Matthew 1:1-17

Matthew traces the genealogy from Abraham to Jesus. The book of Luke traces the genealogy from Adam to Jesus. There is good reason to believe that Matthew and Luke are, in fact, tracing entirely different genealogies through Mary and Joseph. The house and the line of David is the royal kingly line in Israel; which proves the legitimate and legal right Jesus had to the throne in Israel to be the King.

Q: Why do you think Matthew included a genealogy of Jesus to open his book?

Q: Who was the promise given to in Genesis? Where does his name appear in the genealogy recorded in Matthew? Why was it important that Jesus descended from Abraham?

Q: Look over the list of names: What familiar names stand out to you?

Q: Rahab is listed in verse 5. You can read about her in Joshua 2 if you are not familiar with her story. Why do you think God, in His sovereignty, would have someone like Rahab in the lineage of Jesus?

Q: King David is listed in verse 6. Why was it important that Jesus descended from David? Hint: you can find the answer in 2 Samuel 7:12-16

Q: Does Jesus’ genealogies give you any indication as to how long God has planned for Jesus to be the blessing to the nations?

For further study: Genesis 12:3, 22:18, Jeremiah 23:5 and Luke 3:23-38

Read Matthew 1:1-17

Matthew traces the genealogy from Abraham to Jesus. The book of
Luke traces the genealogy from Adam to Jesus. There is good reason
to believe that Matthew and Luke are, in fact, tracing entirely different
genealogies through Mary and Joseph. The house and the line of
David is the royal kingly line in Israel; which proves the legitimate and
legal right Jesus had to the throne in Israel to be the King.

Q: Why do you think Matthew included a genealogy of Jesus to open
his book?

Q: Who was the promise given to in Genesis? Where does his name
appear in the genealogy recorded in Matthew? Why was it
important that Jesus descended from Abraham?

Q: Look over the list of names: What familiar names stand out to you?

Q: Rahab is listed in verse 5. You can read about her in Joshua 2 if
you are not familiar with her story. Why do you think God, in His
sovereignty, would have someone like Rahab in the lineage of
Jesus?

Q: King David is listed in verse 6. Why was it important that Jesus
descended from David? Hint: you can find the answer in 2 Samuel
7:12-16

Q: Does Jesus’ genealogies give you any indication as to how long
God has planned for Jesus to be the blessing to the nations?

For further study: Genesis 12:3, 22:18, Jeremiah 23:5 and
Luke 3:23-38

Matthew 1:18-25

Immanuel means “God with us.” The miracle of Christmas is that on the first Christmas, God showed up in a manger. The creator in a cradle, the infinite was an infant. God literally wrapped Himself in skin. This is not only amazing, but very distinctive! Of all the religions of the world, Christianity has a God who became a man, not a man who became a God! Jesus was God wrapped in skin. He cried when sad, bruised when hit, bled when cut, and laughed when happy. The fact that God became a man means I can know Him and that He can sympathize with me. Our God literally made his dwelling among us. Jesus is not only God wrapped in skin, pitching his tent in the backyard of our life, but He also is the explanation of God. If we ever wondered what God is like, we can look at Jesus.

Q: How did Mary come to be with child?

Q: Why is it important that Joseph not consummate the marriage until after Jesus was born?

Q: List all the things you think of when you think of God.

Q: List all the things you think of when you think of a baby.

Q: Why is it significant that God became a man?

Q: How does God becoming a man change the way you and I can pray and interact with God?

For Further Study: Micah 5:2, Luke 2:1-7, John 1:1-18

Matthew 2:1-12

For Further Study: Isaiah 60:6, John 10:1-21

Read Matthew 2:13-18

Q: Mary and Joseph had to flee for their life because of persecution from King Herod? Imagine what may be going through their minds, knowing that they are raising God’s one and only son?

Q: In what manner can immigrants and refugees’ identity deeply with a Jesus who himself was a refugee?

Q: Imagine what the first few years of Jesus’ life were like? How does it make you feel to think that the perfect and Holy God would go through extreme difficulties as a way of empathizing and relating with His people?

Read Matthew 2:19-23

Throughout biblical history the term Nazarene has been synonymous for someone who is despised or detestable. It is interesting that Isaiah 53 says, “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by all mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” Psalm 118 also says, “The stone the builders has rejected has become the cornerstone.” Throughout all of history, and still currently, people have seen Jesus as a Nazarene; people have despised, rejected, and held Him in low esteem – even though He is the only Son of God and the Savior of the world.

Q: How are these terms contradictory to who Jesus truly is?

Q: Why do you think Jesus allowed himself to be despised and rejected?

Q: Do you sometimes feel despised and rejected because of your faith? How can you take comfort in the fact that Jesus was as well?

For Further Study: Isaiah 49:7, Hosea 11:1, Hebrews 4:14-16

Read Matthew 3

Today you will read about John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus. John’s name derives from a Hebrew term that means “Jehovah is gracious”. John’s parents were Zacharias and Elizabeth who were related to Mary, the mother of Jesus. John’s mission was to prepare everyone for the coming Messiah.

Q: What was the theme of John’s preaching? What was his mission as foretold by the prophets? (Isaiah 40:3, Matthew 3:1, Matthew 4:5-6)

Q: What is significant about John’s statement, “whose sandals I am not worthy to carry?” What may be an implication for us in the way we view Jesus?

Q: Where do you notice an expression of the Trinity (God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit) in these passages?

Q: What is baptism and what does it represent? Does baptism save you? Why or why not?

Q: Jesus modeled baptism with the expectation that his disciples would follow. Have you personally chosen to get baptized? Please email norton@graceohio.org if you are interested in talking with a staff member about baptism.

For Further Study: Mark 1:9-11, John 1:29-31, Romans 6:1-4, Ephesians 2:8-9

Matthew 4:1-11

Temptation is constantly popping into our everyday lives; it’s inevitable. Whether you’re eye balling that extra piece of chocolate cake, or thinking about lying and calling in sick, temptation is there trying to creep into our heads and alter our motives. There are even times when Satan tries to misinterpret scripture to get us to fall into temptation; like he did with Adam and Eve. In today’s reading you will see how Jesus responded to temptation when face to face with the devil himself.

Q: Describe Jesus’ physical and mental state while He was being tempted. Why is this important to keep in mind?

Q: What is the difference between the ways Jesus uses the Scripture and the way Satan uses it? Read the quoted passages and spot the differences.

Q: What does this passage reveal to us about Jesus’ character?

Q: What are some temptations that you are currently struggling with? What lies of the devil have attracted or tempted you?

Q: What observations can you make about the battle? Our enemy? God? Our role? Our mind?

Q: How can scripture help you to overcome temptation? Do you have a discipline of memorizing God’s word? How might a steady diet on the Word of God help you fight temptations better?

For Further Study: 1 John 2:15-17, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, James 1:13-15

Matthew 4:12-25

In today’s reading you will learn about Jesus beginning to share His message, as fulfilled by the prophet Isaiah. You will also see how Jesus called His disciples to get up and follow Him. In was through their profession that He would explain what it meant to follow Him. It is in this calling that He would begin to set a precedent for all people as to what it meant to surrender and live their life for Him. This section serves as a crucial part of what it means to follow Jesus for us today.

Q: Where did Jesus start his ministry? How did this fulfill scripture? (Isaiah 9:1-2, 42:7)

Q: Whom did Jesus call to be His disciples? What were they doing?

Q: When Jesus called on His disciples to follow Him, it says they left immediately and followed Him. Is there something God is calling you to leave so that you can best follow Him?

Q: Followers of Jesus fish for people. Fishing for people is the equivalent of what Matthew shares at the end of his book, referred to as “making disciples.” Think about this…if I am not making disciples, then I am not fishing for people. If I am not fishing for people, am I really following Jesus? What do you think?

Q: Discipleship is following Jesus. Disciple making (or fishing for people) is asking others to follow you as you follow Jesus? How are discipleship and disciple making related? How are they different?

Q: How does the thought of making disciples make you feel? What is one step that you can take to be become better at making disciples?

For Further Study: Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Colossians 1:29, 2 Timothy 2:2

Matthew 5:1-12

The beatitudes present a standard that would be unreasonable for someone to achieve without grace and the assistance of God’s Holy Spirit. The attitudes and attributes presented in this section should grow in increasing measure as we grow closer with Jesus and reflect His image.

Q: Which of these attributes are present in your life? In which ones do you need to grow?

Q: What is the reward promised to the person with these attributes?

Q: How would having these attributes make you the salt and light to the world?

Matthew 5:13-16

For Further Study: Luke 4:20-21, 6:20-23, Isaiah 61:1

Read Matthew 5:17-48

Pharisees were teachers of the law who prided themselves on being perfect. They studied the law and, in their opinion, followed every detail. They judged others by how they observed them keeping the rules, often finding their neighbor guilty of breaking the law.

Q: What is meant by the example of washing the outside of the cup?

Q: Have you washed the inside of your cup or are you just whitewashed on the outside?

Q: In what sense does God compare anger to murder? Should you be more concerned with your anger? If so, in what settings?

Q: Have you allowed lust to reign in your life? If so, how can you begin eradicating it in your life?

Q: Do you have anyone that you struggle to pray goodwill towards or for? If so, have you ever considered that they may be the type of enemy this passage is talking about?

For Further Study: Psalm 78:2, Matthew 7:12, 11:13, 13:35, 22:40 & 23:25-26, Romans 3:20

Read Matthew 6:1-4

Q: How does Jesus differentiate between a right and wrong kind of giving?
Q: What should be our proper motive in giving? How do we assess our motive in giving?

Read Matthew 6:5-14

Q: We are told to seek first the kingdom of heaven and His righteousness – how can you do this on a daily basis?
Q: Thankfulness and recognition of what God has blessed you with is an antidote for worry and anxiety. List three things you are thankful for today. Make this a daily habit of thanking God for three things he has given you – realizing all you have is from him.
1.
2.
3.

Read Matthew 6:16-24

Q: How should heavenly rewards impact our understanding of worldly wealth?

Read Matthew 6:25-35

Q: Worry and anxiety are sins that we often excuse because we attribute them solely to our human nature. We think it is impossible to not worry or be anxious – it is just who we are. What does this passage say about worry?

For Further Study: John 5:44, Luke 11:2-4, Philippians 4:19, 1 Corinthians 13:3

Read Matthew 7:1-20

Judging others often seems to be an automatic response. When we judge, we often compare another’s weaknesses against our strengths. Drawing conclusions on a circumstance that we do not possess all the facts to or have knowledge of the motive makes us wrong many times.

Q: Has anyone ever judged you based on a mistake, or impression, or bad decision you made?

Q: Why do you think it’s easy for us to find flaws in other people? Why is it easy to judge someone based on what we see on the outside?

Q: Why does God tell us not to judge? Think of a person you have difficulty judging – how can you make steps today to correct this thinking pattern?

Q: Ask – Seek – Knock: This passage speaks to persistence – keep on asking; keep on seeking; keep on knocking. How could this change the way you pray? What are the promises for persistence?

For Further Study: Luke 6:37-42, Romans 14:13, 1 Corinthians 4:5, James 5:9

Read Matthew 7:21-29

Jesus tells us to have a firm foundation on the Word of God so we can recognize false prophets. Often the false prophets in 2018 are not out and out adversarial but just ideas that do not conform to the Word of God. Consider trends like “if it feels good do it” or “this is right for me”. Political correctness often involves whitewashing issues that run against the Word of God and it is easy to begin to embrace these notions and make them a part of our life without realizing them.

Q: If the house represents the way you live your life, how important is it to have a good foundation?

Q: What / Who should this foundation be based on?

Q: The firm foundation of God’s Word allows our house to be brought into alignment. What are some thought trends in society that are counter to the Word of God?

Q: What steps should you be taking to help make sure you are building on a good foundation?

Q: How is your personal study and growth in the word of God? You are doing this study guide, that is great! Is there anything else that may help you grow in the knowledge of God and His story?

For Further Study: Luke 6:47-49, 13:25-27, Romans 2:13, James 1:22

After these chapters of Jesus’ teachings, Matthew returns with the narrative of Jesus Christ. As chapter eight begins, Jesus has just finished teaching the disciples on the mountain, then He is confronted by a sick man. With each miracle Jesus performs, we are left asking this question, “Why did Jesus choose to heal this person?” Keep this question in mind while you are reading today’s passage.

Read Matthew 8

Q: List out every miracle Jesus performs in Matthew 8. What did they all have in common? What was different?

Q: The disease leprosy is almost like an analogy for our sin. It spreads on the flesh and there is no cure (to learn more about leprosy and what it is read Leviticus 13 and 14). Leprosy was extremely contagious, and deadly. It would start with one part of the body and then begin to consume the entire body. What can be foreshadowed from Jesus choosing to cure this man from an incurable disease?

Q: What title did the demons call Jesus? What is the significance of that title?

Q: Many times in this passage, it is stated that just one touch from Jesus healed people. Before Jesus could heal them, they had to be vulnerable and tell God the problem. What is something in your life right now you need to vulnerable with God about so that He can heal you?

For Further Study: Mark 1:29-44, Luke 5:12-14, Luke 7:1-10

In this chapter, Jesus performs many miracles and even does something frowned upon in biblical times, eating with tax collectors. In Matthew 9, Jesus demonstrates His great love and forgiveness for us. When reading Matthew 9, keep in mind how Jesus meets people where they are to take them where they need to go.

Read Matthew 9

Q: List the 5 miracles Jesus performs in this chapter.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Q: How did Jesus respond to the crowds? Why do you think He felt this way?

Q: Jesus asked a tax collector to be His disciple, (at this time tax collectors were known as very evil, sinful people) and ate with sinners. What does this reveal about Jesus’ character?

Q: Describe what you think it looks like for sheep to be without a shepherd? What might that look like for someone that has not given their life to the Great Shepherd, Jesus?

Q: What does it mean that the harvest is plentiful?

Q: We are told to ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers. Why is it so important to stop and pray in our evangelistic (sharing the Good News) efforts?

Q: List three people in your natural paths of life who have not yet said Yes to Jesus. Commit to pray for them until Easter. (if they are close, consider inviting them to join you for a service)
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2.
3.

For Further Study: Mark 2:3-12, 5:22-43, Luke 2:14-22, 5:18-38, 8:41-56

Read Matthew 10:1-25

In today’s reading Jesus sends out His disciples to go spread the good news. He shares inspiring words with them, “Freely you have received, freely give”. This passage means everything you have been given is a gift from God, so use it to glorify God. In this passage, the disciples use their gifts to serve God. Begin thinking of ways you can glorify God with the gifts He has given you.

Q: Whom did Jesus call and what powers did He give them?

Q: What message were they called to preach?

Q: Write what you think “freely you have received, freely give” means in your own words. How can you apply it to your life?

Q: What did Jesus say the disciples would face? How did He say they should deal with them?

Q: Jesus talks about the Holy Spirit guiding them on the right thing to say. Does hearing that one of the characteristics of the Holy Spirit is that He is always ready to help guide you give you a peace and confidence in sharing with others? Why or why not?

For Further Study: Mark 3:13-15; 6:7-13, Luke 6:13, 9:1-2, John 14:15-27, 16:5-16

Read Matthew 10:26-42

After sending the disciples out to share the good news of the kingdom of God, Jesus began to clarify expectations. Many times, expectations become premeditated resentments, so in the process of calling others to follow Him, Jesus clearly states that persecution, trials and difficulty will arise.

Q: Who should we fear and who should we not fear? Why is this?

Q: Jesus says He did not come to bring something, and that He came to bring something else? What were those two things? (v.34)

Q: Jesus says, “whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” What do you think this means? (v.39)

Q: What does the person receive who receives the apostles and their message?

Q: For those that have said Yes to Jesus, He has sent us out into the world to proclaim the same message. What difficulties should we expect on the journey? What assurances has He given us?

For Further Study: Romans 15:13, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Hebrews 13:6

Read Matthew 11

While the disciples were fulfilling what Jesus had called them to, Jesus was approached by emissaries from John the Baptist (his cousin) who received confirmation that He, Jesus, was indeed the Savior. Jesus stated that John was the messenger foretold by Malachi in the Old Testament. Jesus would then go on to speak about His impending judgment and burden free invitation.

Q: Why did John send two disciples to Jesus?

Q: Who did Jesus say would be greater than John the Baptist?

Q: Why did Jesus rebuke the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum?

Q: Who did Jesus extend His invitation to? What did He expect in return?

Q: Why does Jesus say His yoke is easy and burden light?

Q: Is there any area of life that has you fatigued? How can Jesus words (vs. 28-30) provide hope and assurance during this difficult time?

For Further Study: Isaiah 14:13-15, Malachi 3:1, Luke 7:18-35, 10:21-22, 1 Corinthians 1:19-27

Read Matthew 12

The Pharisees accuse Jesus of violating the Sabbath, suggest He is like Satan and demand a miraculous sign. Throughout this chapter, look at how Jesus chooses to respond to the religious leaders regarding His purpose and His work. He reminds them that judgment will come to the hard-hearted, but those who humble themselves and follow Him will be a part of His forever family.

Q: What were Jesus and his disciples doing on the Sabbath?

Q: In what manner did the Pharisees criticize Jesus? How did Jesus respond to this?

Q: How did Jesus respond to accusations of being on Satan’s team?

Q: Describe in your own words the significance of the sign of Jonah. How would this further point to the claims Jesus was making about himself?

Q: Who came to see Jesus? What did they want? What was Jesus told?

Q: What can you take away from Jesus’ statements regarding His relationships to His disciples? How does one become a part of Jesus forever family?

For Further Study: Mark 2:23-28, 3:1-6, 3:23-27 3:31-35, Luke 6:1-11, 8:19-21, 11:17-22

Read Matthew 13:3-23

In today’s reading Jesus shares many stories in the form of a parable. A parable is a story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. Jesus tells five different parables in the reading today. After reading each one, try to think of the moral Jesus was trying to portray in His parable.

Q: Who is Jesus referencing when He talks about the different places the seeds land? What different types does He list?

Q: What might this parable illustrate about how people come to understand the gospel?

Q: What are some different ways we “sow seeds” into the people around us?

Read Matthew 13:24-30

Q: Who are the characters in this story and who do you think they represent?

Matthew 13:31-33

Q: What are the key points of focus in these parables?

Q: What do these different items represent?

Read Matthew 13:36-43

Q: Have you seen weeds that look beautiful or even like a good plant?

Q: The reference in this passage is of a weed called Tares, which resembled wheat and was hard to tell apart until the crop matured. What/who do you think Jesus was referencing when talking about the comparison of wheat and tares?

Read Matthew 13:44-46

Q: Who/what are the main focus of this passage? What/who do they represent?

Q: What do you think Jesus was trying to say when He told this parable?

Q: Have you ever felt so strongly this way about something that you would give anything up to obtain it? Or someone?

Q: What is it about Jesus that is different than anything else you can pursue or chase after? Why is it worth it to be willing to give everything up for Him?

For Further Study: Mark 4:2-20, Luke 8:4-15; Luke 13:18-21

Read Matthew 14

A crowd is gathered (5,000 men plus women & children; commentators say upwards of 20,000 people may have been in the crowd). The hour is getting late and the crowd is getting hungry and the disciples think that they ought to send them away to get something to eat. Jesus, on the other hand, sees this as an opportunity to stretch their faith muscle. He tells His disciples to feed the crowd. They scour the crowd and come up with 2 slimy fish and 5 barley loaves from a boy’s lunch. The disciples said this is all we have and Jesus uses all they had to miraculously feed the crowd. Immediately after, Jesus sends the disciples across the lake in a boat. He dismisses the crowd and then the disciples find themselves in a storm, rowing but not getting anywhere. They look out and there is a figure walking on the water and they are terrified (I would be too)! Jesus lets them know it is Him and to not be afraid. Jesus was not simply testing and showing off His water walking skills, but He was preparing to take them a little further in their faith.

Q: Is there something that you think God wants you to release to Him so He can use it? Is there a need you think He wants you to meet that you feel you don’t have enough resource to meet?

Q: What keeps you from releasing what you have to God?

Q: Have you ever released something to God and watched Him do more with it than you imagined?

Q: What area of your life do you need to entrust and walk with faith in?

For Further Study: Mark 6:30-56, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-24

Yesterday, we read that Jesus fed 5,000. Today, another event of Him feeding hungry followers. This time it is 4,000. Don’t you think the disciples would have remembered and learned what Jesus was capable of after the 1st event? Often, we think if we could have only witnessed a miracle that Jesus performed, we would never again doubt. Despite seeing Him do supernatural deeds in person, it did not take away the disciples’ doubt completely. In the Old Testament, the Children of Israel would pile up rocks after God performed a miracle as a memorial – a visible reminder for the future. We need to write down the times God has worked in our lives and keep them visible as a reminder that He is continually working for us. The devil likes to make us think that He has forgotten us; memorial stones help us remember He is still able to do exceeding above our expectations.

Read Matthew 15

Q: It is amazing that v. 33 has the disciples wondering how to feed this crowd. Why did they doubt? What are some ways you are like this in your daily walk?

Q: How can we practically go about remembering what God has done in the past? How will remembering his past deeds bolster our faith?

Q: Think of a time when God intervened in one of your life situations – write down what happened.

Q: How can memory of this intervention help you in the future when you doubt God’s ability to work in your life?

Q: The children of Israel erected memorial stones when God intervened in their lives as a way of remembering his works. What memorial stones could you erect mentally? How has God worked mightily in your life?

For Further Study: Joshua 3:1-4:24

Jesus tells his followers to be careful (on guard) against the yeast of the Sadducees and Pharisees. These were religious leaders who opposed Jesus and his teaching because He didn’t line up with their interpretation of Scriptures. Yeast is a rising agent. When it is added to bread, it is worked through the entire batch of dough and influences the whole lump. When the dough is baked, the whole loaf rises uniformly.

Read Matthew 16

Q: Why would he compare them to yeast?

Q: Do you think false leaders today could be yeast? What would it most likely look like?

Q: What is significant about Peter’s confession? How does it compare with the religious leaders and false teachers of the day?

Q: Why is confession of Jesus “as the Christ, the Son of the living God” the first step in living a life of faith?

Q: Have you personally made the confession that Jesus is Christ and Lord of your life? If not, what is keeping you from doing so? (See Romans 10:9-10)

For Further Study: Acts 20:28-30, Romans 10:9-10, Colossians 2:6-8, 1 Timothy 4:1-5, 1 John 4:1-6

Read Matthew 17

It can be difficult to relate to the transfiguration and how it applies to us today. In reading this passage, I was struck that the disciples were taken out of the everyday grind of life and given a brief view of who Jesus really was. He was completely God – He was undeniably linked to the Old Testament through the presence of Moses and Elijah on the mountain.

Jesus walks on earth today; we just don’t physically see Him in skin. However, there are manifestations of His presence that I can see if I take the time. Look for Him today – look for the view of His glory in the sunrise or sunset. Look at the moon – scripture states this was hung on nothing. How can you see His glory daily?

Ask God today to turn your thoughts frequently to Him – looking for Him in the everyday grind of life. He is there, living in His creation and the hearts of Believers. See how many times you can find him.

Q: What do you envision God to look like? How does the transfiguration impact your view of Him?

Q: What do you think will be your first response when you meet God face to face?

Q: How can you grow in seeing God now for how you will see Him then?

For Further Study: Exodus 34:29-35, Ezekiel 1:28, Isaiah 6:1-7

Read Matthew 18

Q: What qualities do children have that Jesus may want us to emulate? What is the difference between being childish and childlike?

Q: What does a life of humility look like?

Q: What does the parable of the Lost Sheep say about the nature of God’s character?

Q: In modern day, the 10,000 talents would roughly be several billion dollars of debt and the 100 denarii would be about 3-4 months wages. What does this say about the amount of debt the first servant owed the king?

Q: How important was it to the king to maintain the relationship with his servant, that he would forgive so great a debt?

Q: Why was the king upset with the first servant when he heard what had happened?

Q: What does it show to be true in your life when you choose to forgive others? How might this create an opportunity to share the Gospel with others?

Q: Is there someone who you might need to work towards forgiving? Take time to pray today and ask God to help you work towards giving forgiveness to someone.

For Further Study: Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:2-4 & 15:3-7, and Philippians 2:1-11

Are you all in? In the world of sports, all in is going all out, exerting yourself to physical exhaustion. In the world of poker, all in means to commit all of your chips on one play. In the world of relationships, all in means committing yourself fully to one spouse for the rest of your life. All in is a high commitment to a cause where there is no turning back; it’s do or die. But what does in mean to be all in in terms of following Jesus? What does it mean to be sold out in terms of our spiritual lives? Am I apathetic, indifferent, lukewarm and unenthusiastic about my relationship with God or am I fervent, enthusiastic and zealous in my pursuit of God and his calling on my life. In this chapter, Jesus challenges a rich, young ruler to go all in to follow him?

Read Matthew 19

Q: The rich young ruler recognized who Jesus as a teacher who could answer his questions. Jesus recognized the rich young ruler as someone who kept the rules. Was this enough to earn eternal life?

Q: What level of sacrifice does Jesus say it takes to follow him?

Q: Going all in is only possible once we recognize that Jesus went all in for us. How can you grow in understanding the sacrifice Jesus made to be in relationship with you?

Q: A disciple of Christ is called to live all in! What hesitation or reservations might this bring? Why is it difficult to commit to being all in?

For Further Study: Mark 8:34, Luke 14:25-33, John 12:25 & 15:20, 2 Timothy 3:12

It is easy to compare ourselves to others, often overestimating our importance and righteousness. Only when we begin to compare ourselves to Jesus and His true righteousness, will we begin to understand the significant cost of his grace.

“In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich. It is very easy to overestimate the importance of our own achievements in comparison with what we owe others.“ – Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1905-1945).

Read Matthew 20:1-16

Q: Who are the main characters in this story? Who do the characters represent?

Q: Why were the workers in the vineyard complaining about the payment scale?

Q: Was the issue based on how much the late workers were being paid or was the issue that the early workers felt they deserved more?

Q: If God is the master in this story, what does this story tell us about His grace? Is grace fair?

Q: Why do we struggle to understand God’s grace when it goes against our human intuition and logic?

Read Matthew 20:17-34

Q: What do you think the disciples were thinking when Jesus predicted His death?

Q: Why is it important that Jesus knew of His own death? How do you think He must have felt as the time came near?

Q: How does it make you feel to know that Jesus knew the pain He would face in death, but also the necessity of His sacrifice for you?

For Further Study: Isaiah 53:1-7, Mark 10:32-34

The triumphal entry is glorious and exciting; people were excited to see Jesus ride into the city and shouted, throwing their cloaks and waving palm branches. It looked like He would be crowned king which was a happily-ever-after ending to the story. They have received their king. As you read through the next couple of days, you will find this same crowd begin to realize this was not a smooth road. The way to being a king was through the cross and death. Unfortunately, the crowd was fickle. The same crowd that came to the city to celebrate Him being king were probably involved in the arrest and trial of Jesus. Many of them were at the cross as scoffers – faith was at an all-time low because God’s plan did not meet their mental image of what should happen. No one realized through these chapters that there would be a resurrection. We read with the benefit of knowing the end of the story; they lived not being able to see around the corner. This happiness at the triumphal entry was brief and the beginning of a road of doubt and sorrow.

Read Matthew 21:1-11

Q: How long does my worship last?

Q: Is God only good when he does what I want or is he equally good when he gives an adverse outcome?

Read Matthew 21:12-17

Q: How does this picture of Jesus impact you?

Q: Why do you think Jesus was so frustrated at the absence of prayer?

Read Matthew 21:18-45

Q: Who did Jesus say the two sons represented? Why was this hard for the religious leaders of the time to hear Him say this?

Q: What does it sound like the tenants believed, that ultimately led them to kill the son?

Q: Why did the Jews ultimately reject and kill Jesus? In what ways do we reject him still today?

For Further Study: Mark 12:1-12, Luke 20:9-19

Jesus is asked an interesting question by an expert in the law. Jesus had been peppered by questions from other religious people. This man saw how Jesus had answered and decided to ask Jesus his question. He wanted to know which commandment was the greatest. This was a good question since the Jews had developed 613 commands, 365 of them negative and 248 of them were positive commands. There had been attempts to classify the commands into categories such as the weightier commands and the lighter commands. As always there were different opinions on which ones were weightier and which were lighter. (There is nothing new under the sun! ). This man wanted to know which command would be the most important to resolve to keep in his life! Great question!! Jesus answered in a fashion that should have been familiar to the Jews. He answered by quoting the “Shema” found in Deuteronomy 6:4, 5. The “Shema” would have been quoted by the Jew both in the morning and the evening of everyday! Jesus answers this man by summarizing the law as loving God and loving others.

Read Matthew 22

Q: Why is loving God with all your heart, soul and mind the greatest commandment?

Q: Have you resolved to give God the exclusive devotion of your heart? If not, what else is taking that devotion?

Q: Jesus said in John 14, “If you love me, you will obey my commands.” I should be delighted to obey the God I love. Loving God is tied with obedience. How are you obeying God?

Q: Jesus is saying that a Great Commandment commitment will lead to a second commandment lifestyle. How are you doing at loving others more and more?

For Further Study: Mark 12:28-34, 1 John 5:3, John 14:15

We admire people who practice what they preach. The Pharisees in the New Testament were men who knew the law very well. They harshly judged others for not following it, yet excused their own failure to follow its exact instructions. Jesus had scathing judgments for them and told them they were beautiful on the outside but full of dead bones on the inside.

Read Matthew 23

Q: Write in your own words, the seven woes Jesus gave to the religious leaders?

Q: Is your life congruent – the same inside and outside? Do people see you living daily the same message that comes out of your mouth?

Q: How does this passage correlate with our value of “we live to make Jesus make sense”?

For Further Study: Mark 12:38-40, Luke 20:45-47

End times can illicit many emotions and stir up many questions. Focusing on end times should be an exercise that provides followers of Christ with motivation to fully embrace Jesus, His message and His mission! End times should be, first and foremost, good news for those that follow Christ. We can have hope that Jesus will rescue us and trust in His justice and judgment.

Read Matthew 24:1-25

Q: During the end times, God’s judgment is severe and His justice is upheld. How does hearing about this unprecedented judgment fill out the picture of God? Do you struggle at all with God’s judgment during this period of time? Why or why not?

Q: What impression do you get of mankind in the events leading up to the end? How do you envision life on earth to be during this time?

Q: Have you ever thought of God’s mercy being present during this period of time? What provides evidence of His mercy being present through this time?

Q: What does it say about God that during His most unprecedented judgment, people have a choice to follow him and that He provides witnesses of the gospel and hears the prayers of His people?

Q: How does understanding the reality of end times and God’s ultimate victory affect the way in which we live today?

For Further Study: Revelation 6:15-17, 7:14-17 & 9:20-21, 12:9, 13:1-8 & 13:11-18

In Jesus’ conversation about the end times, it is clear to see that He is battling an opponent. Ephesians 6:10-13 says that our opponent is Satan and his team of demons. Our struggle in this life and in end times is not against flesh and blood but rather the devil and his team is the opponent. For us to minimize the opponent is to go in to the game with our guard down. Paul also encourages us not to be outwitted by Satan:

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 11:3, 14-15

Satan does not show up in predictable ways. His desire is to outwit us, to destroy us, to masquerade what he is doing to try to sack our lives! The great news about the end is that Jesus wins! For those that have said Yes to Jesus the game has already been decided, the victory is won!

Matthew 24:26-51

Q: What names, pictures and images are depicted of Satan and God’s enemies during the Tribulation? What adjectives would you use to describe them during this time?

Q: Satan’s team persecutes, deceives and distracts humanity during the Tribulation? How is it similar/different from their work today?

Q: How do we properly acknowledge Satan’s influence today and in the Tribulation without minimizing the power of God?

Q: How does the picture of Jesus as the Triumphant King change your response to Him?

Q: Compare and contrast the first coming of Jesus with His second?

Q: Think about spending eternity with Jesus. What do you think it will be like? What do you look forward to the most?

For Further Study: Ephesians 6:10-18, John 8:48, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Matthew 25:1-30

“Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (v.13).

Keeping watch involves living today with that day in mind! Focusing on that day instead of today allows each of us to live with tremendous motivation to consider our relationship with Jesus, change bad habits, to reorder priorities and alter the direction of our lives. Keeping watch means asking ourselves the hard questions about our relationship with Him such as…

• Am I merely a wedding crasher or have I associated myself as a member of the wedding party? Have I agreed to a covenant relationship with Jesus? Jesus paid the purchase price for you and me at the cross. He has extended his hand of marriage through Grace by faith!
• Do I eagerly expect the groom’s arrival or do I live as if the bride has been left at the altar? Am I preparing myself for my eternal marriage with Jesus? Do my priorities match those of my spouse? Have I made His agenda my agenda? Do I care about the things that He cares about? Do I keep busy with the things that keep Him busy?
• Have I embraced the benefits of marriage or am I unenthusiastic amidst my engagement? Do I live with hope, trusting the benefits of my future marriage? No matter the circumstances, do I live with assurance and hope. Job loss, broken relationships, health scares. Do I live with confidence that He is in control will one day come to rescue me and make this world anew?

Q: Are you prepared for Jesus’ return? What does one need to do to be properly prepared for His return?

Q: What does it look like to eagerly and expectantly await His return?

Q: Do you live with hope considering God’s eternal promises?

Q: If you think about the talents you have (actual talents, not like the money in the story), have you been faithful with what God has blessed you with? If so, how might you be more effective with them? If not, what opportunities could you pursue to try to be faithful with your talents?

Q: How does the promise of God preparing a place impact your daily decisions and opportunities?

For Further Study: Luke 21, 2 Timothy 3:13, 4:3-4, 2 Peter 3

With eternity, there’s an option that’s better than we can ever fathom, than our imagination can grasp, that will bring us complete joy, excitement, satisfaction, happiness, purpose, and any other good feeling you can think of. And it will never end. Eternal Bliss. And then there’s an option that will be worse than we can fathom, worse than our nightmares can grasp, that will bring us terror, pain, sadness, torment, suffering, and any other terrible feeling you can think of. And it, too, will never end. Eternal Suffering. From a completely objective, worldly point of view as I look at those two lists it’s pretty clear which I prefer, right? As I think about myself and my comfort and enjoyment, I know which option I choose. Often, I would do anything to avoid the option I don’t want. And I live my life not doing anything to alleviate the option I don’t want. But here’s the thing: When we start thinking that way, we can very easily be misguided. Here’s what I mean: If I think I can choose to follow Christ simply because I don’t want to go to Hell after I die, the place of eternal conscious suffering, then I can be sure I’m NOT going to experience option #1, eternal bliss. But rather I am going to experience exactly what I’m hoping to avoid. We don’t get to enter into the eternity of our choice by wanting that more than the alternative and doing everything we can (living a good life doing good things…even a life obedient to Jesus) to get it. WE CHOOSE OUR ETERNITY BY KNOWING AND LOVING JESUS.

Matthew 25:31-46

Q: What do the groups mentioned in these passages have in common?

Q: How does a final judgment for unbelievers make you feel?

Q: How can we reconcile a final judgment of unbelievers with a loving God? How can carrying out justice be seen as an act of love?

Q: How does a judgment for unbelievers promote the need for evangelism (the sharing of the good news)?

For Further Study: Ecclesiastes 12:14, Matthew 12:36, Romans 2: 1-11, Revelation 20:11-15

Read Matthew 26:1-35

The Lord has asked His people throughout all generations to celebrate a meal that has deep meaning, significance and remembrance. Every year, the Jews celebrated the Passover meal to remember their Exodus from slavery and oppression in Egypt. Like all Jewish people, Jesus celebrated the Passover meal. However, in a startling alteration of the thousand-year tradition, as He and the disciples ate the unleavened bread, Jesus announced that the bread was His body (Matthew 26:26). As Jesus and His disciples drank of the wine, Jesus identified it as His blood to be shed for the new covenant, or forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:28). In fulfillment of the Passover, Jesus was “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7; Revelation 5:12). At this particular Passover, Jesus shows that the great Jewish feast, which for so many years was the central act of ritual observances under the Mosaic Law, would be superseded by another religious meal: Communion. At the Last Supper, Jesus also points to the Feast’s ultimate fulfillment found in the Wedding Feast of the Lamb (Revelation 19).

Q: Why does Jesus choose to institute communion for his church? What does the bread represent? What does the cup represent?

Q: How do you think the disciples felt when they first heard Jesus share this at the Last Supper? When do you anticipate that they made the connection with these elements that Jesus had intended?

Q: How can we strive to more frequently remember the significance of Jesus’ death on the cross as the sacrificial lamb? How could this alter our daily decisions?

Q: Communion gives us a complete picture of the work of Jesus. His past, present and future ministry. Why do you think having an accurate and complete picture of Jesus is important?

For Further Study: John 13, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, Jude 1:12, Revelation 19

Read Matthew 26:36-75

A trial is a proceeding in which opposing parties dispute, present evidence, and make arguments before a judge or jury about their case. Throughout the evening, Jesus was put on trial multiple times regarding who He said he was! The circumstances surrounding his arrest and trails and the loneliness he must of experienced throughout the process highlight the depth of God’s love for us!

Q: Describe in your own words the circumstances surrounding the arrest and trials of Jesus?

Q: What emotions do you envision Jesus and His disciples were feeling through this period?

Q: What do you think was on Jesus mind as He navigated the final days before His death? How clear was His purpose in fulfilling God’s will?

Q: What do we learn about Peter (mentioned as one of Jesus companions) through his interactions in these passages?

Q: Has there been a time when your anger got the best of you like it did Peter?

Q: Has there been a time when you were unwilling to stand for the name of Jesus?

For Further Study: Luke 22:7-23:25, John 18:1-19:3

Matthew 27:1-31

It was politics as usual. The crowd was getting ugly and Pilate needed to defuse the situation. He knew he had an innocent man on his hands. But Jesus offered nothing—He didn’t even defend himself. Pilate was at a crossroads and did the practical thing. He washed his hands of the whole affair and let the miscarriage of justice continue.

Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked Him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. When He was accused by the chief priests and the elders, He gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.

Now it was the governor’s custom at the Feast to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time, they had a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.

While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.” But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.

Q: Judas was struck with guilt saying “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” How would Jesus have responded to Judas’ guilt?

Q: Why did the crowd choose to free Barabbas over Jesus?

Q: Imagine yourself in the crowd. How do you think you would have responded? Why is it important to recognize that our sin is what nailed Him to the cross?

Q: Isaiah prophesied about the rejection and humiliation that Jesus would face. How do these circumstances that Jesus faced allow Him to empathize with our pain?

For Further Study: Isaiah 53, Luke 23:1-24

Matthew 27:32-56

All four of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) record the events surrounding Jesus crucifixion. In fact, proportionally they spend a lot more time surrounding these events than the rest of Jesus life. The Bible indicates that what we believe about the cross of Jesus and what happened on the cross is central to the message of God in the Bible. In fact Paul felt so strongly about it that he said in 1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” and in 1 Corinthians 2:2, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” The message of the cross is central to faith in Jesus.

Q: Why is the cross central to what I believe about Jesus?

Q: Why does the cross seem foolishness to those who do not believe?

Q: What do the words, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing….”, tell you about the heart of Jesus?

Q: How do Jesus’ words of forgiveness help me to forgive?

Q: What do the interactions with the other men on the cross tell us about the heart of Jesus?

For Further Study: Luke 23:26-56, 1 Corinthians 2:2

Matthew 27:57-66

After Jesus’ death on the cross, a man by the name of Joseph (from Arimathea) took a huge risk to his reputation by requesting the body of Jesus Christ. You see, Joseph was part of the council (Sanhedrin) of Jewish leaders that called for the death of Jesus. Along with Nicodemus (John 19:39), they prepared Him for a proper burial. This burial fulfilled a prophecy (Isaiah 53:9) spoken hundreds of years before Jesus’ life on earth.

The next day, the chief priest and Pharisees went back to Pilate to request that the stone Joseph had placed in front of the tomb be guarded and sealed. They were fearful that Jesus would rise again or that the disciples might steal His body and fabricate a resurrection (something that personally seems very difficult to have pulled off). These preparations were for naught as we will see tomorrow.

Q: What evidence is given to support the death and burial of Jesus in a sealed tomb?

Q: Imagine you were one of the disciples. Describe what you are feeling during this time?

Q: Joseph of Arimathea took a significant risk to request the body of Jesus. Do you expect risks in the pursuit of loving and following Jesus? If so, are there any risks that He may be asking you to take at the moment?

Q: The life, death and resurrection of Jesus fulfilled many prophecies about the Messiah? Why is it that with all of these fulfilled prophecies, that others still won’t acknowledge Jesus as the Savior of the world?

Q: Who is someone that you could consistently pray would recognize Jesus, as He truly is, the Savior of the world?

For Further Study: Mark 15:42-46, Luke 23:50-53, John 19:38-42

Matthew 28:1-15

The once dead Jesus, once buried Jesus, and now missing Jesus showed up and talked to his disciples. He laughed with them, ate with them and hung out with them and you know what happened? Everything changed because of what they witnessed and it caused this group of confused, skeptical, fearful, disillusioned and bewildered followers to take the streets with a bold message of a risen Christ!

Q: What evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ is given in this passage?

Q: Imagine what it must have been like to have seen the risen Christ after watching Him die days before?

Q: How many people did Jesus appear to after He resurrected from the dead? (see 1 Corinthians 15:6)

Q: How did what the disciples believed about the resurrection change the trajectory of their lives?

Q: How does what you believe or don’t believe about the resurrection change the trajectory of your life?

For further study: 1 Corinthians 15, Luke 24, John 3:13-17

Matthew 28:16-20

Disciples follow Jesus by knowing it, living it, and giving it away. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ. In this passage, we see that Jesus extends the great commission to His followers. It is not a new invitation, just an extension of what He had already called them to. You see, over the course of His few years with them, He taught that followers of His would fish for people. Fishing for people is making disciples. So in essence, disciple making is inviting others to follow Jesus with me. It is an intentional, relational and exponential type of relationship that Jesus was asking his followers to have with others. The question that the book of Matthew leaves us with is this . . . If I am not making disciples, I am not fishing for people. If I am not fishing for people, am I following Jesus?

Q: In what context did Jesus extend His great commission (v. 17)? What do you think Jesus meant when He said all authority had been given to Him (v.18)?

Q: What did Jesus command His followers to do and what did He promise to do? Why is this such an important distinction?

Q: How does it make you feel that Jesus has said He will always be with you? How does this empower you?

Q: What fears or anxieties might you have about reaching out to people to make disciples?

Q: Are you making disciples? Who are the 3 people that God has surrounded you with that you have the opportunity to invite to follow Jesus with you?

For Further Study: Matthew 4:18-20, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Colossians 1:29, 2 Timothy 2:2