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)