Tag: bsf questions answers lesson 10

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 5: Ezra 6:13-22

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Ezra 6:13-22

 The temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. The people celebrated with offerings and then with Passover.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 5: Ezra 6:13-22

11) With joy. They offered a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred male lambs, and, as a sin offering for all Israel, twelve male goats, one for each of the tribes of Israel. And they installed the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their groups for the service of God.
12) The Passover celebration was profoundly significant as it symbolized a “second Exodus.” It was the first one celebrated in the newly completed Temple, marking not just a return from exile but a spiritual restoration. It unified the community, including all who purified themselves, re-establishing their identity as God’s redeemed people.
13a) The people remembered that God had changed the attitude of the king of Assyria and assisted them with the temple rebuilding. They also remembered how the Lord redeemed them from Egypt.
b) Honestly, every day is a kindness, and there are too many to pinpoint one. I try to celebrate Him every day of my life!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 5: Ezra 6:13-22

I love how the people succeeded with God’s help in rebuilding the temple for worship to the One and Only God!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 5: Ezra 6:13-22

Everyone was strengthened by God, and they prospered. Even though God blessed the people, the work was still hard, but they did it!

It took 4 years to complete the temple from the time the building was resumed. The year was 515 BC. The city walls will be restored during the reign of Artaxerxes in the time of Nehemiah.

For comparison, Solomon sacrificed 142,000 animals when the first temple was dedicated. Here, we see only 712 sacrificed. This was for financial reasons, not for lack of faith and love for the Lord.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread celebrated the purity of God’s people.

The people were full of joy for this!

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Ezra 6:13-22 describes the triumphant completion and joyful dedication of the Second Temple, culminating in the unified celebration of Passover. It marks the successful fulfillment of the exiles’ mission, brought about by God’s intervention through foreign kings.

Interpretation

  • Swift Completion (vv. 13-15): Spurred on by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, and now fully funded and protected by King Darius’s decree, the Jewish leaders finished building the Temple with great speed. The work was completed on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of Darius’s reign. The text emphasizes that this success was due to the command of God and the decrees of the Persian kings Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes.
  • Joyful Dedication (vv. 16-18): The entire community—the people of Israel, the priests, and the Levites—dedicated the new Temple with great joy. They offered hundreds of animals as sacrifices, including a sin offering for each of the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the reunification of the entire nation. They then organized the priests and Levites for service in the Temple according to the Law of Moses.
  • Purified Celebration (vv. 19-22): The returned exiles celebrated the Passover, a festival central to their identity as God’s redeemed people. They were joined by others who had separated themselves from the impurity of the surrounding peoples. The chapter concludes by noting their immense joy, attributing it to God, who had “changed the heart of the king of Assyria” (a term used for the Persian king) to support them.

Conclusion

This passage is the climax of the rebuilding narrative, showcasing a community restored and worship re-established. The dedication and Passover celebration signify more than just the completion of a building; they represent the spiritual rebirth of the nation. It powerfully demonstrates that God fulfilled His promise, turning political opposition into royal support and restoring His people to a state of joyful, purified worship in their own land.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 4: Ezra 4:1-6:12

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Ezra 4:1-6:12

Ezra 4:

The enemies of Israel offered to help build the temple. The Israelites said no, so they began to work against the building of the temple, using intimidation and bribes. The enemies persuaded King Artaxerxes to make the Israelites stop building the walls of Jerusalem.

Ezra 5:

In the second year of the reign of Darius, the King of Persia, the temple rebuilding began again with the help of the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah. Their enemies tried to stop them again, but the Israelites delayed them by writing a letter to King Darius to make a decision, citing that King Cyrus had granted them permission.

Ezra 6:1-12:

King Darius found the decree issued by Cyrus that allowed the rebuilding of the temple, so the Israelites were allowed to continue. He gave them money to do so and threatened anyone who stopped the Jews with death.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 4: Ezra 4:1-6:12

9a) First, they offered to “help,” which was turned down. Then they tried to intimidate the Israelites with fear. Finally, they appealed to the King with lies, which worked and forced the construction to stop.
b)
Through His prophets (5:1-2): God used the prophets to prophesy to the Jews to encourage them to rebuild the temple again.
Through powerful kings, despite local resistance (5:3-6:12): The people wrote a letter to the reigning king, King Darius, and used the fact that King Cyrus had given them permission. This proclamation was found, and King Darius honored the terms, so the temple could be rebuilt again.
c) Ezra 4:6-23 is a non-chronological summary of future opposition. The author “flashes forward” to the reigns of Kings Xerxes and Artaxerxes, showing how adversaries wrote letters accusing the Jews of rebellion. This successfully halted the later work of rebuilding Jerusalem’s city walls, illustrating the long-term hostility faced.
10a) Nothing or no one can stop God and His plans. He uses people and moves people so that His plans come to pass.
b) Mostly through other people or life’s circumstances. It comes in doubt, fears, discouragement, and more. Now, it’s time that works against me.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 4: Ezra 4:1-6:12

Great lesson on how God moves people so that His work is accomplished.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 4: Ezra 4:1-6:12

The foreigners who had been living in Judea since the exiles were not happy that the people were returning. Therefore, they mount an opposition to the temple building. These adversaries were the Samaritans. They were half God-fearing, half-pagans 2 Kings 17:33

Ongoing resistance began to both the temple building and the wall building.

We meet 2 other Persian kings here: Ahasuerus (Xerxes, who reigned between 485 and 465 B.C.) and Artaxerxes I (who reigned between 464 and 424 B.C.).

Fun Fact: Ezra 4:8-6:18 is all written in Aramaic.

The accusations of Israel’s enemies were both true and lies. The past of the Israelites persuaded Artaxerxes, so the building was halted for 15 years.

God sends the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, to get the building project moving again.

Haggai records much of what happened here, rebuking the Israelites for their lackadaisical attitude towards the temple rebuilding Haggai 1:2-10. God intervenes (Haggai 1:7-8). He began to speak to the people 16 years after the temple rebuilding first began in 520 BC.

Zechariah means “the Lord remembers.” His job is to motivate the people to continue. God protects His people here.

Tattenai was a local governor for Persia. Tattenai sends a letter to King Darius, explaining the situation. The old scroll of Cyrus is found. Darius allows the work to continue based on historical pretext. The Jews are to pray for his family and his sons. The work should be completed ASAP.

Remember that the book of Nehemiah focuses on the rebuilding of the city and its walls.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

This section of Ezra chronicles a period of intense opposition, prolonged delay, and ultimate divine vindication in the rebuilding of the Temple. It shows how God’s plan prevails despite persistent human resistance.

Interpretation

  • Initial Opposition (Ezra 4:1-5): Immediately, adversaries—the people living in the land, later known as Samaritans—offer to “help” build the Temple, but their intentions are hostile. When their offer is rejected by Zerubbabel to maintain religious purity, they actively work to stop the project through intimidation and political bribery, successfully halting the work for about 16 years.
  • Thematic Flash-Forward (Ezra 4:6-23): The author inserts a summary of later opposition during the reigns of Kings Xerxes and Artaxerxes. This section, which focuses on stopping the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, is not chronological but serves to show that the hostility was a long-term, persistent problem for the returning exiles.
  • Work Resumes Through Prophetic Encouragement (Ezra 4:24-5:5): After the long delay, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah stir the people to resume building. When a local governor, Tattenai, challenges their authority, the Jewish elders cite King Cyrus’s original decree. Protected by “the eye of their God,” they are allowed to continue building while the matter is investigated.
  • Divine Vindication Through King Darius (Ezra 5:6-6:12): Tattenai sends a letter to King Darius requesting a search of the royal archives. Miraculously, Cyrus’s scroll is found. Darius not only reaffirms the original decree but issues a powerful new one: he commands Tattenai not to interfere, orders the entire cost of the Temple to be paid from the royal treasury, provides for the daily sacrifices, and issues a death penalty for anyone who obstructs the work.

Conclusion

This narrative powerfully demonstrates God’s sovereignty over human history and politics. Though the project was stalled for years by fierce opposition, God’s purpose was never defeated. He used the encouragement of prophets and even the legal system of a pagan empire to not only restart the work but to ensure its completion with greater resources and protection than before. It is a story of how God turns obstacles into instruments for His will.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 3: Ezra 3:7-13

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Ezra 3:7-13

The people, along with Zerubbabel and Joshua, began rebuilding the temple. Levites supervised the rebuilding. When the builders laid the foundation, the people praised the Lord loudly.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 3: Ezra 3:7-13

6) The masons and carpenters were paid. Food, drink, and olive oil were given as trade to the people of Sidon and Tyre to bring cedar logs up. The people began the work, and the Levites supervised the building.
7a) People were praising and thanking God using cymbals and song, but the older priests, Levites, and families were weeping as they remembered the old temple. There were shouts of joy and weeping noises. The sound was heard far away.
b) God working in your life can be extremely overwhelming to the point of tears. Happy times can be incredibly sad, too. This bittersweet feeling arises when a happy new beginning is deeply connected to a meaningful ending or loss. The joy for the future coexists with a sadness for what is now in the past.
8 ) God’s words about thinking about Him always. God’s faithfulness in all the daily processes.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 3: Ezra 3:7-13

I love seeing the hard work and preparations that go into such a huge and important project. Everyone is participating, too. So great!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 3: Ezra 3:7-13

Now that the altar was finished, the work on the temple could begin. Cedar trees from Lebanon were renowned for being the best. They were used by Solomon in the construction of the first temple (1 Kings 5:6).

Remember that the King of Persia, Cyrus, promised to help support the rebuilding of the temple financially.

Note the temple was called the house of God at Jerusalem.

The mention of the age of the Levites was important because the Law of Moses stated the Levites began their service at 30 (Numbers 4:1-3, 4:3-47), but David changed the age to 20 (1 Chronicles 23:24).

The priests were in ceremonial attire, the musicians sang praises, and the people joined in.

King Solomon spent billions of dollars on the first temple, and the old men knew this temple would be much simpler. They were happy at the restoration, but sad at the destruction of the first one. Some may even have seen the first temple destroyed. And, many things would be missing: the Ark of the Covenant, the mercy seat, manna, Aaron’s rod, and more.

Many say that the old men should not regret the past but look forward to the future. And, the prophets warned against despising this temple for its humble beginnings (Haggai 2:1-9, Zechariah 4:8-10).

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Ezra 3:7-13 details the official start of the Temple’s reconstruction and the powerful, mixed emotional response of the community. It captures a pivotal moment of transition from planning to action, blending hope for the future with memories of the past.

The Work Begins

The leaders paid masons and carpenters and purchased materials, notably cedar logs from Lebanon, mirroring the process Solomon used for the First Temple. In the second year of their return, Zerubbabel and Jeshua organized the workforce, appointing the Levites to supervise the construction. The work officially began as they laid the foundation of the new Temple.

A Mixed Reaction of Joy and Sorrow

Once the foundation was laid, the priests and Levites led a ceremony of praise and thanksgiving to God. The younger generation, who had never seen the original Temple, erupted in a great shout of joy, celebrating the new beginning.

Simultaneously, the older priests, Levites, and family heads who remembered the grandeur of Solomon’s Temple wept loudly. Their tears were not of joy, but of sorrow, as the new foundation was clearly modest in comparison to the glorious past they had lost. The sound was so profound that the shouts of joy were indistinguishable from the sounds of weeping.

Conclusion

This passage marks the tangible fulfillment of the exiles’ mission, but it reveals the complex reality of restoration. The joy of a new start was mingled with the painful memory of what had been lost. It shows that rebuilding is not just about the future; it is also an act of confronting the past. The scene poignantly captures a community caught between hopeful celebration and sorrowful remembrance, united in a single, powerful sound.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 2: Ezra 3:1-6

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Ezra 3:1-6

Joshua and Zerubbabel began to rebuild the altar of God once the Israelites had settled into their towns. They sacrificed burnt offerings. They celebrated the Festival of Tabernacles. They commenced regular offerings.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 2: Ezra 3:1-6

3) Offering sacrifices to God was how the people worshiped and obeyed God. It was of utmost importance. It also allowed the people to be cleansed from their sins. It was the most essential and immediate way for the exiles to restore their covenant relationship with God. Before the people could build a house for God, they first had to re-establish their home in His presence through worship, forgiveness, and dependence. The altar was the crucial starting point for that restoration.
4) They rebuilt the altar despite their fear of the people around them.
5a) The exiles rebuilt the altar on its original foundation. They celebrated the Festival of Tabernacles with the required number of burnt offerings prescribed for each day. After that, they presented the regular burnt offerings, the New Moon sacrifices, and the sacrifices for all the appointed sacred festivals of the Lord, as well as those brought as freewill offerings to the Lord. They began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord. They followed God’s commands precisely.
b) Worship is setting aside time to prioritize praising God, hearing from Him, obeying Him, and doing His will for my life. I can praise Him each and every day as often as I remember, too. I can give Him the glory always. I can follow Jesus and His ways for my life. I can help others and be a light. I can honor God through my daily living.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 2: Ezra 3:1-6

I love how worshipping and obeying the Lord are prioritized here. Such beauty, even in the small things!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 2: Ezra 3:1-6

For the Israelites, the 7th month was dominated by worship and festivals: The Day of Atonement, The Feast of Trumpets, and the Feast of the Tabernacles.

The altar was built in the same place where the old temple had stood.

Rebuilding the altar was the first step to prioritizing God. It was quick and gave them a place to worship.

The altar allowed for atonement of their sins. Therefore, it was super important to have.

The Feast of Tabernacles was the celebration to remember God’s faithfulness to His people as the Israelites journeyed to the Promised Land. It was one of three major feasts of the Israelites.

During their exile, the Jews could not regularly offer sacrifices to God due to religious restrictions. Now, they could once again.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Ezra 3:1-6 details the first and most urgent priority of the returned exiles: the restoration of communal worship. It shows a community unified in purpose, re-establishing its covenant relationship with God before undertaking any other major project.

Led by the high priest Jeshua and the governor Zerubbabel, the people gathered in Jerusalem “as one,” demonstrating profound unity. Their immediate action was not to build houses or city walls, but to rebuild the altar on its original foundation. They did this despite their fear of the surrounding peoples, showing that their fear of God and desire for His favor outweighed their fear of man.

Upon completing the altar, they immediately reinstated the core practices of their faith as prescribed in the Law of Moses: the daily morning and evening burnt offerings and the celebration of the Festival of Tabernacles. The passage culminates by emphasizing a critical point: this complete restoration of the sacrificial system began before the Temple’s foundation was even laid.

Conclusion

This passage powerfully illustrates that the true foundation of the restored community was not physical stone, but spiritual devotion. By prioritizing the altar over the Temple building, the people declared that the act of worship and communion with God was more important than the house where it would take place. Their actions were a statement of faith, re-consecrating the nation to God and seeking His presence and protection as the essential first step in their new life.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 4: John 6:60-66

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:60-66

Jesus offended many with his teaching that he is the flesh and blood that leads to life. He tells the people he is giving them Spirit and Life, yet they reject him. God enables people to believe in him.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 4: John 6:60-66

9a) Accepting Jesus’ sacrifice gives you life. The physical body is not enough to give you life. You must accept Jesus’ teaching and his sacrifice (flesh and spirit) to receive eternal life. The spiritual gives life, not the physical.

b) Without being all it, it’s meaningless and oftentimes, insufficient. You must do things whole-heartedly for Jesus. Going through the motions is not enough.

10a) They just could not accept his teaching of the flesh and blood. They could not accept him as God’s Son.

b) No, not really. If it did, I would pray for a deeper understanding and seek resources that explained it to me.

11a) They reject him. Disdain. “Just another prophet.” They dismiss him.

b) With loving faith and wholehearted devotion.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 4: John 6:60-66

There are always doubters and naysayers. Our job is to seek the Truth in God’s Word and in prayer and to ignore those who try to make you fall.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 4: John 6:60-66

Many found Jesus’ teaching hard to understand and accept that he would die for them. Jesus understood their confusion, but did not break. Many probably were looking for a messianic king, not a sacrificial lamb.

Better to accept now that to face Jesus on judgment day in all his glory as an unbeliever and receive condemnation.

Many came for bread and not for the spirit, and Jesus knew that. They had not then truly come to him.

Many left because they only wanted material gains from Jesus. Perhaps, many were confused by the religious leaders  (John 6:52).

It was the first apostasy Jesus faced. Yet, many would come back. We all have highs and lows in our beliefs. Yet, you must stay faithful even when things are rough.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 10, Day 4: 2 Kings 11; 2 Chronicles 22:10-23:21

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

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 11

When King Ahaziah died, his mother Athaliah killed all the princes except Joash who was saved by Jehosheba, a princess and sister to Ahaziah. He remained hidden for six years. In the seventh year, Jehoiada the priest commanded guards to kill anyone who tries to kill the king. Jehoiada anointed Joash king. Athaliah protested and was put to death.

Jehoiada then made a covenant between the Lord and the king and people that they would be the Lord’s people. He also made a covenant between the king and the people. All the people of the land went to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They smashed the altars and idols to pieces and killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars.

Joash took his place as king and everyone was calm now that Athaliah was gone. Joash was 7 years old when he began to reign.

SUMMARY OF 2 CHRONICLES 22:10-23:21

Jehoiada said to the people, “The king’s son shall reign, as the Lord promised concerning the descendants of David. Then Jehoiada placed the oversight of the temple of the Lord in the hands of the Levitical priests, to whom David had made assignments in the temple, to present the burnt offerings of the Lord as written in the Law of Moses, with rejoicing and singing, as David had ordered.  He also stationed gatekeepers at the gates of the Lord’s temple so that no one who was in any way unclean might enter.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 10, Day 4: 2 Kings 11; 2 Chronicles 22:10-23:21

9) Athaliah was the mother of King Ahaziah of Judah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to destroy the whole royal family.

10a) Joash was saved by Jehosheba, a princess and sister to Ahaziah. He remained hidden for six years.

b) I find it interesting how the people were calm after the death of Athaliah the kingdom was calm. It’s almost a sigh of relief when a bad person in power dies.

11) I still have my job. I have found (hopefully) someone who will help  me reach my goals. That was God because I just wanted to quit and not deal with it.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 10, Day 4: 2 Kings 11; 2 Chronicles 22:10-23:21

I love how God always wins by sparing Joash so David’s line could continue. It’s encouraging when you are not winning in your life’s trials.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 10, Day 4: 2 Kings 11; 2 Chronicles 22:10-23:21

Remember that Ahaziah was executed by Jehu (2 Kings 9:27-29.)

Athaliah was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, and was given to King Jehoram of Judah as a bride. She obviously was a bad influence on both her husband (Jehoram of Judah) and her son (King Ahaziah of Judah).

This was after Jehu killed all of Ahab’s line. Thus, Athaliah took it upon herself to enact revenge by killing all of David’s line.

Yet, God wins with Jehosheba saving Joash.

Jehoiada the priest chose the Sabbath for the day of the coup because that was the day when the guards changed their shifts. This allowed him to assemble two groups of guards at the temple at the same time without attracting attention. Jehoiada followed all the processes of declaring Joash king.

Athaliah had to know her game was over when she say Joash, her grandson. They killed her mercifully, and Joash took reign and began enacting reforms.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 5: Matthew 9:27-34

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 9:27-34

Jesus continues on, and two men follow him, asking Jesus to have mercy on them, and they call him the Son of David. Jesus goes indoors, and the blind men come to him. He asked them if they believed he could heal them. They answered yes. Jesus touched their eyes, and they could see. He told them not to tell others, but they went out and spread the news instead.

Citizens brought a demon-possessed man to Jesus. He could not talk. Jesus drove the demon out, and the man could speak. The people were amazed by this miracle, saying this has never been seen before. But the Pharisees said it was the prince of demons who drives out demons.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 5: Matthew 9:27-34

13a) They blind men called Jesus the Son of David. They asked him to have mercy on them.

b) Jesus asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” Then he touched their eyes and healed them. He asked them to tell no one of this miracle. They disobeyed.

14) Jesus came to save his people. He opened the eyes of the blind and unstopped the ears of the deaf.

15a) The miracle amazed the crowd. They said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” The Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”

b) People don’t like authority. They don’t like to submit or be told what to do. People don’t want to give up autonomy or control.

c) Honestly, I’m not around people all that much. I work from home and don’t really go anywhere so I haven’t really ever had this occur to me. But I usually ignor people and pray for them.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 5: Matthew 9:27-34

It’s interesting to me how Jesus didn’t mind some of his miracles known, but that he asked others to be kept secret. It’s hard to fault the men for shouting their joy. Yet, this is a question of obedience. Jesus had compassion on others and healed them, but his primary mission was to bring forgiveness to sinners. He didn’t want his healings to overshadow his ministry. Plus, he knew the timeline he had for his ministry and did not want to draw undue attention to himself.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 5: Matthew 9:27-34

There were more infirmaries in ancient times simply due to their lack of medical knowledge. No one know about germs or infections and nor did they have a cure for them.

For blind people to follow others, they have to be determined to listen. These men were.

Fun Fact: This is the first time in the Bible that Jesus is called the “Son of David.” These men knew Jesus was the messiah. They appealed to mercy.

Fun Fact: No blind person was ever healed in the Old Testament.

Again, faith healed these men, and Matthew emphasizes that point.

Jewish priests believed that they could not help the demon-possessed man becuase they believed you had to know the demon’s name in order to exorcise it. Thus, if a demon made you mute so you couldn’t say their name, you were lost. Thus, Jesus’s miracle both showed this belief was not true and showed the power of Jesus.

However, the Pharisees, so used to absolute power, dismiss and reject Jesus as having the power from Satan.

These miracles prove Jesus’s authority and his divinity as the Son of God.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 4: Matthew 9:18-26

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 9:18-26

A ruler came to Jesus to ask him to raise his daughter from the dead. Jesus and his disciples went with the man. At this time, a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years came up to Jesus and touched his cloak, believing if she did this, she would be healed. Faith healed the woman.

At the ruler’s house, there were flute players and a noisy crowd. He told them to go away because the girl was only sleeping, not dead. The crowd laughed at Jesus, and they were kicked out. Jesus then went to the girl, took her hand, and she got up. This news spread.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 4: Matthew 9:18-26

9) Both are characterized by faith. The woman believed she only had to touch Jesus’s cloak to be healed. The ruler believed Jesus had to touch the girl to be healed. In both cases, what they believed is what happened.

10) How Jesus heals by faith and in different methods and ways: with touch or just by touching his clothes.

11) When accompanied by faith, Jesus can and often does anything, including miracles.

12) I have a lot of needs lately it seems. I’m very unhappy with my job, so I’m looking for a new one. I’m don’t like where I live, so I would like to move sooner rather than later. My kids all have dreams they need help fulfilling, as does my husband. We are all waiting on God to move. This draws all of us closer to Him.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 4: Matthew 9:18-26

I love how faith is the answer in all of Jesus’s healings. Someone has faith that Jesus is God and in his healing abilities. Jesus then responds. This is true for us today. Have faith; Jesus will respond.

Something light-hearted for your week, especially for coffee lovers!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 4: Matthew 9:18-26

The ruler worshipped Jesus, as is appropriate for God. Humans (Acts 10:25-26) or angels (Revelation 22:8-9),  are not to be worshipped.

Note how the centurion in Matthew 8 believed Jesus could heal from afar and this ruller requests Jesus to come and touch his daughter. Thus, the centurion had greater faith.

The Woman Who Had Been Bleeding

The woman with blood has great faith Mark 5:21-43 and Luke 8:43-48 . Jews considered the woman unclean, so, odds are, she didn’t even think she could ask Jesus to touch her to heal her. However, her faith was big enough that a garment would suffice.

The garment that Jesus wore was like others in the time (he did not dress like a King). She touched a corner of his garment that had a tassel on it. These tassles of blue reminded those who wore it they belonged to God.

Note everyone who Jesus healed had faith in him, not in his clothes, his touch, or his words.

Jesus cured her immediately. He made sure people noticed the woman, although she didn’t want to be seen. Jesus wanted to make sure she knew:

  • Her faith had healed her
  • She could now enter society again without questions
  • The woman would not have to hide her healing
  • She did not steal the blessing
  • The ruler saw this healing to strengthen his faith
  • Jesus calls her “daughter,” a title we see no where else in the Bible given by Jesus to another

The Daughter of the Ruler

The ruler paid the flute players and crowd to mourn, which was common in that day. The crowd did not deter Jesus. Obviously, they had no faith.

Jesus healed this girl out of mercy and compassion. The ruler had enough faith to warrant this, too. While Jesus did not raise everyone from the dead (he will some day) that he encountered, he healed/raised those out of God’s will and when faith was shown.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 3: Matthew 9:9-17

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 9:9-17

Jesus called Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him. Matthew did. They ate dinner at Matthew’s house with other tax collectors and sinners. This was much frowned upon, and the Pharisees asked why was Jesus doing this. Jesus responded that he has come to heal the sick and the sinners.

John the Baptist’s disciples asked Jesus why he does not fast like they do. He replied that since he is here on earth, everyone should be rejoicing, not fasting. He says you don’t patch up old garments, making the tear worse, nor do you pour new wine into old wineskins.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:9-17

6a) That Matthew immediately gets up and walks away from his career and everything else.

b) First, many are curious about the author of the book, and it’s a great example of what you do when Jesus calls you. It also lends credibility to his words.

7a) The Pharisees asked the disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” This was deeply frowned upon in Jesus’s day; no one of faith mixed with known sinners.

b) Jesus responded that he has come to heal the sick and the sinners. Jesus is here to offer mercy and show God’s love.

c) Matthew 28:19-20 is the great commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations” and teaching them about God and to obey God. John 17:14-19 says how Christians are not of the world and Jesus prays for protection from the evil one and that they (disciples) may be santified as they enter the world, spreading the gospel. 1 Peter 3:13-17 says that you are blessed for doing good and be prepared to tell everyone about Jesus. It is better to suffer doing God’s will than to do evil. Set Christ apart in your heart.

Matthew challenges Christians to go out into the world shining God’s light. To go against the grain for Jesus even if you suffer for it. He says to do good rather than evil. To spread the Good News.

8a) “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?”

b) He replied that since he is here on earth, everyone should be rejoicing, not fasting.

The wedding guests: no one should be mourning while the bridegroom is with them.

The patched garment and wineskins: He says you don’t patch up old garments, making the tear worse, nor do you pour new wine into old wineskins.

Isaiah 43:18-19 talks about doing a new thing and how Jesus is making a new way for the world.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:9-17

Lots to think about in this lesson. We see how to follow Jesus: unequivocally. We see that with Jesus, it’s a new way. And, perhaps most importantly, we see it’s okay to go against the grain to follow Jesus and do things his way, not the world’s.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:9-17

Mark 2:14 reveals that Matthew as also known as Levi the son of Alphaeus. Matthew 10:3  tells us that there was another son of Alphaeus, James, who also was amongst the 12 disciples.

Tax Collectors in Jesus’s Day

Jews despised tax collectors (they aren’t liked now, either) because they collected taxes that then went to the Romans. This job pitted Jews against Jews, as they were seen as traitors. Tax collectors were paid on commission, which lead to many extorting others; whatever they collected over the tax amount, they got to keep. This meant the more they collected, the more they enriched themselves.

Jews considered a tax collector an outcast. They could not be a judge or a witness in a court of law, they could not attend synogogue, and they were most likely outcast by their immediate family, too. The price was high to be a tax collector in the 1st century A.D.

You will see the word “publican” used for tax collector in the King James Version, from the Latin word meaning “public revenue.”

Matthew left a lucrative career to follow Jesus. Out of all the disciples, he may have given up the most. Yet, he penned the first book in the Gospels. How cool!

Dinnertime

We see truly how Jesus came for sinners with his calling of Matthew. Odds are, Jesus used this opportunity to reach others who were sinners and needed Christ. This was most likely a large public gathering, not one in a home.

Jesus came for sinners, as seen in this scene. (Romans 5:8). Yet, the Pharisees don’t get it; they avoided sinners like the plague.

Jesus here quotes scripture Hosea 6:6 and essentially tells learned leaders to go back and read God’s word because they just don’t get it. “Go and learn” was a rebuke commonly used by religious leaders at the time to someone who should know better or learn more about what they are speaking about.

Romans 3:10 “There is no one righteous, not even one.” Jesus offers sinners righteousness.

“Why Not Fast?”

The disciples of John the Baptist were very strict on their religious followings. The Pharisees fasted regularly Luke 18:12), and Jesus already addressed how they only fasted for show, rather than for faith. (Matthew 6:16).

The day will come where fasting will be appropriate, but while Jesus is here, it’s not. Instead, it’s a time to celebrate.

The wineskins represent how Jesus will not repair the Old Covenant, but instead he’ll bring a new one. New wine into new wineskins means his new church will form a new body of Christ.(Ephesians 2:16).

There is no patch to the Old Testament; only new. Sometimes the old cannot be renewed.

Jesus as the bridegroom is another claim Jesus makes as God. In the Old Testament, God was the bridegroom and His people the bride. Here, Jesus is saying he is God with this analogy.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:1-8

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 9:1-8

Jesus arrived in Capernaum. Some brought to him a paralytic. Jesus told the man his sins were forgiven. Some teachers of the law took this as blaspheming God. Jesus said these words so that they would know that the Son of Man had power on earth to forgive sins. He then told the man to get up and walk, which he did. The crowd then praised God for such authority.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:1-8

3) The men who brought the paralytic to Jesus. Mark adds the details that the men made a hole in the roof and lowered the man down to Jesus because the crowd was so thick they could not get through. God can help others through your faith alone.

4a) Jesus healed the paralytic first off. Then, he forgave the man’s sins, saying he is the Son of Man who has authority to do so.

b) The teachers of the law were offended. They thought Jesus was blaspheming God and they said only God has the power to forgive sins. The man who was healed did as Jesus instructed: he got up and walked out, carrying his mat. The watching crowd was absolutely amazed. They praised God for His goodness.

5) Everything. It gives me hope everyday despite my sins.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:1-8

I love this story. So dramatic with the lowering of the roof. Now that would have been cool to see. It shows the faith of the men that they will do anything to get their friend help. It also shows the power of friendship. Do you have friends like this — who would do anything for you?

Great encouraging stories below!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:1-8

We see Jesus as healer of the sick as prophesied by Isaiah. Isaiah 35:5-6

Note that Jesus heals for need, not show. Bible scholars speculate that there’s a lot of need at this time due to a lot of unfaithfulness. Exodus 15:26

Reasons for “Your Sins Are Forgiven”

  • The friends’ faith is strong. By saying “your sins are forgiven,” Jesus is also strengthening the paralytic’s faith as he is most likely depressed with his lot in life.
  • Note that with Jesus’ words, he is taking care of the man’s soul more so than his body. This shows us that your heart is more important than your physical condition.
  • Sin takes precedence over anything else.
  • The Pharisees see this too.
  • This emphasizes that Jesus is here to forgive sins first and foremost.
  • Jesus is claiming to be God with these words.

The Pharisees

  • Note that is the “well-educated” who always object first to what is new.
  • Note the Pharisees do not object outloud, yet Jesus “hears” them. God knows everything.
  • This should have proved to the Pharisees Jesus was God since he read their thoughts.
  • The Pharisees are correct in the fact that it is blasphemous to claim to do something only God can do; they missed the point that Jesus is God by doing this.
  • Jesus heals and forgives  Psalm 103:3.

Fun Fact: This is the first mention in the Bible of opposition to Jesus.

Note God gets the glory here. Jesus is not out for himself, which false prophets are.

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