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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 3: John 2:13-17

by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

SUMMARY OF JOHN 2:13-17

Jesus went to Jerusalem for Passover. When he saw that inside the temple courts people were selling cattle, sheep, and doves, he drove all of the money lenders out of the temple.

He told them to stop turning His Father’s house into a market.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 3: John 2:13-17

6) Passover. At Passover, a sacrificial lamb is required to cleanse them of sin. If the people traveled, they could instead tithe silver. The money lenders were there to supply these requirements to the Jewish people.

7a) He got angry. He made a whip and drove the money lenders out.

b) To take bold, immediate action when you see something being done that is not right.

8a) Psalm 69:9: “for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.” This speaks to the zeal Jesus had for the purity of the temple. And, God speaks this in Psalm, but here it explains Jesus’ actions. It is implied that Jesus is acting for/as God here.

b) Jesus will come to the temple and purify it, which is what he did when he kicked out the money lenders.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 3: John 2:13-17

I love this example of Jesus’ very human emotions and his direct action to correct the wrong.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 3: John 2:13-17

Bible scholars estimate that more than 2 million Jews came to Jerusalem for Passover. Paying the temple tax was required, which is why there were money lenders there.

Background: The money lenders were in the Court of the Gentiles, the only place the Gentiles could allowed to pray and offer sacrifices. Jesus sees this as a defiling of the temple since it’s been turned into a marketplace. Great synopsis HERE

Furthermore, the temple tax had to be paid in Tyrian shekels, which had the most amount of silver in it, so the money changers had to exchange the Jews’ coinage in order to satisfy this requirement.

Making a whip would take a bit to time. Jesus did this methodically. He did not drive out the money lenders out of passion.

The outer court was where Gentiles could worship the Lord. With the money lenders there, this space was not corrupt.

Jesus converts water first, then cleanses the temple. Conversion first, then cleansing of the temple.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 2: John 2:1-12

by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary of John 2:1-12

Jesus attends a wedding with his mother and disciples in Galilee. When they run out of wine, Mary asks Jesus to help. Jesus turns water into wine for the wedding banquet. It was choice wine.

This is the first of many signs that Jesus performed that revealed his glory and who he was. Jesus then traveled to Capernaum.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 2: John 2:1-12

3a) They ran out of wine for the wedding banquet. This is an embarrassment and could bring shame upon the couple. Hospitality was huge back in ancient times, and failing to provide your guests with adequate drink was a major faux pas.

b) I think Mary was asking Jesus for a solution, not necessarily a miracle. We see this when she tells her servants to do whatever Jesus tells them to do. She responds with obedience.

c) If you approach Jesus with the expectation he will do what you want, you can expect a poor response. If  you approach Jesus with an open heart and looking for help, you can expect him to answer in his way.

d) Jesus is hesitant to reveal himself yet to the masses, but he does so.

4) Miracles but also answering people’s requests with an active answer.

5a) Jesus did something only the Messiah could do.

b) It shows me that not only is anything possible with God, but anything is possible when you have an open heart and mind.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 2: John 2:1-12

I love this miracle! It solves a basic human need (drink) and helps avoid an embarrassing situation (shows Jesus’ compassion), and it’s done in an unpresumptuous way.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 2: John 2:1-12

The 3rd day refers to the continuation of John’s telling of events: the beginning (John 1:19-28), Day 1: (John 1:29-34), Day 2: (John 1:35-42), Day 3: (John 1:43-51)

Jesus blesses weddings (he does this as we see by attending them). He blesses events in our lives when we invite him in.

It is presumed that Joseph died young since he is not mentioned here. Many Bible scholars believe Jesus took care of the family until they were of age. This is why he stayed in Nazareth and left when they were all cared for.

Mary probably approaches Jesus as the head of the household who is used to solving problems. It’s no different today from going to your family members to solve problems.

By calling Mary “woman,” Jesus is distancing himself since he is now in the public eye.

Fun Fact: Many only appears in the Gospel of John one more time — at the cross (John 19:26)

When Jesus spoke of “his hour,” he meant the cross.

Jesus most likely prayed before performing this miracle and did not do it just to please Mary.

Note that not very many words of Mary’s are recorded in the Bible. Those that are point to Jesus as Sovereign. As we see here, you are to do whatever he tells you to do.

Jesus used the existing water pots, allowing the servants who filled them to share in his miracle.

The pots were filled to the brim; a transformation was coming, not an additive to the water.

They took out the water in faith that was now wine.

Whether the wine was transformed in the pot or at the pouring, we do not know. There was extra, which the couple could have sold for more money for a start in life.

This is the FIRST of SEVEN signs recorded in John’s Gospel, each designed to bring the reader to faith in Jesus.

Jesus’ 7 Signs in the Gospel of John

  1. John 2:1-11 – Water into wine
  2. John 4:46-54 – Healing of the nobleman’s son
  3. John 5:1-15 – Healing at the pool of Bethesda
  4. John 6:1-14 – Feeding the 5,000
  5. John 6:15-21 – Jesus walks on water
  6. John 9:1-12 – Healing of the man born blind
  7. John 11:1-44 – Lazarus raised from the dead

Fun Fact: The Greek word for “signs” is used 74 times in the New Testament, 23 times in John’s Gospel.

Note the hint of the 3rd day of glory as this miracle happened on the 3rd day.

The disciples believed in Jesus more after the miracle, which was probably a motivation for Jesus performing it — to strengthen their faith.

We believe more in the Lord when He does great things for us, too!

Mary expects great things and lets Jesus do it his way. Great example!

map of Galilee in times of Jesus www.atozmomm.comCapernaum was on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus spends a lot of time here during his ministry. (Matthew 4:13).

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 5: 1 Kings 15:16-24 and 2 Chronicles 16

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 15:16-24

Asa fought Israel’s king Baasha throughout his reign. Asa gave silver and gold to the king of Aram to break the treaty with Baasha and be on his side. This worked and Baasha retreated. Asa died of old age, and his son, Jehoshaphat, succeeded him.

SUMMARY OF 2 CHRONICLES 16

Asa fought Israel’s king Baasha throughout his reign. Asa gave silver and gold to the king of Aram to break the treaty with Baasha and be on his side. This worked and Baasha retreated.

Hanani, a seer, told Asa that because he relied on a foreign king to help him rather than the Lord he would be at war from now on. Asa was angry at these words, so he threw the seer in jail and began to brutally oppress some of the people. He died.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 5: 1 Kings 15:16-24 and 2 Chronicles 16

13a) The king of Israel Baasha fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering Judah.

b) God sent the seer Hanani to tell Asa how he had sinned, and Asa could have repented then and there.

c) Instead, Asa was angry at these words, so he threw the seer in jail and began to brutally oppress some of the people.

14a) Most days.

b) God always offers us a way out and a way back to him after we sin. All we have to do is accept God’s forgiveness and turn to him once again.

15) Turn to God first and foremost. Don’t rely on pagans. Pray. Make changes in your life that show you are God’s.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 5: 1 Kings 15:16-24 and 2 Chronicles 16

Even those who do good in the eyes of the Lord also do bad. Humans are all the same; we all sin. What matters is the response after we sin.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 5: 1 Kings 15:16-24 and 2 Chronicles 16

Asa followed God and then failed in a question of faith, and he refused to hear the words of correction.

Asa is a king that did not finish well. His later years he did not follow God, and he oppressed his people.

Asa wanted other Israelites to come to his country, but the way he went about it was all wrong. The covenant he made with God was forgotten.

Asa failed to remember God’s goodness from before. Instead, he turned to pagans for help, which worked but angered God.

Now, more wars would occur. Asa could have humbled himself, but he did not.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 4: 2 Chronicles 15

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 CHRONICLES 15

The prophet Azariah told Asa that the Lord is with him when he is with God, but if he forsakes God, God will forsake him. Be strong, and do not give up for your work will be rewarded.

Asa took courage and removed the idols from the land. He repaired an altar to the Lord. Asa assembled all of his people and made thousands of sacrifices to the Lord. They entered into a covenant with the Lord to seek him with all their heart and soul. Those who refused this covenant were put to death. The Lord gave them rest.

Asa’s heart was fully committed to the Lord all his life. He returned all the silver and gold to God’s temple.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 2: 2 Chronicles 15

10) The prophet Azariah told Asa that the Lord is with him when he is with God, but if he forsakes God, God will forsake him. Be strong, and do not give up for your work will be rewarded.

11a) Asa took courage and removed the idols from the land. He repaired an altar to the Lord. Asa assembled all of his people and made thousands of sacrifices to the Lord. They entered into a covenant with the Lord to seek him with all their heart and soul. Those who refused this covenant were put to death. The Lord gave them rest.

b) Asa assembled all of his people and made thousands of sacrifices to the Lord. They entered into a covenant with the Lord to seek him with all their heart and soul. Those who refused this covenant were put to death. The Lord gave them rest.

12a) Unsure here about public. I did run for public office once, but I lost. I guess you could call this public. I did take quite the beating when I first started doing this because it was online and now BSF is mostly online themselves!

b) Good question. Unsure.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 2: 2 Chronicles 15

I love verse 7 “be strong and do not give up for your work will be rewarded.” I work a lot for goals, so I’m hoping this is from Him for His work through me.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 2: 2 Chronicles 15

When you draw near to God, he draws near to you. He does not hide from us. We are to actively look for God in our lives.

Yet, if you forsake God, He will forsake you.

Asa responds correctly and turns more towards God than ever before.

We give to God what He gives us since everything we have is from him.

The covenant was public and accountable. This was serious business. The people collectively sought God — very powerful, indeed.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 3: 1 Kings 15:9-15 and 2 Chronicles 14

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 15:9-15

Asa became king of Judah, and he reigned 21 years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He expelled the male shrine prostitutes, got rid of idols, and deposed his grandmother. His heart was fully committed to the Lord.

SUMMARY OF 2 CHRONICLES 14

Asa became king of Judah. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He removed the foreign altars and the high places, smashed the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles. He commanded all of Judah to seek the Lord and to obey His laws. Judah was at peace during his rule. He built up the fortified cities of Judah. No one was at war with him during those years.

The Lord struck down the Cushites who had come against Asa after Asa prayed to God to help them.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 3: 1 Kings 15:9-15 and 2 Chronicles 14

6) That Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord (which is all that truly matters).

7) He expelled the male shrine prostitutes, got rid of idols, and deposed his grandmother. He removed the foreign altars and the high places, smashed the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles. He commanded all of Judah to seek the Lord and to obey His laws.

8 ) Too many to count. Every day even. With each day and every prayer, I feel I get closer to Him.

9a) God loves to answer prayers. Asa first praised God. He asked for help. He entreated God to not let anyone go against God’s people. God grants Asa’ prayer and then some. He grants him total victory. If we pray, God will grant our victory, too.

b) He struck down the Cushites to the point they were crushed. Judah took away a large amount of plunder from them. God answered by going above and beyond what was asked for. We should expect that response, too, to our prayers.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 3: 1 Kings 15:9-15 and 2 Chronicles 14

Great example of how the Lord loves to reward the faithful. Stay the course is the theme of this lesson.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 3: 1 Kings 15:9-15 and 2 Chronicles 14

Asa was Solomon’s great grandson. Most of the kings we’ll study will be measured against David, the ideal.

Asa removed the hight places dedicated to idols, but not the ones dedicated to the Lord.

The Cushites (or Ethiopians) outnumbered the Judean army. He knew this battle belonged to the Lord, so he called on him to defend His honor.

Asa responded in prayer so that God could demonstrate His might to others. He showed utter dependence upon God. He knew God’s power and relied on it. So must we, and God will answer.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 2: 1 Kings 15:1-8 and 2 Chronicles 13

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 15:1-8

Abijah became king of Judah (Southern Kingdom). He reigned 3 years. He committed all the sins his father did. He was not fully devoted to the Lord, but God made Jerusalem strong anyway. There was war between the two kingdoms his entire lifetime.

SUMMARY OF 2 CHRONICLES 13

Abijah became king of Judah (Southern Kingdom), and there was war between him and Jeroboam. He gave a mighty speech to his troops about how Israel under Jeroboam has forsaken God but Judah, his kingdom, has not. Because of this, God helped Abijah win against Jeroboam. Abijah took land from Jeroboam. God struck him down and killed him.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 2: 1 Kings 15:1-8 and 2 Chronicles 13

3) Abijah became king of Judah (Southern Kingdom). He reigned 3 years. He committed all the sins his father did. He was not fully devoted to the Lord, but God made Jerusalem strong anyway. There was war between the two kingdoms his entire lifetime.

4a) That God has given the kingship rightfully to him. They worship false idols. The Lord is their God, and they have not forsaken him. The Levites are the priests, and they make offerings to the Lord. God is with them and He is their leader. When you fight them, you fight the Lord.

b) God shows up when we ask Him to. He has our back when we have faith in Him. He makes us strong when we are weak. He can accomplish the impossible.

5) Your heart. Do you love God and are devoted to Him? Or, do you only pray when you need Him?

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 2: 1 Kings 15:1-8 and 2 Chronicles 13

I love history, so I’m digging diving deep into the individual kings. It will be interesting to see as we go along how they abandon God, but He does not abandon Him.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 2: 1 Kings 15:1-8 and 2 Chronicles 13

Note that the heart is the difference. David was always loyal to God and God was always first in his life. Abijah did not have a real relationship with God.

Abijah calls out Jeroboam for his lack of faith in God; yet, he has the same problem just not to the same extent.

God’s call  is for Abijah to be king. His kingdom worships God. Therefore, God is with them.

Note: 2 Chronicles only relates the events that happened to Judah, or the Southern Kingdom. Thsi is the only time we’ll see a Judean king’s reign mentioned in this book.

2 Chronicles 13 shows us that even a bad person can be shown grace, when they rely on the Lord.

Every day one must battle demons and strive for spiritual victory over our enemies.

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BSF Matthew Lesson 3 Additional Bible Resources

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

Hey all!

Since we saw a lot of symbols this week in our Matthew study, I thought I’d find some great additional Bible study tools for you!

 

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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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