Good evening. This evening we are going to be taking a look at Matthew, chapters 12 and 13. Just a reminder here at the start of the Bible study that we will not be meeting for the next 4 weeks. VBS, Vacation, S.I.T.S., and then the 4th of July. But as I said, for tonight we are going to try and get through Matthew chapters 12 and 13.
Before we do that though, let’s open our time with a word of prayer. Let’s Pray!
As we start, as a child, what were Sundays like in your home?
What are they like today for you?
Well let’s go ahead and take a look at our first section of chapter 12 at this time. We are going to read about there “church” day if you will. So whoever has the first key, go ahead and read that for us please. (READ)
As we read about the Sabbath, what is the point about David? (I Samuel 21:1-6)
What does Jesus imply by His claim in verse 6?
How is the question in verse 10 a trap for Jesus?
How does Jesus show that He is the authoritative interpreter of the law?
What does the Pharisee’s response show?
As we look at this section, how important are your needs to God?
Does anyone have anything else that they would like to add before we move on?
Well, if there is nothing else, on to our next section. Where do you usually go when things get too heavy for you to deal with? Why?
Well in this next section, we see Jesus retreating to a place to get away from it all. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that for us please. (READ)
In reacting to the Pharisees’ hostility, how does Jesus fulfill prophesy?
How does Jesus treat the wounded and weak?
What is the biggest thing that you learn from this section?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if there is nothing else, let’s just jump right into our next section. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that one for us please. (READ)
How did the people react to Jesus healing the blind and mute man?
How did the Pharisees react?
What 3 defenses does Jesus give in answer to the Pharisees’ accusations? (26-27, 29)
Is neutrality to Jesus possible? Why or why not?
What reason does Jesus give for the Pharisees’ hostility? (34-37)
What real difference does Jesus’ power make in your daily struggles against evil?
How about in your daily speech with others?
Does anyone have anything else before we move on?
Well, if that is all, let’s finish chapter 12. Let’s just go ahead and jump into the next section. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that for us please. (READ)
Why do you think the Pharisees wanted to see a miracle?
How is Jesus greater than Jonah?
Are you one of Jesus’ brothers or sisters or mother? Why do you think that way?
From the way that you lived your life this past week, would others see you as a brother or sister of Jesus, or as a distant relative?
At this time, let me go ahead and read for you what the commentary has to say about chapter 12 as a whole. It says, (READ COMMENTARY)
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on to the next chapter?
Well, if there is nothing else, let’s move on to chapter 13. It is here that Jesus begins to tell some of Him many parables. Let’s start small. What is a parable?
Okay, let’s go ahead and read our first section of this chapter. Whoever has the next 2 keys, go ahead and read them. (READ)
Okay, what 4 kinds of soil does Jesus mention?
What happens to each of the seeds in each soil?
What do parables accomplish that other simple and direct speech lacks?
Can you see and hear Jesus at work in today’s society? If so, how?
Why do so many people misunderstand the Gospel?
What deep roots help a believer from falling away? And what gives you these roots?
What worries can choke your growth in Christ? How can you free your life from those thorns?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on?
Well, if there is nothing else, let’s dive right in to the next section. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that section for us please. (READ)
In Jesus’ interpretation of the parable of the Weeds, what does Jesus say each thing represents in this parable? (36-43)
What was the enemy trying to accomplish by sowing bad seed in with the good?
Why did the owner of the field not have the weeds pulled up immediately?
What happens to the weeds and the wheat at “the end of the age”?
What does Jesus say about the end of the age in His interpretation?
What does it mean to you that you will “shine like the sun” in the kingdom of God?
Where or when have you seen faith like a mustard seed or like yeast have a great impact?
Does anyone have anything else form this passage before we move on?
Well, if there is nothing else, let’s finish up this evening with the rest of chapter 13. But first, tell me what needs sorting out in you garage or basement? Would you find junk or treasure?
Well, whoever has the last key, go ahead and finish things up. (READ)
What do the parables in verses 44-46 teach about the value of the Kingdom?
With what emotion and energy should it be pursued?
What does the parable of the net teach about the Kingdom?
How does it compare with the parable of the weeds that we looked at?
The hometown crowd did not respond well to Jesus. How did this affect His ministry there?
Compared to the man and the merchant, how valuable is the Kingdom to you and why?
What relation does our faith have to the ability of Jesus to be at work in our lives?
At this time, let me go ahead and read for you what the commentary has to say about chapter 13. It says, (READ COMMENTARY)
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we close this evening?
Well, if there is nothing else, let me ask one last question: Of the parables in chapter 13, are any of them still unclear to you?
Well, if no one has anything else, I will close with a word of prayer, and then we will be dismissed. Remember for next time that we will be taking a look at Matthew chapters 14 and 15, but that will be 5 weeks from now.
Prayer Concerns/Announcements
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