Matthew 23-25

1. 23:1-12 Besides a condemnation of the attitude of the Pharisees, what is Jesus cautioning against? [Consider: Were the Pharisees evil, or just human, and showing a human tendency?]
   
2. 23:13-36 In your own words, list at least three ways in which the scribes and Pharisee were hypocrites.
   
3. 23:37-39 How does Jesus’ lament in this passage relate to what He has just said to the scribes and Pharisees?
   
4. 24:1-14 What does Jesus prophesy in this passage? What does He promise?
   
5. 24:15-24 When the disciples see the “desolating sacrilege” (*“abomination of desolation”) coming, who is to flee into the mountains? What instructions and desire are expressed here?
   
6. 24:25-31 Is this speaking of the second (and final) coming of Christ, or of something else? (Read Isaiah 13:10 and Ezekiel 32:7 for similar language. To what does the same expression refer to in those passages?)
   
7. 24:32-35 In what generation would these things happen? Would there be a warning?
   
8. 24:36-51 When "that day and hour” come, will there be a warning? [Consider: How is Jesus referring back to the disciples' question in verse 3?]
   
9. 25:1-13 What is the difference between the foolish bridesmaids (virgins) and the wise bridesmaids? How does Jesus apply this parable (verse 13)?
   
10. 25:14-30 Why did the one-talent slave (servant) hide his talent in the ground? What would his master have done with it?
    
11. 25:31-46 What is the difference between those on the Lord’s right hand and those on the left?

*The abomination of desolation is usually held to mean the encirclement of the Holy City by the Roman armies prior to its destruction. That the Christian might have the opportunity to flee after such a deployment as that might have appeared impossible, due to the encircling armies; but the army of Titus, commanded by Cestius Gallus, for some inexplicable reason, lifted the siege, providing the Christians a chance to escape. In Book II of his Wars, section 24, Josephus said, "For Cestius removed his army, and having received no loss, very unadvisedly departed from the city."

The reference to taking the things out of one's house was to emphasize the need for haste and urgency. It is a historical fact that the Christians did, in fact, take flight to safety during the brief respite allowed them by Gallus' withdrawal. (Burton Coffman)

Matthew 20-22 Class Comments

1. 20:1-16 How does the landowner seem to act unfairly? [Consider: Is there any way this might seem fair, or is his right to act unfairly the point of the story?] Comments: The late workers received a day’s wages for an hour’s work, meaning their hourly wage was much more than those who had started early. One thing this teaches is that it’s never too late to become a Christian, that those who serve in the kingdom for only a short time receive the same reward as those who have served a lifetime. A similar story is that of the Prodigal Son, who received his father’s blessings even after being wayward for a while. Still another observation was that the landowner gave the early workers their wages last for a reason: He wanted them to learn the lesson that “the first shall be last, and the last first,” that as the landowner he has the right to grant favor on whomever he will. None of us earns salvation, no matter how hard we may work or how valuable we consider our worth to God.
   
2. 20:17-19  How does this prophecy of Jesus’ death and resurrection differ from the previous times He has told His disciples of it? (16:21 and 17:22-23) Comments: In chapters 16 and 17, Jesus told of his death and resurrection as something that would happen in the future, mentioning only Himself. In this incident, it is about to happen, and it will also involve the disciples. “We are going up to Jerusalem….” The moment they had been dreading is imminent.
   
3. 20:20-28  What does Jesus teach about the value of humility? [Consider: Why does Jesus instruct the ten about humility? Isn't that the instruction James and John should receive?] Comments: We weren’t sure whether or not James and John were included in these instructions, but it certainly applied to them – and to us. The ten showed their desire for prominence by voicing their resentment for James and John – whether they put their mother up to making the request or simply allowed her to do so. It’s as if they were thinking, “Why didn’t I think of it first?” Other observations: Jesus stepped in to prevent further quarreling, pointing out that the nature of the spiritual kingdom is not about pre-eminence. For added effect, He compares what they’re doing to the worst of what the Gentiles do – those despised Gentiles.
   
4. 20:29-34 Why did Jesus heal the blind men? How soon did it take effect? [Consider: Why would Jesus ask the blind men what they wanted? Wouldn't it have been obvious?] Comments: He healed the blind men out of compassion, and it took effect immediately. Suggestions about why Jesus asked what they wanted: God wants us to express our needs to Him, even though He already knows what we need. He wants us to show our faith in Him by praying. The commentator Matthew Henry suggests that Jesus wanted them to ask for what only God can give. Before He asked, they were just crying out for mercy. Did they want alms, or did they want healing from the only One who could give it?
   
5. 21:1-11 Find and note the different designations for Jesus in this passage. Comments: Jesus; the Lord; your King; Son of David; He who comes in the name of the Lord; prophet from Nazareth of Galilee. We talked about other names given to Jesus in the New Testament: Bread of Life; Living Water; Savior; the Door; the Shepherd; the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
   
6. 21:12-17 Was this an act of temper on Jesus' part? (See Mark 11:11.) What was wrong with what they were doing? Comments: It wasn’t impulsive, because the day before, He had gone into the temple to look around, according to Mark 11:11; it was an act of righteous anger. Only animals sold at the temple were “authorized sacrifices,” for which the people were overcharged. Then on top of that, the temple merchants would accept only temple money, for which the money changers charged exorbitant rates. Would Jesus be any less angry with those today who use His Word to achieve financial gain?
   
7. 21:18-22 When the disciples saw Jesus curse the fig tree, what was their concern? What is the lesson of the fig tree? Comments: They didn’t wonder how Jesus had done that, even though the day before they had seen him curse it. They wondered only how it had happened so fast. This may be symbolic of God’s judgment on Israel, and how immediate that judgment can be. It also talks of hypocrisy – of seeming to be fruitful when it’s all for show.
   
8. 21:23-27 What is our natural tendency when asked a confrontational question? What valuable technique does Jesus demonstrate here? Comments: To strike back or to defend ourselves. Jesus does what many psychologists recommend when dealing with people: You answer a question with a question. He knew their motives and wasn’t going to be led into their trap.
   
9. 21:28-32  How does this parable relate to the context? How might you have reacted if you had been one of the chief priests or elders? Comments: All the parables in this section have to do with acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah. If I had been one of the chief priests or elders, with their arrogance and self-righteousness, and Jesus had 1) refused to answer my challenges and 2) told me that despised tax collectors and harlots would enter the kingdom of God before me because they had accepted Jesus when I hadn’t, I would have been furious.
   
10. 21:33-41 What teaching technique(s) does Jesus use here (especially v. 40)? Comments: He uses word pictures and analogies – much as Nathan did when he confronted David about his sin with Bathsheba. And just like Nathan, by asking them the meaning of the parable, Jesus allowed them to draw their own conclusions.
    
11. 21:42-46 Why did it take so long for the chief priests and Pharisees to realize Jesus was talking about them? What was their immediate response? Comments: They were not only arrogant, they were ignorant (v. 42 – “Have you never read…?). They had a pre-conceived image of the Messiah – one who was more like them, and would approve of them. Before, He had talked in parables and then explained them only to his disciples. Now He’s wanting the religious leaders to know that they are the target of His criticism. They wanted to do away with Him, but couldn’t, because of His popularity.
    
12. 22:1-14 Describe two ways invitees rejected the invitation. How did the man without the wedding robe react when he was confronted by the king? [Consider: How can we avoid being him?] Comments: Some made light of it; others abused his servants. The man without the robe was speechless; he didn’t say a word. At least he could have asked where he could get the proper garments! He was unprepared to be at the feast – maybe like some who want to take part in Christianity, want to be among the favored, but aren’t prepared to do what is required of them.
    
13. 22:15-22 What motivated the Pharisees' question about paying taxes? [Consider: Why would the Pharisees use the Herodians to ask this question?] How did they react to his response? Comments: They wanted to entangle him – again. The Herodians were a political, not a religious, sect, who supported Herod and Roman rule. The Pharisees objected to Roman rule, so typically, they were enemies.
    
14. 22:23-33 Who were the Sadducees? What was the motivation for their question? [Consider: Should we just come out and tell people they're wrong, as Jesus did here?] Comments: They were a sect that didn’t believe in the resurrection from the dead. They asked a question designed to trip him up. The consensus was that many times we don’t speak up when we should. We need to know our own motives and the motives of those we’re speaking to. Do they want to learn; do we want them to know the truth? A further observation: The Sadducees were not only ignorant of the Scriptures, in denying the resurrection, they were denying the power of God. If He create, He can resurrect.
    
15. 22:34-40 What are the two great commandments? [Consider: How does Jesus' answer compare to the Ten Commandments?] Comments: Love your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. Love your neighbor as yourself. They are similar. The first encompasses the first four of the Ten Commandments; the second one encompasses the remaining six.
    
16. 22:41-46 Whose Son is the Christ? What did David say about Him? Comments: He is the son, or descendant of David, yet He is superior to David, because David calls the Messiah his lord. This is quoted from Psalm 110:1 and quoted again in Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost.

Matthew 20-22

1. 20:1-16 How does the landowner seem to act unfairly? [Discuss:Is there any way this might seem fair, or is his right to act unfairly the point of the story?]
2. 20:17-19  How does this prophecy of Jesus’ death and resurrection differ from the previous times He has told His disciples of it? (16:21 and 17:22-23)
3. 20:20-28  What does Jesus teach about the value of humility? [Discuss: Why does Jesus instruct the ten about humility? Isn't that the instruction James and John should receive?]
4. 20:29-34 Why did Jesus heal the blind men? How soon did it take effect? [Discuss: Why would Jesus ask the blind men what they wanted? Wouldn't it have been obvious?]
5. 21:1-11 Find and note the different designations for Jesus in this passage.
6. 21:12-17 Was this an act of temper on Jesus' part? (See Mark 11:11.) What was wrong with what they were doing?
7. 21:18-22 When the disciples saw Jesus curse the fig tree, what was their concern? What is the lesson of the fig tree?
8. 21:23-27 What is our natural tendency when asked a confrontational question? What valuable technique does Jesus demonstrate here?
9. 21:28-32  How does this parable relate to the context? How might you have reacted if you had been one of the chief priests or elders?
10. 21:33-41 What teaching technique(s) does Jesus use here (especially v. 40)?
11. 21:42-46 Why did it take so long for the chief priests and Pharisees to realize Jesus was talking about them? What was their immediate response?
12. 22:1-14 Describe two ways invitees rejected the invitation. How did the man without the wedding robe react when he was confronted by the king? [Discuss: How can we avoid being him?]
13. 22:15-22 What motivated the Pharisees' question about paying taxes? [Discuss: Why would the Pharisees use the Herodians to ask this question?] How did they react to his response?
14. 22:23-33 Who were the Sadducees? What was the motivation for their question? [Discuss: Should we just come out and tell people they're wrong, as Jesus did here?]
15. 22:34-40 What are the two great commandments? [Discuss: How does Jesus' answer compare to the 10 commandments?]
16. 22:41-46 Whose Son is the Christ? What did David say about Him?

Matthew 17-19 Class Comments

1. 17:1-13 Which disciples did Jesus choose to take with Him to the high mountain? What was Peter’s reaction when he witnessed the transfiguration? Class Answers: Peter, James, and John, the same men Jesus requested to accompany him in the raising up of Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5:37) and for prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:33). Peter wanted to build three tabernacles, three tents. Apparently, he wanted Moses and Elijah to stay a while. CB note: We didn’t bring this up, but I’ve often wondered how Peter recognized Moses and Elijah. At this reading, I noticed that Moses and Elijah were talking with Jesus. It would be easy from their conversation for Peter to determine who they were.
2. 17:14-21 Why couldn’t the disciples cure the epileptic boy? [Consider: How does our lack of faith limit our ability to do God’s will?] Class Answers: They couldn’t cure the epileptic boy because of their lack of faith. We often demonstrate our lack of faith when we know God’s will in a matter, but can’t believe that He will help us carry it out. An example: A lack of funds is all there is to keep us from going into a foreign mission field. Rather than making a commitment, we give up before we even try.
3. 17:22-23  What distressed the disciples? Class Answers: Jesus’ statement that the Son of Man would be killed. They obviously identified Him as the Son of Man, but didn’t seem to hear the part about His being raised up. Peter had a similar reaction back in 16:22. When you examine that verse, you realize that when Peter told Jesus, “this shall not happen to You!” he was also referring to the resurrection.
4. 17:24-27  Besides being amazed at Jesus' reading Peter's mind and the fish with a coin in its mouth, what lesson can we learn from Jesus here? Class Answers: 1) That we should pay taxes to whom taxes are due; 2) Even the King obeys earthly ordinances; 3) Jesus did not want to offend the tax collector needlessly; 4) Jesus considered that He and the disciples were “sons” of the temple. In fact, as God, the temple was His; 5) Jesus didn’t conjure up any money, though he could have. Rather, Peter had to go find it.
5. 18:1-5 What is a characteristic of those who want to be part of the kingdom of heaven? Class Answers: Humility. Be converted and become humble; be humble like a little child; use humility in accepting children.
6. 18:6-9 What would a person deserve who would cause a little child to stumble in his belief? Class Answers: A millstone hung around the person’s neck and drowned in a deep sea. Short answer: death. This would include  stifling a child’s growth in God intentionally or unintentionally, by not giving the child a good example of trust in God.
7. 18:10-20 How does Jesus’ story of the lost sheep relate to His instruction about restoring a church member who sins against another member? Class Answers: 1) It’s worse for a believer to fall than never have to believed; 2) We must do everything we can to restore a brother. This is not a list of legal steps we must take before we can legally “oust” someone from the church. They are steps we take to restore someone to the fold, the fellowship of his or her brothers and sisters.
8. 18:21-35 What recognition will help us forgive others? Class Answer: That we have more to be forgiven for than we need to forgive. We owe much more to God than anyone owes us.
9. 19:1-12 What was the motive for the question about marriage? In the beginning, what was God’s plan for marriage? Class Answers: The Pharisees were again trying to trap Him. When He answered from the passage in Genesis 2:24, they were hoping He would either condemn Moses or excuse divorce. Instead, He explained Moses’ permitting certificates of divorce on the hardness of their hearts, referring to the Pharisees’ ancestors. God’s original plan for marriage was always one man married to one woman for life. Any other arrangement involves adultery and sin.
10. 19:13-15  Why would Jesus' disciples respond to the children in this way? How can we be guilty of the same thing? Class Answers: Because they misunderstood the importance of children. Teaching children while they’re young is important to their spiritual growth. We can become like Jesus’ disciples when we think we have nothing to learn from children.
11. 19:16-30 How hard is it for the rich to enter heaven? [Consider: How does Jesus’ response in verse 26 answer the young man’s question in verse 16?] Class Answers: It’s impossible, if he thinks he has to do something to enter heaven, or if he values his riches more than he does the kingdom. In verse 16, the young man asked what he could do, what law he could follow that would make him perfect. In verse 26 Jesus teaches that only God can save; we can do nothing to earn salvation.

Matthew 17-19

1. 17:1-13 Which disciples did Jesus choose to take with him to the high mountain? What was Peter’s reaction when he witnessed the transfiguration?
2. 17:14-21 Why couldn’t the disciples cure the epileptic boy?
3. 17:22-23  What distressed the disciples?
4. 17:24-27  Besides being amazed at Jesus' reading Peter's mind and the fish with a coin in its mouth, what lesson can we learn from Jesus here?
5. 18:1-5 What is a characteristic of those who want to be part of the kingdom of heaven?
6. 18:6-9 What would a person deserve who would cause a little child to stumble in his belief?
7. 18:10-20 How does what Jesus says about the lost sheep relate to His instruction about restoring a church member who sins against another member?
8. 18:21-35 What recognition will help us forgive others?
9. 19:1-12 What was the motive for the question about marriage? In the beginning, what was God’s plan for marriage?
10. 19:13-15  Why would Jesus' disciples respond to the children in this way? How can we be guilty of the same thing?
11. 19:16-30 How hard is it for the rich to enter heaven?

For Discussion:

1. 17:14-21 How does our lack of faith limit our ability to do God’s will?
2. 18:2-14 How would one cause a child to stumble? How might the statement in verse 10 affect the way we view children? How can a little child be lost? As little children, aren't they safe?
3. 19:16-30 How does Jesus’ response in verse 26 answer the young man’s question in verse 16?

Matthew 14-16 Class Comments

1. 14:1-13  Why was the king grieved when Herodias asked for John’s head? How did Jesus respond to the news of John’s death? Class Answers:  If we answered according to the Matthew account, the general consensus was that it was because he feared the multitudes, because they considered John a prophet. But Herod felt he had to go through with it to save face in front of his dinner guests. Mark’s account (6:20) says that Herod feared John, knowing he was a just and holy man, and he protected him (from Herodias, who wanted him dead). When Jesus heard of John’s death, he retreated to a desert place by Himself.
   
2. 14:14-21 Why did the crowds follow Jesus? Do you think they expected Him to feed them? Class Answers: So he would heal their sick. There’s no indication they expected to be fed. John 6:2 states that they followed Him because they had seen Him heal others.
   
3. 14:22-36 What happened as soon as Jesus got into the boat after walking to the boat on the water? What did the disciples do? Class Answers: The wind ceased. John 6:21 states also that “immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.” The disciples worshiped Him, saying “Truly you are the Son of God.” When I asked why we don’t read of them worshiping Jesus when he healed all those sick people, or when he fed the five thousand, the answer was maybe because those miracles hadn’t affected them.
   
4. 15:1-9 How did Jesus answer the Pharisees’ criticism of His disciples? (v. 3) [Consider: In what ways (and areas) are we in danger of keeping traditions while forsaking God's will?] Class Answers: He answered them with a question, telling them they needed to look to their own foibles (the “logs” in their eyes). They broke God’s commandments because of their traditions. By tradition, they could vow their goods to God, and “legally” therefore be free from any obligation of caring for their parents. The personal application of traditions centered mostly around the way we worship – that we become so involved in the structure of our worship, we begin to see that as law, and are very uncomfortable if there’s a slight change.
   
5. 15:10-20 How does this passage relate to the previous one? Class Answers: In the previous passage, Jesus’ disciples are criticized for not washing their hands, according to the elders’ traditions. Here he explains that spiritual defilement from what men say is much worse than any physical defilement that might occur from unwashed hands. Side note: In verse 12, the disciples are worried that the Pharisees were offended. Jesus warns them about following men who are spiritually blind.
   
6. 15:21-31 How did Jesus’ disciples react at first to the Canaanite woman? What was her response to Jesus’ answer in verse 24? Besides faith, what other attribute(s) did this woman display? Class Answers: They wanted to send her away. Besides faith, we thought she also displayed humility, perseverance (persistence), courage (strength), and wisdom.
   
7. 15:32-39 Besides the difference in number, how does this account differ from the feeding of the 5,000 in Matthew 14? For instance, who instigated it? What motivated the meal? Class Answers: In the previous account, the disciples had suggested it. Here, Jesus makes the suggestion.  We thought it odd that the disciples, after seeing Jesus feed the five thousand, would wonder how four thousand could be fed.
   
8. 16:1-12 How does Jesus’ answer to the Pharisees and Sadducees compare to the answer He gave them before (12:38-42)? After this incident, of what does He warn His disciples? Class Answers: In both, he mentions the sign of Jonah. In chapter 12, he compares Himself to Jonah and Solomon. In chapter 14, he criticizes them for not recognizing the signs. He warns his disciples of the leaven of the Pharisees, defined by one commentary as “a change agent – subtle and gradual, yet thorough.”
   
9. 16:13-20 What does Jesus mean by "this rock"? What does He mean by the "keys of the kingdom"? (Acts 2 may hold a clue.) [Consider: Why would He tell the disciples not to publicize who He was?] Class Answers: The rock is the foundation upon which Christ’s church is established: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. When He gives the keys of the kingdom to Peter, He’s telling Peter that he will be the first to preach the gospel – first to the Jews and proselytes in Acts 2 and then to the Gentiles, when he preaches to Cornelius in Acts 10.
   
10. 16:21-26 How does the warning in verses 24-26 relate to the incident in verses 21- 23? Class Answers: Just as Jesus would die, so must His followers be willing to give up their own lives. Being a good person doesn’t mean you won’t have to suffer.
    
11. 16:27-28  When will the Son of Man come in his kingdom? Class Answers: During the lifetime of some of those that were standing there. There was general discussion of the meaning of the word “kingdom,” which we agreed would merit a follow-up study.

Matthew 14-16

1. 14:1-13  Why was the king grieved when Herodias asked for John’s head? How did Jesus respond to the news of John’s death?
2. 14:14-21 Why did the crowds follow Jesus? Do you think they expected Him to feed them?
3. 14:22-36 What happened as soon as Jesus got into the boat after walking to the boat on the water? What did the disciples do?
4. 15:1-9 How did Jesus answer the Pharisees’ criticism of His disciples? (v. 3)
5. 15:10-20 How does this passage relate to the previous one?
6. 15:21-31 How did Jesus’ disciples react at first to the Canaanite woman? What was her response to Jesus’ answer in verse 24? Besides faith, what other attribute(s) did this woman display?
7. 15:32-39 Besides the difference in number, how does this account differ from the feeding of the 5,000 in Matthew 14? For instance, who instigated it? What motivated the meal?
8. 16:1-12 How is Jesus’ answer to the Pharisees and Sadducees compare to the answer He gave them before (12:38-42)? After this incident, of what does He warn His disciples?
9. 16:13-20 What does Jesus mean by "this rock"? What does He mean by the "keys of the kingdom"? (Acts 2 may hold a clue.)
10. 16:21-26 How does the warning in verses 24-26 relate to the incident in verses 21- 23?
11. 16:27-28  When will the Son of Man come in his kingdom?

For Discussion:

1. 14:3-11 Did John do the right thing in confronting Herod about his illegal marriage? What good purpose did it accomplish in the end?
2. 15:1-9 In what ways (and areas) are we in danger of keeping traditions while forsaking God's will?
3. 16:13-20 Why would Jesus tell the disciples not to publicize who He was?

Matthew 11-13 Class Comments

1. 11:1-19 How did Jesus answer John’s question? Where was John at the time? Class Answers: vv. 5-6: “Go and tell John the things that you hear and see.” Jesus didn’t answer the question directly; he apparently knew that identifying his works would be enough for John. We didn’t come to a satisfactory conclusion as to why John asked the question. Hadn’t he prophesied of Christ? Didn’t he know Jesus was the Messiah? We concluded that either John didn’t know the full extent of Jesus’ identity, or that he sent his disciples to Jesus for their benefit. v. 2 – John was in prison at the time, for telling Herod his marriage to Herodias was illegal (Matthew 14:1-5).
   
2. 11:20-24 Why was Jesus so angry with Chorazin and Bethsaida? Class Answer: Because they wouldn’t repent, even after seeing the mighty works Jesus did. They would be judged more harshly than Tyre and Sidon (condemned in extreme terms in Ezekiel 26-28) and Sodom, which was burned to the ground for its depravity (Genesis 19).
   
3. 11:25-28 To whom do the teachings of Jesus appeal? (verses 25, 28) Class Answers: Little children, and those who labor and are heavy-laden. When we are feeling too “wise and prudent” is when we should remember to accept Jesus’ teachings as if we were little children.
   
4. 12:1-21 What did the Pharisees criticize Jesus for? Class Answers: vv. 1-2 -for plucking heads of grain and eating them on the Sabbath and vv. 9-10 - for healing a man on the Sabbath. We discussed at length whether or not Jesus really was breaking the Sabbath and decided He was not. The Pharisees knew His disciples were not “harvesting”; they were just trying to find something to accuse Him of. Our strongest motivation is to do what’s good for other people, not to be bound by our own interpretation of law.
   
5. 12:22-37 What did the Pharisees accuse Jesus of after He cured the blind and mute demoniac? What does Jesus call them in response? Class Answers: v. 24 – That he cast out demons by the power of Beelzebub. v. 34 – He calls them a brood of vipers. If we take the whole passage in context, after they glibly accuse him of casting out demons by Beelzebub, he accuses them of 1) hypocrisy (v. 27); 2) blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (31); and 3) being evil, as demonstrated by their words (35)
   
6. 12:38-45 Who would “rise up” and condemn the scribes and Pharisees for their disbelief? To what does He compare them in verses 43-45? Class Answers: v. 41 – The men of Nineveh, who repented when Jonah preached; v. 42 – The Queen of Sheba (the South), who came from far away to hear Solomon. v. 45 – He compares them to a man who is filled with eight wicked spirits.
   
7. 12:46-50 Who does Jesus consider as his family? Class Answer: Those who do the Father’s will. This wasn’t a rejection of His physical family, but a teaching moment: All those who do His Father’s will are His family. (Luke 8:21)
   
8. 13:1-23 What is at least one lesson you learn from the Parable of the Sower? Class Answers: 1) If our faith is shallow, it will be difficult to sustain. 2) Good soil reproduces. 3) Acceptance of God indicates the state of our heart. 4) When I receive a “nugget” of truth, I can do four things with it: a) reject what I don’t understand; b) like what I hear, but give in to peer pressure and not pursue it any further; c) pursue it for a little while, and then become distracted by other things; or d) study it, understand it, make it a part of my life and tell others about it. (Hope I represented that last point okay, Beverly!)
   
9. 13:10-17, 34-35 Why did Jesus speak in parables? Class Answer: To reveal his will only to those who wanted to see, hear, and understand. To hide it from those who didn’t want to understand.
   
10. 13:24-30, 36-43 What is the lesson of the Parable of the Weeds (Tares)? Class Answer: That God allows followers of Satan and followers of God to live beside each other until the time of judgment. The wicked are allowed to live because of the righteous. [We were not completely satisfied with this answer.]
    
11. 13:31-33 What are the lessons of the Parable of the Mustard Seed and Parable of the Yeast (Leaven)? Class Answers: Like a mustard seed, the kingdom of heaven starts very small and increases in size to cover the whole earth; like leaven, it permeates – influences – everything around it.
    
12. 13:44-53 What other things does Jesus compare with the kingdom of heaven? Class Answer: 44 – hidden treasure; 45 – a pearl of great price; 47 – a dragnet, separating the good from the bad, when gathered. One man just stumbles on his hidden treasure; the other man actively seeks it. In both cases, they realize its value. We liked verse 52, which reminds us that we find new “nuggets” of truth even in scriptures we may have studied again and again.
    
13. 13:54-58 How was Jesus treated in his hometown? Class answer: With disdain. Had he been from another town, they might have admired him, but they knew him too well. They had seen him as a child. They thought he was elevating himself above what he should.