Tag: bsf matthew

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 5: Matthew 12:22-50

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 12:22-50

Jesus healed a demon-possessed man, and the Pharisees said it is only by Beelzebub, or the devil, that Jesus can drive out demons. Jesus pointed out that why would Satan go against himself by driving out demons he put into people? And the priests drive out demons, too. Are they working for Satan, too? A house divided against itself cannot stand, Jesus says, and whoever is not with him is against him.

God won’t forgive anyone who speaks against or blasphemies the Holy Spirit, calling God’s work evil. A good tree will bear good fruit; a bad tree bears bad fruit. By your words, you will be condemned.

The Pharisees ask Jesus for a miraculous sign, and Jesus calls them wicked for asking. Jesus will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth like Jonah was three days and nights in a fish’s belly.

Jesus’s mother and brothers came to see him. Jesus calls all of his disciples who do the will of the Father his brother, sister, and mother.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 5: Matthew 12:22-50

13a) His power over evil and the devil.

b) You have to subdue the person before you rob him. Jesus overcame Satan first to heal the man. He binded Satan’s power. He is stronger than Satan.

14a) They are not genuine. They are looking to trap Jesus and try to get him to prove himself. Jesus does not have to do that.

b) Jesus will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth like Jonah was three days and nights in a fish’s belly. There will be a sign (Jesus’s death) and a call to repentance.

15) Treat everyone as family.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 5: Matthew 12:22-50

Long passages of Jesus fighting against the Pharisees. The fact of the matter is that the Pharisees want to see Jesus go away, which is why they are plotting to kill him. He is ruffling too many feather and changing the way things have always been done. They want to maintain power here. why Jesus essentially only humors them.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 5: Matthew 12:22-50

Why would Satan cast out Satan? Jesus says the Pharisees are making no sense right now.

Jesus uses the Spirit of God to heal.

He tells the Pharisees since they are not for him, they are by default against him. If the leaders reject Jesus, they are rejecting the Holy Spirit. God will not forgive them, and they will face eternal consequences.

Jesus points out to the Pharisees that they are bearing bad fruit (or are evil) as they condemn him.

“Brood of vipers” is like calling them the “sons of Satan.”

Careless or idle words do nothing for Christ. Our words reflect our hearts, and you can often tell where a person’s heart lies by their heart. That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

The Sign of Jonah

Jesus had already given countless signs; the fact they asked for a sign shows their unbelief.

Jonah was effectively dead in the fish’s belly and then he was given new life. This reflects Jesus’s resurrection. The three days and nights could mean a portion of those days and nights and not the full effect. The Ninevites recognized Jonah; the Queen of Sheba recognized God in Solomon. The Pharisees have failed to recognize Jesus.

Jesus says he is greater than Solomon, a king who is very highly regarded in Jesus’s day.

Jesus will judge the Pharisees moreso than the people of Ninevah as his light is greater.

Evil spirits look for those who are empty of the spirit of Jesus. If you are filled with Jesus, you can never be empty.

True Believers in Christ

Bible scholars believe that Mary and his brothers have arrived to maybe bring Jesus back home and somehow end or curtail his ministry. They are probably worried about him. They do not hold any special privileges. Instead, it’s those who do the will of God who are special.

Jesus sees every believer like his mother, brother, and sister. How cool!

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 4: Matthew 12:1-21

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 12:1-21

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.

Jesus is the chosen Servant of God.  Matthew 20:25-28, Matthew 23:11, Mark 9:35, Mark 10:43-45. He still serves us by being our guiding light, our Savior, and loving us despite our sins every day.

Jesus doesn’t need to draw attention to himself; his deeds speak for themselves.

Jesus is gentle with those who are bruised and nourishes us who are like smoldering flames.

“The nations” refers to Jesus’s ministry to the Gentiles.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 2: Matthew 11:1-15

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 11:1-15

Jesus is continuing his ministry in the towns of Galilee. John the Baptist was in prison, and when he heard Jesus had come, he sent his disciples to ask if he was the One. Jesus told them to tell John that he has come to help the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, and raise the dead. He has come to preach the Good News to the poor. All who hear and believe will be blessed.

Jesus then spoke about John the Baptist, saying he is the Elijah who was to come, a prophet who none have been risen greater than he. The kingdom has been advancing thanks to John.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 2: Matthew 11:1-15

3a) John is in prison, so he is probably hoping to get out when the One comes. He wants to know if Jesus will rescue him.

b) Jesus quoted Isaiah who prophesied about the Savior, saying when he (Jesus) comes, the deaf will hear, the blind will see, the lame will walk, and the humble will rejoice. He preaches Good News to the poor and binds up the broken hearted (Isaiah 14:3-5).

c) Many times: in our moves, our past bankruptcy, and even now as we try to navigate another move possibly and career changes. All changes test your faith in some way, and you learn to lean on God more and more.

4a) John the Baptist was probably confused if Jesus was a political Messiah, sent to overthrow Rome, or the one he is — the one to save our souls instead. So, he asked Jesus himself, as we all should.

b) By asking Jesus. By bringing their questions to him and asking and waiting for him to respond.

5) He said no one born of women has been greater than he.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 2: Matthew 11:1-15

Great example of how it’s okay to doubt who Jesus is and ask him to reveal himself. Many people come to Christ this way. Doubting is human, so give yourself some grace when you arrive at these moments in your life and continue to bring your doubts to Jesus.

Great historical fiction on the life of John the Baptist!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 12, Day 2: Matthew 11:1-15

Some Bible scholars say that John sent his disciples to ask who Jesus was for the disciples’ sake and not his own.

John the Baptist was in jail for calling out Herod Antipas, the ruler of Judea at this time. Herod had seduced his brother’s wife and ended up marrying her. John rebuked him for it and ended up in prison Matthew 14:3-12.

John is confused here, no doubt. He may be expecting a political Messiah — one who will rescue him. Perhaps, he didn’t want Jesus to forget about his troubles, too. Being in prision is hard, no doubt.

Jesus uses the prophecies of Isaiah to say he has come — but not in the political way many crave.

Jesus commends John the Baptist as the greatest prophet and man for being Jesus’s herald.  Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1. Note that Jesus bears witness to John as he had done for him.

The kingdom of heaven is forceful in pushing back the darkness and in converting people to Jesus.

John the Baptist was in the spirit of Elijah  (Luke 1:17). John was the last of the Old Testament prophets. We see Elijah at the Transfiguration  (Matthew 17:3), and we’ll see him as one of two prophets to come in Revelation 11:3-12.

Fun Fact: “He who has ears, let him hear” was a saying of Jesus after he said something important he wanted his followers to remember.

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BSF Matthew Lesson 11 Additional Bible Resources

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

Hey all!

Great Bible resources on the commissioning of the 12 disciples.

Enjoy!

 

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BSF Matthew Lesson 10 Additional Bible Resources

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

Hey all!

Here’s some great additional Bible resources for you that correlates with Bible Study Fellowship’s Matthew study.

Enjoy!

 

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BSF Matthew Lesson 9 Additional Bible Resources

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

Hey all!

Sometimes God’s greatest gifts are the abilities He gives others. These books have enriched my life. I hope you enjoy.

Enjoy!

 

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 4: Matthew 5:31-37

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:31-37

Jesus says that the only reason for divorce is unfaithfulness. Otherwise, if you divorce, if you remarry, you will be committing adultery. Jesus says there is not a need for an oath at all since your word should be strong enough.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 4: Matthew 5:31-37

9a) Jesus says that the only reason for divorce is unfaithfulness. Otherwise, if you divorce, if you remarry, you will be committing adultery. Mark adds that Moses permitted divorce and a certificate of divorce because their hearts were hard.

b ) Believers can work hard to not divorce for frivolous reasons such as “irreconcilable differences.” However, divorce is a part of this broken world, and supporting others who have been through it is crucial. It is not for us to judge; it’s for us to love.

10a) You do not need to swear an oath ever.

b ) Society has developed white lies in order to spare people’s feelings. It’s important to do this; however, it’s important to be truthful in serious situations.

c ) God.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 4: Matthew 5:31-37

Jesus makes it clear that man and woman were supposed to stay together forever. However, there are legitimate reasons to divorce. Jesus says only for unfaithfulness. I believe abuse is another reason. Either way, divorce is a result of this broken world and broken people, and we all are broken. I remember the times when BSF would not allow a divorced woman to be a leader. I’m glad they changed this rule. This, in and of itself, was judgement. If you have a heart for God and want to share it, do so, whether you are divorced or not.

Great book to help you through tough times.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 4: Matthew 5:31-37

The certificate of divorce is found here (Deuteronomy 24:1). Many men were divorcing their wives for frivolous reasons. Deuteronomy says that you may divorce if one is unclean. People were streteching this interpretation at this time. Jesus clarifies that “unclean” means committing adultery.

Remember the times Jesus lived in. It was common for the Romans to be unfaithful outside their marriage with no repercussions.

(Exodus 20:7) tells us to not take the Lord’s name in vain. Here, Jesus tells us that every oath you take is by God and must be honored. Jesus says that your word is good enough so you don’t need to swear an oath. That being said, we see oaths in the Bible, even by God himself. Hebrews 6:13 and Luke 1:73, in a court of law Matthew 26:63-64 and more Romans 1:9, 2 Corinthians 1:23, Galatians 1:20, 2 Thessalonians 2:5.

Oaths are allowed just are not needed.

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

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:5-8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Friday Digest BSF Matthew Lesson 4

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN MATTHEW 4

  • God’s Word is our weapon and our shield
  • Jesus’s temptation proved his worthiness as the perfect substitute for sin
  • Jesus is our example
  • God’s truth is stronger than Satan’s lies
  • Jesus’s power lies within you to resist sin
  • The call to follow Jesus involves a cost, but a reward far greater

Take Away: It’s simple: As Jesus says, “Follow me.”

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

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 4:12-25:

John the Baptist was thrown in prison, so Jesus returned to Galilee from Nazareth. He went to Capernaum in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali to fulfill Isaiah’s words. Jesus preaches how the kingdom of heaven is near. Jesus began to call his disciples. He first called Simon Peter and his brother, Andrew, who were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. He next called james and John who were in a boat with their gather, Zebedee.

Jesus began to travel through Galilee, preaching the Good News and healing people of diseases and sicknesses. Large crowds began to follow him and bring their sick to him to be healed.

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

12 ) Capernaum in Galilee, fulfilling Isaiah’s words that the future king would come from there.

13 ) John the Baptist baptized people in the Jordan River who came from all over Judea.

14a ) Jesus called and they immediately followed him without question. They dropped everything they were doing in the moment.

b ) It’s best to answer God’s call immediately. Life is too short to delay.

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

We’re about to embark on an exciting journey with Jesus as he begins his work. What I would give to have walked with him.

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

Matthew begins his telling Jesus’s ministry in Galilee. John tells the story of an earlier ministry of Jesus where he himself baptized people and where we get the story of the Samarian woman at the well John 3:22 and 4:1-2.

Galilee was a very populuous area for Biblical times, which is probably why Jesus began there. He could make the biggest impact there. It was very fertile and had many wealthy citizens. Both Jews and Gentiles lived here side by side. In ancient times, there were nine cities that had 15,000 or more people who lived on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Remember that the people of Nazareth, his hometown, rejected him because they had seen him grow up ordinary  (Luke 4:16-30), which is why he chose Capernaum. Plus, the disciples were there too, as we see. Jesus was the light in this region as Isaiah predicted.

Jesus waits until John the Baptist is put into prison to begin his ministry.

Do note that the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God seem to be the same thing. Bible scholars believe Matthew used the phrase “kingdom of heaven” because the Jewish people never wrote out the word “God.”

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 A Purpose

Jesus didn’t just randomly call his disciples. The Bible records other places where he encounters them  (John 1:35-42 and Luke 5:3). Undoubtedly, Jesus knew who he would call ahead of time. Jesus calls most of the disciples when they were doing something. Jesus needed doers and action-takers.

Most rabbi had disciples so this was not unusual behavior on the part of Jesus. This is how rabbis taught other rabbis.

Just like we have guest speakers at church, they did so in ancient times, too.

Healing shows that Jesus could overcome the consequences of sin (which was death to the body).

FUN FACT: This is the first time the Bible mentions demon-possessed. It shows Jesus’s ultimate authority over the evil in the world. While Old Testament people were troubled by spirits 1 Samuel 18:10, 19:9), this is the first time it is mentioned of removing an evil one from the body.

Large crowds followed Jesus. He is successful.

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