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.
Jesus begins to prepare his disciples for his death, telling them he must go to Jerusalem, suffer, die, and rise again. Peter rebuked Jesus for saying this. Jesus, in turn, rebuked Peter, calling him Satan and a stumbling block, as well as saying he does not have the things of God in mind but only the things of men.
Jesus tells his disciples that whoever comes after him must deny himself and take up his cross and follow him. This way, they will save their life by losing it. His soul will be saved. Jesus will return in his Father’s glory with angels and reward those according to what they have done. Some will not die before the Second Coming
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 17, Day 5: Matthew 16:21-28
12)
Must go to Jerusalem
Must suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and teachers of the law
Must be killed
Must rise on the third day
13a) Peter rebuked Jesus for saying this, and he tells him it won’t happen.
b) Jesus’s word is to taken as truth always and not questioned or denied.
c) This is how our faith is. One minute, we’re solid; the next, liquid and drying up quick. Life’s circumstances mainly cause this.
14a) Whoever comes after him must deny himself and take up his cross and follow him. This way, they will save their life by losing it. His soul will be saved.
b) We are expected to not give up anything to gain eternal salvation.
c) Good question. Maybe where I want to live. My job. Those types of things.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 17, Day 5: Matthew 16:21-28
Great words of wisdom from Jesus. I can understand Peter’s feelings, but he still has a lot to learn when he rebukes Jesus.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 17, Day 5: Matthew 16:21-28
Now that the disciples know who Jesus is, it’s time to reveal his entire mission, which is the salvation of the world as predicted by Isaiah (Isaiah 53:3-12).
Fun Fact: This is the first time Christ mentions he will die on the cross to his disciples.
The Sanhedrin consists of the elsters, chief priests, and the scribes.
One moment Peter is divinely inspired by God; the next, he is a messenger of Satan. Jesus would not allow himself to be swayed from his mission. Peter had his eyes on the things of men at this moment rather than the things of heaven.
Peter’s words were rejecting God’s eternal plan for humanity.
“Deny Himself and Take Up His Cross and Follow Me”
Jesus tells his disciples they must die to themselves to follow him. This was a cheery thought.
When we deny ourselves, we surrender to Christ and obey his will, not ours. We live with others in mind. We accept rejection by others and a harder life.
In essence, you will never live until you walk to your death with Jesus. It’s paradoxical and an antithesis to what we would think, but it’s the only way to eternal life.
When you surrender to Jesus, you discover true contentment in your life.
Why gain the world to lose it? Satan couldn’t sway Jesus to do this (Luke 4:5-8)
Jesus may have been speaking of his resurrection, Pentecost, the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, or his Second Coming when saying some would not see death.
Jesus blesses Simon, saying God revealed to him who he was. He names him Peter, which means rock, and he will build his church that Hades (hell) cannot overcome. Jesus will give Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven and whatever he binds on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever he loosed on earth will be loosed in heaven. He told his disciples not to tell anyone he was the Christ.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 17, Day 4: Matthew 16:17-20
9) Jesus blesses Simon, saying God revealed to him who he was.
10a) Jesus will be the rock (the foundation) of the church.
b) He will build his church that Hades (hell) cannot overcome. Whatever he binds on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever he loosed on earth will be loosed in heaven, meaning whoever believes he is the Son of God will be free from sin; those who don’t will be bound forever.
11a) The Gospel frees those from Old Testament laws.
b) In every way (such a broad question with so many answers). Freedom allows me to follow Christ’s path for me.
Conclusion BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 17, Day 4: Matthew 16:17-20
My answers are short here. See more explanation in the End Notes.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 17, Day 4: Matthew 16:17-20
God divinely inspired Peter when he spoke, saying who Jesus was.
Jesus renamed Peter the rock, and he would become a rock for the disciples after Jesus’s death.
“This rock” is Jesus. The church will be built upon Jesus, although some Bible scholars say the rock here is Peter or even the confession itself.
Fun Fact: This is the first use of the word ‘church’ in the Bible. Fitting it is spoken by Jesus.
Jesus was prophesizing the founding of the church.
The Greek word for church, ekklesia, meant group. Thus, the church is a group.
Note Jesus says “my church.” We belong to him.
Hell will not penetrate the church, meaning God’s people will overcome sin, death, and Satan.
Peter the Disciple
Jesus will give Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven. This is why Peter is usually depicted in art with keys. This symbolizes Jesus giving Peter the authority to unlock the Gospel to the world.
This passage is a basis for many images of Peter. There is no doubt that Peter was special. Some think he stands at the gates of heaven, letting people in or blocking their entrance.
He is always listed first when the disciples are listed in the Bible.
Binding and loosing is an idea during that time that pertained to the law. To be bound was to be prohibited and be put under the law. To loose was to permit and be free from the law. Here, Jesus gives Peter and the disciples the power to define the New Covenant church and set the rules.
Sinners would be set free from sin and death (loosed). Those who refuse to believe are bound in sin.
Jesus set the rules for the disciples, which explains them taking the grains in the fields (Matthew 12:1-8).
Peter and the disciples would set the New Covenant, including dietary rules. Still, Jesus was not ready for all to know he was the Christ (probably because the disciples were not ready and he needed more training time).
Jesus and his disciples were walking through fields of grain. His disciples were hungry, so they began to eat the grain heads. The Pharisees claimed this was unlawful. Jesus responded that David ate consecrated bread when he was hungry and the priests desecrate the day by doing temple work. He says one greater than the temple is here, since he, the Son of Man, is Lord of the Sabbath.
The Pharisees ask Jesus if it’s lawful to heal on the Sabbath. He uses the example of if a sheep had fallen into a pit on the Sabbath, would they not rescue it? It’s lawful to do good on the Sabbath. Jesus healed a man with a shriveled hand, and the Pharisees plotted how to kill Jesus.
Jesus withdrew and healed all the sick, telling them to tell no one who he was. This fulfilled prophecy in Isaiah.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 4: Matthew 12:1-21
9a) No. The law was to do no work on the Sabbath. Picking heads of grain was not only allowed according to Deuteronomy 23:25, but it most definitely is not work. The law did not say, “starve on the Sabbath.”
b) Jesus responded that David ate consecrated bread when he was hungry and the priests desecrate the day. He says one greater than the temple is here, since he, the Son of Man, is Lord of the Sabbath. Mark 2:23:27 says the Sabbath is made for man and his rest. In 1 Samuel 21:4-6, we read that the priests gave David and his men consecrated bread to eat as long as they had kept themselves from women. Jesus meant that as Lord of the Sabbath, he can do what he pleases.
10) He cared more about people than laws.
11) The Pharisees are beginning to plot against him. Jesus knows he still has work to do before he is called home to God, so he withdraws to protect himself. He’s trying to keep a low profile and not draw attention to himself, so he tells those to not tell others, so he can continue his ministry here on earth.
12) I love how in his name, there is hope. Jesus’s name is so powerful that all we need to do is hope in him.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 4: Matthew 12:1-21
Human nature is to bring those down around you who are more successful than you, more popular, and who are helping others. Here, we see Jesus begin to suffer for his goodness.
If you love Bible maps like I do, check out this Bible resource!
End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 4: Matthew 12:1-21
This passage shows us how the Bible can be misinterpreted and the consequences thereof. The Pharisees would have Jesus and his disciples starve because in their minds they were doing work on the Sabbath. This is not what the Bible says at all.
Jesus, of course, never broke a law; he did break man’s interpretation of that law, and sometimes on purpose, to make a point.
Here, human need is more important than the rules of the Sabbath. Besides, Jesus says, the priests break the laws of the Sabbath constantly by performing their rituals, which is work. Mercy is more important than sacrificing for principles (Hosea 6:6)
Jesus once again proclaims his deity with his declaration that he is Lord of the Sabbath and greater than the temple, which was everything to the Jewish people at that time. He himself is worthy of love, admiration, honor, sacrifice, service, and worship.
Jesus Healing on the Sabbath
Jesus sets the example of us going to church on the Sabbath.
The Pharisees try to set Jesus up with a man who needs healing, knowing Jesus will have compassion on the man and heal him.
Here, the Pharisees turn from just rejecting Jesus to plotting to murder him.
Jesus withdrew to preserve God’s plan for him. He healed all who came to him in faith, and this probably took a long time.
The road to life has a small gate and is narrow and only a few find it. The road to destruction is wide and broad and many enter.
Watch out for false prophets whom you will know by the fruit they bear. They will bear bad fruit and can only bear bad fruit. Good trees bear good fruit, and bad ones bear bad. Bad trees are cut down and thrown into the fire.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 4: Matthew 7:13-20
9a) That the path to life (heaven) is only through him and not many will find this path. John 14:6 says he is the only way to God. He is the way, the truth, the life. Acts 4:12 says salvation is found only in Jesus.
b) They want to believe the path to heaven is more complicated than that, and they want to be able to do what they want without following God’s law and still gain access to heaven.
10a) They bear bad fruit. John 15:16 says God chooses those to be with Him to bear lasting fruit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
b) You have to have the ability to discern those who are false prophets from those who are true; those with good hearts versus those who are bad. Judging is about ensuring you are holding yourself to the same standard when you judge others. Thus, by looking at people’s fruit/good deeds, this can help you discern the truth.
11) Be careful of smooth talkers, wolves in sheep’s clothing, and others who sound/say something that is too good to be true. Pray and discern to ensure you are not being led astray.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 4: Matthew 7:13-20
Good reminder that God chooses those who go to heaven, and that you have to be wary of false prophets.
Good read on false prophets.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 4: Matthew 7:13-20
As Christians know, the path to heaven is narrow and difficult and will not be easy to traverse. Jesus is telling his disciples to prepare for future hardships.
Being aware that there are false prophets is step one. Watch out for those who motivated purely by self-interest. Do these prophets teach God’s Word, are people growing in God, and do they live out God’s teachings?
Before judging others’ fruit, judge your own. Are you bearing good or bad fruit? You are either bearing one or the other. Those who bear neither good nor bad are considered bad.
Joseph died at age 110 and lived to see the third generation of Ephraim’s children. Joseph told his brothers that God will come to take them to the Promise Land. He made them swear to carry his bones out of Egypt and take him with them. He was embalmed in Egypt.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 29, Day 5: Genesis 50:22-26
16) God will come to take them to the Promise Land.
17) Joseph never doubted God and His promises. He knew the Israelites would be taken back to the Promised Land when the time was right.
18) Both died in faith surrounded by their family. It was a long journey, but God and His ways brought them both to Him. They were both honored and embalmed, and both will be buried in the Promise Land.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 29, Day 5: Genesis 50:22-26
Great ending to a life well lived.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 29, Day 5: Genesis 50:22-26
Joseph was led and blessed by God his entire life. He was 56 when Jacob died, and none of the details of Joseph’s live is recorded in scripture. We can presume that Joseph continued to lead the people of Egypt and his family. He lived 93 of his 110 years in Egypt. He was foreigner most of his life, but he was faithful to God throughout, and was rewarded for it.
It is said that Joseph was never buried in Egypt. His bones/coffin stood as a testament to the Israelites of the future of the Promise Land. Joseph would be taken out of Egypt by Moses to the Promise Land for burial in 400 years time. (Exodus 13:19)
Some promises of God take a long time to fulfill. The book of Genesis concludes with Joseph’s death — a death that looks forward to the future.
Reuben gathered mandrakes for Leah. Rachel asked for some and Leah refused. Rachel told Leah she could sleep with Jacob then that night in exchange for mandraks. Jacob slept with Leah and she had another son named Issachar, meaning “reward.” Zebulon, meaning “honor” was born to Leah next. She also had a daughter named Dinah. God listened to Rachel and gave her a son as well named Joseph, meaning “may he add.”
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 20, Day 3: Genesis 30:14-24
6) We are not told this. This is speculation. As the head of the household, Jacob could end all of this mess at any point. He is weak and does not. I have no empathy for him. The kids we do not know. They are obviously impacted by their respective mother’s strained relationships, but we are not told how. Probably sibling rivalry and jealousy, but that’s common in every household tody.
7a) God listened and opened her womb.
b) God is in control and sovereign.
8 ) I learned early on to depend on God because humans in my life have let me down so often. As my husband starts a new career, we all are depending on God to help make up the shortfall in income.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 20, Day 3: Genesis 30:14-24
We see the desperation of both women here. Leah is still desperate for Jacob to love her, and Rachel is desperate for children. God is the only one we should be desperate for. He is our everything. In Him lies the answers to everything we seek.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 20, Day 3: Genesis 30:14-24
Leviticus 18:18 woudl forbide the marrying of sisters. The Israelites will finally learn here that this is not a good idea.
The mandrake (called love apple in Hebrew) is mentioned in the Bible here and in Song of Songs 7:13. It is common in Israel and often grows as a weed. It is a member of the nightshade family, which contains the tobacco plant, as well as common vegetables, such as potatoes and tomatoes. It resembles a human so it was regarded with superstition in ancient times. It was believed to be an aphrodisiac and to promote fertility, which is why Rachel was willing to trade time with her husband for it. While the mandrake is common in Israel, it is rare in Paddan-Aram where they lived. This shows that both women are relying on a superstitious plant to solve their problems, rather than turning to God.
We can gather from the text that Jacob had not been sleeping with Leah all that much since she accuses Rachel of stealing her husband. Rachel uses or prostitutes Jacob to get what she wants here. Both are trading sex and love, which should never be done. God is soveign though here again. He gives both women children, the one who gave the mandrake and the one who bargained for them, too.
The Bible warns of believing superstitions in our life. (Ex. 22:18; Rev. 22:15) Do you have any superstitions?
Issachar adn Zebulun are sons nine and ten for Jacob. Leah was done having children at this point.
SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 21:1-11
