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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 3: 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 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:

  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.

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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).

Contact me with questions!

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 2: 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 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:

  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).

Contact me with questions!

 

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 3, Day 5: Matthew 3:13-17

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

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

map of jesus' baptism www.atozmomm.comI 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?

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 3, Day 4: Matthew 3:11-12

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

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!

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 3, Day 3: Matthew 3:5-10

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 3:5-10

The people heeded John’s words from Jerusalem to Judea and the Jordan. They confessed their sins and were baptized by John in the Jordan River. He called out the Pharisees and the Sadducees, telling them to repent, too.

BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 3, DAY 3: MATTHEW 3:5-10

6) Acts 3:19: Repentance is turning to God to be forgiven for your sins.

Acts 20:21: Repentance is turning to God with faith in Jesus Christ.

Acts 26:20: Repent is turning to God and showing this in their deeds.

James 5:16: Confession is admitting your sins and praying for healing.

1 John 1:9: Confessing your sins allows you to be forgiven and purified.

Confession is admitting your guilt. According to Zondervan’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, confession is “to openly acknowledge the truth in anything, as in the existence and authority of God or the sins of which one has been guilty. Confession of sin before God is recognized as a conditon of forgiveness.”

Repentance is sincerely regretting it. According to Zondervan’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, repentance is “a profound change of mind involving changing of the direction of life from that of self-centeredness or sin-centeredness to God or Christ centeredness. God’s forgiveness is only available to those who are repentant, for only they can receive it.”

7) Joel 2:13: Return to God with your heart and with actions.

Matthew 3:8: Produce fruit when you repent.

Acts 26:20: Repent is turning to God and showing this in their deeds.

Romans 2:4: God’s kindness to you leads you to repentance.

2 Corinthians 7:10-11: Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldy sorrow brings death.

8a ) I think I’m kinder to others, more helpful, more giving as I realize my shortcomings.

b ) This is a tough one. I’m sure there is, but all I can think of right now is just how I need to be kinder to my family and others. Lord, help me to be kinder to my family and others and forgive me for my sins and hard heart.

CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 3, DAY 3: MATTHEW 3:5-10

This was a lot of looking up, but worth it. It’s important to turn your heart and not just your words to God. Out of this, actions follow, too, as does His forgiveness. Pick up this great Bible resource, Zondervan’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, today.

END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 3, DAY 3: MATTHEW 3:5-10

John the Baptist played a huge role in preparing the Jewish people to accept Jesus as their Savior. In fact, the famous historian Josephus talked a great deal about John the Baptist, even more so than Jesus. His influence was widespread. It was also the first time Jews were baptized in large numbers because they thought all they needed was the blood of animals to cleanse them.

Baptism illustrates perfectly the confession of sin and the action that follows it. You are doing something by being baptized; you are repenting. Today, when Christians are baptized, not only are we confessing our sins and our need for a Savior, but we are also being baptized into Christ  (Romans 6:3).

John the Baptist gets his name from these actions, partly because Jewish baptisms were rare up until this point. Baptism has previously only been used for those adopting the Jewish faith, not for those born into it.

Confessing of sins was new, too. Confession was rare.

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH THE PHARISEES AND THE SADDUCEES?

The Pharisees and the Sadducees were the leadership and the law of the Jewish people. They believed if you kept the law, you would be righteous and get to heaven. They thought they were righteous for this. In reality, they were flawed humans like the rest of us, power hungry and hypocrits.

John yelled at the Pharisees and the Sadducees because they were there for appearances only; their hearts were not changed.

The wrath is God’s wrath, which is what all of humanity deserves. You must flee from it.

The Pharisees and the Sadducees believed they were saved because they upheld the law. John says this is false. They must repent with their hearts, not just follow the law. Everyone can go to hell without Jesus. The Jews believed at that time they could not go to hell because they had God.

The ax laid at the root of the trees is marking the trees for cutting, and without fruit, the trees will be cut down.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 3, Day 2: Matthew 3:1-4

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 3:1-4

John the Baptist came preaching in the Desert of Judea, saying repent for the kingdom of heaven is near. He quoted Isaiah, saying to prepare the way for the Lord. He wore clothes of camel’s hair, had a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.

BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 3, DAY 2: MATTHEW 3:1-4

3a) Jesus identifies John the Baptist as the one predicted by Malachi in Matthew 11:14; 17:9-13.

Luke 1:17 repeats almost exactly that verse, saying he will go before the Lord in the spirit of Elijah to turn the hearts of the father to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

2 Kings 1:8 says that he was a man with a garment of hair and a leather belt around his waist.

Mark 1:6 repeats Matthew, saying John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

Matthew 17:9-13: Jesus says that Elijah has already come but no one recognized him as such.

b) John identified himself as the voice calling in the desert for God’s glorious arrival, preparing the way for repentance from sin and turning to Jesus.

4) Nothing happens without God’s will and way. God uses people and others to carry out His will. It’s all perfection.

5a) God has been extremely good. He has given me this forum and the knowledge to share with you all. He has always provided for me and my family, and I try to do His will and help others, too. It all comes together in God’s perfect plan for your life and mine.

b) Tell others that Jesus is coming. Pray for others. Prepare myself and my family.

CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 3, DAY 2: MATTHEW 3:1-4

Matthew skips over all of Jesus’s youth. We go from the baby Jesus to Jesus’s baptism. It jarred me a bit, but then I love a good story. I also love how Jesus is not alone in his task to save humanity. God has given him help, guidance, and companions. Great stuff!

From Jordan to Wilderness. Wilderness Wilderness of Judea: The desolate region between Judah and the Dead Sea. John the Baptist preached here. (Matt 3:1-3)

END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 3, DAY 2: MATTHEW 3:1-4

John the Baptist is son to Zacharias and Elizabeth, whom we met in Luke and how the couple had John by God’s miracle, too. John’s purpose is to prepare the hearts of God’s people for Jesus by telling them to turn to God.

Note the importance of the word “repent.”

John wanted everyone to know that the Messiah was coming so be ready!

Note that kingdom of heaven and kingdom of God is used interchangeably in the Bible. Both refer to God’s kingdome. Scholars believe that kingdom of heaven was used by Matthew since he was writing to Jews who did not like direct references to God. You’ll see kingdom of God used more in Mark and Luke.

It is super important to prepare for Jesus, which is why you all are here in Bible Study Fellowship’s study of Matthew! We must learn about Jesus, draw closer to him, and prepare for his Second Coming. Thus, John’s work is huge for believers.

A straight path to Jesus makes sense. Truthfully, is there any other way?

WHAT’S UP WITH THE CAMEL HAIR AND LEATHER BELT?

It doesn’t matter what John the Baptist wears; the point of this is that it was predicted that someone looking like John the Baptist would arise and point the way to the Messiah. Secondary is the fact that John the Baptist led a very simple life, and he made a powerful impact. We can do the same, too. We don’t need a lot to shine God’s light to the world. Contact me with questions!

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 2, Day 5: Matthew 2:19-23

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 2:19-23

An angel of the Lord appeared again to Joseph after Herod had died and told them to return to Israel. Archelaus, Herod’s son, followed Herod on the throne of Judea. Joseph was afraid to return. Joseph was warned in a dream so he went to Galilee to a town called Nazareth, fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus being called a Nazarene.

BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 2, DAY 4: MATTHEW 2:13-18

13 ) Archelaus, Herod’s son, followed Herod on the throne of Judea. Joseph was afraid to return. Consequently, Joseph was warned in a dream so he went to Galilee to a town called Nazareth, fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus being called a Nazarene.

14a ) The Bible foretold the King would come from Nazareth.

b ) In truth, all of us come from unexpected places since no place is truly more significant than another. Anything good can come from anywhere.

15 ) In every way. God has always guided me and protected me throughout all of the events of my life.

CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 2, DAY 4: MATTHEW 2:13-18

God draws us to Him one step at a time. The journey of our faith doesn’t happen by leaps and bounds; it’s in the little faithful doings when we say “Yes, Lord” when we grow until one day, we are His.

END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 2, DAY 4: MATTHEW 2:13-18

map of ancient galilee and egypt www.atozomm.comAgain, we see “child” mentioned first in reference to this event, emphasizing Jesus’s importance over others.

Archelaus, Herod’s son, was just as cruel as his father, which is why Joseph was hesitant to return. He killed indisciminantly, too. He ended up being replaced as ruler because of his incompetency.

God directs Joseph to settle in Galilee in the town of Nazareth, knowing that those people would need Jesus. Nazareth was an insignificant little town that has a not-so-stellar reputation. Here, Jesus, the King of the World, would come forth. Jesus who stood for the everyman and was for every man would be raised as no one special. That means that we all can start from nowhere and achieve great things with God.

God and Jesus’s glory will never be snuffed out. If you continue on God’s path, yours won’t either. Take his hand, and walk with him today!

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 2, Day 4: Matthew 2:13-18

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 2:13-18

An angel of the Lord appears to Joseph and tells him to go to Egypt for Herod is searching for Jesus to kill him.  Mary, Joseph, and Jesus all fled in the middle of the night. They stayed there until Herod died. Herod had all of the boys in Bethlehem and the surrounding area under the age of 2 killed in an effort to kill Jesus. Hosea prophesied this.

BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 2, DAY 4: MATTHEW 2:13-18

9 ) The threat to his crown

10a ) God sends an angel of the Lord to protect Jesus and his family. Joseph obeyed immediately, fleeing in the middle of the night. When God calls, you answer. There is no room for hesitancy.

b ) God’s people frequently flees to Egypt for protection, like during the famine. This is for protection and survival. Jesus will redeed us from sin like Moses did the ancient Israelites when he led them out of Egypt to the Promised Land. Hosea predicted this so this shows the legitimacy of the Bible.

11a ) Killing innocent children.

b ) Proverbs 21:30 “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.” The insecurity of my future. Nothing happens without God and it being in his plan.

12 ) Matthew uses this verse to portray Rachel weeping over Herod’s slaughter of all baby boys in Bethlehem. But God answers, showing He is there and is planning redemption.

CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 2, DAY 4: MATTHEW 2:13-18

I don’t remember this either. It amazes me to what lengths mankind will go to to try to circumvent God. They lose every time.

Great book on angels!

END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 2, DAY 4: MATTHEW 2:13-18

Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fled 225 miles to Egypt at God’s warning. In ancient times, a lot of Jews lived in Egypt, and Herod had no control there. Bible scholars believe this was right after the Magis left. This was a long journey in ancient times, which shows again that God doesn’t usually take the easy way. In fact, God often uses ordinary means.

We can only guess at how long the family stays in Egypt; we are not told. Some say months; others say years.

Herod’s fear turns to murdering children. God weeps for them.

We should expect opposition too as we follow Jesus. Instead of lamenting it, use God’s strength to grow stronger in faith and overcome. The prophecy from Hosea 11:1 is fulfilled here, as God calls his son out of Egypt to save the world.

Ordering the death of innocent children was completely in line with Herod as a cruel leader that we know him to be. At that time, there would not have been many children tpu to death since Bethlehem was a small town. In ancient times, whole towns and peoples would be wiped out on a regular basis due to war, which may explain why this event is not recorded elsewhere in history. In truth, this was an everyday occurence, so there was nothing special about it.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 1, Day 5: Matthew 1:1-25

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 1:1-25

Matthew lists the genealogy of Jesus in these 17 verses. You’ll find a mix of characters here, from prostitutes, such as Rahab to kings, such as David and Solomon.  Most of the names are simply that — names of people whom the Bible does not talk about. However, God chose all to be a relative of Jesus. How cool is that?

Consider that there were 14 generations from Abraham to David, from David to the time of the Babylonian exile, and from the exile to the Messiah. Why the number 14? Matthew leaves out generations in order to create this numeric lineup. The letters of the Hebrew alphabet represented numbers, too. The letters in David’s name add up to 14, which is used to show that Jesus was the son of David, but also that Jesus is greater than David.

Mary became pregnant while betrothed to Joseph. Joseph, knowing that he was not the father, wanted to divorce Mary but in a quiet way. An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph as he slept and reassured him that Mary is faithful. Mary’s child she carries is from the Holy Spirit and is to be named Jesus, meaning “the Lord saves.” This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah in Isaiah 7:14.

Joseph believed the angel. He took Mary as his wife but did not lie with her until after the birth of Jesus.

BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 1, DAY 5: MATTHEW 1:1-25

14a ) Matthew emphasizes how Jesus is from the line of David as it was foretold in the Old Testament. The angel mentions how Jesus will be from a virgin birth and called Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14).

b ) God has a plan and he wants to make sure his people knew exactly who Jesus was.

15 ) Their families could have ostracized them and kicked them out of their faith. They could have been social outcasts. Their reputations could have been tarnished, making it hard to make a living in Old Testament times.

16 ) Anytime you lay down yourself and your wants for others costs you something. In truth, I don’t have any earth-shattering examples, but just following him and doing the right thing can be hard and difficult at times, alienating others, too.

CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 1, DAY 5: MATTHEW 1:1-25

In chapter 1 of Matthew, we get a sense right away of what this book is all about. We will be following Jesus’s birth and life all to the end, and we will be meeting people who aren’t exactly high society. We see how Christianity is right for everyone. Fabulous!

END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 1, DAY 5: MATTHEW 1:1-25

I’m super excited to be studying with you all again this year! Every year is like family, and I can’t wait to see what you all learn! In addition, do comment and share when led. Welcome to BSF’s Study of Matthew! Contact me with questions!

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 1, Day 4: Luke 1:26-38

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF LUKE 1:26-38

Luke records how the angel of God reassured Mary, too. We are told that the angel, Gabriel, went to Nazareth in Galilee to a virgin named Mary. Gabriel told Mary that the Lord was with her and that she is highly favored. However, Mary was afraid, but the angel said that God has favored her and chosen her to bear His son to be named Jesus. He will inherit the throne of David and will reign over God’s people for eternity.

The Holy Spirit will come upon her. Her relative, Elizabeth, will have a child (John the Baptist) in her old age for nothing is impossible with God. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered, and the angel left.

BSF STUDY QUESTIONS MATTHEW LESSON 1, DAY 4: GOD’S PLAN FOR MARY: LUKE 1:26-38

11a ) Gabriel told Mary that the Lord was with her and that she is highly favored. The angel said that God has favored her and chosen her to bear His son to be named Jesus. He will inherit the throne of David and will reign over God’s people for eternity. The Holy Spirit will come upon her. Her relative, Elizabeth, will have a child (John the Baptist) in her old age for nothing is impossible with God.

b ) The Holy Spirit. Because it is God’s child, his Son, the Savior of the World.

12 ) “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be as you have said,” she told the angel Gabriel upon hearing she would bear God’s Son.

13 ) How I can see everything working in my life that He planned, not me. To impact my little corner of the world as He sees fit. Everything has come to this moment.

CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS MATTHEW LESSON 1, DAY 4: GOD’S PLAN FOR MARY: LUKE 1:26-38

I love how we can have the same stories from different points of view. So great! God is good!

END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS MATTHEW LESSON 1, DAY 4: GOD’S PLAN FOR MARY: LUKE 1:26-38

Curiously enough, no writer of the Old Testament ever mentioned the town of Nazareth. This tells you how insignificant it truly was. Until this moment when God chooses the human parents of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. They live in Nazareth. Here, we get the term “Jesus of Nazarth” plus the Nazarenes, or followers of Jesus.

One could say we are all favored, blessed, and have the Lord in the form of the Holy Spirit with us.

Mary’s mind turns to the practical when asking how she will have a baby when she has never had sex. Does this show a lack of faith? No. It simply is a question that most of us would ask. How will this happen?

“Overshadow” has the same meaning as cover with a cloud what God appeared in (Exodus 16:10, 19:9, 24:16, 34:5, 40:34) and when Jesus was transfigured (Matthew 17:5, Mark 9:7, Luke 9:34). The cloud is God or the Holy Spirit.

The example of Elizabeth strengthened Mary’s faith in the the angel’s words.

Mary will face scrutiny from man for her pregnancy. Yet, God’s words are stronger.

Fun Fact: Note in no other culture does a virgin birth occur.

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A great book about Mary! Happy Reading!

 

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