Preparing for the End

 

Welcome to this study of Matthew's Gospel, a collaborative effort between Mary Barmore and Dr. Alice C. Linsley.

For 9 months Mary Barmore was too sick to leave her bed. During those months, she read the New Testament for the first time and took notes on each of the books. This dramatically changed Mary's life. Before you begin this unique study of Matthew, read Mary's Testimony.

For this study, we use Mary's study notes and Alice adds notes of historical and anthropological relevance.

To prepare for this week's study, read Matthew chapter 16. When you have finished, answer the 10 questions. Scroll to the bottom to check your answers.

Introduction

The Pharisees and Scribes became hostile to Jesus. They asked him for a sign. Jesus told them that no sign would be given them except the sign of Jonah. Then he and his disciples departed from them.

Jesus warned his disciples about the false teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

At Caesaria Philippi Jesus asked the disciples, "Who do men say that the Son of Man is?" Their responses reflect the speculation of the Jewish people about Jesus' identity. Jesus then made the question more personal: "Who do you say that I am?" Simon blurted out: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus then gave Simon a new name, Peter, and said that his church will be built upon the rock of Peter's confession of faith.

From this time, Jesus began to prepare his disciples for his impending arrest and death. He rebuked Peter when Peter said that this would never happen. Jesus went on to explain that the disciples can follow him only if they deny themselves and take up the cross.

The chapter closes with Jesus' statements about the coming judgement and the dawning of his kingdom. The message is clear: Jesus knew his time on earth was nearing an end and he wanted to prepare his disciples. His words serve as a warning to us also that we are to prepare for the end of this world.

Questions

1. Jesus noted that the Pharisees and Scribes recognized signs in nature, but not the signs of the times. Why are many people unable to see the signs of the times even today?

2. How does the story of Jonah relate to Jesus?

3. As usual, the disciples were preoccupied with food (bread). What message did Jesus deliver to redirect their focus?

4. How are false teachings like leaven?
 
5. Why did Jesus ask what people were saying about him?

6. What did Simon bar Jonah declare about Jesus?

7. What is the significance of the new name that Jesus gave to Simon?

8. How is the confession of faith in Jesus as the Christ (Messiah, Son of God) like a rock?

9. What did Peter not grasp about the Messiah?

10. How did Jesus describe his coming again, and what is meant by the claim that "there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of man come into his kingdom"?

Answers

1. In Christian eschatology (theology of the end times), the phrase "signs of the times" refers to significant world events that biblical texts describe as signs of the fulfillment of Christ's mission on earth. Such signs encourage preparedness before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. People who do not read the Bible and do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God will not perceive the signs.

2. The story of Jonah relates to Jesus who was 3 days in the tomb before he rose from the grave. Likewise, Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for 3 days before God delivered him from the depths.

3. Jesus chastised the disciples for their preoccupation with food. He reminds them of how he miraculously fed the crowds. Then he redirected their thinking by warning them about the leaven (teachings) of the Pharisees and the Sadducees, the 2 largest factions within Judaism at that time. The Pharisees taught strict adherence to the Law (legalism), and the Sadducees rejected belief in bodily resurrection. Yet the disciples were witnesses to 3 incidents of Jesus raising people from the dead: Jairus' daughter, the son of the widow of Nain, and Lazarus.

4. False teachings are like leaven because a small amount can spread and corrupt an entire group, just as a small amount of yeast makes a whole batch of dough rise. This analogy would have been familiar to the disciples because bread was the main staple of the daily diet for ordinary people. The Hebrew word for bread is lechem  לֶחֶם  and it essentially meant food.

5. Jesus asked what people were saying about him to challenge his disciples to move beyond popular opinion, and to prompt them to recognize his true identity as the Messiah and the Son of God.

6. Simon declared that Jesus is "the Christ, the son of the living God" and Jesus explained that this was revealed to Simon by the Holy Spirit.

7. In the Bible when a person's spiritual life reaches a turning point, God gives them a new name. Abram became Abraham. Jacob became Israel. Simon bar Jonah means that Peter was a son of a man named Jonah. It is the Hebrew patronymic for Simon Peter. A patronymic is a personal name based on the given name of one's father or a famous male ancestor. These names are identified by the Hebrew word bar or the Aramaic word ben, both meaning son or male descendant. In Numbers 13, Caleb is designated Kalev ben Jephunneh. 1 Chronicles 2:19 identifies Hur as a son (ben) of Kalev (Caleb). Patronymic names are common in the Bible. (See Hebrew Names and Titles.) Some believe that all who are in Christ receive a new name that is written in the Book of Life mentioned in Revelation 20:15.

8. Rocks are hard and durable and they resist pressure. They provide solid foundations and stability to structures. The name Peter is derived from the Greek word petra, meaning stone or rock. The faith declared by Peter through the agency of the Holy Spirit is the solid foundation of the Church.

9. Even after all that Peter had seen and done, he still did not understand that the Son of God would have to die and rise in order to fulfill God's plan. Peter had seen Jesus deliver to him a great catch of fish (Luke 5). He had seen Jesus walk on water and even walked there himself. He had witnessed how Jesus miraculously fed great crowds. He had observed Jesus' power to heal every infirmity and his authority over demons. Even so, Peter did not understand that the Messiah, the Son of God, was to die and rise again to gain the ultimate victory over sin and death. His view of the Messiah was too small.

10. Jesus said he will come again in glory with his angels to repay every person for their deeds. He also said that some who heard him say this would not taste death before they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom. Since all who were there died before Jesus' return, this refers to Jesus' victory over sin and death through the cross and the resurrection. From the moment He rose from the dead, Jesus came into his kingdom. However, the day of judgement is yet to come.

If you are just now joining this study, welcome! Between 600 and 800 people have joined us. If you wish to catch up, you will find links to the previous lessons below.

Join us next week as we continue our study of Matthew's Gospel.

Why the Name Jesus?
Matthew Chapter 1: A Closer Look
Matthew Chapter 2: The Magi Worship the Christ and Defy Herod
Matthew Chapter 3: Jesus and John Fulfill All Righteousness
Matthew Chapter 4: Jesus Exposes the Devil's Tactics
Matthew Chapter 5: Jesus Teaches with Superior Authority
Matthew Chapter 6: True Kingdom Seekers
Matthew Chapter 7: Entering by the Narrow Gate
Matthew Chapter 8: The Uniqueness of Jesus
Matthew Chapter 9: Christ the Compassionate Lord
Matthew Chapter 10: The Apostles' High Calling
Matthew Chapter 11: The Messiah Brings Relief
Matthew Chapter 12: Greater Glory Resides in Jesus
Matthew Chapter 13: Perceive His Kingdom Coming
Matthew Chapter 14: Christ Rules Over Nature

Matthew Chapter 15: The Power of Persistent Faith

The Power of Persistent Faith

 

A 5th century BC votive relief found in a sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius 

shows a dog eating under the Master's table. 

Welcome to this study of Matthew's Gospel, a collaboration between Mary Barmore and Dr. Alice C. Linsley. Before you begin the lesson, read Matthew Chapter 15. When you have finished reading, answer the questions. Check your answers by scrolling to the bottom.


Introduction

In this chapter Jesus confronts the Pharisees and Scribes about elevating the precepts of their "elders" above the Word of God (vv. 1-9). Jesus criticizes them for transgressing the commandment to honor one's father and mother for the sake of their rabbinic laws. The specific example cited by Jesus involves not paying a debt to one's parents by instead giving money to the Temple which made one appear holy. This money supported the Temple authorities.

The Pharisees and Scribes criticized Jesus' disciples for not washing their hands when eating. They believed that this was defilement. However, according to Jesus, "defilement" springs from the heart and not from the failure to observe ritual washing. 

A “Canaanite woman” from the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon asked Jesus to heal her daughter of demon possession. Jesus explained that his mission as Messiah was to the Jews. While accepting that Jesus came to feed the Jews (called "children of Israel"), the woman asserts that the "dogs" (Gentiles) need what Jesus offers, even if it comes as crumbs from the Master's table.

This chapter describes healings and a second feeding of a large crowd. This happened at a "mount" near the Sea of Galilee. 

Questions

1. In his criticism of the Jewish leaders, Jesus quotes Isaiah 29:13. Here Isaiah speaks of a disconnect between the lips and the heart. This produces "vain" worship. What causes vain worship?

2. Jesus often quoted the Hebrew Scriptures. What does this indicate about his education?

3. The "Canaanite" woman is also referred to as a "Syrophoenician" woman. (Mark 7:24-30). Why?

4. What did the Syrophoenician woman want Jesus to do?

5. What was Jesus' initial response to the woman's request?

6. Jesus granted the woman's request and acknowledged her great faith. What did the woman believe about Jesus, and what was her spiritual attitude when she approached him?

7. What conditions were healed by Jesus, and why are these specific conditions significant?

8. According to the disciples, what available food was there to feed the large crowd? 

9. How many people were fed and how many baskets of leftovers were gathered?

10. What did the feeding of the crowd reveal about Jesus?

Answers

1. There are many causes of vain worship: hypocrisy, arrogance, spiritual rebellion, lust, hatred, deceit, etc. To worship in truth, we should confess our sins, seek forgiveness and repent.

2. Jesus knew the Hebrew Scriptures very well. As a Jewish boy he would have memorized large portions. Jesus' parents found him in the Temple instructing teachers and asking questions, amazing everyone with his understanding (Luke 2: 41-52). He was 12 years old at that time. By that age, many Jewish boys have mastered the first five books of the Bible (Torah). However, the fact that Jesus quoted Isaiah by memory suggests that he had progressed beyond that level to mastery of the Prophets.

3. The term "Canaanite" is more general than the term "Syrophoenician" used in Mark's account. The Land of Canaan included modern-day Israel, southern Lebanon, and parts of Jordan and Syria. It was bordered by the Mediterranean Sea on the West, the Jordan River on the East, Mount Hermon on the North, and Beersheba and the Sinai on the South. The woman was from the region of Tyre and Sidon on the Mediterranean coast. This region was known as Phoenicia. Historically, the rulers of Phoenicia were allies of Israel. King Hiram of Tyre provided the skilled workers and materials for David to build his palace. 

4. The Syrophoenician woman wanted Jesus to deliver her daughter who she believed to be possessed by a demon. In biblical times, people were delivered from demonic possession primarily by Jesus Christ who cast out demons with authority. This suggests that the woman had heard of Jesus and probably believed that he was Messiah (Christ). 

5. Jesus' initial response to the woman was to tell her that his mission was to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel." She did not belong to that population. The woman said, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” She was willing to accept the crumbs.

6. Jesus marveled at her faith. He recognized her humility, a spiritual condition that arouses God's compassion. There is a beautiful Anglican prayer that alludes to this story. It is called the Prayer of Humble Access.

We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy: Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the Flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his Blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his Body, and our souls washed through his most precious Blood, And that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.

 

7. Jesus healed the maimed, the lame, the blind, those who could not speak, and many others. This stirred great wonder among the people and they glorified God. These conditions are significant because, according to Isaiah 35:5-6, the Messiah was to heal people with these conditions. These healings were a sign of Jesus' identity as the Messiah (Christ).

8. Jesus asked what was available and the disciples told him that they had seven loaves and a few small fish.

9. The crowd consisted of 4000 men plus women and children. Jesus did not want to send them away hungry. After the people were fed, the disciples gathered seven baskets full of the broken pieces.

10. Jesus had compassion on the hungry people. He was concerned that some would faint while returning to their homes. He had the people sit down and then he made sure that they were fed before he dismissed the crowd.

If you are just now joining this study, welcome! Between 600 and 800 people have joined us. If you wish to catch up, you will find links to the previous lessons below.

Join us next week as we continue our study of Matthew's Gospel. 

Why the Name Jesus?
Matthew Chapter 1: A Closer Look
Matthew Chapter 2: The Magi Worship the Christ and Defy Herod
Matthew Chapter 3: Jesus and John Fulfill All Righteousness
Matthew Chapter 4: Jesus Exposes the Devil's Tactics
Matthew Chapter 5: Jesus Teaches with Superior Authority
Matthew Chapter 6: True Kingdom Seekers
Matthew Chapter 7: Entering by the Narrow Gate
Matthew Chapter 8: The Uniqueness of Jesus
Matthew Chapter 9: Christ the Compassionate Lord
Matthew Chapter 10: The Apostles' High Calling
Matthew Chapter 11: The Messiah Brings Relief
Matthew Chapter 12: Greater Glory Resides in Jesus
Matthew Chapter 13: Perceive His Kingdom Coming
Matthew Chapter 14: Christ Rules Over Nature

Christ Rules Over Nature

 

Welcome to this study of Matthew's Gospel, a collaboration between Mary Barmore and Alice C. Linsley. Before you begin, read Matthew Chapter 14. When you have finished reading, answer the 8 questions. Check your answers by scrolling to the bottom.


Introduction

News of Jesus had reached Herod the Tetrarch (Herod Antipas) who thought that Jesus was John the Baptist come back to life. Herod had sworn an oath to give John's head on a platter to Herodias. John's disciples took away John's body and buried him. 

After addressing a large crowd, healing many, and feeding over 5000, Jesus withdrew to the mountain to pray (v. 23). That night his disciples were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee when a strong wind arose and tossed the boat about. Jesus walked toward them on the water. Seeing Jesus, Peter sought to walk to him but grew fearful and began to sink. Jesus reached out and grabbed him, saying "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" (v. 31) Once Peter was safely back in the boat he declared concerning Jesus, "Truly you are the Son of God," and all in the boat worshipped Jesus.

When Jesus landed at Gennesaret, he healed many people, even some who only touched the fringe of his garment (vv. 24-26). Matthew, Mark, and Luke record examples of people wanting to touch the hem of Jesus' garment. “They besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment; and as many as touched (it) were healed.” The woman who had suffered for twelve years came behind Jesus and touched the hem of his outer garment and was healed (Matt. 9:19-22, Mk. 5:25–34; Lk. 8:43–48). It is believed that the woman touched the tzitzit (tassels, fringes) of his robe. For Jews, these indicated a nobleman, a royal person, or a priest.

Questions

1. Why did Herod fear that Jesus was John the Baptist come back to life?

2. Who was Herod the Tetrarch?

3. Why did Herod's wife Herodias seek to have John killed?

4. Jesus' disciples wanted to send the people away to find food, but Jesus insisted that they give them food. What does this tell us about Jesus?

5. How many baskets of leftovers were collected after Jesus fed the crowd of more than 5000?

6. After feeding the crowd, Jesus went away to pray by himself. He often did this. Why did Jesus seek solitude to pray?

7. What did the disciples imagine when they saw a figure walking on the water in the midst of a storm?

8. What did the tassels of Jesus' robe represent for the Jewish people?

Answers

1. Herod feared Jesus because of Jesus' powerful miracles. His guilty conscience led him to fear that Jesus might be acting on John's behalf to bring retribution for John's unlawful execution.

2. Herod the Tetrarch was also known as Herod Antipas. His father was Herod the Great. Herod Antipas ruled over Galilee and Perea under Rome's authority from about 4 B.C. to AD. 39. This is the ruler over Galilee that Jesus would have known during his lifetime. Herod Antipas faced exile after being accused of treason by his wife, Herodias and her brother, Agrippa I.

3. The ambitious Herodias sought to have John killed because he had challenged Herod's unlawful marriage to her. She was the wife of Herod's half-brother Philip. 

4. The feeding of the 5000 speaks of Jesus' divine power, compassion, and provision. It demonstrates that he is the "Bread of Life" which nourishes spiritually and physically. The story also prefigures the Kingdom of Heaven which is described in Revelation 7:16-17: "Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe every tear from their eyes."

5. After the crowd had eaten, the disciples gathered 12 baskets of leftovers. The disciples knew they were not able to feed the multitude. Jesus' feeding of the people spoke about the abundance of God's provision. This story echoes God's provision of manna in the wilderness. What was accomplished under Moses was inferior to what was accomplished by Jesus, the Son of God. The Israelites were not able to gather leftover manna. The contrast between these two divine feedings is significant. The manna provided temporary physical nourishment, while the bread Jesus provided symbolizes the eternal nourishment that only He can offer.

6. Jesus often left the company of the disciples to pray alone. This custom of Jesus is recorded in Luke 5:16, Luke 9:18, Luke 22, Mark 1:35, Matthew 14:23, and Matthew 26. His prayed alone before major decisions, after exhausting periods of ministry, and in times of distress. He needed solitude to commune with his Father without distractions. Christians are to do the same.

7. They thought they were seeing a ghost or an apparition. The Greek word that appears here is φάντασμα, translated "phantom". A phantom is an image that appears to the senses but whose reality is questionable. In their fear, they did not comprehend that they were seeing the Lord. To walk on water defies human understanding, but the Christ is master over the wind and waves. In Mark's Gospel, the veteran fishermen were terrified and cried out to Jesus, saying, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" Mark's Gospel then states that: "He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?' They were terrified and asked each other, 'Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

8. The tassels of Jesus' robe indicated a person of authority. The hem of the High Priest’s robe had fringes with a row of pomegranates and golden bells. The pomegranates and golden bells on the High Priest's robe (Ex. 28:33-34) symbolized holiness and the priestly role. The tassels were mandated by Jewish law (Num. 15:38-39). They symbolized holiness and God's presence. Those who wanted to be healed sought to connect with Jesus who is God in the flesh.

Join us in January 2026 as we continue our study of Matthew's Gospel. Before then, this might interest you: Year A Focuses on Matthew's Gospel

Related Reading

Why the Name Jesus?

Matthew Chapter 1: A Closer Look

Matthew Chapter 2: The Magi Worship the Christ and Defy Herod

Matthew Chapter 3: Jesus and John Fulfill All Righteousness

Matthew Chapter 4: Jesus Exposes the Devil's Tactics

Matthew Chapter 5: Jesus Teaches with Superior Authority

Matthew Chapter 6: True Kingdom Seekers

Matthew Chapter 7: Entering by the Narrow Gate

Matthew Chapter 8: The Uniqueness of Jesus

Matthew Chapter 9: Christ the Compassionate Lord

Matthew Chapter 10: The Apostles' High Calling

Matthew Chapter 11: The Messiah Brings Relief

Matthew Chapter 12: Greater Glory Resides in Jesus

Matthew Chapter 13: Perceive His Kingdom Coming

Year A Focuses on Matthew's Gospel

At Distinctive Discipleship, we have been studying Matthew's Gospel. Congregations that use the Common Lectionary note that the Gospel readings for this year (2026-2026) are from Matthew's Gospel, as is customary for Lectionary Year A.

 

The Lectionary takes us through the Church year which begins with the season of Advent in November. Christmas lasts 12 days. Then comes Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and the season after Pentecost. 

The Year A Lectionary focuses on key passages from Matthew, including the Baptism of Jesus, Jesus' temptation, the Sermon on the Mount, and Jesus' miracles.

Those wanting to dig into the Gospel of Matthew are invited to join our weekly Bible study. It isn't too late! Here are the links to what we have studied to date: 

Why the Name Jesus?

Matthew Chapter 1: A Closer Look

Matthew Chapter 2: The Magi Worship the Christ and Defy Herod

Matthew Chapter 3: Jesus and John Fulfill All Righteousness

Matthew Chapter 4: Jesus Exposes the Devil's Tactics

Matthew Chapter 5: Jesus Teaches with Superior Authority

Matthew Chapter 6: True Kingdom Seekers

Matthew Chapter 7: Entering by the Narrow Gate

Matthew Chapter 8: The Uniqueness of Jesus

Matthew Chapter 9: Christ the Compassionate Lord

Matthew Chapter 10: The Apostles' High Calling

Matthew Chapter 11: The Messiah Brings Relief

Matthew Chapter 12: Greater Glory Resides in Jesus

Matthew Chapter 13: Perceive His Kingdom Coming

Matthew Chapter 14: Christ Rules Over Nature

We will be taking a 3-week break beginning on December 15.

Have a blessed Christmas! 

Mary Barmore and Alice C. Linsley

Perceive His Kingdom Coming

 

Welcome to this study of Matthew's Gospel, a collaboration between Mary Barmore and Alice C. Linsley. Before you begin, read Matthew Chapter 13. When you have finished reading, answer the 10 questions. Check your answers by scrolling to the bottom.


Introduction

In Matthew Chapter 13 we find 7 parables about the kingdom of heaven. These were delivered from a boat and the crowd gathered on the beach to listen. Jesus described the kingdom by using examples from daily life: sowing, baking, buying and selling, and fishing with a net. The disciples asked Jesus why he taught using parables. He replied, "Let those who have ears hear." He said that some are not able to hear the truth about the kingdom. 

Later Jesus went into the house where his disciples asked him to explain the parable of the weeds in the field. When Jesus asked them if they understood, they said "yes", but their understanding was that of people looking through a glass "darkly" as Jesus' glory was not revealed to them until His resurrection and ascension.

Questions

1. The parable of the Sower speaks of 4 spiritual realities. What are they?

2. Why is it important to try to understand the Gospel?

3. What is the message of Jesus' parable of the Mustard Seed?

4. What is the message of the leaven worked into the loaf?

5. The farmer who found weeds sown in his field by an enemy tells his servants to allow them to grow until the harvest. What does this reveal about God's patience and compassion?

6. The parable of the treasure hidden in a field has been interpreted differently depending on the man's identity. What are the possible interpretations of this parable?

7. What is the meaning of the parable of the pearl? (See also Matthew 7:6.)

8. What is the meaning of the parable of the catch of fish?

9. What does it mean to be trained for the kingdom? (vv. 51-52)

10. Jesus did not work many miracles in his hometown. Why is a prophet without honor among his own people?

Answers

1. Seed that falls on the path represents lack of understanding and is snatched by the evil one. Seed that falls on rocky ground fails to gain roots and the weak plant withers in the sun. Matthew relates this seed on rocky ground to those who fall away in times of persecution. Seed that falls among the thorns is choked and unfruitful. This relates to people who delight in worldly things. Seed that falls on good soil bears much fruit. This relates to those who hear the Gospel and understand it. 

2. Jesus explained that "When any one hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in his heart" (v. 19). We are to seek understanding or what we have will be taken from us. Matthew 13:12 warns, "For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him."

3. From something very small and seemingly insignificant can come developments of great significance. Healthy spiritual growth is incremental and often not noticed. The kingdom of heaven grows from humble beginnings into a great tree that provides shelter for many birds. This was not a message the Jews wanted to hear. They were seeking a Messiah who would immediately deliver them from Roman rule. They sought a political solution.

4. A woman mixes leaven into flour and waits for it to rise. The kingdom of heaven, like leaven, is hidden from the undiscerning. It works secretly. Jesus quotes the prophet Asaph: "I will open my mouth in parables. I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world." This is a reference to Psalm 78 which is ascribed to Asaph the Seer. He is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 29:30. 

5. By allowing the weeds to grow with the wheat, the wheat is not damaged and lost. This parable is explained in 2 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, but is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." Jesus explained the parable to his disciples privately in a house (v. 36). He said, "The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father." (Matthew 13:37-43)

6. Interpretations of the parable of the hidden treasure depend on who one believes the "man" to be. The man may represent an individual who discovers Jesus, the hidden treasure. He gives up everything to gain Jesus. However, the "man" may be Jesus whose hidden treasure is the church or the fallen world for which he gave up his life. In Matthew's Gospel, the "man" often represents Jesus (Matt 13:24, 13:31, 25:14).

7. The parable of the pearl describes a person of great discernment. He judges the value of the kingdom of heaven against other claims and recognizes its surpassing worth. We are to discern truth from falsehood, good from evil, and the will of God from our own wills. Hebrews 5:14 speaks of this: “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." Discerning Christians recognize that nothing is of greater value than being in the kingdom of heaven.

8. The parable of the catch of fish is about the final judgement when the angels will sort the good fish from the bad. Jesus explained, "The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (v.49)

9. Jesus describes one trained for the kingdom as a scribe. In Jewish culture, a scribe was a well-informed individual who knew Scripture well. Jesus told his disciples that they should be like that. He wanted them to uphold what is good and spiritually valuable from the old traditions as well as from the new. They were to appropriate the truth about the kingdom of heaven from the Hebrew Scriptures and from their direct experience of Jesus Messiah. The Apostle Paul reminds us that while we now "see through a glass, darkly" and know only in part, the day will dawn when we shall know even as we are also known. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

10. There is a saying that "familiarity breeds contempt." Jesus family and community knew him from childhood. Knowledge of someone often leads to a loss of respect for them. John's Gospel explains that Jesus' brothers did not believe in him (John 7:5). The rumors circulating about Jesus being the Messiah must have been difficult for them to accept. However, this changed. Jesus' half-brother James became a prominent figure in the Jerusalem Church. His leadership was characterized by wisdom, piety, and commitment to both Jewish traditions and faith in Jesus Messiah. 

Jewish rabbis typically taught using parables that they strung together like pearls on a string. Jesus was teaching the people in a manner that was familiar to them.

Join us next week when we explore the riches of Matthew Chapter 14.

Related Reading

Why the Name Jesus?

Matthew Chapter 1: A Closer Look

Matthew Chapter 2: The Magi Worship the Christ and Defy Herod

Matthew Chapter 3: Jesus and John Fulfill All Righteousness

Matthew Chapter 4: Jesus Exposes the Devil's Tactics

Matthew Chapter 5: Jesus Teaches with Superior Authority

Matthew Chapter 6: True Kingdom Seekers

Matthew Chapter 7: Entering by the Narrow Gate

Matthew Chapter 8: The Uniqueness of Jesus

Matthew Chapter 9: Christ the Compassionate Lord

Matthew Chapter 10: The Apostles' High Calling

Matthew Chapter 11: The Messiah Brings Relief

Matthew Chapter 12: Greater Glory Resides in Jesus

Greater Glory Resides in Jesus

 

Welcome to this study of Matthew's Gospel, a collaboration between Mary Barmore and Alice C. Linsley. Before you begin, read Matthew Chapter 12. When you have finished reading, answer the 10 questions. Check your answers by scrolling to the bottom.

Introduction

Matthew Chapter 12 addresses the authority of the Lord Jesus over the seen and the unseen world. This chapter also presents some of the accusations brought against Jesus by the Jewish religious leaders and provides his responses to their accusations. This chapter is the first place in Matthew's Gospel that we find the phrase "Kingdom of God". (See also Matthew 19:24, 21:31 and 43.) The Kingdom of God is the Kingdom of Christ whose glory surpasses all things.

Questions

1. What action of Jesus' disciples offended the Pharisees?

2. What story did Jesus use to justify his disciples' action of picking grain on the Sabbath?

3. What did Jesus mean when he said he is the "Lord of the Sabbath"?

4. How did people react when they witnessed Jesus' many miracles?

5. What was Jesus' response to the claim that his miracles were worked by demonic power? 

6. Jesus stated that every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven but one. Which will not be forgiven?

7. Some Scribes and Pharisees asked Jesus to see a sign. What was Jesus' response?

8. When Jesus speaks of faithless Israel as "adulterous", on what tradition is he drawing?

9. A house swept of evil is only good under what conditions?

10. What did Jesus mean when he referred to his disciples as his mother and brothers?

Answers

1. Jesus' hungry disciples picked heads of grain and ate them as they walked through a field on the way to the synagogue. Some Pharisees viewed this as a violation of the command not to work on the Sabbath in Exodus 20:8-11.

2. To justify his disciples' action of picking grain on the Sabbath, Jesus reminded the Pharisees of the time when David and his men came to the Tabernacle seeking food. The only food the priest Ahimelech had was the bread of the Presence (Shewbread) which only priests were permitted to eat (Lev. 24:5-9). David and his men were fleeing from King Saul who wanted to kill them. Their desperate hunger was satisfied when Ahimelech gave them the holy bread off the altar. That action cost Ahimelech his life. Saul put Ahimelech and his fellow priests to death, as well as the citizens of the town of Nob (1 Sam. 22:16–19).

3. As the Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus has the authority to do whatever pleases him on that day. His concern about his disciples' hunger was of greater importance to him than the rigidity of the Jewish Sabbath laws. He said that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath (v. 12). He explained that he is greater even than the Temple which the Jews regarded as their most holy possession.

4. Some people wondered if Jesus was the "Son of David", meaning the Messiah. The Pharisees claimed that Jesus worked miracles by the power of Beelzebul, the "prince of demons" (v. 24). The word Be'el zebub means “Lord of dung” and is also translated Ba'al Zebuwb which means “lord of the flies” because fresh dung attracts flies. Baal or Beel is derived from the Ancient Akkadian word bel, meaning "lord of..." and the word for dung in the Ancient Akkadian is ze. Akkadian is the oldest known Semitic language. The name became a synonym for Satan in late Jewish theology. 

5. In verses 25-27, Jesus reasoned that any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste. He added that "if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself". How then will his kingdom stand? Jesus states that a kingdom divided against itself is laid waste in three of the Gospels (Luke 11:17; Mark 3:25; Matthew 12:25). All three instances are in response to the Pharisees’ blasphemous accusation that Jesus was healing and casting out demons by the power of Satan. Essentially, the Jewish leaders were accusing Jesus of working miracles by Satan's power.

6. The sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is not forgiven. Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness but is guilty of an eternal sin—for they had said, 'He has an unclean spirit. '" (Mark 3:28–30).

7. Jesus declared them to be an "evil and adultery generation" to which no sign would be given except the sign of Jonah who was 3 days and 3 nights in the belly of the whale (vv. 38-40). He also declared that the "Queen of the South" would rise up in judgement against them (v. 42). Here Jesus foretold his third day resurrection. He asserted his identity as Messiah, saying that Queen of Sheba heard about Solomon's wisdom and the splendor of his rule and traveled a great distance to witness it (1 Kgs 10:1–29). Those who were questioning Jesus were witnessing something greater than the Temple and greater than Solomon in all his glory.

8. The Old Testament prophets often used the metaphor of adultery to describe Israel's failure to love and obey God. Just as a spouse might be unfaithful in marriage, Israel was spiritually unfaithful to God. (See what these prophets said: Jer. 3:8, Ezek. 23:37, Hos. 2:2-10.) However, though faithless Israel strays from God, the Lord remains faithful to his vows.

9. Speaking of this "evil generation" Jesus described a house swept clean. Though the evil is temporarily expelled, it returns unless the house has been filled with good. An evil generation needs more than spiritual cleansing. It must be filled with the Holy Spirit, or its later condition will be worse than the first condition.

10. Jesus declared that anyone who does the will of His Father in heaven is his brother and sister and mother, meaning that those who follow Christ and do God's will are connected like family. Note that there were women among his disciples. From the beginning, Jesus' disciples included women. Luke 8:1-3 names these women specifically: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna. They accompanied Jesus during his ministry and supported him out of their private resources. The brothers of Jesus are also mentioned in John Chapter 7 where we are told that his brothers did not believe in him. These were not Mary's sons. They were the sons of Joseph by his other marriage.

Related reading:

Why the Name Jesus?

Matthew Chapter 1: A Closer Look

Matthew Chapter 2: The Magi Worship the Christ and Defy Herod

Matthew Chapter 3: Jesus and John Fulfill All Righteousness

Matthew Chapter 4: Jesus Exposes the Devil's Tactics

Matthew Chapter 5: Jesus Teaches with Superior Authority

Matthew Chapter 6: True Kingdom Seekers

Matthew Chapter 7: Entering by the Narrow Gate

Matthew Chapter 8: The Uniqueness of Jesus

Matthew Chapter 9: Christ the Compassionate Lord

Matthew Chapter 10: The Apostles' High Calling

Matthew Chapter 11: The Messiah Brings Relief

Matthew Chapter 12: Perceive His Kingdom Coming

Matthew Chapter 13: Perceive His Kingdom Coming

Matthew Chapter 14: Christ Rules Over Nature

The Messiah Brings Relief

 

Welcome to this study of Matthew's Gospel, a collaboration between Mary Barmore and Alice C. Linsley. For 9 months in 1997 Mary read the New Testament in her sickbed and took notes on each of the books. In this study, we use Mary's notes and Alice offers points of historical and anthropological relevance.

Read Matthew chapter 11. When you have finished reading, answer the 10 questions. Check your answers by scrolling to the bottom.

Introduction

While John the Baptizer was in prison, he sent his disciples to Jesus to ask, "Are you the One?" Jesus sent them back to John with the assurance that he was the long-awaited Messiah, the Christ. Jesus referred to the signs he performed that the Hebrew Scriptures associated with the long-awaited Messiah. Jesus performed these signs in many towns and villages, but the people of some locations did not believe in Him. Jesus said that some of the cities in which he performed miracles would be condemned more than the cities of Tyre and Sidon.

Jesus testified concerning John that he was sent by God to prepare the way for the Messiah's appearing. He proclaimed that John was a great prophet and told the crowds that John is Elijah who is to come.

Jesus claimed a unique relationship to God which he offered to those who come to him in faith. He explained that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. He thanked his Father for revealing his identity and spiritual truths to people with childlike hearts while concealing them from people who were regarded as wise and learned. 

Questions

1. What specific miracles were signs of the Messiah?

2. How did Jesus describe John the Baptizer?

3. What did Jesus mean when he said that John was Elijah to come?

4. How does Jesus describe "this generation"?

5. Which 3 cities did Jesus specifically condemn for lack of faith?

6. What did Tyre and Sidon represent for Jesus' Jewish audiences?

7. Matthew 11:25-26 is a short prayer. What does this prayer reveal about Jesus' relationship to God?

8. Where in the Bible do we find examples of hidden sons?

9. Jesus and his Heavenly Father have intimate knowledge of one another. How does Jesus explain this? (See verse 27.)

10. Jesus invites people to take up his yoke because it is easy. What might this have meant for his Jewish listeners?

Answers

1. Jesus gave sight to the blind. At least 8 persons were healed of their blindness in the Gospels. He healed the lame, cleansed the lepers, made the deaf to hear, raised the dead, and proclaimed good news (the Gospel) to the poor. Referring to the Messiah's appearing, Isaiah 29:18-19 states that "In that day the deaf will hear the words of the book, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see". Isaiah 35:5-6 indicates that these signs would attend Messiah's appearing "the eyes of the blind are opened, the ears of the deaf are unstopped, the lame leap like a deer, and the mute sing for joy."

2. Jesus said that John was more than a prophet because he was sent by God as a messenger (angelic) to prepare the people for Messiah's appearing. That is why John is sometimes called John the Forerunner. Jesus said that no human has been born who is greater than John. Jesus also noted that, even though John lived simply and righteously, some said he had a demon (v. 18). Church tradition and Scripture indicate that John and Jesus were cousins. John's mother, Elizabeth, married Zechariah of the priestly line of Abijah (Luke 1:5, 8). That was the eighth division of Hebrew priests.

3. Jesus was addressing a common notion among the Jews that a sign of Messiah's appearing would be a return of the prophet Elijah. At the Passover meal a place is set for the prophet Elijah which includes a cup of wine and an empty chair. Setting a place for Elijah expresses hope for future redemption. At the end of the seder ceremony, the door is opened to see if Elijah has arrived. Jesus employed a Jewish belief to explain John the Baptizer's importance.

4. Jesus describes "this generation" as children playing in the marketplace who complain that others won't dance when they play the flute and won't mourn when they wailed. Jesus described people who were unreceptive to his message and to the message of John the Forerunner because they were self-centered, like children. Ultimately, Jesus concludes that wisdom is vindicated by her deeds or results, meaning that God's plan will be proven true, despite the generation's rejection of it.

5. Jesus condemned Chorizin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for lack of faith. Matthew 11:21 and Luke 10:13 mention a synagogue in Chorizin where Jesus preached. The site is located a few miles north of the Sea of Galilee. A large fourth-century synagogue was built directly above the remains of a Jewish place of prayer from the time of Jesus. This earlier place is probably where Jesus preached in Chorizin. Take this video tour of the site.

6. In Jesus' time, Jews viewed Tyre and Sidon as enemy cities and places of idolatry. Jesus stated that they would have repented more readily than some Jewish cities if they witnessed His miracles. Ezekiel 28:11-19 notes the great antiquity of Tyre: "Son of Man, raise a lament over the king of Tyre and say to him: Thus says the Lord God: You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and flawless beauty. You were in Eden, in the Garden of God; every precious stone was your adornment... and gold beautifully wrought for you, mined for you, prepared the day you were created." King Hiram of Tyre provided King David with craftsmen and materials to build his palace (2 Samuel 5). In Mark's Gospel, Jesus' identity as Messiah is recognized in Tyre. For Mark, the Messiah’s appearing means the beginning of the restoration of Paradise. Perhaps Mark was thinking of the passage from Ezekiel 28. Mark explains that Jesus "could not pass unrecognized" in Tyre (Mark 7:24).

7. In this prayer, Jesus thanked his Father who he knows to be the "Lord of heaven and earth". He acknowledged that God hides some things from some people and reveals them to others. This is God's gracious will. Many times, Jesus commanded people to keep his Messianic identity a secret. This is especially evident in Mark's Gospel. The "Messianic secret" in Mark refers to Jesus' repeated instruction for healed individuals, demons, and even his disciples to keep his Messianic identity a secret.

8. In the Hebrew Bible, kinship lists such as the "begats" usually mention 3 sons, but one of them is hidden or veiled in the sense that we are given little information about them. Cain, Abel, and Seth (Gen. 4-5) serve as an example. Abel died and we have no further information about him. Another example is Ham, Shem, and Japheth (Gen. 5-9). We have much less information about Japheth than about his brothers Ham and Shem. A third example involves Haran, Nahor, and Abraham (Gen. 11-12). Haran died in Ur, and we have no more information about him. A final example is seen with Abraham's sons Yishmael (Ishmael), Yitzak (Isaac) and Yishbak (Gen. 16, 21, and 25). Yishbak is the hidden son, in that he was sent away. Yishbak means "sent away". Sent-away sons had to rely on God to deliver a territory/kingdom to them. They did not receive one from their earthly fathers. This is expressed in a Seder meal custom. At the Passover meal, three matzahs are enveloped, and the middle one is broken and hidden from the others. It is found after a search and returned to the group. The three matzahs are called the Unity, but we might refer to the unity as Three in One, or a Trinity. The Bible teaches that Jesus who was sent away from heaven will receive an eternal kingdom from his father. Jesus is the veiled or hidden son. The early Hebrew referred to the son of God as HR (Hur, Heru, Horus). In Proto-Egyptian HR was known as the "Hidden One" or the "Distant One". For thousands of years the Son of God was hidden but when he took on flesh he was revealed.

9. Jesus explains that his knowledge of his Father and his Father's knowledge of him is beyond human understanding. However, Jesus reveals his knowledge of the Father to whoever he chooses. 

10. Jesus invites people to take up his yoke because it is easy. A "yoke" is a wooden beam that joins two oxen or horses together so they can be used to plow a field. It symbolizes a life of hard servitude. The rabbis spoke of the "yoke" of the Law. Christ's yoke contrasts to the legalistic burdens of Judaism. Instead, he invites people to come to him for true rest for the soul. For Jesus' Jewish listeners this would have been a radical statement of freedom from the heavy burden of observing every rule of the Mosaic Law.

Join us next week as we delve into Matthew chapter 12. Invite your friends to join the study.

Related reading:

Why the Name Jesus?

A Closer Look at Matthew 1

Matthew Chapter 2: The Magi Worship the Christ and Defy Herod

Matthew Chapter 3: Jesus and John Fulfill All Righteousness

Matthew Chapter 4: Jesus Exposes the Devil's Tactics

Matthew Chapter 5: Jesus Teaches with Superior Authority

Matthew Chapter 6: True Kingdom Seekers

Matthew Chapter 7: Entering by the Narrow Gate

Matthew Chapter 8: The Uniqueness of Jesus

Matthew Chapter 9: Christ the Compassionate Lord

Matthew Chapter 10: The Apostles' High Calling

Matthew Chapter 12: Greater Glory Resides in Jesus