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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 30: Book of Matthew

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 30: Book of Matthew

Day 2

2a) How incredibly blessed we all are by God’s grace and Jesus’s sacrifice for our undeserving souls. It gives me a deeper appreciation for what Jesus did for me on the cross and hopefully I can convey that better both with my actions and with others.

b) Jesus’s grace, his inclusion of all people, including women, his compassion on all people no matter who they were, his desire to always do God’s will no matter where he went.

Day 3

3) There are so many it’s hard to choose. Right now in these uncertain times, we can have faith that God is in control. As the economy changes every day, we can have faith that God will provide. As events happen that we don’t understand, we can have faith that God has a purpose. Jesus prayed in the Garden for strength; so should we during these times. Perseverence, strength, and will to keep moving forward, one day at a time.

Day 4

4) I did not have children in the program

5) The chance to pray for one another.

Day 5

6) Good question. I am unsure. Immediately, it’s to be strong in faith for my family and to remind them of all that Jesus teaches.

Day 6

7a) It’s given me such a deeper understanding of God’s grace and my undeserving nature of Jesus’s sacrifice.

b) I know that God’s plans are not my plans, so I pray for His will to be done. I know that I am here for a reason, so I try to remember that each and every day.

8a) Grace

b) Dear Lord. I thank you for the blessings you have given me, for the life I lead, for my incredible family and their health and happiness, and for your will to be done in my life. I take each day as a blessing and try to do your work. I pray others see you through me, and I pray you continue to guide me in this life. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

 

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 29, Day 3: Matthew 28:11-15

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 28:11-15

The women went to report to the disciples. Some of the guards went to report to the chief priests what had happened. The chief priests, wanting to hide this news, bribed the soldiers to lie and say that during the night, the disciples came and took the body. They offered to protect the soldiers from consequences of falling asleep.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 29, Day 3: Matthew 28:11-15

6) The guards: They were greedy and took money from the chief priests to lie about Jesus’s resurrection.

The Jewish leaders: They wanted to hide the news of Jesus’s resurrection so they bribed the guards to lie.

The Jewish people: The story of the lies was widely told amongst the Jewish people even to today.

7) They will go to any measures to hide the truth. You always have to seek God first and not believe what you are told.

8 ) Unsure. I’ve probably tried to be in charge more often than not rather than let God take control. The result is never good. You have to let God decide and lead, and you follow.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 29, Day 3: Matthew 28:11-15

One cannot underestimate the power of the enemy. We must always be vigilant to lies.

Great read!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 29, Day 3: Matthew 28:11-15

If the guards were asleep, how would they know it was the disciples who stole the body? Obviously, the chief priests aren’t as smart as they think they are. It would have been a loud noise to roll away the stone. There’s no way all those guards would have slept through that.

All of the lies about the denial of Jesus’s resurrection is just that — lies.

All of the forces of evil tried to cover up Jesus’s resurrection. No one can defeat God and His plan.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 28, Day 5: Matthew 27:57-66

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 27:57-66

When evening approached, a rich man named Joseph of Arimathea who had become a disciple of Jesus asked Pilate for Jesus’s body. He wrapped Jesus’s body in clean linen cloth and put him in his tomb. He rolled a big stone in front of it. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary sat outside the tomb.

The Romans made the tomb secure so that the disciples could not come and take Jesus’s body and tell people he had been raised from the dead as Jesus preached he would do on the third day. So Pilate ordered a guard to secure Jesus’s tomb by putting a seal on the stone and posting a guard.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 28, Day 5: Matthew 27:57-66

13) Joseph prepared Jesus’s body in rich clothes and placed in a nice tomb. Joseph used his best for Jesus.

14a) The Romans made the tomb secure so that the disciples could not come and take Jesus’s body and tell people he had been raised from the dead as Jesus preached he would do on the third day.

b) It proves that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead without any help or dark magic. No one entered or exited the tomb after Joseph placed his body there. There is no doubt that Jesus rose on the 3rd day.

15) Finding a new job. Moving states in the midst of uncertainty. Living a God-centered life always.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 28, Day 5: Matthew 27:57-66

I love how God thinks of everything. Jesus’s body has to be guarded so there is no doubt that he rose from the dead. Amazing!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 28, Day 5: Matthew 27:57-66

Normally, the Romans left the bodies of those who were crucified to rot. But since it was Passover, no one wanted the bodies left. Plus, the fact that a rich person asked for Jesus’s body helped.

Joseph had little time to prepare Jesus’s body before the Sabbath arrived where he could not touch a dead body.

Having a huge stone seal the tomb was the custom of the day for the rich. Several men had to work together to move it, which ensured nothing happened to the body. This tomb was made from solid rock and was near where Jesus died (John 19:41). These tombs had a small entrance. The bodies would be laid out so that they could mummify, rot, and decay to bones. Once they bodies were bones, they would be collected and placed in ossuaries or small boxes that then remained in the tomb with loved ones.

The priests and Pharisees approached Pilate on the Sabbath, breaking Jewish law again. They were not afraid of the disciples; they were afraid of Jesus’s power of resurrection. The chief priests were probably wondering if Jesus would rise again and wanted to make sure there were no doubts.

The Romans sent their best men to guard the tomb of Jesus.

The Roman seal is significant. First, if anyone broke the seal, they would be facing death since it would be a defyment of the Roman Empire. The seal was a rope that was secured by wax. If the stone moved, the seal would break.

The Roman guard was not just one man. This was at least four men. Then, two men could watch while the other two slept. However, in this case, there may have been more. All these soldiers cared about was ensuring the seal was not broken, for then their lives would be at risk if it were.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 28, Day 3: Matthew 27:38-44

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 27:38-44

Two robbers were crucified with Jesus, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by insulted Jesus as he hung, telling him to rescue himself since he was going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days. He was mocked by the chief elders, the teachers of the law, and the chief priests, telling him to come down off the cross if he was the Son of God. Let God rescue him. Even the two robbers next to him mocked him in the same way.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 28, Day 3: Matthew 27:38-44

6a) Those who passed by insulted Jesus as he hung, telling him to rescue himself since he was going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days. He was mocked by the chief elders, the teachers of the law, and the chief priests, telling him to come down off the cross if he was the Son of God. Let God rescue him. Even the two robbers next to him mocked him in the same way.

b) If they only knew that Jesus was there by choice, and if he did come down, we all would not be saved. Satan tempted him to prove his identity too, by telling him if he were the Son of God. There is a human need to prove oneself here and defend the Father, but not for Jesus. His purpose was higher. And honestly, God is more than capable of defending himself.

7a) “Do not be far from me, for trouble is near, and there is no one to help.” Psalm 22:11

“But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. All weh see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads.” verses 6-7

b) I’m just in awe at what Jesus endured for us. There really aren’t any words.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 28, Day 3: Matthew 27:38-44

Another hard passage to read. If they only knew what would have happened if Jesus had come down from the cross.

Another great read!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 28, Day 3: Matthew 27:38-44

It’s helpful to know that one robber did turn to Jesus in the end. (Luke 23:39-43). Shows it’s never too late to choose the Lord.

The people mocked Jesus for who he really was. Jesus hung on the cross out of love for humanity, and he did save himself and all of us in his time.

Do not respond to those who mock you. It’s just not worth it.

Another way to view this is to see how much hatred humans have for God. Truly sad. Immanuel, and his treatment was horrific.

The fact Jesus did not come down from the cross proves his deity.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 27, Day 5: Matthew 27:11-31

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 27:11-31

Pilate asked Jesus if he was the King of the Jews. Jesus said yes. The governor listed the testimony against him, but Jesus gave no reply. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent and only handed over to him out of envy. At the Feast, it was tradition for the crowd to free one prisoner. They could free Jesus or Barabbas. Pilate’s wife had sent him a message saying not to have anything to do with Jesus because she had suffered greatly in a dream.

The chief priests and elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas. Pilate asked the crowd what to do with Jesus. They responded to crucify him. Pilate asked why, but no one listened. Pilate washed his hands to show he was innocent of Jesus’s blood and said it was their responsibility. The crowd agreed and said it was on their children, too. Barabbas was released, and Jesus was flogged.

The soldiers stripped Jesus and put a scarlet robe on him. They put a crown of thorns on his head. Next, the soldiers put a staff in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him. They spit on him and then hit him repeatedly. They took the robe off, put his own clothes back on him, and led him away to be crucified.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 27, Day 5: Matthew 27:11-31

13a) Pilate asked Jesus if he was the King of the Jews. Jesus said yes. The governor asked if Jesus had heard the testimony against him, but Jesus gave no reply.

b) Pilate’s wife had sent him a message saying not to have anything to do with Jesus because she had suffered greatly in a dream. The chief priests and elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas. Pilate asked the crowd what to do with Jesus. They responded to crucify him. Pilate asked why, but no one listened. Pilate washed his hands to show he was innocent of Jesus’s blood and said it was their responsibility.

c) He tried to get Jesus to defend himself. He tried to have him released out of mercy. He even asked the crowd why crucify him, and he symbolicaly washed his hands of Jesus’s blood. It shows that Pilate might have understood who Jesus was, that he had mercy, that he was sympathetic to Jesus. He also knew Jesus was innocent and didn’t want to execute him.

14) Pilate did fight for Jesus, but in the end he bowed to political pressure. We must fight to the end for Jesus.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 27, Day 5: Matthew 27:11-31

Powerful and sad lesson. Shows what Jesus suffered for us and how he was treated. Deepens our gratitude for Jesus and the cross.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 27, Day 5: Matthew 27:11-31

The Jews have to go through Roman law in order to execute someone. They have no authority to do it themselves. They cook up the charge of Jesus calling himself King, which is against Roman law.

Pilate does not believe the charges, and his wife’s premonitions confirm them. He appeals to Herod who only returns Jesus to Pilate. This is the recording of the second time Jesus appears before Pilate (Luke records the first  Luke 23:1-6. ). He declares Jesus innocent, but the crowd won’t relent. Since the crowd is on the verge of becoming a mob, he washes his hands of sin, but he knows he is still responsible. Jesus’s crime of “King of the Jews” is posted above the cross as a result.

The reply Jesus gives to Pilate when asked if he is king is the same reply he gave the high priests (Matthew 26:64). Pilate could not believe Jesus would not defend himself. He kept silent and let God defend him.

Pilate knew there was something special about Jesus and did not want to kill him. So he hopes the crowd will let him go free. Barabbas was a murderer  Mark 15:7

Pilate could have released Jesus on his own, but he did not. He even ignored his wife’s dream. All of this was God’s mercy, which he refused. He gave in to the multitudes. All of them sinned. People today still reject Jesus.

Pilate washing his hands was meaningless. Jesus’s blood rested on him, too, since he could have stopped it.

The blood of Jesus would be on the children 40 years later when the temple was destroyed.

The Scourging of Jesus

Scourging was the treatment prisoners got before crucifixion. They were beaten with a whip that had leatehr strands with sharp bone or metal bits on it. Every time it hit the body, it made a cut. In fact, many prisoners died from scourging before they were crucified. Only women and Roman senators or soldiers were exempt.

The point of scouring you could say was merciful. It was to shorten the length of time that a prisoner hung on the cross before they died. Scourging resulted in blood loss and shock to the point of death. Crucifixion was just the final straw.

The whole garrison gathered to mock Jesus; normally only 4 soldiers (called a quaternion) did the scourging. They meant to humiliate and mock him. A scarlet robe was what a king would wear. The crown of thones would indeed hurt Jesus. The scepter was a reed, not an ornamental beauty item.

How did Matthew know about this scene? He was probably told it by one of the Roman soldiers who was present.

The procession to the cross and the execution area was a time for Rome to show what would happen to those who broke the law. A centurion on horseback would lead the way, shouting the crime of the condemned as they went. Jesus would carry the crossbar of his cross, which was probably between 75 and 125 lbs in weight. He was stripped naked, and his hands were tied to the wood. The upright beams of the cross were already in place.

No one stood up for Jesus. In the end, he was abandoned, but he never abandoned us.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 27, Day 2: Matthew 26:47-56

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 26:47-56

Judas arrived in the Garden of Gethsemane after Jesus was done praying. He came with a large crowd who were carrying swords and clubs. They were sent by the chief priests and the elders. Judas had arranged ahead of time that the one he kissed was Jesus.

Judas went up to Jesus and kissed him. Jesus was arrested. One of the 12 took out his sword and cut off the ear of one of the servants of the high priest. Jesus told him to put his sword away for if he wanted he could call down 12 legions of angels. Instead, he must fulfill Scripture. Jesus asks the crowd why they are carrying swords and clubs. He taught peacefully in the temple, and now the writings of the prophets will be fulfilled.

The disciples all deserted Jesus.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 27, Day 2: Matthew 26:47-56

3a) Judas arrived and kissed Jesus as the signal to arrest him.

b) They arrested Jesus.

c) One of the 12 took out his sword and cut off the ear of one of the servants of the high priest. Then the disciples all deserted Jesus.

d) Jesus was calm, accepting his fate to save the world. He chastized the one who cut off the servant’s ear, and he went along willingly without a fight.

4) Jesus knows what he has to do and he does it calmly. He knows he will die, and he is ready. God’s plan is perfect, and it is coming to fruition soon, too. God is in control.

5) I can be calmer like Jesus and realize that everything happens for a reason and realize that more in the moment rather than afterward.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 27, Day 2: Matthew 26:47-56

Such calm in the midst of chaos. That’s my dream.

Great read!

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 27, Day 2: Matthew 26:47-56

Judas was a common name for Jewish men in those times. It is the Greek form of Judah. He was the only disciple from Judea, and he was the treasurer. No one knows why Judas betrayed Jesus. Bible scholars speculate that he wanted a powerful king and Messiah, not a Savior.

The servants thought Jesus was dangerous, which is why they came with swords and clubs.

Note that Judas knew where to find Jesus. Jesus was not hiding from God’s plan.

Kisses were customary greetings in that time. Judas still could have turned away up to the moment of the kiss.

The disciples flee out of fear for their lives.

The unnamed swordsman is Peter John 18:10

A Roman legion was 6,000 foot soldiers and 700 calvary. This number of angels could have destroyed all of Rome since one angel killed up to 185,000 soldiers in one night (2 Kings 19:35).

Note how Peter used the sword but could not pray for Jesus for one hour.

It seems that Peter was impulsive, and things could have gone very badly here. Jesus had to heal the wound (Luke 22:51). I so picture Jesus here as being frustrated with Peter.

Jesus was in control this entire time.

Note that all of the disciples forsake Jesus in his moment of most need. Hopefully, we don’t do that to those we love.

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Friday Digest BSF Matthew Lesson 26

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN MATTHEW 26:1-46 BSF LESSON 26

  • God uses every offering brought to Him with the right heart
  • When God sees us, Jesus’s shed blood covers up our sins
  • His judgment is spared
  • Our expectation of Jesus’s return should grow with every communion taken
  • Even though we may fail Jesus, he never fails us
  • Our power is never enough
  • God is our strength as He was Jesus’s
  • Pray through your trials to find strength
  • God has a higher purpose that what we believe for all of us

TAKE AWAY: Christ’s sacrifice frees us to live the life God intends for us.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 26, Day 5: Matthew 26:36-46

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 26:36-46

Jesus and the disciples went to the Garden of Gethesmane. He told them to wait while he went and prayed. He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee (James and John) with him. He become sorrowful and troubled. He then left them, asking them to keep watch, and stepped further away. He prayed on his face to God to take the cup from him if it was God’s will.

He returned to his disciples who were sleeping. He chastized them for not keeping watch. He told them to watch and pray so they don’t fall into temptation.

He went away again and prayed to God to take the cup from him. He found them sleeping a second time. Then Jesus went a third time, praying the same prayer. He returned to his disciples, saying he is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 26, Day 5: Matthew 26:36-46

10a) His sorrow for humanity and all of their sins. It’s a big burden to carry all of that weight on your shoulders. His sorrow for his own death, pain, and suffering.

b) He prayed on his face, asking God, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken form me. Yet, not as I will, but as you will.”

c) He chastized them for not keeping watch and not praying so they don’t fall into temptation. Basically, he has but hours to live and his closest friends are sleeping them away.

11) He asked to not go through this, but he said only if it was God’s will. He knew it was God’s will, and he knew his destiny. He accepts it willingly, but not without remorse.

12a) Although we may not like God’s will for our lives, it is His will, so we must accept it and move forward.

b) Thank you, Jesus, for taking my sin on your shoulders and carrying it for me so I may live forever in your kingdom free from sin.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 26, Day 5: Matthew 26:36-46

I did not remember that Jesus checked on his disciples three times and that he prayed the same prayer three times afterward. Love this! Even though Jesus asked three times, God answered by confirming Jesus’s destiny. So good!

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End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 26, Day 5: Matthew 26:36-46

Gethsemane is east of the temple mount area in Jerusalem and on the lower slopes of the Mount of Olives. The town was surrounded by olive trees, and Gethsemane means “olive press,” indicating the vast importance of the olive to this region.

Here, Jesus is sorrowful, in part due to the physical pain he was about to suffer, but he was also sorrowful of carrying the entire world’s sin on his shoulders.  Luke 22:43 says that angels came and ministered to Jesus in the garden. He is about to face a spiritual battle, and he keeps Peter, James, and John with him.

If there were any other way for mankind to be saved, God would never have sent His one and only Son to die as he did. Thus, it is not possible.

The cup of judgment is a symbol for God’s wrath and judgment used in the Old Testament. (Psalm 75:8)  (Isaiah 51:17)  (Jeremiah 25:15)

Jesus would bear God’s wrath; this is what he is most sorrowful about. He is about to be separated from God, His Father, for the first time as he bears the sins of humanity. It’s like a kid who is lost and begins to panic. This is pure agony.

It was here, in this garden late at night, that we all were saved when Jesus decided once and for all to take our wrath upon himself. Prayer won the day.

Note that the disciples were no help at all in supporting their leader here.

Peter failed Jesus because he failed to watch and pray. Jesus warns him here, but he fails to take heed.

Note that Jesus prayed the same prayer repeatedly. This means we are to do the same. Pray with all your heart the same prayer.

Note Jesus did not flee. He met the challenge head-on. As should we meet all of our challenges.

Jesus would finish the work he had started. Praise, God Almighty!

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 4: Matthew 25:31-46

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 25:31-46

Still on the Mount of Olives, Jesus tell about when he returns. He will have all of the angels with him, and he will sit on his throne in glory. He will separate everyone like a shepherd separates his sheep and goats. The sheep will go to his right; the goats on his left. Jesus blesses the sheep on his right, and they will have their inheritance, the kingdom prepared for them since the creation of the world. For they cared for Jesus, giving him food, drink, and clothes.

Confused, the righteous wondered when they did these things. Jesus responded that they did it for him every time they did it for one of their brothers.

Those on the left will be cursed to the eternal fire for they did nothing for him or his people. They will have eternal punishment, while the righteous has eternal life.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 4: Matthew 25:31-46

9) He will have all of the angels with him, and he will sit on his throne in glory. He will separate everyone like a shepherd separates his sheep and goats.

10a) The sheep on his right are blessed and will have their inheritance, the kingdom prepared for them since the creation of the world. For they cared for Jesus, giving him food, drink, and clothes and they cared for Jesus every time they cared for one of their brothers. They are believers.

b) Those on the left will be cursed to the eternal fire for they did nothing for him or his people. They will have eternal punishment. They are unbelievers.

c) We are here to help others, which is what Jesus would do. Since he is not here, we are to take his place.

d) Luke 6:45 says good men brings good things stored up in his heart. Faith has action associated with it, according to James 3:14-17. Faith and deeds go hand-in-hand. 1 John 3:16-18 says we are to love with action and truth. Because Jesus laid down his life for us, we are to do the same for our brothers. This is how we will know we belong to truth (verse 19)

11) I would say more in the little things I do. Smiling to others. Lending a helping hand. Volunteering. And helping those close to you, such as family and friends, when they need help. Donating time and money to worthy causes and those who need the help.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 4: Matthew 25:31-46

I love the emphasis on doing things for others because that’s what Jesus would do. This needs to be more on our minds.

Classic book! I wish more modern children’s authors would write on Jesus.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 4: Matthew 25:31-46

Jesus gives more details about his Second Coming here. His throne will be on earth.

Fun Fact: Jesus usually called himself “Son of Man” when speaking of himself.

Most Bible scholars agree that this judgment is different than the Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation 20:11-15.

  • The Great White Throne Judgment happens after the 1,000 year reign of Jesus. This judgment happens right after Jesus returns.
  • This Judgment of Nations only includes the nations, or Gentiles, who are judged on their care of others. The Great White Throne Judgment is everyone.

Goats and sheep usually naturally separate themselves when it gets cold at night because the goats huddle for warmth, but sheep don’t need to.

Some Bible scholars believe this Judgment of Nations will happen after the Great Tribulation Matthew 24:21 The rapture will have already happened  1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

Jesus separates those who will receive the kingdom of heaven and those who will not. Jesus judges them by their works here.

This is a lesson to us all to help others whenever we can for Jesus may come at any time.

God prepared Hell for the devil, his angels, and now those who are condemned.

The purpose of the Judgment of Nations is to separate people before the beginning of Jesus’s millennial kingdom.

Jesus came first to free us from sin.

Jesus will come again to judge and rule.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 3: Matthew 25:14-30

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 25:14-30

Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents. A man calls his servants and gives them talents each according to his ability. He gives one man five talents, another two, and another one. The men who received five and two gained more. The man who received one hid his master’s money.

When the master returned, he settled accounts with them. The man who had five talents and gained five more and the man who had two talents and gained two more were praised and called “good and faithful servant.” Since they was faithful with a few things, Jesus put them in charge of many things and shared in their master’s happiness.

The man who hid the talent was called wicked and lazy. He was chastized for not putting the money on deposit at least to earn interest. The one talent was taken from the man and given to the man who has 10 talents. Everyone who has will be given more in abundance. Whoever does not have will lose what little he has. The lazy servant was thrown out into the darkness and the weeping and gnashing of teeth.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 3: Matthew 25:14-30

6a) A man calls his servants and gives them talents each according to his ability. He it entrusting them to use their talents to grow his money while he is away.

b) When the master returned, he settled accounts with them. The man who had five talents and gained five more and the man who had two talents and gained two more were praised and called “good and faithful servant.” Since they was faithful with a few things, Jesus put them in charge of many things and shared in their master’s happiness.

The man who hid the talent was called wicked and lazy. He was chastized for not putting the money on deposit at least to earn interest. The one talent was taken from the man and given to the man who has 10 talents. Everyone who has will be given more in abundance. Whoever does not have will lose what little he has. The lazy servant was thrown out into the darkness and the weeping and gnashing of teeth.

c) He was chastized for not putting the money on deposit at least to earn interest. The one talent was taken from the man and given to the man who has 10 talents. Everyone who has will be given more in abundance. Whoever does not have will lose what little he has. He basically did not try or do anything while the man was away.

7) Don’t waste what God has given you. Use your talents to grow His kingdom.

8 ) Unsure. I always ask myself this, as I do think I have gifts. Writing is one of them. Perseverance. Drive. Tenacity.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 3: Matthew 25:14-30

Such a harsh penalty is you don’t use the gifts and talents that God has given you in order to do His work. Something to think about in your own life, that’s for sure. The Olivet Discourse is so rich that it’s great to dive into.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 3: Matthew 25:14-30

A talent was worth about $1,200 in today’s terms, which was a lot for back then. We get our word “talent” from this parable, which is a gift given to you by others.

Each person in the kingdom of heaven is given a certain number of gifts and talents to serve God. We can either waste those opportunities or talents or use them to further His kingdom.

The good servants used what they had to gain more. The other servant did absolutely nothing with the money.

The reward matched what they were given. He called them good and faithful because of it. There is also a place of joy — some Bible scholars say even heaven — as a reward.

Note the lazy servant tried to come up with excuses as to why he didn’t grow the money. He thought his master didn’t need his help and would be pleased that he did not lose the money.

The lazy servant faced condemnation. He could have done something, but instead he chose to do nothing.

The Old Testament did not allow Israelites to charge interest when money was leant to other Israelites  (Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-37; Deuteronomy 23:19; cf. Psalm 15:5. However, if the money involved Gentiles, it was permitted.(Deuteronomy 23:20)

The servant was not a true servant and thus was thrown out of the master’s house.

The master represents Jesus. The time between his departure and return may represent the time between his First and Second Coming. The different amounts represents how humans today are given different talents and abilities for Jesus.

We are all called to invest the treasure God has entrusted to us to build his kingdom and bear fruit. Jesus will return to accomplish his plan. Everything that happens is purposeful and good.

Theme of the Parable of the Talents:  our readiness for Jesus’ return is seen by our stewardship of the resources and talents He has given us.

Readiness is doing God’s work. So, are you ready?

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