BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 30, Day 6: Maturing His People
13) Faithful
14) It’s hard to know specifics, but I believe I am to walk my path where God has put me, one day at a time.
15) Having control over my thoughts. It’s something I need to work on.
16) Dear Lord. Thank you for pursuing me even when I run the other way. Thank you for growing me closer to you and for the opportunity to get to know you better. Thank you for the peace this brings me. Thank you for the Holy Spirit. Thank you for others in my life. Amen.
Jehoahaz[a] was twenty-three years old when he became king. The king of Egypt dethroned him in Jerusalem and imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents[b] of silver and a talent[c] of gold.4 The king of Egypt made Eliakim, a brother of Jehoahaz, king over Judah and Jerusalem and changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. But Necho took Eliakim’s brother Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt.
Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord his God. The Lord sent Babylonian,[a] Aramean, Moabite and Ammonite raiders against him to destroy Judah, in accordance with the word of the Lord proclaimed by his servants the prophets.
Jehoiachin was eighteen[e] years old when he became king. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He surrended to Nebuchadnezzar. He made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in his place and changed his name to Zedekiah.
Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king.19 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.
Now Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his whole army. They laid seige to Jerusalem and eventually captured it. They bound Zedekiah after killing his sons and putting his eyes out. He burned God’s temple and took Judah into captivity.
In the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the year Awel-Marduk became king of Babylon, he released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison
2 Chronicles 36:
Jehoahaz[a] was twenty-three years old when he became king. The king of Egypt dethroned him in Jerusalem and imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents[b] of silver and a talent[c] of gold.4 The king of Egypt made Eliakim, a brother of Jehoahaz, king over Judah and Jerusalem and changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. But Necho took Eliakim’s brother Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt.
Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord his God. He was taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar as a prisoner.
Jehoiachin was eighteen[e] years old when he became king. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.10 In the spring, King Nebuchadnezzar sent for him and brought him to Babylon, together with articles of value from the temple of the Lord, and he made Jehoiachin’s uncle,[f] Zedekiah, king over Judah and Jerusalem.
Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king.12 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord his God, and all the people became even more unfaithful to God.
God brought Babylon up against his people. God gave them all into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his successors until the kingdom of Persia came to power, Cyrus king of Persia would begin building God’s temple once again.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 17, Day 5: 2 Kings 23:31-25:30; 20; 2 Chronicles 36
11)
Jehoahaz. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.
Jehoiakim. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Jehoiakim paid Pharaoh Necho the silver and gold he demanded. In order to do so, he taxed the land and exacted the silver and gold from the people of the land according to their assessments.
Joehoiachin. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.
Zedekiah. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke the word of the Lord. He became stiff-necked and hardened his heart and would not turn to the Lord, the God of Israel.14 Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful, following all the detestable practices of the nations and defiling the temple of the Lord, which he had consecrated in Jerusalem.
12a) God sent warnings to his people via messengers. He brought consequences down on them for their sin. He took their kings away in captivity and gradually he took them, too.
b) The messengers were mocked. They continued to sin. They continued to follow other gods. No one learned.
c) God is faithful even when you are not.
13) God postponed judgment for hundreds of years. God gave His people every chance. The consequences were just.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 17, Day 5: 2 Kings 23:31-25:30; 20; 2 Chronicles 36
Finally, the conclusion to Judah’s built-up sins. There were glimpses of light, but too few to make up for the darkness.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 17, Day 5: 2 Kings 23:31-25:30; 20; 2 Chronicles 36
2 Kings 23:31-25:30
Essentially, all of Judah’s final kings (who only reigned a total of 24 years) did evil in the eyes of the Lord as they were all exiled to Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar makes Judah a servant nation mainly because of where it was located near his enemies of Egypt and Assyria. The first invasion was 605 B.C. Jerusalem would be invaded again in 597 and 587 B.C. Jehoiakim rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, and it did not go well. He died, and more evil kings reigned.
Jerusalem was sacked, and the people were carried away by Nebuchadnezzar in 597. It was completely destroyed in 586 B.C. The skilled people were taken; the poor were left in Jerusalem. Jedekiah was made king by Nebuchadnezzar. He did evil and rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar despite Jeremiah’s warnings Jeremiah 32:1-5. Zedekiah arrested Jeremiah and imprisoned him.
Jerusalem was under seige and finally fell. Zedekiah was taken prisoner and killed as prophesied (Ezekiel 12:13). The city was destroyed along with the temple. More people were taken except the poor. Gedaliah is made governor. He is killed. 2 Kings ends with King Jehoiachin receiving kindness from Babylon.
2 Chronicles 36:
The last 4 kings of Judah were evil. The Lord’s message is rejected, but the messengers were mocked. Jerusalem is destroyed. The people would be captives of Babylon for 70 years. They could return to their land when Persia conquered Babylon in 539 B.C. God allowed Persia to conquer the Babylonians when it was time to send his people back home. Isaiah 44:28-45:7 and Jeremiah 51:57-58 (Exodus 23:10-11).
Samaria was captured by the Assyrians during Hezekiah’s reign. Also, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them. Hezekiah paid the king with gold and silver from the temple. Then, Sennacherib threatens Jersualem.
2 Kings 21
Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king of Judah, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years.He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had destroyed; he also erected altars to Baal and made an Asherah pole. The Lord promises disaster on Jerusalem for his sins.
Amon was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem two years.He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He was assassinated and Josiah, his son, took the throne.
2 Chronicles 32
Sennacherib lays seige to Jerusalem and other cities. They spoke against God and King Hezekiah and Isaiah prayed to the Lord. The Lord sent an angel who annihilated all the fighting men of Assyria. Sennacherib was murdered by his own sons.
So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from the hand of all others. He took care of them on every side. Manasseh his son succeeded him as king
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 5: 2 Kings 18:9-20; 21; 2 Chronicles 32
12) Israel was captured by the Assyrians during Hezekiah’s reign. Also, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured some of the people and took them away. Hezekiah paid the king with gold and silver from the temple to appease him. Then, Sennacherib threatens Jersualem with a letter, and Hezekiah turns to God.
13) Hezekiah has his moments where he strays. He tries to bribe Sennacherib king of Assyria with money to not attack him and he does anyways. He prays to God when he is attacked and God rescues him. When he was ill, he prayed to the Lord, who answered him and gave him a miraculous sign.But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him. Yet, he still seeks God.
14a)
His dependence on God: He prays to God, laying his heart on the table.
His deliberate focus on God Himself as his source of help: He meets God at the temple and prays how God alone can help him.
His honest statement of his predicament: He lays the letter out for God to see.
His straightforward request: He asks God to deliver them from the hands of Assyria.
b) The Lord sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the commanders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king.
c) Isaiah was Hezekiah’s chief advisor. He helped Hezekiah to get rid of idolatry and reinstitute temple service and worship.
Judah was urged to join in an uprising against Assyria about 713 B.C. Isaiah counseled Hezekiah against doing so (Isaiah 19:25.)
Hezekiah disregarded Isaiah’s advice later on and joined Egypt in an alliance against Assyria, which resulted in Hezekiah paying Syria a huge tribute.
He advised Hezekiah when Sennacherib attacked Jerusalem and prayed, too. (2 Chornicles 32:20).
d) Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see. Heal the pain in my left knee and give me the strength to achieve my dreams and honor you in the process, Lord. Let all know my strength is only possible from and because of you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 5: 2 Kings 18:9-20; 21; 2 Chronicles 32
Loved this study of Hezekiah. I had forgotten what he had done. Great leader and example of what is possible with God.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 5: 2 Kings 18:9-20; 21; 2 Chronicles 32
In 2 Kings 18:9-20, we see Israel fall into exile. Hezekiah tries to buy peace from the Assyrians. The leaders of Assyria try to convince Judah to surrender to them.
In 2 Kings 21, we see the reign of Manasseh, son of Hezekiah. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had destroyed; he also erected altars to Baal and made an Asherah pole. The Lord promises disaster on Jerusalem for his sins.
We see the reign of Amon, son of ManassehHe did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He was assassinated and Josiah, his son, took the throne.
In 2 Chronicles 32, we see how Sennacherib attacks Jerusalem, but God protects his people from the Assyrians. Hezekiah prepares for the attack.
Servants of Sennacherib are called the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh in 2 Kings 18:17. They spoke against the Lord, which is, in general, just a bad idea.
God wanted Hezekiah to trust in Him for help, not Egypt.
Hezekiah and Isaiah pray to the Lord, and God answered in typical fashion. He sent an angels to wipe out the Assyrian army. 185,000 men died (2 Kings 19:35). 20 years later, Sennacherib was murdered by his sons. God’s judgment was complete.
This sign God gave Hezekiah that he ignored was the sign of the retreating sundial 2 Kings 20:8-11.
Ambassadors from Babylon came to Hezekiah while he was sick to honor him. Hezekiah showed them all of the riches of his land out of pride. This would be their downfall as Isaih predicted 2 Kings 20:12-21. Like so many other kings we’ve studied, Hezekiah did not end well.
Jonah expresses his anger that God saved Nineveh. He asks to die. Jonah leaves the city and waits. The Lord provides a plant for shade for him. It grows and then dies. God asks him if he has a right to be angry about the plant. He still wishes for death. Jonah’s concern for the plant is the same as God’s concern for the people of Nineveh who also needed tending to grow in faith.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 12, Day 5: Jonah 4
13a) That Jonah is playing God, deciding who should be saved and who should not.
b) Pride that he was better than the people of Nineveh. Anger that they were horrible sinners and God saved them when he was a prophet who was also saved. Anger that the Assyrians were his enemies (the enemy of God’s people). They should be judged, not granted mercy.
14a) Tenderly. By trying to explain to Jonah in a way he would understand about God’s infinite mercy for Nineveh.
b) “should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh” “you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity”
15) It really hasn’t. I’ve always understoon that God can forgive whoever he wants to forgive like he has forgiven me. It’s not on me to judge who he saves and who he doesn’t.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 12, Day 5: Jonah 4
I find it interesting how Jonah is playing God here and decides for God that Nineveh should not be saved. How many of us do this to our loved ones?
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 12, Day 5: Jonah 4
Most prophets are pleased with converts. Thus, Jonah’s reaction here is very different.
Without God’s mercy, Jonah would be dead. Yet, this same mercy granted to Nineveh overwhelms him with anger.
God questions us because we are in the wrong and He wants us to see it from a different (often His) perspective. Sure, we can be angry with God, but we are never right over God, and we must repent of that anger, which is often due to misunderstanding.
Jonah seemed to hope that God would still destroy Nineveh when he left. He did not understand God’s love for all of humanity.
Yet, if Jonah cared so much for a plant that he did nothing for, how much more is God’s caring and love for a people that He did everything for from the moment of their creation?
Fun Fact: This is the first time Jonah is recorded as being happy. And it’s all because of a plant.
Fun Fact: Jonah’s last words recorded in the Bible show him clinging to his ways and not God’s ways. Luckily, God always has the last word.
All of this prepared Jonah for God’s work. How is He preparing you today?
When Jezebel found out from Ahab that Elijah had killed all of the prophets with the sword, she threatened to kill him. Afraid, Elijah fled. He left his servant at Beersheba while he went into the wilderness. He prayed to die. He woke to an angel who fed him and gave him water. The angel appeared again telling him to eat and drink for strength.
Elijah then traveled 40 days and nights till he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. While in a cave, the word of the Lord came to him and asked him what he was doing there. Elijah said how he is afraid for his life.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10
3) First, he was elated and boastful. Then he was afraid for his life. He also experienced remorse and sadness over the Israelites and their worship of other gods. Frankly, he was depressed. He was physically exhausted, too.
4a) God sent an angel who fed him and gave him water. The angel appeared again telling him to eat and drink for strength.
b) Similarly, God has provided when I’ve been exhausted from the trials of life with food, clothing, shelter, friendships, and more.
5) God asked, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah replied, “I have been very jealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”
6) Elijah prays for God’s help. He listens to and for God. He obeys God and trusts God for provision.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10
I think many of us have reached breaking points like Elijah to the point where we wish we were dead. Note here how God is there at our weakest moments, waiting to pick us up and strengthen us in the days ahead.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10
Jezebel was not impressed with God’s show at Mount Carmel. Instead, she went after the instigator.
Beersheba is about 80 miles south of Mount Carmel. We are not told if God told Elijah to go there or not. All we know is God wanted to protect Elijah.
It’s ironic that Elijah prayed to die, but he’s one of the few humans that ever lived that never experienced death. Sometimes a no from God is a good thing.
Elijah was wore out, plain and simple.
We see this many times in the Bible where God provides for our physical needs before our spiritual needs.
On Elijah’s 40-day, 200-mile journey to Mount Horeb (or Mount Sinai), it is likely he gained strength physically.
Obviously, God knew the answer to why Elijah was there, but God graciously allows Elijah to explain his feelings and relieve the burdens on his heart.
Basically, Elijah is saying life is unfair here. He shouldn’t have his life threatened if he is doing God’s work (but this is usually the case). He wants an easy life like we all do. But, as God’s servant, he would not have that.
King Solomon had many foreign wives despite God’s order to not marry foreigner. They led him astray from God over time, causing him to do evil in the eyes of the Lord. He built shrines to foreign gods, and God became angry with him. As punishment, Solomon’s son will lose the kingdom he built. God raised up adversaries agains Solomon, Hadan the Edomite and Rezon son of Eliada. Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s officials, rebelled against him.
Ahijah, a prophet, told Jeroboam about the prophecy God made against Solomon. He also prophesied that Jeroboam would be king of Israel. If he followed God’s statues and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, God would be with him. He would build him a dynasty and humble David’s descendants for a time. Solomon died and his son, Rehoboam, succeeded him as king.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 11
3a) King Solomon had many foreign wives despite God’s order to not marry foreigner. They led him astray from God over time, causing him to do evil in the eyes of the Lord. He built shrines to foreign gods, and God became angry with him. He tried to kill Jeroboam for no reason besides the prophecy.
b) Well, anything you do that goes against what God tells you to do is serious. Here, King Solomon is the leader of God’s people, and what the leader does, so do the people. He led his people (aka God’s people) astray. This is very serious in God’s eyes. The result is punishment meted out by God: Solomon’s son will lose the kingdom he built.
4) Ahijah, a prophet, told Jeroboam about the prophecy God made against Solomon (Solomon’s son would lose the kingdom). He also prophesied that Jeroboam would be king of Israel. If he followed God’s statues and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, God would be with him. He would build him a dynasty and humble David’s descendants for a time.
5) Really good question. I think sometimes my life is so busy that I lose sight of making time to pray and worship Him as I should.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 11
I’m glad we spent two days on this passage. So much here to learn from!
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 11
Note Solomon loved many women and they were foreign — both of which went against God’s laws. (Matthew 19:4-6, Genesis 2:23-24). He wanted his wives more than he wanted the Lord. His heart turned from the Lord, too. David sinned, but his heart was always with the Lord.
God became angry with Solomon’s disobedience. The punishment is that God will divide the kingdom. 2 Chronicles 11:12) tell us that the southern kingdom was made up of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, even though it’s called only one tribe here.
God raised up adversaries against Solomon:
Hadad the Edomite
Rezone, son of Eliadah
Jeroboam was a fellow Israelite who rebelled against Solomon. Jeroboam means “may the people be great.”
The prophet Ahijah tells Jeroboam that he would be king of the ten tribes of Israel after Solomon dies as punishment for Solomon’s sin. God would be with Jeroboam and would give him a lasting dynasty if he would do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Solomon tried to kill him because of this prophecy.
Solomon dies, and his son, Rehoboam, succeeds him as king.
Fun Fact: This is the first mention of the divided kingdom.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 30: Book of Matthew
Day 2
2a) How incredibly blessed we all are by God’s grace and Jesus’s sacrifice for our undeserving souls. It gives me a deeper appreciation for what Jesus did for me on the cross and hopefully I can convey that better both with my actions and with others.
b) Jesus’s grace, his inclusion of all people, including women, his compassion on all people no matter who they were, his desire to always do God’s will no matter where he went.
Day 3
3) There are so many it’s hard to choose. Right now in these uncertain times, we can have faith that God is in control. As the economy changes every day, we can have faith that God will provide. As events happen that we don’t understand, we can have faith that God has a purpose. Jesus prayed in the Garden for strength; so should we during these times. Perseverence, strength, and will to keep moving forward, one day at a time.
Day 4
4) I did not have children in the program
5) The chance to pray for one another.
Day 5
6) Good question. I am unsure. Immediately, it’s to be strong in faith for my family and to remind them of all that Jesus teaches.
Day 6
7a) It’s given me such a deeper understanding of God’s grace and my undeserving nature of Jesus’s sacrifice.
b) I know that God’s plans are not my plans, so I pray for His will to be done. I know that I am here for a reason, so I try to remember that each and every day.
8a) Grace
b) Dear Lord. I thank you for the blessings you have given me, for the life I lead, for my incredible family and their health and happiness, and for your will to be done in my life. I take each day as a blessing and try to do your work. I pray others see you through me, and I pray you continue to guide me in this life. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
The 11 disciples go to Galilee to the mountain Jesus told them to go. There, they met Jesus and worshipped him, but some doubted. He told them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything he has commanded them. He will be with them always to the end of time.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 29, Day 5: Matthew 28:16-20
12a) His claim: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him.
b) His command: Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything he has commanded them.
c) His promise: He will be with them always to the end of time.
13a) Authority here means power granted by one in authority, so God. It’s the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. Because if we are followers of Jesus, we follow his commands. He will give us everything we need to follow him.
b) Baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything he has commanded them
c) He will give me the strength to go forth and make disciples even when it’s hard or I’m discouraged.
d) Unsure. Right now, just struggling to make it through each day.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 29, Day 5: Matthew 28:16-20
I love the comfort the last verse in Matthew brings: I am with you always to the very end of the age.
Great read!
End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 29, Day 5: Matthew 28:16-20
This was not their first meeting with Jesus, but it’s all Matthew records. Some disciples doubted perhaps due to the fact that this was too good to be true, and they may have felt guilty still over having abandoned Jesus at the cross. Yet, they obeyed. They did not fully understand what was happening or probably even what Jesus’s resurrection fully meant. However, obedience does not require understanding; it simply requires faith.
Jesus has authority so the disciples must obey.
His authority sends us to make disciples (scholars or learners). Note that disciples are made, not born.
The Great Commission
Christians are to:
Go to others who need to know God’s word
Make disciples by sharing Christ with others
Baptize them in the name of the Father by the finished work of the Son and through the power of the Holy Spirit
Here, Jesus includes the Gentiles with “all nations.” Before, it was mostly Jews (Matthew 15:24).
They were to be baptized, not circumcized, which was the sign that the Jews used that they followed God.
We see the Holy Trinity here (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).
Teach them all things, not leaving anything out.
His constant presence would strengthen them and guide them in their mission.
“Always” here means every second of every day, complete.
As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. He sent two disciples ahead to borrow a donkey and her colt. This fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 that the king will come riding on a donkey. The disciples brought the donkey and colt and placed their cloaks on them. Jesus sat on them. A crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches and put them on the road.
The crowds shouted, “Hosannah,” or “save” in Hebrew. Jesus entered Jerusalem, and the crowds proclaimed him as he entered.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 21, Day 4: Matthew 21:1-11
10a) That Jesus knew ahead of time what others would ask so he told the disciples what to say.
b) This fulfills prophecy
11a) The crowds: A crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches and put them on the road. The crowds shouted, “Hosannah,” or “save” in Hebrew. They understood who Jesus was, and the crowds proclaimed him as he entered.
The disciples: We are not told what the disciples were doing when Jesus enters Jerusalem. Presumably walking by his side.
b) Jesus comes humble on a donkey. He makes no fanfare of his own. He goes to his destiny willingly.
12) I love how every moment is choreographed like an exquisite dance. Jesus is the center in a simple, powerful way.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 21, Day 4: Matthew 21:1-11
The crowds here make this scene powerful. It’s as if most everyone realizes what a moment this is.
Insanely good movie.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 21, Day 4: Matthew 21:1-11
Jesus enters Jerusalm publically, embracing what is to come.
Jesus rode on the colt. Mark and Luke tell us the colt had never been ridden. (Mark 11:2) Yet, it is calm. The mother helps.
Jesus is fulfilling every bit of prophecy. (Daniel 9:24-27).
A colt is what royalty rode in ancient times. Judges 10:4; 12:14. However, recently, royalthy had switched to riding horses, and donkeys had transitioned to creatures of burden by Jesus’s time.
The laying of clothes and branches is honoring Jesus and recognizing who he was.
Palms and branches wer ea symbol of victory and success. 1 Maccabees 13:51; 2 Maccabees 10:7; and Revelation 7:9
Hosanna is the crowd looking to Jesus to save them. We see this elsewhere in the Bible towards kings. 2 Samuel 14:4 and 2 Kings 6:26
We missed Jesus’s weaping over Jerusalem, as this was only reported in Luke (Luke 19:41-44).
Ironic that these same people who were begging for Jesus to save them would in a mere five days condemn him to death. Man is so fickle.
Note Jesus is still called “Jesus of Nazareth.” (Matthew 2:23).
Jesus explains that if anyone causes a child who believes in him to sin then it would be better to have a millstone hung around his neck and drowned in the sea. If something causes you to sin, get rid of it, even your hand, foot, or eye. It’s better to have eternal life with only one hand, foot, or eye than to be thrown into the fire of hell.
Don’t look down on the little ones. If one sheep wanders off, the shepherd goes and looks for it until he finds it. He is happier about finding that one sheep than the other 99. God is not willing to lose any of His lost sheep either.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 3: Matthew 18:6-14
7) Jesus said it would be better to have a millstone hung around his neck and drown in the sea.
8a) If something causes you to sin, get rid of it, even cutting off your hand, foot, or gouging your eye. He meant to take any step necessary to remove from your life the thing that causes you to sin.
b) I’ve underestimated how others are affected by your personal sin and how much it does affect other aspects of your life.
9) God cares about everyone and wants everyone to come to him.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 3: Matthew 18:6-14
We cannot underestimate the importance of getting rid of those things in your life that causes you to sin. Resistance to sin is easier when you’re not around it. This includes habits, relationships, entertainment, and comforts. If God cares so much for his lost sheep, so should we.
Great read!
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 18, Day 3: Matthew 18:6-14
Pressuring others to sin is worse than just you sinning Jesus is saying here. It’s better to die Jesus says than to lead others to sin.
Our actions affect others, and we must consider our actions in relation to the spiritual welfare of others.
God will administer justice to those who sin and hurt us. This is one powerful reason to forgive others and to let things go. At the end, they will be punished.
It’s better to sacrifice now than face eternal punishment later on. It’s important to take the hand, foot, and eye gouging as figurative. The point is to take any step necessary to prevent you from falling into sin.
We are to protect the little ones of the earth. Here is where the idea of guardian angels comes from.
Parable of the Lost Sheep
See Luke’s parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke 15:3-7
Since Jesus loved and cared for everyone, even those who go astray, so should we.
SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 21:1-11
