Welcome to this Bible study of Matthew. Try to answer these questions reading the scripture passages given. The questions marked " * " are more advanced, perhaps, you'd like to see if you can answer them. Those questions labeled " § " are private and need only be shared when you feel comfortable doing so. Of necessity, the questions cannot be based on all translations. The Revised Standard Version and the New International Version are the primary sources, however, use whatever version you enjoy. The LORD will bless your daily commitment to the study of his word.

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The previous lesson explored the beginnings of the Israelites as told in the book of Genesis. The creation story unfolded in awesome grandeur only to end in the tragedy of separation from GOD. The bulk of the book focused on the adventures of the offspring of Abraham. Their unwavering faith is an inspiration for our lives as we build our own spiritual relationship.

This lesson returns to the story of Christ Jesus. The author of Matthew presents the Messiah as the fulfillment of Jewish Prophecy by quoting scripture more than any of the other gospel writers. As such, the purpose of this gospel is to argue that Jesus the Christ, rather than starting a new religion, continues the existing religion of Judaism.

The first four chapters of Matthew chart the beginnings of Jesus' earthly life, starting with his birth and continuing to his baptism and ministry. In chapters five through eight, the behaviors which reflect those who live in the kingdom of heaven are articulated in succinct commandments. These are not new teachings which would be unfamiliar to the audience. On the contrary, each of the commandments are consistent with Hebraic thought and Levitical LAW. Further, by emphasizing the inward attitude as well as the outward action, the standard has been raised.

Chapters nine through twenty-one chronicle the ministry of Jesus with healings and many parables. Once again, these parables do not present new ideas, but continue to illuminate the Hebrew scripture. The gospel closes with a Passion Narrative ending in the resurrection and the commission of the disciples.

When you have completed this study of Matthew's Gospel, you will understand how Jesus the Christ is the fulfillment of Jewish messianic prophecy. This will give you confidence and hope as you see how GOD has controlled history to open a relationship to you that you may share in the kingdom of heaven. You will come to understand the depth to which your commitment to the kingdom of heaven governs your temporal relationships when you learn the tough standard given by Jesus both through commandment and parable.

The next lessons concerns itself with the book of Exodus. It begins with the life of Moses as a child and youth. The escape from Egypt's bondage is dramatically narrated with incredible miracles. The remainder of the book tells the story of the Israelites in the Sinai Desert where the ritual and structure of the Hebrew religion was established through Moses from the LORD our GOD.

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Day One Matthew 1:1-17

• According to Malachi 4:4-5, what advice is given the Israelites?
  
• How many generations are there listed from Abraham to David; from Solomon to Josiah at the time of the exile, and from Jeconiah to Jesus?
  
• (*) For what reason might the writer of Matthew wish to demonstrate to fellow Jews that Jesus' genealogy included Abraham and David?
  
• From your study of Genesis, what do you remember of those listed in verses 2 & 3?
  
• (§ ) Consider all the history contained in this genealogy. What events in your own family's history might demonstrate your unique place in GOD's plan?

 

Day Two Matthew 1:18-25

• How did the birth of Jesus, the Christ, come about according to verse 18?
  
• What happened in verses 20 & 21 to change Joseph's mind about Mary's condition?
  
• From verse 23, which quotes Isaiah 7:14, what reason is given for these events?
  
• When Joseph awoke, what did he do?
  
• (§ ) Honestly consider how you would react to hearing these events had happened to a couple in our time

 

Day Three Matthew 2:1-12

• According to verse 1, where and when was Jesus born?
  
• Of whom did Herod ask about the Christ in verse 4?
  
• What did they tell Herod from Micah 5:2-4?
  
• From verse 11, what did the magi bring to honor the Christ Child?
  
• (§ ) The magi traveled a great distance amidst peril and treachery to witness the Christ Child; how does this influence you?

 

Day Four Matthew 2:13-23

• What prompted Joseph to take his family to Egypt (cite verse)?
  
• How long did they stay in Egypt according to verse 15?
  
• (*) In Hosea 11:1, the prophet is talking about the exodus from Egypt under Moses. What reasons would the author of Matthew have to apply this event to Jesus in verse 15?
  
• What did Herod do in verse 16 when he learned he'd been outwitted by the Magi?
  
• Verse 18, quotes Jeremiah 31:15. What comfort does Jeremiah offer in verses 16-20?
  
• What prompted Joseph to return to Israel?
  
• Locate Nazareth on a map, noting its distance from Jerusalem.
  
• (§ ) Joseph responded to what he believed was GOD's direction. What might be GOD's direction for you?

 

Day Five Matthew 3:1-10

• Who came preaching in the desert in verse 1?
  
• What does verse 4 say about his behavior?
  
• How did he speak to the Pharisees and Sadducees who were the respected leaders of the time, according to verses 7-10?
  
• (*) Can you think of anyone in our time who has demonstrated these types of behaviors?
  
• The "kingdom of heaven" is a term from Daniel 7:13-14. From verses 5 & 6, how did the people respond to this message about the kingdom of heaven?
  
• (*) In what way is John the Baptist's message consistent with Jeremiah 10?
  
• (§ ) What about the kingdom of heaven might you apply to your life?

 

Day Six Matthew 3:11-17

• (*) What does John the Baptist say about the day described in Isaiah 4:1-4?
  
• What additional information is in Jeremiah 5:20-31 which John the Baptist summarizes in verse 12?
  
• How does Isaiah 11:1-3 explain the Spirit of GOD descending on Jesus from verse 16?
  
• In Exodus 3:4, Moses is called from a burning bush. In what way is verse 17 similar?
  
• (*) From Psalm 2:7-12, what are some of the things Jesus will do with the authority of ""sonship" given in verse 17?
  
• (*) By referencing Isaiah 42:1-4 in verse 17, Jesus is shown to be the servant of the LORD whom Isaiah prophesied. What does Isaiah's servant do?
  
• (*) In what ways has the author of Matthew argued that Jesus is the Messiah foretold by the Prophets to Israel?

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Day One Matthew 4:1-11

• Name the events referenced below which also occurred within the same length of time specified in verse 2:
  • Genesis 7:4
  • Genesis 8:6
  • Numbers 13:25
  • Deuteronomy 9:9-11
  • 1 Samuel 17:16
  • 1 Kings 19:1-8
  • Jonah 3:4,5
    
• How many temptations did Jesus experience?
  
• Match the references from Deuteronomy to their corresponding versus in Matthew:
  • 8:3
  • 6:16
  • 6:13
    
• (§ ) How might you make use of Jesus' example the next time you are tempted to do something you would rather not do?

 

Day Two Matthew 4:12-25

• Identify the three events of this section:
  • 12-17
  • 18-22
  • 23-25
    
• Locate Capernaum on a map, noting its distance from Jerusalem.
  
• From Isaiah 9:1-7, what blessings are promised?
  
• Who were the parents of Zebulun and Naphtali according to Genesis 35:23-26?
  
• Name the pairs of brothers Jesus calls in verses 18-22.
  
• (*) By referencing these passages of Isaiah in the description of Jesus' ministry in verses 23-25, who is the writer proclaiming Jesus to be?
  • Isaiah 29:18, 19
  • Isaiah 35:3-10
  • Isaiah 61:1, 2
    
• Locate the places named in verse 25, How far did the people travel to see Jesus in Capernaum?
  
• (§ ) What does it mean to you that Jesus came preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness among the people?

 

Day Three Matthew 5:1-26

• Match the references with the most appropriate verse in 1-12.
  • Isaiah 61:2,3
  • Psalm 37:11
  • Psalm 24:3, 4
  • Psalm 73:1
  • Psalm 17:15
  • Isaiah 51:7
    
• (*) In your own words, explain what it means to be "salt" and "light" in the world.
  
• According to verse 19, who will be called "great" in the kingdom of heaven?
  
• What instructions are given in verses 23 & 24?
  
• (§ ) Which verses in this section have special meaning for you?

 

Day Four Matthew 5:27-48

• How do each of these sections begin?
  • 27; 31; 33; 38; 43
    
• Match the reference to the most appropriate verse:
  • Exodus 20:14
  • Deuteronomy 24:1
  • Leviticus 19:12
  • Exodus 21:23-25
  • Leviticus 19:18
    
• How are each of the commandments enlarged in Matthew?
  • 28; 32; 37; 39; 44
    
• Match the reference to the most appropriate verse:
  • Proverbs 6:25
  • Genesis 2:23, 24
  • Numbers 23:19
  • Genesis 50:19-21
  • 1 Samuel 2:6-8
    
• (§ ) In what way have you been challenged by these verses?

 

Day Five Matthew 6:1-18

• What are the prohibitions in this section?
  • 1; 5; 7; 16
    
• List the instructions which rectify the error:
  
• Match the reference to the appropriate verse:
  • Exodus 22:25-27
  • 2 Kings 4:32-35
  • Jeremiah 3:19
  • Isaiah 58:4-6
    
• (§ ) Might you be able to think of something you could do that would be known only to yourself and GOD?

 

Day Six Matthew 6:19-34

• According to verse 21, where does a person invest their heart?
  
• How does one's attitude determine how they see the world according to verse 23?
  
• In what way does a person's priorities determine their actions according to verse 24?
  
• From verse 27, what good does worry accomplish?
  
• According to verse 33, to which goal should a person dedicate themselves, direct their attitude and set as a priority in their life?
  
• Match the reference to the most appropriate verse:
  • Proverb 23:4
  • Psalm 119:105
  • Jeremiah 2:20
  • Psalm 104:24-25
  • Psalm 37:4
    
• (§ ) Which of these five truths might help you to have a more fulfilling spiritual life?

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Day One Matthew 7:1-14

• What is the reward of verse 2 meted out to those who judge?
  
• (*) In your own words, explain verse 6.
  
• (§) How might you apply verse 7 & 8 to your life?
  
• What sums up the LAW and the Prophets (cite verse)?
  
• (*) Match the reference given to the most appropriate verse:
  • Ezekiel 35:10-15
  • Psalm 23:1-3
  • Proverb 8:17
  • Leviticus 19:18
  • Song of Songs 3:1-4

 

Day Two Matthew 7:15-29

• How may the message of a prophet be discerned according to verse 20?
  
• From verse 21, who will enter the kingdom of heaven?
  
• (*) Explain verse 24-27 in your own words.
  
• (*) Match the provided reference to the appropriate verse:
  • Jeremiah 23:16-18
  • Ezekiel 22:23-28
  • Hosea 8:1 - 3
  • Psalm 6:8-10
  • Deuteronomy 11:8 & 9
    
• (§) How might you put verse 24 into practice?

 

Day Three Matthew 8:1-17

• What ailments are treated in verses 2, 6 & 14?
  
• How did the man and the centurion each demonstrate their faith in verses 2 & 8?
  
• What did Jesus do for the man and Peter's mother-in-law which he did not do for the centurion's servant (cite verse)?
  
• (*) Peter quotes Isaiah 53:4 in his epistle (1 Peter 2:24). How does Peter give this reference a wider application to include our spiritual relationship as well as our physical health?

 

Day Four Matthew 8:18-34

• (*) What do the responses in verse 20 and 22 imply about discipleship?
  
• In verse 26, what is the cause of the disciples' fear?
  
• What did Jesus do in verse 32 which caused the whole town to go out and meet him?
  
• (§) How might the events during the storm assist you through your next crisis?

 

Day Five Matthew 9:1-17

• When the paralytic was brought to Jesus in verse 2, what happened?
  
• Whom did Jesus meet in verse 9?
  
• What did John's disciples ask Jesus in verse 14?
  
• (*) How is the principle of verses 16 & 17 demonstrated in verses 1-13?
  
• (§) Can you think of some new ideas you have learned that resist fitting your former habits?

 

Day Six Matthew 9:18-38

• How was faith demonstrated by the people in verses 18, 21 and 28?
  
• Despite the miraculous events, how did some show unbelief in verse 34?
  
• (*) What do you find similar in each of the three healings in this section?
  
• Match the reference given to the most appropriate verse 35-38?
  • Isaiah 35:5-8
  • Zechariah 10:1,2
  • Proverb 10:5
    
• (§) How might you be helped by this lesson the next time you or someone you know needs healing?

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Day One Matthew 10:1-23

• Who are the twelve apostles named in verse 2?
  
• (§) Of the advice given in verses 5-16, which could to your situation?
  
• What is the reward mentioned in verse 22 for those who stand firm?
  
• What type life is Jesus preparing his disciples for in verses 5-23?
  
• Who were the Gentiles and who were the Samaritans (2 Kings 17:24-41)?
  
• How did some of the Israelites become lost sheep according to Jeremiah 50:6-7?
  
• How was Moses answered when he felt reluctant to speak in Exodus 4:10-12?
  
• (§) How might this lesson strengthen your resolve?

 

Day Two Matthew 10:24-42

• In what way do these verses show the common bond between Jesus and the disciples, 24, 25, 32, 40, and 42?
  
• (§) How might GOD's involvement in your life be a comfort to you?
  

Day Three Matthew 11:1-19

• In verse 3, what did John's disciples ask Jesus?
  
• What was the response given in verse 4?
  
• According to verse 10, what is John's role?
  
• How are verses 16-17 explained by verses 18-19?
  
• (*) Match the references below to the most appropriate verse:
  • Psalm 118:19-27
  • Malachi 3:1
  • Isaiah 35:3-6
  • Malachi 4:5-6
    
• (§) Read verse 19. How might you demonstrate your wisdom in spiritual things?

 

Day Four Matthew 11:20-30

• From verses 23 & 21, what is the reason for denouncing the cities?
  
• What did the people of Nineveh do to avail themselves of GOD's forgiveness in Jonah 3:5-10?
  
• (*) In verse 27, when the writer references Daniel 7:13-14, what is being implied about Jesus?
  
• (§) How might you apply verses 28-30 to your life?

 

Day Five Matthew 12:1-23

• Show that Exodus 20:10 supports the argument presented by the Pharisees
  
• (*) Do the same for these references which are supportive of Jesus' arguments:
  • 1 Samuel 21:1-6
  • Leviticus 24:5-9
  • Numbers 28:9, 10
  • Hosea 6:6
  • Micah 6:6-8
    
• (*) What does Isaiah 11:1-3 prophesy?
  
• (*) How are the followers of Jesus called to a more difficult standard than existed before?
  
• (§) Might you be able to consider a standard which you keep that could be enlarged by what you read today?

 

Day Six Matthew 12:24-50

• (*) These references would have been known to many in the audience. match them to the most appropriate verse:
  • 1 Kings 11:29-33
  • Exodus 20:7
  • Ezekiel 18:10-13
    
• What is the sign that is offered in verse 40?
  
• Who are part of the family of Jesus according to verse 49?
  
• How do the men of Nineveh and the Queen of the South condemn those who seek a miraculous sign (cite verse)?
  
• What passages from Psalm 69:6-9 apply to Jesus' situation?
  
• (§) The men of Nineveh and the Queen of the South, in that they were not Israelites were considered outsiders. Further, the disciples were not relatives of Jesus by blood. By giving privilege to these people, the author of Matthew is establishing a new standard for relationships. How might you apply this standard in your life?

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Day One Matthew 13:1-30

• Consult your dictionary for the definition of "parable".
  
• (*) What are some parables which are part of our lives today?
  
• Identify what is meant by each of the symbols:
  • v19 the seed
  • v19 the path
  • v20 rocky places
  • v22 thorns
  • v23 good soil
    
• How is it determined what type of soil a person is?
  
• (*) What do verses 29 and 30 say about good and evil in the world?
  
• (§) How might you apply these parables to your life?

 

Day Two Matthew 13:31-58

• Provide the explanation of the parable of the weeds as it is given in verse 37-43?
  
• (*) Explain the parable in your own words.
  
• What do the parables in verses 44-46 say about the priority the kingdom of heaven should have in our lives?
  
• (§) How might you establish this level of priority for the kingdom of heaven in your life?
  
• List some attributes of the kingdom of heaven given in this lesson (cite verses).
  
• Why did Jesus not do many miracles in his hometown according to verse 58?

 

Day Three Matthew 14:1-13

• According to verses 3 & 4, why was John the Baptist imprisoned?
  
• Who danced for Herod's birthday?
  
• What did Herodias prompter her daughter to request in verse 8?
  
• How did Jesus react in verse 13?
  
• (§) How might you find support in knowing that Jesus was affected emotionally by tragic circumstances?

 

Day Four Matthew 14:14-36

• How did Jesus respond to the crowd in verse 14?
  
• Where did the provision come from to feed the 5,000 men plus the women and children of verse 21?
  
• (*) After witnessing Jesus' provision for the crowd, how might the disciples have responded differently in verse 26?
  
• How did Peter show his faith in Jesus in verse 29?
  
• (§) What simple act might you perform which would exercise your faith?

 

Day Five Matthew 15:1-20

• Which is given a higher priority in verse 3, tradition or the command of GOD?
  
• What is the consequence of placing tradition ahead of GOD's commandments according to Isaiah 29:13 ?
  
• How is the parable explained in verse 16-20?
  
• (*) Match the references to the most appropriate verses:
  • Exodus 20:12
  • Isaiah 60:21
    
• (§) Is there something you might be able to do today that would help you to become more of the person you want to be?

 

Day Six Matthew 15:21-39

• On a map locate where Jesus was (14:34) and where he withdrew in verse 15:21.
  
• Contrast the disciples' response in verse 23 with that of Jesus in verse 28.
  
• On a map locate where Jesus was in verses 29 and 39.
  
• (*) What might the disciples have done differently in verse 33 had they remembered what Jesus did for them on a similar occasion?
  
• (§) How might you keep yourself from needing to learn a lesson more than once?

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Day One Matthew 16:1-12

• What else was said about Jonah in 12:38-41
  
• According to verse 12, what did the disciples rightly discern about what was said in verse 6?
  
• (§) What spiritual signs have you been made more aware of in your life?

 

Day Two Matthew 16:13-28

• Who did people say the Son of Man was in verse 14?
  
• What did Peter say in verse 16?
  
• According to verse 17, who gave Peter the capacity to recognize this?
  
• What happened in verse 23 when Peter did not have in mind the things of GOD?
  
• From verse 24, what is the criteria for someone to follow the Messiah?
  
• (§) How might you apply verses 24-26 to your life?

 

Day Three Matthew 17:1-13

• Who accompanied Jesus up the mountain?
  
• According to scripture, who appeared before them (cite verse)?
  
• What message was given in verse 5?
  
• Who fulfilled the role of Elijah according to verse 13?
  
• (*) Match the reference to a most appropriate verse
  • Deuteronomy 18:18
  • 1 Kings 17:1-5
  • Isaiah 42:1
  • Malachi 4:5 & 6
  • Isaiah 53: 3- 6
    
• (*) What are some of the ways the author of Matthew argues that Jesus is the fulfillment of Jewish Prophecy?

 

Day Four Matthew 17:14-27

• According to verse 21, why could the disciples not drove out the demon?
  
• According to Daniel 7:13 & 14, who does the author say Jesus is in verse 22?
  
• What explanation is given in Exodus 30:11-13 about the tax requested?
  
• Why did Jesus acquiesce to the tax collector in verse 27?
  
• (§) This section demonstrates GOD's ability to provide for those who have faith, both materially and spiritually. How have you been provided for?

 

Day Five Matthew 18:1-14

• According to verse 4, what is the answer to the question posed in verse 1?
  
• What does verse 7 say about evil in the world?
  
• What do verses 8 and 9 suggest a person do when confronted with people and things that separate them form GOD?
  
• From verse 14, what is GOD's attitude to each individual?
  
• (§) How have you experienced GOD's care for you?

 

Day Six Matthew 18:15-35

• From verses 15-17, what are the steps to resolve a difference between you and someone else?
  
• (*) How are these verses consistent with Hebraic tradition as explained in :
  • Leviticus 19:17
  • Deuteronomy 19:15
  • Exodus 18:26
  • Numbers 12:1 & 15
    
• According to verse 34, how will your heavenly Father treat each of us when we do not forgive our brother from our heart?
  
• (*) How are verses 15-20 and 21-35 related?
  
• (§) Is there someone with whom you feel you need to resolve a disagreement?

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Day One Matthew 19:1-15

• According to verses 5 & 6, what is the intended situation between a husband and a wife?
  
• Why, in verse 8, did Moses make allowance for divorce?
  
• What is added to verse 9 in 5:28 & 32?
  
• In verse 10, what conclusion do the disciples arrive at?
  
• (§) How might you apply this lesson to place the correct priorities concerning spiritual and temporal relationships?
  
• (*) What might this section imply about a spiritual relationship with GOD, given the permanence expressed in verse 9 concerning marriage?

 

Day Two Matthew 19:16-30

• How does 18:3-5 further explain verse 14?
  
• Why was the young man sad in verse 22?
  
• What promise is given in verse 29?
  
• (§) What might be something in your life that is preventing you from a fuller, spiritual relationship?

 

Day Three Matthew 20:1-19

• How much more did those who had borne the burden of the work all day earn over those who had worked only an hour?
  
• In verse 13, how did the landowner justify the fairness of his actions?
  
• According to verse 15, by what authority did the landowner act as he did?
  
• (*) Where do our heavenly rewards come from and who distributes them according to this parable?
  
• (*)What does this parable say about the relative merit of our efforts before GOD, according to verse 14?
  
• (*) In what way do these references contribute to the lesson for this parable:
  • Matthew 5:45
  • Job 25:2-6
  • Amos 4:7
    
• (§) How might the parable of the workers help you to accept the blessings GOD has given to others?

 

Day Four Matthew 20:20-34

• What did the mother of James and John request of Jesus in verse 21?
  
• According to verse 23, who alone has authority to assign our position in the kingdom of heaven?
  
• How does one obtain greatness according to verse 26?
  
• In verse 31, what did the blind men do when the crowd rebuked them?
  
• How were the men rewarded in verse 34?
  
• (§) In this section, Jesus demonstrates the ability to care for our needs. How might this help you have confidence to adopt the advice of verses 26 & 27?

 

Day Five Matthew 21:1-22

• Who did they say he was in verse 11?
  
• When he arrived in Jerusalem, what did he do?
  • v12
  • v14
  • v17
    
• (*) According to Leviticus 1:14, Exodus 30:13 and Deuteronomy 14:24-26, what was the original intent of the activities of verse 12?
  
• What promise is given in verse 22?
  
• (*) Making note of the subject of the references, match them with the most appropriate verse in this section:

example: Zechariah 9:9 matches with Matthew 21:5, and its subject is "your king"

• Isaiah 62:11
• Psalm 118:26
• Jeremiah 7:11
• Isaiah 35:4-6
• Psalm 8:1-2
  
• (§) Who do you think Jesus is, and how does that influence your application of verse 22 to your life?

 

Day Six Matthew 21:23-46

• In verses 29 and 31, which of the two sons did what his father wanted?
  
• When the owner of vineyard arrives in verse 41, what will he do to the tenants?
  
• (*) According to verse 45, which person(s) in the parables represent the chief priests and pharisees?
  
• (§) Reflecting on verse 32, what might you do to enter the kingdom of heaven?

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Day One Matthew 22:1-22

• What was determined of those invited to come in verse 8?
  
• Who was invited in their stead in verse 9?
  
• What happened to the man not wearing wedding clothes according to verse 13?
  
• In verse 21, what was the reply given?
  
• (§) Think about how you might apply verse 14 to your life.

 

Day Two Matthew 22:23-45

• What argument was used in verse 32 to prove the resurrection of the dead?
  
• According to verse 37, which is the greatest commandment?
  
• Which does verse 39 say is the second?
  
• How does Micah 6:8 support verses 37 and 39?
  
• What answer does verse 1:18 give to the question in verse 45?
  
• (§) (§) What might you do to follow the advice of verses 37 & 39?

 

Day Three Matthew 23:1-22

• According to these references, what is described in verse 5?
  • Exodus 13:8-9
  • Deuteronomy 6:6-9
    
• (*) Which verse in this section echo these references:
  • 1 Samuel 2:7-8
  • Isaiah 9:14-16
  • Exodus 30:27-29
  • Exodus 29:37
  • 1 Kings 9:3
    
• The teachers of the LAW and the pharisees certainly knew of these scripture passages. (§) Try to think whether there may be something you are aware of, but have yet to apply to your life.

 

Day Four Matthew 23:23-39

• What are both of the practices we are advised to observe in verse 23?
  
• What does 6:19-23 say that amplifies verse 26?
  
• (*) In what way does verse 30 reflect an attitude some have when they condemn those who opposed Jesus?
  
• What aspects of GOD's enduring care for us are exhibited in verses 33-39?
  
• (§) How might GOD's patience with the Israelites bring hope to your own spiritual relationship?

 

Day Five Matthew 24:1-25

• Before the end comes what does verse 14 suggest must occur?
  
• What reason is given in 2 Chronicles 36:15-19 for the destruction of the temple?
  
• (*) From Daniel 11:31, what did Daniel predict that is pertinent to this section?
  
• (§) When you read these passages, what images come to mind?

 

Day Six Matthew 24:26-51

• Amidst the tragedy prophesied, what hope is given in verses 30-31?
  
• What promise is given to us in verse 35?
  
• (*) Match the appropriate verse with a reference:
  • Daniel 7:13
  • Isaiah 13:10
  • Isaiah 27:13
    
• (*) Read Hosea 4:1. What themes are echoed in Matthew 24?
  
• (§) What might you learn and apply from this lesson?

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Day One Matthew 25:1-23

• According to verse 4, what did the wise virgins bring that the foolish ones did not?
  
• Who went into the banquet with the bridegroom in verse 10?
  
• What does verse 13 tell you about the kingdom of heaven?
  
• From verse 15, what determined how many talents were given each servant?
  
• When the master returned, what do verses 21 and 23 tell us was his response t the first two servants?
  
• (*) What does the parable tell us about the kingdom of heaven and how we should dispose of what we receive from GOD?
  
• (§) How might you apply one or both of these parables to your life?

 

Day Two Matthew 25:24-46

• What did the third servant do in verse 25?
  
• (*) In your own words, explain verse 29?
  
• According to verse 40, when did the righteous care for the Son of Man?
  
• When did those on his left neglect the Son of Man according to verse 45?
  
• (§) How might this parable help you to treat others as you would GOD?

 

Day Three Matthew 26:1-38

• (*) All the gospels (Mark 14:3-9; Luke 7:37-38; John 12:1-8) include the story in verses 6-13. What are some reasons for all the gospel writers to include this story?
  
• Whom should receive the highest priority in our lives according to verse 11?
  
• How did Judas Iscariot help the priests in verse 15?
  
• According to Exodus 12:18-20, what is the origin of the Feast the disciples celebrated in verse 17?
  
• In verse 26, by associating Jesus' body with the bread what event is the author reminding us about which took place in Exodus 12:17?
  
• What do Peter and disciples say in verse 35?
  
• (§) What impression do you receive of Jesus from these verses?

 

Day Four Matthew 26:36-75

• What was asked of the disciples in verse 38?
  
• How do the disciples respond in verse 40?
  
• In verse 48 & 49, how did Judas Iscariot betray his teacher?
  
• What does verse 56, say the disciples did when Jesus was led away by the armed crowd?
  
• In verse 65, what is Jesus charged with?
  
• From verse 74, how did Peter respond to the questions?
  
• (§) How might the disloyalty of the disciples help you the next time you disappoint yourself?

 

Day Five Matthew 27:1-4

• What was the decision arrived at by the chief priests and elders in verse 1 regarding Jesus?
  
• What happened to the 30 silver coins in verses 5-8?
  
• According to Exodus 21:32, what did the price of 30 silver pieces represent?
  
• What answer was given to the governor's question in verse 11?
  
• (§) What thoughts come to mind as you read this section?

 

Day Six Matthew 27:15-31

• What is written in verses 18, 23 and 24, that indicates Pilate thought Jesus to be innocent?
  
• In verses 22, 23 and 25, on whom does the blame fall on for the verdict given Jesus?
  
• (*) Which verses in Isaiah 53 do you find fulfilled in this section?
  
• (*) According to Isaiah 53:11, what role is inferred to Jesus?
  
• (§) How might you feel towards someone who willingly bore the consequences of something you had done while they were entirely innocent?

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Day One Matthew 27:32-56

• Who carried the cross in verse 32?
  
• What was the charge written above Jesus' head in verse 37?
  
• Who were the three groups of people which hurled insults at Jesus, according to verses 39-44?
  
• From 51, what happened at the moment Jesus gave up his spirit?
  
• Who was watching from distance in verse 56?
  
• (§) What benefit might you derive from knowing that Jesus suffered abuse, mockery and treachery?

 

Day Two Matthew 27:57-66

• From verse 57. who asked for the body of Jesus?
  
• Who was sitting watching the tomb according to verse 61?
  
• What did the Pharisees do to secure the tomb in verse 66?
  
• (§) How might Joseph, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary be a supportive example to you when you fear the reprisal of others?

 

Day Three Matthew 28:1-10

• What was said to the women in verse 5?
  
• (*) Cite a verse which you read in Matthew which quotes say he would rise (see verse 6).
  
• In what way did the women show, in verse 8, their acceptance of what they were told?
  
• (§) Might you be able to recall a time when your sorrow was turned to joy?

 

Day Four Matthew 28:11-20

• What were the events in verse 2 which the soldier reported in verse 11?
  
• Read Acts 12:19. What might have been a consequence to the soldiers had the governor found out?
  
• how did the chief priests and elders respond in verses 12-14?
  
• What was commanded of the disciples in verse 19-20?
  
• According to verse 20, what promise is given?
  
• (§) How has the victory of Jesus over death as described here affected you?

 

Day Five Matthew

• (*) According to the author of Matthew, as described in these passages, who are we to believe Jesus is?
  • 1:17, 18, 21
  • 2:4-6
  • 3:11
  • 4:3, 6, 23
  • 8:25, 27
  • 9:6
  • 10:32
  • 11:2-4, 28-30
  • 12:8, 18, 40
  • 16:16, 17, 21
  • 20:18, 21
  • 21:4
  • 26:26-28
  • 28:5-7, 16, 17
    
• (§) In your own words, explain who Jesus is.

 

Day Six Matthew

• (§) Explain the parable of 13:1-9 and how you might apply its message to your life.
  
• (§) How does the action of the woman in 26:6-13 influence you?
  
• (§) What have you learned from your study of Matthew which has influenced your thinking or affected your actions?

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Recommended Reading
Jeanne Marie de la Motte Guyon (née Bouvier)

 

Summary

You have completed the fifth lesson, and are half of the way through the first volume. More importantly, you have developed that habits which are growing your spiritual relationship. Savor your accomplishment, and reflect on what it means to you.

The Gospel according to Matthew was written for converts from Judaism. Early in Christian History, Irenaeus and Origen attest to this. In addition there is more frequent use of the Hebrew Scriptures than the other Synoptic Gospels and John's Gospel (Robertson's Harmony of the Gospels 93 quotations in Matthew, 49 in Mark, 80 in Luke, and 33 in John).

The discourses that Matthew records at length distinguish this Gospel, and emphasize the principles, scope, and movements of the Messianic kingdom (5-7; 13; 24, 25). This is to demonstrate that the Christ Jesus fulfilled Messianic prophecy and thus was Israel's Messiah, who would establish the promised kingdom. The early christians were given an authoritative explanation that faith in Jesus involved no repudiation of the Hebrew Scriptures. On the contrary, Matthew presents Jesus as the goal tward which the prophets had pointed to in revelation.

The theme of discipleship is the first discourse (5-7). The simple commandments are as difficult to enact as they are to ignore. It has influenced people to courageous actions. "It was a passage from the Bible that had first set Ghandi meditatingon nonviolence. He had been overwhelmed by Christ's admonition to his followers to turn the other cheek to their aggresors. The little man had already applied the doctrine to himself, stoically submitting tot he beatings of numerous white aggressors. The philosophy of an eye for an eye led only to a world of the blind,he reasoned. You don't change a man's convitions by chopping off his head or infuse his heart with a new spiritu by putting a bullet through it. Violence only brutalizes the violent and embitters its victims. Gandhi sought a doctrine that would force change by example of the good, reconcile men with the strength of GOD instead of dividing them by the strength of man." Collins, Larry; Lapierre, Dominique; Freedom at Midnight Simon and Schuster, NYC, NY, US, p54.

By making one or two verses your guide for each day, chapters 5 through 7, can revitalize your spiritual relationship with a new direction and purpose.

In the next lesson, the Book of Exodus will tell us of the origin of the Hebrew liturgy. Moses is one of the great men responsible for founding a religion. A religion that was still vibrant and active in the time of Jesus. When John refers to his cousin as the "Lamb of God", he is making reference to the events of Moses and the Exodus from Egypt.