Lesson 23, Q11~Q12

FIFTH DAY: Read Matthew 23:13-39.

Q11. List with verses the woes Jesus pronounced on the religious leaders. For each woe, try to give an opposite, positive application for your own life. Note: Because some ancient manuscripts have an additional “woe” after verse 13, some versions of the Bible have a verse 14, and others omit it.

13 “Woe to you, who shut the door of the kingdom of heaven; you yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter.

Should repent and share the gospel to the world.

15 “Woe to you, who win a single convert, but make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.

Should lead the way for the new believer to Jesus, don’t make others to fall.

16 “Woe to you, blind guides!

Should never swear, nor give the wrong teaching. God is the only one teacher.

23 “Woe to you, who give a tenth of offering, but neglect the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.

Should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

25 “Woe to you, who clean the outside, but inside full of greed and self-indulgence.

First clean the inside of our soul, and then the outside also will be clean.

27 “Woe to you, who look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.

Should live a righteous and pure life.

29 “Woe to you, who testify against themselves.

Stop pretending we are better than others, repent to Jesus for our sins.

Q12.

a. Of whom was Jesus speaking in Matthew 23:33-34? (Read also John 15:18-16:4; Acts 8:2-4.)

33 “You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? 34 Therefore I am sending you prophets and sages賢人 and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town.

Jews, Pharisees and the teacher of the law and the world.

b. Remembering the parables in chapters 21 and 22 of Matthew, what event might Jesus be predicting in verses 35-36 and verse 38 of chapter 23?

verses 35-36 They will crucify Jesus in one week. verse 38 And then the Roman army will capture Jerusalem and destroy the temple in 70AD. There was no temple. It was gone, destroyed, burned down, all the way to the massive foundation stones.

c. What are your thoughts from this passage about the consequences of rebellion and the love of Jesus, especially from verses 35 through 39?

Unless the people repent their sins and believe in Jesus or otherwise the rebellion people won’t have the chance to see Jesus again.

d. What does Jesus mean in Matthew 23:39? (Think also about Zechariah 12:10, Romans 11:26-27, Philippians 2:9-11.)

God’s wrath will be on these peoples who reject the salvation from His Son’s blood. Until we repent and praise the Lord Jesus. God will welcome us in the heaven. 

Lesson 23, Q8~Q10

FOURTH DAY: Read Matthew 22:41-23:12.

Q8.

a. What questions did Jesus ask the Pharisees about the Christ (the Messiah)?

What do you think about the Messiah? If the Messiah is the son of David how David calls his son the Lord?

b. How did Jesus’ answer point to the fact of His unique, divine nature?

Jesus sits at the right hand of God, so David calls Jesus ‘Lord’. Jesus has the divine nature; He is the Son of God.

c. What thoughts in Jesus’ answer will you use to worship Him?

Jesus is the Messiah. He is the Son of Man and the Son of God. He sits at the right hand of God to judge the world. He is the only Teacher and the only Instructor and the only Father.

Q9. In regard to the leadership of the Pharisees:

a. What did Jesus tell His disciples to follow?

Must be careful to do everything Pharisees tell you.

b. What did Jesus tell His disciples not to follow?

Do not do what Pharisees do, for they do not practice what they preach.

c. What did Jesus say motivated everything they did?

Everything they do is done for people to see.

d. How can you be sincere, or real, in all that you do?

To love other peoples and do all thing sincerely not for fame and gain, but for God only.

Q10. What principles of Christian leadership can you draw from Matthew 23:8-12?

No other Rabbi, for you have one Teacher you have one Instructor, the Messiah. 

Lesson 23, Q6~Q7

THIRD DAY: Read Matthew 22:34-40.

Q6.

a. Which of the commandments did Jesus say is greatest? (See Mark 12:28-34.)

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

b. How is this teaching of Jesus the opposite of what many people today say?

People now are saying to love or indulge youself more than the job, the family or other thing else.

c. Explain what it means to love your neighbor as yourself.

To love the people who need our help and cannot pay us back.

d. (Challenge) Why must you obey the first commandment to keep the second? For help, see Deuteronomy 10:12; Romans 13:8-10.

Deuteronomy 10:12, Fear the Lord

And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

Romans 13:8-10, Love Fulfills the Law

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Because in the first commandment God ask us to fear Him, to walk in obedience to Him, to love Him, to serve Him. And one of His commandment is to love our neighbor. If we couldn’t love the neighbor it equals to we don’t obey God that we don’t love God, we don’t fear God. In fact, if we can really love a neighbor it must because we love God and are willing to obey His commands. Therefore love God is the fulfillment of the law of God.

Q7.

a. Read Deuteronomy 6:1-12. Explain what it means to love God with

All your heart-

To keep these commandments that God gives us on our hearts.

All your soul-

To impress our children and share to others these commandments that God gives us

All your mind-

Talk about and thinking of these commandments that God gives us everywhere and all the time.

All your strength- (Mark 12:30)

Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

b. What practical changes can you make to keep this commandment?

I keep praying for it daily and keep them on small notes to remind myself God’s love and commands.

c. Read Deuteronomy 7:6-11. What do you learn about God’s love for His people?

God love His people who love Him and keep His commandments. God has chosen us out of all the peoples. We are the fewest of all peoples His treasured possession.

Lesson 23, Q3~Q5

SECOND DAY: Read Matthew 22:15-33.

Q3.

a. How was the question the Pharisees asked Jesus a sensitive political question?

If Jesus is the new King of Israel like what He said then his kingdom may rebellion against the Rome Empire.

b. What are examples of questions people ask today in which any answer could cause controversy?

People use the low of government to argue with the lows of God.

c. Read Romans 13. List things you owe “Caesar” and things you owe God.

We must pay taxes, revenue, respect and honor to the government because the government is God’s servant. They have been established by God.

Q4.

a. What two reasons did Jesus give for the Sadducees’ error?

1- They do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.

2- At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.

b. How do these same reasons cause wrong thinking today?

1- Sadducees had repellent hearts and tried to use the wrong Christian theology they knew to attach Christianity.

2- People would like to image in heaven is another place to live their life like on earth. People offer the sacrificial food to their dead family members hope they won’t be hungry after they died. And burn the ghost money for them to use.

Q5. Read Mark 12:13-27 and Luke 20:20-40. From all three Gospels:

a. What did Jesus teach about God and those who believe in Him from His reference to the Old Testament?

About the dead rising, he who believes in God will rise after he died. In the Book of Moses, God said to Moses, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”

b. What thoughts about the resurrection of believers encourage you?

While the dead believer rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.

Lesson 22, Q11~Q12

FIFTH DAY: Read Matthew 22:1-14.

Q11. (Challenge) Read Revelation 19:7.

a. What is the invitation to the wedding banquet?

Jesus is the wedding of the lamb. The banquet invitation is sent to people by God to reconcile with Him, so we can re-enter the kingdom of heaven.

b. How have the king’s servants been mistreated? Think of examples from the Bible, history or the world today.

God’s ministers have been ignored, persecuted or even martyred.

c. To what historical event does verse 7 possibly refer? 

Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 

The New Jerusalem, the Bride of the Lamb. Revelation 21:2-9

The old Jerusalem destroyed in 79 AD when the Roman army captured Jerusalem and destroyed the temple is the beginning of the New Jerusalem’s coming.

d. Who are the people who filled the wedding hall?

Everyone who response to God’s calling.

e. What are the wedding clothes the guests must wear? (Read Isaiah 61:10; Philippians 3:9; and 2 Corinthians 5:21.)

The guests must wear the garments of salvation and a robe of righteousness, which is through faith in Christ so in him we might become the righteousness of God.

f. What is the result for anyone who refuses the invitation or lacks the wedding clothes?

They will be weeping and gnashing of teeth in the darkness.

Q12.

a. Read Luke 14:15-24. What similar excuses do people make today?

We are always busy in everything at home or at work. Being busy is still an often-used excuse today. People also use their family opposition as an excuse not to obey God’s calling. If we pray God to help us better organize our life schedule I think we will always find time to worship God and read God’s words.

b. What warning do you receive from Luke 14:23-24?

The people who are called by God but reject Him will never get a taste of God’s banquet.

c. (Personal) Read Isaiah 64:6 and Romans 3:21-24. Are you prepared to attend the wedding banquet? Give reasons for your answer.

Yes, I wear the robes of salvation of Jesus. I keep myself close to God by study God’s word. I try not to depend on myself when I am weak, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving in Jesus. I am not worthy to be saved of my own, but in Jesus.

d. How would you explain Matthew 22:14?

I think fairly all the people are welcome to join God’s family by believing in Jesus. However, the chosen people are few to have the eternal life because it’s not our choice but from the calling of the Holy Spirit. Only the chosen one can trust and obey in Jesus totally.

Lesson 22, Q9~Q10

FOURTH DAY: Read Matthew 21:33-46.

Q9. As you read this parable, think about the history of Israel up to the time of the early church.

a. Who was the landowner? God

b. Read Isaiah 5:7. What was the vineyard? The vineyard of the Lord Almighty is the nation of Israel, and the people of Judah are the vines he delighted in. And he looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard cries of distress.

c. Who were the tenants? The religious leaders (The chief priests and the teachers of the law)

d. Who were the landowner’s servants? God’s messengers the prophets.

e. Who was the heir? Jesus.

f. (Challenge) Read Luke 19:41-44. When in history did this judgment happen?

41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

The judgment happened in 70 AD when the Roman army captured Jerusalem and destroyed the temple. The Romans evidently took their work seriously because when they were done, there was no temple. It was gone, destroyed, burned down, all the way to the massive foundation stones.

One day it was there. A few days later it was gone. Just as Jesus had predicted. It happened because Israel “did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

g. Who were the new tenants, and what were they to give the landlord (verse 41)?

Gentile, the new believer.

Q10.

a. What Old Testament passage did Jesus quote at the end of His parable? Only one passage.

Matthew 21:42 The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
the Lord has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes. Psalm 118:22,23

b. Explain how the word “stone” or “block” is used in these verses:

1 Peter 2:7-8

The stone is Jesus; to the believers, this stone is precious, but to the unbelievers the stone cause them to stumble and fall.

Romans 9:32-33

They stumble over Jesus, the stumbling stone. Jesus causes people to stumble and makes them fall.

1 Corinthians 1:23

Jesus is the stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.

c. Read Ephesians 2:20. How do people reject and stumble over this Stone today?

People reject and stumble over Jesus today by building their interesting and faith on something else than focus on the cornerstone of the apostles and prophets.

d. How did Jesus describe those to whom God will give His kingdom, and how does this encourage or challenge you?

Jesus says the kingdom of God will be taken away from the people whom reject Him and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Also “For many are invited, but few are chosen.” in Matthew 22:14. So we need to be prepared for eternal life always and don’t lose faith in any circumstance.

Lesson 22, Q5~Q8

THIRD DAY: Read Matthew 21:23-32.

Q5.

a. In today’s language, what did the religious leaders ask Jesus?

What are you doing here? Who do you think you are?

b. Read Luke 19:47-20:8. What does Luke include that interests you?

They didn’t believe John nor Jesus was from heaven but they were worried they would be stoned. They fear people more than they fear God.

Q6.

a. How had Jesus’ opponents refused to act on what God had already shown them?

The chief priests, the teachers of the law were trying to kill Jesus.

b. Read Matthew 13:11-15. What principles from these verses apply to the religious leaders who questioned Jesus’ authority?

The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to the religious leaders, but they refused to acknowledge the authority was indeed from God.

c. (Personal) Is there anything you have learned from studying Matthew that you have refused to apply? If so, how might this keep you from all God has for you?

God has shown me His forgiveness. But I am the one won’t put down my old failure.

Q7. In the parable of the two sons, what people in Jesus’ time were represented by:

a. The son who said he would not work but later did?

The one who repented and followed Jesus like the disciples.

b. The son who said he would work but did not?

The one who rejected Jesus like the religious leaders.

Q8.

a. What attitudes today could each of the sons represent?

Real Christians fear God; and fake Christians said they believe but their heart not.

b. (Personal) Which son would represent you? Why?

The first son who rejected first but repented later.

Lesson 22, Q3~Q4

Lesson 22

SECOND DAY: Read Matthew 21:18-22.

Q3. Read Mark 11:12-14. On a healthy fig tree in spring, if leaves are present, so is fruit.

Jesus Curses a Fig Tree and Clears the Temple Courts

12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.

a. What did Jesus say when He found no fruit on the tree?

In Mark, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.”

In Matthew, “May you never bear fruit again!”

b. What happened to the fig tree? Immediately the tree withered.

c. How was the tree with leaves but no fruit a picture of the religious hypocrites Jesus found at the temple? (See Matthew 21:12-17.) 

 The chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things Jesus did and the children shouting, they were indignant. They look faithful just like the fig tree looks healthy, but bear no fruit.

Q4.

a. As Jesus saw the disciples’ amazement when the fig tree withered, what encouragement did He give them? Look also at Matthew 6:5-8 and John 15:7-8.

Matthew 6:5-8 5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

John 15:7-8 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

The hypocrites received their reward on earth. But when we pray in secret God sees it will reward us. If we remain in Jesus and follow Jesus’ teaching, ask whatever we wish, it will be done for us. This is to the Father’s glory, that we bear much fruit, showing ourselves to be Jesus’ disciples.

b. Read Mark 11:25. What additional truth did Jesus use the fig tree to teach?

Mark 11:25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

Forgive everyone who sins against us then God will forgive us as well.

c. Can you share with your group a recent time a “mountain” seemed to stand in the way of God’s purpose for you, and He removed it when you prayed and trusted Him?

My morning time management is getting better this week after I put it to prayers.