Lesson 18, Q12~Q13

Fifth day: Read Matthew 17:22-27. Jesus Predicts His Death a Second Time

Q12

a. Why should Peter, James and John have been better prepared than the other disciples for Jesus’ words of Matthew 17:22-23?

Jesus’ transfiguration and God’s command were revealed to them, so they understood better now.

b. How do you know the disciples had begun to understand Jesus’ words?

Similar to Q12a, Other disciples learned from Peter, James and John whom have been revealed about Jesus’ departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.

c. What shows they lacked full understanding of Jesus’ words and purpose?

The disciples were filled with grief.

d. Can you share with your group a time you were grief-stricken because you failed to understand fully Jesus’ purpose?

I failed to understand Jesus’ purpose when I brought my Nina to the veterinary emergency clinic for her acute kidney failure. I was and I am in grief-stricken about losing her because that was a time I believed Jesus meant to save her, but not to take her away from me because I felt the Holy Spirit companied me all the way.

Q13, Read Exodus 30:11-16 and 38:25-26.

a. What was the temple tax?

Each one older than 20 years old should give a half shekel, equals to weighs 10 gerahs as the atonement money and use it for the service of tent of meeting as memorial for the Israelites before the Lord.

b. What did Jesus teach about Himself through the miracle of the fish?

Jesus said “the king of the earth collect tax from others to atone for their lives but not from his own children” implied that “neither the King of the Heaven would collect tax from His own child because He is sin free.” The money found in a fish confirmed once more that Jesus is the Son of God.

Lesson 18, Q9~Q11

Fourth day: Read Matthew 17:14-21.

Q9, Give the following details of what happened when Jesus came down the mountain:

a. The person who came to Jesus

A father whose son has seizures and is suffering greatly.

b. The person’s request

Ask Jesus to have mercy on his son and to heal him.

c. The ones who previously failed to help

The disciples.

d. Jesus’ reply

“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.”

e. The person’s confession (Mark 9:24) Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe;

Help me overcome my unbelief!

f. Reasons for the previous failure

His unbelieving.

Q10

a. What measure of things is possible for believers in Jesus Christ?

If we have faith in Jesus Christ (even as small as a mustard seed), nothing will be impossible for us because God is with us.

In Matthew 19:26 - With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

In Jeremiah 32:27 – “I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”

In Luke 1:37 – “For no word from God will ever fail.

b. How would you describe the difference between the “little faith” Jesus condemned and the “small faith” He blesses?

To be of “little faith” I guess it means “lack of faith”. Nevertheless, to be of “small faith” as small as a mustard seed in Matthew 13:31-32 - The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planed in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree. Therefore the small faith will grow bigger as the faith is a blessing from God if we trust and obey Him.

c. For what do you need faith?

I need faith to wait for God’s timing for the unanswered prayers because God says, “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer (Matthew 21:22).

Q11, What lessons will you apply to your life this week from Matthew 17:14-21?

My faith maybe small but it will grow and be able to move a mountain become nothing will be impossible if Jesus is with me.

Lesson 18, Q8

Q8, Read Malachi 4:5 and Luke 1:17.

a.      (Challenge) In what way did John the Baptist fulfill Malachi’s prophecy?

Malachi 3:1 God says “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me.

Malachi 4:5 ⁵ “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes.

Isaiah 40:3, A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the Lord;
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.

Luke 1:17, an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah and told him that he will have a son…

¹⁷ And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

John 1: 19-23

John the Baptist Denies Being the Messiah

19 Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22 Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” (Isaiah 40:3)

John 1:76, And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,

In Malachi’s prophecy a messenger (Elijah) will be sent by God (to make straight the road) before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. So John fulfilled that, However, John was killed then but Jesus says, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. 12 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and then the disciples understood that He was talking to them about John the Baptist. So Malachi’s prophecy is partially fulfilled until Jesus’ second coming before then Elijah will come again.

b. How did John the Baptist’s history foreshadow future events in Jesus’ life?

Jesus says, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” So Jesus will be killed at their hands. But Jesus also said John will restore all meant Jesus will be restored in future as well.

c. What phrase used by Jesus seems to indicate Elijah’s coming is in one sense still future to us? (See Matthew 17:11.)

See Q8a, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things.

Lesson 18, Q6~Q7

Third day: Read Matthew 17:1-13.

Q6

a. (Challenge) Of all the prophets, why did God choose Moses and Elijah to talk with Jesus at that time? Support your opinion with any Scripture passage.

Elijah and Moses were two of the most revered men in Bible. Moses represented the Law and Elijah represented the Prophets. They also represented the end of the Old covenant and the start of the New Covenant.

And they have in common with Jesus shown in the Scripture:

1 Kings 19:5-7 says that Elijah was ministered by an angel and in the wilderness 40 days.

Exodus 34:28 says that Moses also fasted for 40 days while he wrote the words of the Ten Commandments on tablets.

Matthew 4:1-2 says Jesus is tempted in wilderness after fasting 40 days and 40 nights.

b. Read Luke 9:31. About what did Jesus, Moses and Elijah talk?

31 They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.

c. How should their presence and words have caused Peter to realize his wrong attitude of Matthew 16:22? ²² Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”

Peter has badly misunderstood Jesus’ mission on the earth.

Q7

a. Why did Peter suggest he erect shelters for Jesus, Moses and Elijah?

In Luke 9:33 says (He did not know what he was saying.)

In Mark 9:6 says (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)

b. Why did God the Father interrupt Peter at this point?

Jesus is the Son of God. He is not on the equal level of Moses or Elijah.

c. What command did God give and what three things did He teach about Jesus?

God commanded them to listen to Jesus.

Matthew 17:5 “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

Mark 9:7  “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

Luke 9:35  “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”

Jesus is the Son of God.

God loves Jesus.

God is well pleased with Jesus.

Jesus is chosen by God (Luke 9:35).

Lesson 18, Q3~Q5

BSF, 2013~2014, Book of Matthew

Lesson 18

Second day, Read Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-10; Luke 9:28-36.

Q3, From Matthew, Mark and Luke, give the following aspects of the Transfiguration:

a. The place- up a high mountain

b. The people- Jesus took with him Peter, James, John and met Moses & Elijah there

c. What Jesus was doing beforehand- Revealed God’s kingdom and foretell Jesus’ death that he will be with Moses & Elijah. And God brings the majesty to his beloved Son and order them must listen to Jesus. This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

Q4

a. Compare the three Gospels. Use your own words to describe Jesus as the disciples saw Him when He was transfigured.

Jesus was transfigured. The looks of his face changed, His face was shining, and his clothes became as white as the light. 

b. Read 2 Peter 1:16-18. Describe Peter’s experience of Jesus’ transfiguration. 

Peter had eyewitnessed Jesus’ majesty like receiving honor and glory from God. 

c. Was Jesus transfigured for the benefit of Himself, His disciples or both? 

God revealed the transfiguration to the disciples so they would know what’s going to happen and also to accelerate the teaching of Jesus. So it benefited both. 

Q5

Matthew 24:30; Matthew 26:62-64

In the second coming of Jesus, we will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven.

John 1:14 

John saw Jesus’ glory in his transfiguration. The glory of Jesus came from the Father full of grace and truth. 

John 17:1-5

Before the world began Jesus was with the glory in the present of God. 

Acts 26:13-14 

Paul saw a light from heaven and heard the voice of Jesus. 

Philippians 2:9-10 

God exalted Jesus to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name, at the name of Jesus every knee should bow. 

Revelation 1:13-17 

In the Spirit, John saw Jesus’ hair on His head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire and His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

Lesson 17, Q12

Q12. (Challenge) How would you explain Matthew 16:28?

Jesus revealed His Kingdom is coming shortly for the distraction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD. (40 years after Jesus spoke these words to the disciples)

Matthew 24:1-2

The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times

24 Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. 2 “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

²⁸ “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Lesson 17, Q10~Q11

FIFTH DAY: Read Matthew 16:21-28.

Q10

a. After Peter’s great step of faith, what great fall does this passage record?

Peter loves Jesus too much, so he tried to protect Jesus in human concerns, but ignore what Jesus revealed to him about God’s plan.

b. Why did Peter not want Jesus to go to the cross?

Peter loves Jesus

c. When are you tempted like Peter to reject or ignore the cross of Christ?

Sometime we love this world too much it led us to ignore the cross of Christ.

d. According to Jesus, when you reject the cross, who is using your mind and your tongue?

Satan!

Q11

a. Read Acts 2:23-24; 2:36-38; 3:18; 1 Peter 2:24. How does Peter explain what it means to come to the cross of Christ for salvation?
By God’s deliberate plan Jesus has been made both Lord and Messiah, so every one of you, repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, because Jesus himself bore our sins his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

b. After you come to the cross for salvation, what does Jesus say you cannot avoid when you follow Him?
Follow Jesus must deny ourselves.

c. Read Mark 8:34-38; Luke 9:23-27; Galatians 6:12, 14; Philippians 3:10. Explain what Jesus means by  “lose your life” and “take up your cross and follow” Him.
From Galatians 6: 14; the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world

We must reject the world to gain our souls.

d. What does Jesus promise to all who “lose their lives” in this way? 

whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it