. They are jealous by nature and therefore want us to be brought down. Those who do good are always targeted by man’s evil nature.

b) I wish I could say a forgiving heart, but it’s often negatively in the beginning. However, I end up praying for them and not letting me bother me because I do know where I’m going.

14) Unsure. Mostly it’s hardships of knowing what to do with my life at this moment and what path to take for him. Since I work from home, I have very little interaction with the outside world.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 4: Matthew 5:9-12

Spoken to first century Jews, these verses are hard for us to understand. Some may be facing persecution because of their faith, but most of us are not facing persecution by death. Our persecutions are small in comparison. However, when they do occur, know the kingdom of heaven awaits.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 4: Matthew 5:9-12

You can be a literal peacemaker in your family, or you can bring peace to others through helping them reconcile to God and accept Jesus as Savior.

Some will be persecuted because of their faith and righteousness. Other translations say to be joyful in persecution. Many Christians who were martyred were joyful, being on the cusp of meeting God. In our lives, it’s good to be joyful knowing we will meet God soon.

The world does not value the character traits in the Beatitudes. No matter. You live your truth; the rest will be damned.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 3: Matthew 5:5-8

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:5-8

Blessed are the meek who will inherit the earth. Those who search for righteousness will be blessed. The merciful will be shown mercy. Those pure in heart will see God.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 3: Matthew 5:5-8

7 ) I think of someone cowering in the corner, afraid and too timid to speak their minds. The definition of meek is “quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive.” In the Bible, meekness is when someone is willing to accept and submit to the will of someone else, which is God. Moses was described as meek in Numbers 12. Meekness is when you put everything in God’s hands. Great explanation HERE

Jesus calls himself meek in the King James version in Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

Jesus meant those who rely on God will inherit the earth.

8a ) To always be seeking to be right with God, to lead a life without sin, to be like Jesus.

b) Psalm 19:7-11, we saw that God’s law and the way he wants us to live is good and perfect. We can trust in them, and when we do, we’ll have a great reward. We should seek God and have our hope in him. The way God wants us to live is good, for our good, and without sin.

9) When you give mercy, mercy shall be returned. This holds true for all things in life. When you give, you receive back.

10) Psalm 24:4-5 tells us that those who are pure will receive blessings from God. Wanting to have God at the center of your life allows you to see him. You can see God in nature, in others, in your kids, in your dog’s devotion to you, and more.

11) The more you know him, the more you see him everywhere in every aspect of your life. As you study God’s word and strive to know him, you seek to be like Jesus and to please God. You will become like him and embody the character traits that God desires in you.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 3: Matthew 5:5-8

I love the Biblical meekness and how it is perceived today. There’s nothing wrong with being meek in God’s eyes; in fact, it’s how we’re supposed to be. If Moses and Jesus were meek, shouldn’t we be, too?

If you love knowing the original meaning of Biblical words like I do, try this Greek study bible today!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 3: Matthew 5:5-8

The Greek meaning of “meek” gives the idea of having strength while having control. Meekness is to put others before you, and do their will over yours. Submit to God and be humble. God watches out for the meek and promises those who give up themselves will inherit his kingdom. This is why we are meek.

Hunger here means you can never be satisfied. You should always be hungering for Christ. In Jesus’s day, people regularly went days without food. Hunger used here was much more impactful than it is to us in the modern world. Jesus will fill our hunger as we hunger to be righteous and sanctified.

The definition of mercy is “compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.” God is merciful to us to show us how broken we are so that we can seek him. Otherwise, why would we? Since Christians have received the greatest mercy of all (Jesus), we are to show mercy to others — to anyone who is broken, suffering, mourning, and those lost in their own sin.

Think God showed mercy to David who showed mercy to Saul. Think in your life who you need to show mercy to.

“Pure in heart” denotes the idea of being singular in your devotion to God. An inner, moral purity. The reward is to see God. If you’re not motivated to be devoted to God in order to see him, then what are you motivated for in your spiritual journey?

There is a place in Israel where it is believed that Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. It’s called the Mount of Beatitudes.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 2: Skim Matthew 5:1-12 and Focus on Matthew 5:1-4

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:1-12: The Beatitudes

Jesus teaches that the poor are blessed as they have the kingdom of heaven. Those who mourn will be comforted. The meek will inherit the earth. Those who search for righteousness will be blessed. The merciful will be shown mercy.

Those pure in heart will see God. The peacemakers will be called the sons of God. The persecuted will have the kingdom of heaven. You are blessed when you are insulted. Your reward in heaven will be great. The prophets were persecuted, too.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 2: Skim Matthew 5:1-12 and Focus on Matthew 5:1-4

3) To be blessed is when God endows/gives someone something that is usually cherished, such as blessed with finances, free will, etc. Jesus lists a bunch of people who are blessed who, at the time, would not normally be considered blessed. He expands being blessed to the destitute. The ultimate blessing is, of course, to know God and be a Christian. Nothing else really matters.

4) Psalm 51:17 tells us in the Message Version: “I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice.”

In Isaiah 66:2, God says he has made and esteems those who is humble, contrite in spirit, and humble at his word. The definition of contrite is one who expresses remorse or penitence, one who feels bad for what they did. In sum, God esteems those who respond to him.

When you are down and out, you are blessed. When you are struggling, you are blessed. When you question God due to your life’s circumstances, you are blessed. All because you have God.

5a) Mourning is when you are sad over a loss. For most of us, we mourn when we’ve lost a loved one, lost a furry friend, lost a lifestyle or job, lost a home, lost a marriage, or anything else you’ve cherished and is now gone. You mourn what once was and is no more. I mourn all of these things.

b ) Sin makes all of us sad. Jesus who quotes Isaiah 61:1-2 in Luke 4:18-19 has come to comfort those who mourn, who feel guilt over sin, to free sinners from their sin.

Romans 7:22-24 is interesting. You want to do good, but because sin is always present in our lives, it’s a struggle. Mourning when you do sin shows you desire to do good. Christ rescues us from sin.

James 4:8-10 says to draw near to Christ and resist sin. He will lift us up even in our grief, mourning, and wailing.

You are sad when you do wrong, but with Christ, you have hope that you will do (and be) better.

6 ) Having to depend on God is a blessed. I’ve lost much and had much in my life. Every time I fail, it brings me closer to him. You sin, your mourn, you learn. That’s the life of a Christian.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 2: Skim Matthew 5:1-12 and Focus on Matthew 5:1-4

Admittedly, it’s been a long time since I’ve read the Beatitudes, so I’m excited to do so now! Great beginning to lesson 5 as we are reminded that grief is a part of life, but there is hope in Christ.

I am reminded of this song. Enjoy!

Try some great scripture music today!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 2: Skim Matthew 5:1-12 and Focus on Matthew 5:1-4

Bible scholars believe that Jesus went up on a mountain because the crowds that followed him had grown so big. What a beautiful picture. Luke records Jesus as speaking this at a different time, too, in Luke 6. This makes sense; most pastors preach the same message multiple times to different groups and for repetition, too, for learning.

Teachers sat in ancient times  (Luke 4:20; Matthew 13:2; 23:2; 24:3) while students stood.

map of sermon on the mount where Jesus gave beatitudes

This Sermon on the Mount is Jesus teaching us how to live. Many say this is the summation of Christianity in these short verses. The disciples are listening, too. It’s super important they understand this since they will be carrying on without him.

The Beatitudes (or The Blessings) are attitudes of being — what we hope to achieve as Christians and what we strive for every day.

The word blessed means “happy” in the ancient Greek. This word is also applied to God himself 1 Timothy 1:11.

On the day of Judgment, the blessed, or happy, will come. Matthew 25:34

Spurgeon notes: “You have not failed to notice that the last word of the Old Testament is ‘curse,’ and it is suggestive that the opening sermon of our Lord’s ministry commences with the word ‘Blessed.’”

The poor in spirit are those who recognize their sin and are in need of Christ. It is the first Beatitude because it’s where we all start. When you are poor in spirit, you are able to receive the kingdom of heaven. You have to be poor in spirit before you can mourn.

When you are poor in spirit, you mourn and will be comforted. The Greek word used here for “mourning” is the strongest form of grief. You mourn over sin that then produces repentance 2 Corinthians 7:10. Jesus both mourned and grieved (Isaiah 53:3).  It’s a part of human life.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 5: Matthew 4:12-25

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

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.”

map of beginning of Jesus's ministry www.atozmomm.com

 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.

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temptation of Christ in the desert bsf matthew www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 4: Matthew 4:1-11

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

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:

  1. To identify with us
  2. 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).

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