Matthew

LESSONS 1-4

By Jim McCracken and Rich Kao © Five Stones Impact 2024

Matthew

THE GOSPELS LESSON 1

MATTHEW 1-7

01 OBSERVATIONS 1.What is the first half of chapter one all about Why include this? (CHAPTER1)

2. What did Joseph do when he found out that Mary was pregnant as a virgin? (CHAPTER1)

3. The Magi had gifts for Jesus. How did they know about him and where to find him? (CHAPTER 2)

4. Why did Herod kill all the little boys in Bethlehem and how did Jesus escape this?

(CHAPTER 2)

5. How did Joseph know when to return to Israel and why go to Nazareth? (CHAPTER 2)

6. Who was John the Baptist and what was he like?

(CHAPTER 3)

7. What happened when Jesus was baptized by John? (CHAPTER 3)

10. In the beatitudes, what eight groups of people did Jesus say would be blessed?(CHAPTER 5)

11. Jesus says we are salt and light. How does that relate to the rest of chapter 5? (CHAPTER 5)

12. How should we appear when we fast, pray, and do acts of righteousness? (CHAPTER 6)

13. Jesus says we cannot serve two masters. What are they? (CHAPTER 6)

14. What things are we not to worry about and what should we do instead? (CHAPTER 6)

15. How is God like our earthly father when we ask, seek, and knock? (CHAPTER 7)

16. When Jesus uses the analogy of a tree and fruit, what is the application? (CHAPTER 7)

8. Name the three temptations of Jesus. (CHAPTER 4)

9. What was the focus of Jesus’ preaching and what were his disciples like? (CHAPTER 4 )

17. How do we make sure we build a strong house against pending storms? (CHAPTER 7)

LESSON1: MATTHEW 1-7

02 DEEPER THOUGHT 1. What were the four dreams that directed God’s people to do the right thing? (CHAPTERS 1 & 2)

2. So many details surrounding Jesus’ birth fulfilled Old Testament prophecy. Why? (CHAPTERS 1 & 2)

3. How did John say Jesus would baptize differently? What does this mean? (CHAPTER 3)

4. How did Jesus fight each temptation from the devil? (CHAPTER 4)

5. What did Jesus teach about true righteousness as it relates to murder, adultery, divorce, oaths, an eye for an eye, and loving your enemies? (CHAPTER 5)

6. The Lord’s prayer is concise. How does Jesus contrast it with the way pagans pray? (CHAPTER 6)

7. How would you summarize the Lord’s prayer? Why is forgiveness so important (CHAPTER 6)

8. What does it mean that we can be full of light or darkness through our eyes?

(CHAPTER 6)

9. How does Jesus’ analogy of a speck in someone else’s eye, help us not judge? (CHAPTER 7)

10. What does Jesus say sums up Law and the Prophets? (CHAPTER 7)

11. In the context of what Jesus has said, how does one enter the narrow gate? (CHAPTER 7)

LESSON 1 | MATTHEW 1-7

03 CONSIDERATION CORNER

Consider this: Add a little bit of body text

ANSWERS TO LESSON 1 OBSERVATIONS

QUESTIONS FOR DEEPER THOUGHT

1. It is a record of the genealogy of Jesus confirming 1. Joseph knew to take Mary as his wife, the Magi him as an actual person in history, God taking on knew to leave and not return to Herod, Joseph the form of a man. (1:1-17) knew to escape Egypt, and he knew when to return 2. He took Mary as his wife because God gave him a to Israel.(1:20, 2:12, 2:13, 2:19) dream. (1:18-25) 2. This was overwhelming proof from prophets many 3. They were led by an amazing star and Jewish years before. (1:1 - 2:23) teachers quoted the prophet Micah saying he 3. John baptized with water for repentance but Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. (2:1-11) would baptize with the Spirit and fire, which meant 4. Herod was afraid of Jesus being a king so he killed forgiveness, salvation, and the filling of the Holy all the little boys under two years old. God gave Spirit. (3:11) Joseph a dream warning him to escape with Jesus.

4. He quoted God’s word saying, “It is written…”

(2:2, 13-18) (4:4,7,10) 5. God gave Joseph dreams about when to return and 5. Being “perfect,” or true righteousness, is a higher where to settle. (2:19-23) calling based on the spirit of the law, not just the 6. He was a messenger from God who prepared the letter of the law.(5:17-48) way for Jesus. He lived sparsely out in the 6. We don’t need to babble as if many words are wilderness and called for people to repent. (3:1-6) required, but pray to the Father who knows what 7. The Spirit descended on him in the form of a dove we need. (6:7-13) and the Father spoke from heaven saying, “This is 7. God is in heaven and his name is glorious. May his my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased.” will be done as fully and easily on earth as in (3:16-17) heaven. Ask for the needs of today. May we be 8. Turn stones into bread, throw himself from the forgiven as we forgive others. Keep us from the temple roof, worship the devil. (4:1-10) devil’s temptations. If we have forgiveness towards 9. He said to repent because the Kingdom was near. others, our souls are in the right place to receive His disciples were normal men. Some were God’s forgiveness. (6:9-15) fisherman. (4:17-22) 8. What we focus on daily will either produce light or 10. Poor in spirit, those who mourn, meek, those who darkness in our lives. (6:22-23) hunger and thirst for righteousness, merciful, pure 9. A speck compared to a plank is a contrast of small in heart, peacemakers, persecuted. (5:3-10) and large. When we pass judgement on others we 11. As salt and light God’s people fulfill the spirit of the forget our own faults are greater. (7:3-5) law not the letter only. (5:17-48) 10. How we want to be treated is how we should treat 12. Be humble and not seek the human recognition. others. (7:12) (6:1-8) 11. Seeking God and trusting him qualifies to enter the 13. God and money. (6:24) narrow gate. Trusting in our own flesh will not help 14. Don’t worry about food, clothing, or tomorrow, but us. (7:13-14) seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness.

(6:25-34) 15. God gives us good gifts just like our fathers. (7:7-11) 16. We can judge a tree by its fruit and know false prophets, etc. (7:15-20) 17. Hear the words of Jesus and put them into practice.

(7:24-27)

THE GOSPELS LESSON 2

MATTHEW 8-14

01 OBSERVATIONS 1. What prophecy did it fulfill when Jesus healed many people? (CHAPTER 8)

2. What examples did Jesus give about the cost to follow him? (CHAPTER 8)

3. How did people react when Jesus calmed a

8. How did Jesus and John the Baptist view each other? (CHAPTER 11)

9. What did Jesus say about unrepentant cities (CHAPTER 11) 10. How did Jesus disagree with the Pharisees about the sabbath and demons? (CHAPTER 12)

storm and cast demons out of possessed men?

(CHAPTER 8)

4. When Jesus was criticized for befriending

11. In what way did Jesus compare himself to Jonah?

(CHAPTER 12)

Matthew, how did he respond? (CHAPTER 9)

12. Name the six parables that Jesus taught.

(CHAPTER 13)

5. What was Jesus’ response to the Pharisees’

13. In his hometown, how did people receive Jesus and his miracles? (CHAPTER 13)

question about fasting? (CHAPTER 9)

6. When Jesus sent his disciples, what did he give them authority to do and what should they watch

14. Why did Herod kill John the Baptist and why did he think John was resurrected? (CHAPTER 14)

out for? (CHAPTER 10)

7. How might some treat the disciples well and how were they to view their own lives? (CHAPTER 10)

15. Jesus miraculously fed thousands and walked on water. What was Peter’s response when Jesus walked on water? (CHAPTER 14)

LESSON 2: MATTHEW 8-14

02 DEEPER THOUGHT 1) In what way did Jesus see faith in the centurion and how did he compare it to traditional people in Israel? (CHAPTER 8) 2) What do you think the demons meant when they shouted at Jesus about torturing them before the appointed time? (CHAPTER 8) 3) Why did the Pharisees take issue with Jesus for forgiving the sins of the paralytic and what did Jesus say it proved about himself? (CHAPTER 9) 4) Jesus went to pray for a young girl who died. How did he respond to the bleeding woman on the way and to those who laughed at him when he arrived? (CHAPTER 9) 5) Why did Jesus not want those he healed to tell others? What did the blind men do? (CHAPTER 9) 6) How did Jesus have compassion on the crowds and what was his main request? (CHAPTER 9) 7) How did sheep, wolves, snakes, and doves relate to the disciples journey? (CHAPTER 10) 8) What was Jesus trying to teach his disciples when he said to not be afraid but also a student is not above his teacher? (CHAPTER 10) 9) What do we learn from Jesus comparing his and John’s eating and drinking habits? (CHAPTER 11) 10) What things was the Father revealing to little children that made Jesus rejoice and how could taking Jesus’ yoke bring rest? (CHAPTER 11) 11) Who is Lord of the Sabbath and what is the true nature of the sabbath? (CHAPTER 12) 12) In what way did Jesus fulfill the prophecy from Isaiah in chapter 12? (CHAPTER 12) 13) What did Jesus teach about the heart, words, and unforgivable blasphemy? (CHAPTER 12) 14) Jesus gave the meaning of two parables. What do you think the meaning is of the parables comparing the Kingdom to a mustard seed, yeast, and hidden treasure? (CHAPTER 13) 15) What can we learn from Peter walking on the water? (CHAPTER 14)

LESSON 2 | MATTHEW 8-14

03 CONSIDERATION CORNER

ANSWERS TO LESSON 2 OBSERVATIONS

Consider this: When the disciples asked Jesus why he spoke in parables, his answer seems like a parable, unless one looks at it from kingdom perspective. Those who were proud of their religious tradition could not see or understand what Jesus was saying.

Those who were like children were having things revealed to them. Therefore, those who had simple faith would be given more in addition to saving faith. Those who had no faith due to trusting in their lifeless religion, would ultimately lose their souls - even what they had would be taken!

QUESTIONS FOR DEEPER THOUGHT

1. Isaiah 53:4 “He took up our infirmities and carried 1.The gentile centurion had much authority, so he had our diseases.” (8:17) faith in Jesus’ authority to heal. Jesus did not see that 2. Even animals have homes but Jesus does not. (8:20) kind of simple faith in the traditional people of Israel.

3. The disciples were amazed but others were afraid of (8:5-13) his power. (8:24,37) 2. The appointed time is when all demons are 4) He desires mercy for sinners. Those who are well permanently thrown into the pit of hell. (8:29) don’t need a doctor, it’s those who are sick. (9:12-13) 3. The Pharisees didn’t believe Jesus was the Messiah, 5. He said people don’t fast when they’re guests of a so they thought it was blasphemy. Jesus said he had bridegroom. And you don’t put new wine in old the authority as the “Son of Man” (9:2-6) wineskins. (9:14-17) 4. Jesus healed the bleeding woman commending her 6. Cast out demons, heal people, raise the dead, preach faith. Jesus ignored those who laughed and raised the the kingdom message. Watch out for those who hate young girl. (9:18-25) you. (10:7-8,17, 22) 5. Jesus wanted people to seek him as the Messiah and 7. Those who listen to the truth and help the disciples not come just for miracles. The blind men spread the as God’s spokesmen will be rewarded. A disciple is to news all over anyway. (9:28-31) take up his cross daily and find his life in Jesus. (10:37- 6. They were helpless like those without a shepherd, so 42) Jesus told his disciples to pray for God to send workers 8. While in prison, John wondered if Jesus was the into the harvest. (9:36-38) Messiah. Jesus sent word with many examples, 7. Great pictures by Jesus about being gentle like sheep confirming who he was. Jesus said John was like Elijah around people acting like wolves, and being wise like and there was no greater man than John. (11:7-14) serpents while maintaining the innocence of doves.

9. Those who didn’t repent, even after seeing his (10:16) miracles, would be judged like other cities in the past 8. Not to fear what people can do to you but expect to who didn’t repent. (11:20-24) be treated in negative ways like they treated Jesus.

10. Jesus contrasted the spirit of the sabbath with the (10:24-25, 28-31) letter of the law. Also, he couldn't cast out demons if he 9. People will always criticize but your actions are what was evil because that would be a kingdom divided counts. (11:18-19) against itself. (12:12-14, 22-28) 10. Those with child like faith understood the truth in 11. Just like Jonah was in the belly of a fish for three Jesus’ teaching. His yoke is the truth about him, which days, Jesus would be in the heart of the earth for three brings ultimate rest. (11:25-30) days - the grave. (12:39-40) 11. Jesus. True sabbath is to understand the spirit of 12. The sower, weeds, mustard seed, yeast, hidden rest and not live by the letter of the law. (12:1-14) treasure, net. (13) 12. He withdrew from the conflict and asked people 13. They didn’t honor Jesus but only saw him in the not to tell who he was. (12:15-21) natural, so Jesus didn’t do many miracles there due to 13. From the heart the mouth speaks. Don’t use their lack of faith. (13:53-58) careless words. Blasphemy against the holy Spirit is 14. Herod killed John who had rebuked him for unforgivable. (12:31-36) adultery. Herod thought Jesus was John resurrected 14. The Kingdom of God is hidden to the human eye because of his miraculous power. (14:1-12) and yet has great influence on the world around it.

15. Peter wanted Jesus to call him out to walk on the (13:31-33, 44-46) water also. (14:28) 15. Keep our eyes on Jesus and not the circumstances.

(14:29-31)

THE GOSPELS LESSON 3

MATTHEW 15-21

01 OBSERVATIONS 1.Why didn’t Jesus answer the Canaanite woman but then heal her? (CHAPTER 15)

2.What did Jesus mean by the “yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees?” (CHAPTER 16)

3.What was Jesus’ response to Peter rebuking him about being killed? (CHAPTER 16)

4. How did the disciples react when God spoke, and what did Jesus mean that Elijah had already come?

(CHAPTER 17)

5. Why did Jesus have Peter catch a fish with a coin in its mouth? (CHAPTER 17)

6. What did Jesus say about children, the Kingdom,

8. What does the parable of the unmerciful servant mean and how many times should we forgive those who sin against us? (CHAPTER 18)

9. What did Jesus say about divorce and being a eunuch? (CHAPTER 19)

10. What is difficult about being rich and what does Jesus mean about the first being last and the last being first? (CHAPTER 19)

11. What does the parable of the workers in the vineyard mean and how does it relate to Jesus saying the last will be first and the first last?

(CHAPTER 20)

12. Why did Jesus ride into Jerusalem on a donkey and how did the people respond? (CHAPTER 21)

and how to treat them? (CHAPTER 18)

13. What was Jesus’ issue with the money changers in the temple? (CHAPTER 21)

7. What does the parable of the lost sheep mean?

14. What is the lesson of the withered fig tree?

(CHAPTER 21)

(CHAPTER 18)

LESSON 3: MATTHEW 15-21

02 DEEPER THOUGHT 1.How did Jesus answer the Pharisees’ criticism by quoting Isaiah and what did he mean by things going in or out of one’s mouth? (CHAPTER 15) 2.What were the signs of the times that the Pharisees couldn’t interpret? (CHAPTER 16) 3.Why would people think Jesus was John the Baptist, Elijah, or Jeremiah and how did Peter know exactly who he was? (CHAPTER 16) 4.What is the rock on which the church is built and what are the keys to the Kingdom that can bind and loose? (CHAPTER 16) 5.Why would Peter want to build three shelters on the mountain and when did Jesus say they could tell what happened? (CHAPTER 17) 6.Why couldn’t the disciples cast the demon out of the boy? (CHAPTER 17) 7. Why is there a three step response if someone sins against us? (CHAPTER 18) 8.What does Jesus say about two or three gathering in his name and agreeing about something?

(CHAPTER 18) 9. What do we learn from Jesus’ response to the women’s request for having her sons sit at his right and left in the kingdom? (CHAPTER 20) 10. Why were the teachers of the law mad at Jesus for the wonderful things he did, the authority he had, and the way the children praised him? (CHAPTER 21)

LESSON 3 | MATTHEW15-21

03 CONSIDERATION CORNER

ANSWERS TO LESSON 3 OBSERVATIONS 1.She was not an Israelite but then he saw her amazing faith. (15:24-28) 2.He was referring to their false teaching based on tradition. (16:12) 3.He said it was the devil, a stumbling block, and not from God. (16:23) 4.They fell face down terrified. Jesus was referring to John the Baptist as a type of Elijah. (17:6,13) 5.To pay the tax and be above reproach. (17:26-27) 6.Children are humble and simple in faith. We are to be like them to enter the kingdom and if we welcome them it’s like welcoming Jesus. (18:1-6) 7.The Father in heaven does not want any child to be lost. (18:14) 8.We should forgive others as we want God to forgive us. We should forgive others 77 times! (18:21-35) 9.There is an exception for divorce, otherwise it is just because of hardness of heart. Being a eunuch is a calling. (19:8-12) 10.Rich people have much to overcome so will be “last.”.The “last” in life don’t have as much but will be first spiritually. (19:16-30) 11. The Lord receives people into his kingdom at all times. Even sinners coming in “late” by faith will be accepted. (20:1-16) 12. To fulfill a prophecy from Zechariah in humility. The people shouted Hosanna, also fulfilling a prophetic Psalm. (21:1-11) 13.They were buying and selling in a dishonoring way.

(21:12-13) 14. Have faith and do not doubt. (21:18-22)

Consider this: Jesus was amazingly loving, merciful, and forgiving toward people. However, many parables Jesus told, including the two in chapter 21, made the chief priests and Pharisees angry because the message was directed at them and their hypocrisy. Jesus was the hardest on the religious leaders because of their pride and arrogance. The message of Jesus is so clear that we should have simple faith in him like a child, follow him, and with humility, love and serve others.

QUESTIONS FOR DEEPER THOUGHT 1.It is what’s in our hearts that counts and not the letter of the law. Out of our mouths come unclean things from our hearts. (15:1-20) 2.Jesus had come as the Messiah, which was prophesied.

(16:1-4) 3.John was the most recent one sent from God, Elijah was a prophet of signs and wonders, Jeremiah was an intercessor for Israel. The Father in heaven revealed to Peter who Jesus was. (16:13-17) 4.The rock is the truth Peter spoke about Jesus, which was revealed by Father God. The keys are the truths revealed, which God confirms in heaven to affirm or deny what those apostles speak. (16:17-19) 5.Peter wanted everyone to stay in the awesome experience. Jesus said they could tell about it after his resurrection. (17:4-9) 6.Jesus said their faith was too small. (17:20-21) 7.It allows for the person to listen and change. (18:15-17) 8.Jesus is present and the Father will answer their prayer.

(18:19-20) 9.We should not seek to be exalted but be servant to all.

(20:20-28) 10.Because they were jealous and envious. (21:15, 23, 4546)

THE GOSPELS LESSON 4

MATTHEW 22-28

01 OBSERVATIONS 1.What did Jesus say were the two greatest commandments on which hang all the law and

10. What did Jesus say the cup and bread represent in the last supper? (CHAPTER 26)

prophets? (CHAPTER 22)

2. Why was Jesus hard on the religious leaders and

11. Jesus predicted that Peter would deny him. What happened that Peter would do that even though he swore he never would? (CHAPTER 26)

how many woes did he pronounce on them?

(CHAPTER 23)

3. When Jesus lamented over Jerusalem when did he say they would see him again? (CHAPTER 23)

4. What are some signs that Jesus said would mark

12. At Gethsemane, why was Jesus overwhelmed with sorrow, and did the disciples support him during this time? (CHAPTER 26)

13. When they arrested Jesus, Peter tried to defend him with a sword. How did Jesus respond to Peter’s actions? (CHAPTER 26)

his return? (CHAPTER 24) 14. How did the 30 pieces of silver fulfill a prophecy from Jeremiah? (CHAPTER 27) 5. How will people be acting before Jesus’ return that is similar to the days of Noah? (CHAPTER 24)

15. What put Pilate in a predicament, and why did he wash his hands in front of the whole crowd?

(CHAPTER 27)

6. What lessons do we learn from the two parables in this chapter? (CHAPTER 25)

16. How did the soldiers and chief priests mock Jesus? (CHAPTER 27)

7. How do the sheep and goats act differently in Jesus’ analogy? (CHAPTER 25)

17. What are some things that happened when Jesus died and what was the reaction of the soldiers? (CHAPTER 27)

8. Why did the chief priests not want to arrest Jesus during the feast and how much did they pay Judas

18. Where was Jesus buried? (CHAPTER 27)

to betray Jesus? (CHAPTER 26)

9. Why did Jesus not criticize the woman who poured expensive oil on his head and how did he say she would be remembered? (CHAPTER 26)

19. What happened when the two women went to Jesus’ tomb on Sunday? (CHAPTER 28)

LESSON 4: MATTHEW 22-28

02 DEEPER THOUGHT 1.Why did Jesus tell the parable of the wedding banquet to the religious leaders? (CHAPTER 22) 2. Why was Jesus’ answer about paying taxes a true word of wisdom? (CHAPTER 22) 3.When Jesus’ quoted “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” how was it amazing wisdom? (CHAPTER 22) 4. What was Jesus’ point that the Christ would be the son of David but David also prophetically called him Lord in Psalm 110? (CHAPTER 22) 5. When Jesus said many things would happen before his return, was he saying they would happen real soon, in a very long time, or both? (CHAPTER 24) 6. How did Jesus compare his own return to others claiming to be Christ? (CHAPTER 24) 7. What did Jesus mean when he asked his Father to take this cup from him if it is possible? (CHAPTER 26) 8. Why were the religious leaders so threatened by Jesus and what did he say that they declared as blasphemy? (CHAPTER 26) 9. What amazed Pilate about the way Jesus responded to accusations? (CHAPTER 27) 10. What did Jesus mean when he cried “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (CHAPTER 27) 11. Why was the curtain in the temple torn from top to bottom? (CHAPTER 27) 12. How did Jesus commission his disciples after his resurrection? (CHAPTER 28)

LESSON 4 | MATTHEW 22-28

03 CONSIDERATION CORNER

ANSWERS TO LESSON 4 OBSERVATIONS 1.Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.

Love your neighbor as yourself. (22:37-39) 2.He pronounced seven woes on them because they were hypocrites, blind guides, and proud. (23) 3.When he comes again. (23:39) 4.Wars, famines, earthquakes, increase of evil, persecution, and the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world!

(24:1-25) 5.Business as usual with eating, drinking, and marrying. (24:3739) 6.The Lord will return so be ready and watchful. Use what God has given us without fear or presumption. (251-30) 7.The “sheep” help people with food, clothing, shelter, and visitation, as service to the Lord. The “goats” don’t care about people. (25:31-46) 8.They were afraid of a riot. Thirty silver coins. (26:5,15) She was figuratively preparing Jesus for burial.

9. Wherever the gospel is preached this woman would be remembered. (26:12-13) 10.The bread was his body and the wine was his blood of the covenant. (26:26-28) 11.People were accusing him of associating with with Jesus.

(26:69-75) 12. Jesus was struggling with his destiny of suffering and dying.

The disciples just fell asleep when he needed them. (26:36-46) 13. Jesus told Peter to put away his sword because that’s not how God’s will would be fulfilled. (26:50-54) 14.The chief priests used the blood money to buy a potter’s field as prophesied by Jeremiah. (27:6-10) 15. He knew Jesus wasn’t guilty and his wife even had a dream warning him. However, the Jewish leaders wanted Jesus dead so Pilate washed his hands as a symbol of not being responsible. (27:18-24) 16. The soldiers mocked him as king with a crown of thorns and a robe while they beat him. The chief priests mocked that if he was the Son of God he could save himself. (27:27-31, 41-43) 17. The temple curtain was torn, the earth shook, rocks split, and the tombs of righteous people were opened. The soldiers were terrified and said Jesus must be the Son of God. (27:50-54) 18. A rich man named Joseph put Jesus in his own tomb. (27:5760) 19. There was an earthquake, an angel came down and rolled away the stone and told the women to go tell the disciples that Jesus was risen. They met Jesus on the way and worshipped him. (28:1-10)1.

Consider this: As Jesus said, he could have called legions of angels to rescue him. He knew he was being falsely accused by the religious leaders and the Romans and yet he allowed it to happen, often saying, “these things must take place.”Consider the prayer of the disciples in Acts 4 where they said “Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.”

QUESTIONS FOR DEEPER THOUGHT 1.The parable was about them as people who should have known Jesus was the Messiah. He wanted them to repent and believe. (22:1-14) 2.While answering the question without being political, he did not fall for the Pharisees trap. (22:15-22) 3. It showed the Sadducees, who did not believe in resurrection, that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were alive in the spiritual realm. (22:31-32) 4. David was speaking about the coming Messiah in his lineage and Jesus was essentially asking “who do you say that I am?” (22:41-46) 5. Apparently both because some things were fulfilled soon and some have yet to be fulfilled. (24:1-35) 6. Jesus’ return will be incredibly obvious but false Christs will just be looking for people to deceive and follow them. (24:23-31) 7.To not have to suffer and die on the cross. (26:39-42) 8.People were following Jesus, which would undermine their control and position. Jesus confirmed he was the Christ. (26:62-68) 9. Jesus didn’t reply to a single charge. (27:14) 10.He was experiencing the sin of the world on him.

Amazingly, with these words, Jesus was quoting Psalm 22, a Messianic Psalm. (27:46) 11.This represents Jesus making a way for all to enter the Holy of Holies by believing in him and his sacrifice.

(27:51) 12. Jesus said that all authority had been given to him, therefore they should go, make disciples, baptize, teach them to obey, and he would be with them always. (28:18-20)

THE GOSPELS LESSON 4

MATTHEW 22-28

01 OBSERVATIONS 1.What did Jesus say were the two greatest commandments on which hang all the law and

10. What did Jesus say the cup and bread represent in the last supper? (CHAPTER 26)

prophets? (CHAPTER 22)

2. Why was Jesus hard on the religious leaders and

11. Jesus predicted that Peter would deny him. What happened that Peter would do that even though he swore he never would? (CHAPTER 26)

how many woes did he pronounce on them?

(CHAPTER 23)

3. When Jesus lamented over Jerusalem when did he say they would see him again? (CHAPTER 23)

4. What are some signs that Jesus said would mark

12. At Gethsemane, why was Jesus overwhelmed with sorrow, and did the disciples support him during this time? (CHAPTER 26)

13. When they arrested Jesus, Peter tried to defend him with a sword. How did Jesus respond to Peter’s actions? (CHAPTER 26)

his return? (CHAPTER 24) 14. How did the 30 pieces of silver fulfill a prophecy from Jeremiah? (CHAPTER 27) 5. How will people be acting before Jesus’ return that is similar to the days of Noah? (CHAPTER 24)

15. What put Pilate in a predicament, and why did he wash his hands in front of the whole crowd?

(CHAPTER 27)

6. What lessons do we learn from the two parables in this chapter? (CHAPTER 25)

16. How did the soldiers and chief priests mock Jesus? (CHAPTER 27)

7. How do the sheep and goats act differently in Jesus’ analogy? (CHAPTER 25)

17. What are some things that happened when Jesus died and what was the reaction of the soldiers? (CHAPTER 27)

8. Why did the chief priests not want to arrest Jesus during the feast and how much did they pay Judas

18. Where was Jesus buried? (CHAPTER 27)

to betray Jesus? (CHAPTER 26)

9. Why did Jesus not criticize the woman who poured expensive oil on his head and how did he say she would be remembered? (CHAPTER 26)

19. What happened when the two women went to Jesus’ tomb on Sunday? (CHAPTER 28)

LESSON 4: MATTHEW 22-28

02 DEEPER THOUGHT 1.Why did Jesus tell the parable of the wedding banquet to the religious leaders? (CHAPTER 22) 2. Why was Jesus’ answer about paying taxes a true word of wisdom? (CHAPTER 22) 3.When Jesus’ quoted “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” how was it amazing wisdom? (CHAPTER 22) 4. What was Jesus’ point that the Christ would be the son of David but David also prophetically called him Lord in Psalm 110? (CHAPTER 22) 5. When Jesus said many things would happen before his return, was he saying they would happen real soon, in a very long time, or both? (CHAPTER 24) 6. How did Jesus compare his own return to others claiming to be Christ? (CHAPTER 24) 7. What did Jesus mean when he asked his Father to take this cup from him if it is possible? (CHAPTER 26) 8. Why were the religious leaders so threatened by Jesus and what did he say that they declared as blasphemy? (CHAPTER 26) 9. What amazed Pilate about the way Jesus responded to accusations? (CHAPTER 27) 10. What did Jesus mean when he cried “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (CHAPTER 27) 11. Why was the curtain in the temple torn from top to bottom? (CHAPTER 27) 12. How did Jesus commission his disciples after his resurrection? (CHAPTER 28)

LESSON 4 | MATTHEW 22-28

03 CONSIDERATION CORNER

ANSWERS TO LESSON 4 OBSERVATIONS 1.Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.

Love your neighbor as yourself. (22:37-39) 2.He pronounced seven woes on them because they were hypocrites, blind guides, and proud. (23) 3.When he comes again. (23:39) 4.Wars, famines, earthquakes, increase of evil, persecution, and the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world!

(24:1-25) 5.Business as usual with eating, drinking, and marrying. (24:3739) 6.The Lord will return so be ready and watchful. Use what God has given us without fear or presumption. (251-30) 7.The “sheep” help people with food, clothing, shelter, and visitation, as service to the Lord. The “goats” don’t care about people. (25:31-46) 8.They were afraid of a riot. Thirty silver coins. (26:5,15) 9.She was figuratively preparing Jesus for burial. Wherever the gospel is preached this woman would be remembered. (26:12-13) 10..The bread was his body and the wine was his blood of the covenant. (26:26-28) 11.People were accusing him of associating with with Jesus.

(26:69-75) 12. Jesus was struggling with his destiny of suffering and dying.

The disciples just fell asleep when he needed them. (26:36-46) 13. Jesus told Peter to put away his sword because that’s not how God’s will would be fulfilled. (26:50-54) 14.The chief priests used the blood money to buy a potter’s field as prophesied by Jeremiah. (27:6-10) 15. He knew Jesus wasn’t guilty and his wife even had a dream warning him. However, the Jewish leaders wanted Jesus dead so Pilate washed his hands as a symbol of not being responsible.

(27:18-24) 16. The soldiers mocked him as king with a crown of thorns and a robe while they beat him. The chief priests mocked that if he was the Son of God he could save himself. (27:27-31, 41-43) 17. The temple curtain was torn, the earth shook, rocks split, and the tombs of righteous people were opened. 18. The soldiers were terrified and said Jesus must be the Son of God. (27:50-54) 18. A rich man named Joseph put Jesus in his own tomb. (27:5760) 19. There was an earthquake, an angel came down and rolled away the stone and told the women to go tell the disciples that Jesus was risen. They met Jesus on the way and worshipped him.

(28:1-10)1.

Consider this: As Jesus said, he could have called legions of angels to rescue him. He knew he was being falsely accused by the religious leaders and the Romans and yet he allowed it to happen, often saying, “these things must take place.”Consider the prayer of the disciples in Acts 4 where they said “Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.”

QUESTIONS FOR DEEPER THOUGHT 1.The parable was about them as people who should have known Jesus was the Messiah. He wanted them to repent and believe. (22:1-14) 2.While answering the question without being political, he did not fall for the Pharisees trap. (22:15-22) 3. It showed the Sadducees, who did not believe in resurrection, that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were alive in the spiritual realm. (22:31-32) 4. David was speaking about the coming Messiah in his lineage and Jesus was essentially asking “who do you say that I am?” (22:41-46) 5. Apparently both because some things were fulfilled soon and some have yet to be fulfilled. (24:1-35) 6. Jesus’ return will be incredibly obvious but false Christs will just be looking for people to deceive and follow them. (24:23-31) 7.To not have to suffer and die on the cross. (26:39-42) 8.People were following Jesus, which would undermine their control and position. Jesus confirmed he was the Christ. (26:62-68) 9. Jesus didn’t reply to a single charge. (27:14) 10.He was experiencing the sin of the world on him.

Amazingly, with these words, Jesus was quoting Psalm 22, a Messianic Psalm. (27:46) 11.This represents Jesus making a way for all to enter the Holy of Holies by believing in him and his sacrifice.

(27:51) 12. Jesus said that all authority had been given to him, therefore they should go, make disciples, baptize, teach them to obey, and he would be with them always. (28:18-20)