Search The Scriptures —Study 26 — Matthew 16:21 – 17:13

Study 26 From the Book of Matthew is: Matthew 16:21 – 17:13

      1.      16:21 indicates Christ’s clear awareness of the cross ahead.  The word ‘must’ expresses a sense of inward necessity.  What does this reveal about the character of Christ’s death?

      2.     What are the terms of discipleship (verse 24)? What incentive does Christ put forward in verses 25-28 to encourage His disciple to pay the cost?  What did Peter particularly need to learn (verse 22, 23)?

3.     In the story of the transfiguration (17:1-13), can you see its purpose (a) for Christ Himself, and (b) for His disciples?

Notes 16:28. The reference here to ‘the Son of man coming in his kingdom’ would seem to be not to His second advent but to His post-resurrection Triumph and exaltation to the throne. 

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Search The Scriptures —Study 25 — Matthew 16:1-20

Study 25 From the Book of Matthew is: Matthew 16:1-20 

      1.      Christ condemns, in verses 1-4, the Jews’ inability to read ‘the signs of the times’.  What does He mean by this? How were the disciples similarly guilty? See verses 5-12.  What response should such signs produce?

     2.     Verses 13-20.  This incident at Caesarea Philippi is clearly the ‘hinge-point’ of the Gospel narrative.  From now on Christ withdraws from the crowds, and concentrates on teaching the disciples. Why is the question about His Person so crucial? Cf. 1 Jn. 4:2, 3; 5:1a, 5.

3.     Note the three things which our Lord says to Peter in verses 17-19. With verse 17, cf. 1 Cor. 12:3; with verse 18, cf. 1 Cor. 3:11; 1 Pet. 2:4-6; and with verse 19, cf. 18:18; Jn. 20:23

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Search The Scriptures —Study 24 — Matthew 15:21-39

Study 24 From the Book of Matthew is: Matthew 15:21-39

      1.      Verses 21-28. Why did our Lord treat the Canaanite woman in this way? Do you see the purpose behind it? Cf. Lk. 11:8; 18:1; 1 Peter 1:7. Contrast Mt. 8:23, 26; 15:28, 30, 31.

      2.     In all the miracles in this passage Christ seems to be dealing with Gentiles.  Note the phrase ‘the God of Israel’ in verse 31. This seems to be contrary to the principle of verse 24. What was our Lord thus beginning to reveal concerning the full purpose of His mission?  Cf. Mt. 24:14; 28:19; Rom. 1:16 (the last nine words)

Note. Verse 37. The word for ‘basket’ here is spluris, the large Gentile basket, contrasted with the Jewish kophinos in 14:20.  The same accuracy of distinction is found in 16:9, 10.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 23 — Matthew 15: 1-20

Study 23 From the Book of Matthew is: Matthew 15: 1-20

      1.      For what reasons does Christ condemn the religious outlook of the Pharisees? How may we be in danger of similar failure?

      2.     These verses emphasize the importance of man’s heart. Cf. 5:8, 28; 12:34; 18:35. What is meant here by the word ‘heart’? Cf. 18. Is. 10:7, av and RV. How then can a man’s actions be put right?

3.     What are the three groups of people to whom Christ speaks in these verses?  Do you notice any difference in His manner of teaching them?  Has this any implication for Christian teaching today?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 22 — Matthew 14: 13-36

Study 22 From the Book of Matthew is: Matthew 14: 13-36

      1.      Consider the miracles of these verses as parables in action. What particularly do you learn from the response and failure of the disciples? For what qualities, do we need to pray if we are to be found faithful?

      2.     From the same stories consider the light cast upon the Person of Christ.  What characteristics are unmistakably revealed?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 21 — Matthew 13:53 – 14:12

Study 21 From the Book of Matthew is: Matthew 13:53 – 14:12

      1)  What may we learn from the closing verses of chapter 13 about the nature of prejudice? Of what may it deprive us, and why?

     2   In the story of 14: 1-12, identify the distinctive characteristics of both Herod and John the Baptist; what is the difference between John’s faithfulness and Herod’s keeping of his promise?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 20 — Matthew 13:24-52

Study 20 From the Book of Matthew is: Matthew 13:24-52

1.      What is the teaching of the parable of the wheat and the tares (verses 24-30)?

2.     Verses 31-33 record two parables on the theme of growth. What is the main message of these verses?  May these verses include warning against possible dangers?

3.     Verses 44-50 illustrate different ways by which individuals may enter the kingdom.  What are these? Why is there a mixture of good and bad? What is the condition of true enjoyment?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 19 — Matthew 13:1-23

Study 19 From the Book of Matthew is: Matthew 13:1-23

1.      The parable of the sower (or ‘the soils’) may be regarded as a parable to explain why our Lord taught in parables.  How did this method serve to reveal truth to some and to hide it from others? What was the simple and searching condition of gaining benefit?

2.     In the parable of the sower what were the reasons why the same seed produced such different results? What conditions are signified by the different kinds of soil? What is indispensable to fruitfulness?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 18 — Matthew 12:22-50

Study 18 From the Book of Matthew is: Matthew 12:22-50

1.      Verses 22-32.  What do you understand by the ‘unforgivable sin’ interpreted in the light of its context here? Consider the solemnity of these warnings; and note the connection with them of verses 43-45.

2.     What is taught in verses 33-37 about the dangers of evil or foolish speaking? In what way may a Christian deal with failure at this level?

3.     Why does Christ refuse to give a special sign to the Pharisees (verses 38, 39)?  What is the significance of His references to the Old Testament in verses 40-42? What may we learn from verses 41, 42 and 50 concerning our right response to Christ?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 17 — Matthew 11:25 – 12:21

Study 17 From the Book of Matthew is: Matthew 11:25 – 12:21

1.      In 11:25-30, there is an amazing combination of Christ’s claims to unique authority and to humility.  Can both be true? What do these verses teach concerning (a) His person, and (b) the attitude He asks from us?

2.     Summarize the main principles of Sabbath observance outlined in 12:1-14. In what way, may we be guilty of the sin of the Pharisees? How are we to avoid a secularization of the Lord’s day?

3.     12:15-21.  These verses indicate the significance of the Suffering Servant passages om Isaiah for an understanding of Jesus and His ministry.  Cf. 8:17; Lk. 2:29-32; 22:37; Jn. 12:37, 38.  What are the outstanding features of this ministry?

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