Matthew 19:1 - 22; Lesson 20

John's study this week:

MEMORY VERSE: “And he said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’ ” – Matthew 18:3-4 (NIV84)

Content (10 – 15 summary sentences)

Matthew 19:1 - 22

1. Matthew 19:1 - 2 Jesus left Galilee for a time and went into the region of Judea on the other side of the Jordan and large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.

2. Matthew 19:3 – 6 Pharisees came to Jesus to test him asking when it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife to which Jesus quoted from Genesis God’s plan that marriage cannot be dissolved as it was instituted by God.

3. Matthew 19:7 – 9 The Pharisees responded asking why then did Moses permit divorce to which Jesus replied that in Moses time, the hearts were hardened, but that God never intended for people to divorce, adding that anyone divorcing, except for sexual immorality  and marries another, commits adultery.

4. Matthew 19:10 – 12 The disciples said to Jesus questioningly, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.” To which Jesus replied that His comments are not for everyone, but only for those to whom it is given, that there are some who choose celibacy for the sake of the kingdom of heaven and should be accepted for it.

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5. Matthew 19:13 – 15 People brought children to Jesus for Him to lay hands on and to pray for them, but the disciples rebuked the people, to which Jesus teaches the disciples an object lesson, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” and after placing his hands on them, he went on from there.

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6. Matthew 19:16 – 16 A man came to Jesus and asked what good thing he must do to get eternal life?

7. Matthew 19:17 – 17 Jesus replied  “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

8. Matthew 19:18 – 19 The man asked more, “Which ones?” to which Jesus replied to keep the ten commandments.

9. Matthew 19:20 – 21 The man replied, “I have kept these. What else must I do?” to which Jesus replied if you want to be perfect, sell your possessions, give to the poor then come, follow me.

10. Matthew 19:22 – 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Divisions (major divisions of the passage: 2 – 4)

Matthew 19:1 – 12 Jesus teaches on marriage, divorce and celibacy.

Application: Will you view your marriage as a covenantal act, consecrated by God, and unable to be broken?

Matthew 19:13 - 15 Jesus teaches the importance of children in blessing them.

Application: How are you in dealing with children? Do you bless them as Christ does?

Matthew 19:16 - 22 Jesus teaches on following him, sacrificing all for Him and the path to the kingdom of heaven.

Application: What idols, such as love of riches (not riches themselves), do you have that keep you away from Jesus?

Subject Sentence (ten words or less)

Jesus teaches marriage, celibacy, divorce, and riches as heart issues.

AIM (One principle teaching point from the passage)

TCTATS that those who seek Jesus are to be willing to give up what they have in order to follow him and inherit the kingdom of heaven. 

Matthew 18; Lesson 19

Chuck's study this week:

Lesson    19

Passage Matthew 18

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Attributes of Kingdom’s Great (Matthew 18:1-14) a. Becoming like the little children and welcoming them in Jesus (1-5) b. Not causing little ones to stumble – remove the evil that to cause stumbling  (6-9) c. Don’t despise the little ones; God doesn’t want to loose anyone (10-14)

Dealing with a brother or sister that sins (Matthew 18:15-20) a. Corrective process with ever expanding impact (15-17) b. Method for engaging with Heavenly Father; two or three in Jesus name involves God (18-20)

Scope of forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35) a. Jesus answers Peter’s forgiveness question- Go to extremes to forgive (21-22) b. Parable of great forgiveness with improper response (23-34) c. Forgiveness from heart (35)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Division	Scripture
Attributes of Kingdom’s Great	Matthew 18:1-14
Dealing with a brother or sister that sins	Matthew 18:15-20
Scope of forgiveness	Matthew 18:21-35

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Kingdom’s great support humble, restore sinners and forgive extravagantly

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

To learn that Kingdom greatness comes from our heart attitude as we humble ourselves as a child, care for those who stumble and forgive.

Specific Application Questions

	1.       What is your attitude toward faith’s children?
	2.       How do you involve yourself in building up others in the faith?
	3.       Who do you need to forgive and how should your attitude change to reflect God’s?

Principles to Remember

	Great in the Kingdom are humble.
	Following the steps is essential to restoring faith
	God forgives and we should reflect the grace we have received from our Heavenly Father

Matthew 17; Lesson 18

John's study this week:

MEMORY VERSE: “ ‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ ” — Matthew 16:15-16 (NIV84)

Content (10 – 15 summary sentences)

Matthew 17

1. Matthew 17:1 - 3 Jesus takes Peter, James and John high up a mountain where Jesus is transfigured before them and his face shone like the sun, his clothes white as light and before them came Moses and Elijah who spoke with Jesus.

2. Matthew 17:4 – 8 Peter asks Jesus if he can build Jesus, Elijah and Moses shelter, but while he was speaking a bright cloud covered them and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” which terrified the disciples who fell to the ground and stayed until Jesus touched them to get up and not be afraid.

3. Matthew 17:9 – 9  Jesus instructs the disciples not to tell of what they have seen until after Jesus (Son of Man) has been raised from the dead.

4. Matthew 17:10 – 13 The Disciples asked why the teachers of the law say Elijah must come first to which Jesus replied that Elijah has come (the work of John the Baptist, who ministered in Elijah's spirit and power (Luke 1:17) and that Jesus will suffer at the Pharisees’ hands as well.

5. Matthew 17:14 – 18 When they came to a crowd, a man with a demon possessed boy knelt and pleaded with Jesus to have mercy on his son to which Jesus healed the boy driving out the demon.

6. Matthew 17:18 – 21The disciples came to Jesus in private asking why could they drive the demon out, to which Jesus replied  that their lack of faith stopped them telling them the “ that nothing will be impossible for you.”

7. Matthew 17:22 – 23 Jesus tells the disciples that he will be delivered into the hands of his enemies, they will kill him and on the third day be raised from the dead, which filled the disciples with grief.

8. Matthew 17:24 – 25a Arriving in Capernaum, the tax collectors of the temple tax came to Peter asking why Jesus doesn’t pay the tax to which Peter replied that Jesus does.

9. Matthew 17:25b – 26a Jesus asks Peter who the kings of earth collect taxes from, their own children or others to which Peter answered “Others.

10. Matthew 17:26b – 27 Jesus answered that the children are exempt, but, so he and Peter may cause no offense told Peter to go fishing, and from the fish he catches will come the tax for them both, then go and pay the tax.

  

Divisions (major divisions of the passage: 2 – 4)

Matthew 17:1 – 9 Jesus is transfigured before Peter James and John, and, meets with Elijah and Moses.

Application: If transfigured means transformed both inside and out, how have you been transformed through the study of Matthew this year?

Matthew 17:10 - 13 Peter asks Jesus about Elijah coming before the Messiah; and Jesus explains.

Application: How can this be? Maybe more importantly, am I ready for Jesus to return?

Matthew 17:14 - 21 Jesus casts a demon from a Father’s son.

Application: How is your faith is Jesus, as big as a mustard seed?

Matthew 17:22 - 23 Jesus tells and reminds the disciples about the coming suffering, death and resurrection.

Application: What does Christ’s message make you reflect on?

Matthew 17:24 - 27 Jesus pays the temple tax, by miraculous provision, but teaches the disciples that He is not obligated to.

Application: Who sees your example in contributing to the local church?

Subject Sentence (ten words or less)

Jesus is transfigured revealing glory; responds  to disciple’s small faith.

AIM (One principle teaching point from the passage)

TCTATS that Jesus is the unique and unequaled son of God of whom the Father commands us to “Hear Him!” 

Matthew 16; Lesson 17

Chuck's study this week:

Lesson    17

Passage Matthew 16

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Sign from Heaven - Pharisees & teachers request sign while Disciples reminded of signs receives warning of contamination (Matthew 16:1-12) a. Pharisee and Teacher request sign from heaven (1) b. Jesus challenge that they don’t interpret signs they have (2-4) c. Disciples talk about bread while Jesus reminds of signs and warns of yeast (5-12)

Jesus asks for response to signs – Who is the Son of Man? (Matthew 16:13-20) a. What do the people say Jesus is? (13-14) b. Who does the disciples say Jesus is with Peter’s bold confession (15-16) c. Jesus commends Simon’s bold confession and faith as foundation for Kingdom of Heaven (17-18) d. Jesus gives authority to disciples to work for Him (19-20)

Jesus describes suffering to come and cost to Disciples and followers (Matthew 16:21-28) a. Jesus explains suffering to come (21) b. Peter rebuked for challenge to God’s course for Jesus (22-23) c. Jesus describes priorities – Deny Self, take up cross and follow Jesus.  (24-26) d. Reward for those that follow based upon Kingdom accomplishments (27-28)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Division	Scripture
Sign from Heaven - Pharisees & teachers request sign while Disciples reminded of signs receives warning of contamination	Matthew 16:1-12
Jesus asks for response to signs – Who is the Son of Man?	Matthew 16:13-20
Jesus describes suffering to come and cost to Disciples and followers	Matthew 16:21-28

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Request for sign challenged, Jesus faith confession is foundation of Kingdom

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

To learn that followers of Jesus must recognize the signs of God and confess Jesus as Son of God and Lord.

Specific Application Questions

	1.       What signs do you see from God that you ignore? What action should you take?
	2.       Who do you say Jesus is?  Have you made a commitment to Him?
	3.       What are you doing personally to follow Jesus?  What actions are you taking right now?

Principles to Remember

	God has shown the signs that lead to faith in Jesus.
	All are asked to take a step of faith and confess Jesus is Lord.
	We are asked to sacrifice and follow Jesus in difficult times.

Matthew 15; Lesson 16

John's study this week:

Content (Summarize 10 – 15 statements on the passage)

Matthew 15

1. Matthew 15:1 – 3 Pharisees question Jesus about His disciples breaking the law to which Jesus rebukes them with his classic quote, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?

2. Matthew 15:4 – 6 Jesus teaches Pharisees using the commandment to honor father and mother and that it is not the Pharisees’ position to as Jesus said,’ nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.” 
3. Matthew 15:7 – 9 Jesus quotes Isaiah’s prophesy:
"‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’”
4. Matthew 15:10 – 11 ^Jesus teaches the crowd listening to him saying, “Listen and understand. ¹¹ What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth that is what defiles them.”
5. Matthew 15:12 – 14 When His disciples tell Jesus that Jesus statement offended the Pharisees, Jesus gives his parable about defilement: “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”
6. Matthew 15:15 – 20 When Peter asks what He means, Jesus replies with a story about what goes into the body through the mouth does not defile, but what come out does. The same is true of what evil the heart may express outward through the mouth defiles. But eating without washing does not defile. Note: Jesus explicitly lists: evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 
7. Matthew 15:21 – 23a Jesus then withdraws to the region of Tyre and Sidon where a Canaanite woman came to him crying out for Jesus to have mercy and heal her daughter of demon possession and suffering, to which Jesus initially does not reply.
8. Matthew 15:23b – 24 When the disciples urge Jesus to send her on her way, Jesus teaches them saying  “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” which is controversial.
9. Matthew 15:25 - 28 When the woman came, knelt before Jesus as asked “Lord, help me,” Jesus uses the moment to teach asking “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” to which she replied, “Yes it is, Lord, Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table,” so which Jesus replied, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” and her daughter was healed at that moment.
10. Matthew 15:29 – 31 Jesus the traveled along the Sea of Galilee and nearby mountains healing people, amazing the crowds and all praising the God of Israel.
11. Matthew 15:32 – 36 Jesus demonstrates his compassion for people and wishing to feed them demonstrating again his sovereignty over our world, who after asking the crowd to sit, gave thanks and took the 7 loaves of bread and a few small fish and broke them, gave them to the disciples who in turn gave them to the people.
12. Matthew 15:37 – 38 After the four thousand men, besides women and kids, had eaten and were satisfied, the disciples up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 
13. Matthew 15:39 After Jesus had sent the crowd away, he got into the boat and went to the vicinity of Magadan.

Divisions (Two – three main summaries of passage being studied)

1. Matthew 15:1 – 20 Jesus corrects and denounces religiously held traditions as ‘truth’ as opposed to scriptural truth and the heart.

Application: How do we best prepare ourselves to discern truth from falsity and what is my response to be?

2. Matthew 15:21 - 28 Jesus answers a Canaanite women’s request

Application: How is your compassion demonstrated when facing the needs of someone you may feel may not be ‘worth my time’?

3. Mathew 14:29 – 39 Jesus and disciples feed the 4000.

Application: 4000 or 7 billion, Jesus’ compassion is for all people. How is your compassion playing out here in the Silicon Valley?

Subject Sentence (Ten words or less)

Jesus corrects Pharisees, ministers to Gentiles and feeds the 4000.

AIM (Single / main point of teaching for the passage)

TCTATS that Jesus ‘s desire is to reach others with the truth will meet people where they are at, at church, on the street, even at outdoor revivals.

Matthew 14; Lesson 15

Chuck's Study this week:

Lesson    15

Passage Matthew 14

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Jesus miraculous is known to Herod and revives guilt  for killing John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1-12) a. Confusion thinking Jesus must be Jesus risen from dead (1-2) b. Herod’s sin with brother’s wife and reluctance to kill John(3-5) c. Herodias evil request as reward for daughter’s dance (6-12)

Jesus miraculous power demonstrates compassion to crowds with healing and feeding of 5000 (Matthew 14:13-21) a. Jesus withdraws and crowds follow to see compassionate healing (13-14) b. 5000 feed demonstrating miraculous powers (15-19) c. Abundance demonstrated as fish and loaves gathered (20-21)

Jesus miraculous power is visible to disciples bringing faith identifying Jesus as Son of God (Matthew 14:22-36) a. Jesus sends disciples ahead and He prays alone (22-23) b. Disciples buffeted in boat during storm (24) c. Jesus walks on water and disciples terrified (25-27) d. Peter demonstrates “little faith” allowing Jesus salvation in time of need and calming storm (28-31) e. Disciples recognized Jesus as Son of God (32-33)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Division	Scripture
Jesus miraculous power is known to Herod and revives guilt for killing John the Baptist	Matthew 14:1-12
Jesus miraculous power demonstrates compassion to crowds with healing and feeding of 5000	Matthew 14:13-21
Jesus miraculous power is visible to disciples bringing faith and identifying Jesus as Son of God	Matthew 14:22-36

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Jesus mighty power highlights Herod’s guilt, healing and water-walking

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

To learn that to prayer is the source of comfort and strength as we deal with life’s challenges.  Jesus found comfort talking to His Heavenly Father and it illustrates what we gain through our daily prayer time.

Specific Application Questions

	1.   What things do you have guilt, and have you taken these to God and asked for forgiveness?
	2.   How do you demonstrate compassion to those you see in need?
	3.   How are you demonstrating the faith in Jesus and trusting Him in your circumstances?

Principles to Remember

	Knowledge of sin brings guilt
	Compassion is demonstrated in action
	Jesus is the Son of God; faith is required in our daily walk.

Matthew 13:31 - 35, 44 - 58; Lesson 14

John's study this week:

Content (Summarize 10 – 15 statements on the passage)

Matthew 13:31-35

1. Matthew 13:31 - 32 Jesus gives us the parable of the kingdom of heaven being like a mustard seed planted  and grows in the garden to become a tree and give support to birds who come and rest in it.

2. Matthew 13:33 – 33 Jesus gives us the parable of the kingdom of heaven being  like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
3. Matthew 13: 34 – 35 Jesus spoke of many things, always in parables thus fulfilling the prophesy:  “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.”

Matthew 13:44-58

4. Matthew 13:44 - 44 Jesus gives us a parable of the kingdom of heaven being like treasure hidden in a field which when a man finds it, hides it again then sells all he has and buys the land where he hid it.

5. Matthew 13:45 – 46 Jesus gives us the parable of the kingdom of heaven like a merchant looking for fine pearls, who when he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
6. Matthew 13:47 – 48 Jesus gives us the parable of the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish, and when it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore, then sat down and collected the good fish in baskets and threw the bad away.
7. Matthew 13:49 – 51 Jesus then added and confirmed that we understand that this last parable speaks of the end of the age when angels will separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
8. Matthew 13:52 – 52 Jesus then teaches that  every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.
9. Matthew 13:53 – 57 Jesus then taught in his home town where He taught people who marveled at his wisdom and questioned where he got his power taking offense in their unbelief to which Jesus said to them “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”
10. Matthew 13:58 – 58 Jesus did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

Divisions (Two – three main summaries of passage being studied)

Matthew 13:31 – 32 Jesus teaches us prophetically that the church will grow from its humble beginning to a church that will reach the world for Christ.

Application: What are you doing to promote the growth of the church and the shelter it offers?

Matthew 13:33 – 35 Jesus teaches us that corruption (leavening) or worldly influence in the church is inevitable and will weaken the message of the Gospel.
Application: Cling to Jesus and His truth; do not stand for the corruption that may easily ensnare others.

Mathew 13:44 – 58 Jesus teaches us that He seeks to have us as His treasure or pearl, and values us to have us at any cost, to the point of his sacrificial death.

Application: How do you see yourself, as a treasure or pearl to Jesus? Remember not to hang on to guilt or past wrongs as you have been forgiven and the past forgotten.

Subject Sentence (Ten words or less)

Parables teach of growth, corruption, and value of God’s church.

AIM (Single / main point of teaching for the passage)

TCTATC that Jesus seeks us as one who values a pearl (believers) and happily gives all to possess us.

Matthew 13:1-30; 36-43; Lesson 13

Chuck's study this week:

Lesson    13

Passage Matthew 13:1-30; 36-43

Content (List of Topics or Events)

First Parable – The Farmer (Matthew 13:1-9) a. Farmer sows (1-3) b. Unfavorable seed and results (4-7) c. Good seed and results (8-9)

Purpose of Parable (Matthew 13:10-17) a. Acceptance bring knowledge  (10-12) b. People hearts condition prophesied in Isaiah (13-15) c.  Jesus recognizes disciples hearts (16-17)

a. Meaning of sower Parable  (18-23) b. Parable of Seeds given –watch bad seeds can be sown when not watch (24-30) c. Parable of the Seeds explained – Good Seed, field and judgment (36-40)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Division	Scripture
First Parable – The Farmer	Matthew 13:1-9
Purpose of Parable	Matthew 13:10-17
Interpretation of Parable of the Sower with Parable of Seeds	Matthew 13:18-30; 36-40

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Jesus parables of sower and seed explained to understanding followers

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

To learn that Jesus’ message are heard, seen and understood by Christ followers; others outside do not. Good seed is sown by Christians with proper care for our labor.  There is a judgment.

Specific Application Questions

	1.       What seed are you?
	2.       How do you hear, listen and see  the Lord’s direction?
	3.       The farmer sows good seed; do you sow good seed and bring others to Christ?
	4.

Principles to Remember

	Good soil produces a crop.
	Followers of Christ has access to the secrets of the Kingdom through the Holy Spirit.
	There are those who would seek to destroy the work of the Kingdom; there is a judgment.