Chapter 1

...as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD...Joshua 24:15 KJV

 

Discussion questions for the Gospel of Matthew

 

Instructions: Read through the gospel of Matthew in the Bible. After each chapter answer the questions to get a clearer understanding of how the book relates to your life today.

 

 

In a family tree the Bible usually lists the names of the first-born sons of the family. In the Jewish family tree of Jesus what are the names of the women? Who are some of the famous people in His family tree? Are there any bad people listed in the family? If so, what are their names? According to Genesis 15:13,16 how long is a generation?

Chapter 2

 

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11 KJV

 

God has a plan for women, girls and everyone. Neither gender nor age hinders this good plan. Who is the girl in Matthew 1:18-2-23? What are some of the challenges she has? How did the Lord God help her face and solve these problems?

Chapter 3

 

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:16 KJV      

   

God called John the Baptist to live to please Him and to complete a special job. Was his life easy? What evidence do you find for this in the chapter?

If God were to call you to live to please Him and to do a special job, what learning would you take from John’ s life to help you in the challenging times?

Chapter 4

 

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:14,15 KJV

 

Why was it important that Jesus be tempted? Why was it essential to God that you knew what happened back then? According to James 1:13-15 who or what tempts people?

 

What does the word temptation mean? What tempts you? How did success over Satan help Jesus to be successful just after the temptation? If Jesus had lost to Satan could He have helped those under the control of demons (vs. 24)?

Chapter 5

 

...the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63 KJV

 

What are five key pieces of advice Jesus gave in this chapter that are helpful to you? What does Matthew 5:17-18 and 1 Peter 1:23-25 say about the Word of God (Bible)?

 

From reading this chapter, who are the types of people God can bless? If we live anyhow would we still be in the path of God’s blessing?

Chapter 6

 

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8,9 KJV

 

What are some of the thoughts people have that Jesus spoke of in this chapter? Are you surprised that God views the thoughts and actions of people in a different way?

 

How do religious people act to make others think they are holy? How do slaves of money behave? How do those anxious about life create even more problems for themselves?

Chapter 7

 

...for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 KJV

 

Trees bear fruit. We only know a tree when we examine its fruit. People are like trees. Their hidden plans and motives are like the roots. Their actions and behaviours are like the fruit.

 

We are sometimes fooled by people but we must always look at the fruit (vs. 15,16). God is not fooled by actions that come from a wicked and lawless heart (vs. 21-23).

 

Those who want to understand and choose to obey God’s Word succeed in life (vs. 7-11,13,14,24-27).

Chapter 8

 

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Acts 10:38 KJV

 

Jesus is dealing with problems that other people tend to run away from. According to Matthew 3:16,17 and Matthew 4:1 Jesus is both empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit. This gives Him the authority to address many impossible situations (Luke 4:18,19).

 

This did not mean Jesus did not face difficult situations. What three personal situations did He face in the chapter? How did He deal with each?

Chapter 9

 

...him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. John 6:37 KJV

 

Everyone faces rejection sometime in life. Jesus reaches out to different people groups many of them having faced some form of rejection.

 

When problems go on for a very long time unchanged people tend to give up. Who are the two people who had faith but lacked courage to receive their healing? What motivated Jesus to keep helping people (vs. 36)?

Chapter 10

 

And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:38 KJV

 

Doing God’s work is called Christian ministry. What do all Christian ministers need (vs. 1)? Who should ministers of Christ obey (vs. 5)? Who provides for these ministers (vs. 8-10)? What should be done if the minister id not welcomed (vs. 14)?

 

What are some of the dangers ministers face (vs. 16-26)? Who should they learn to fear (vs. 26,28, 32-33)? What are ministers to say (vs. 27)? How are ministers to treat their families (vs. 34-40; 1 Timothy 5:4,8)? What is the smallest gift a minister can receive (vs. 42)?

Chapter 11

 

To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. John 18:37 KJV

 

What did Jesus do when He sent His disciples off to do ministry (vs. 1)? How did the people of John’s time reject God’s message to them? How did the people of Jesus’ time reject God’s Word?

 

Who does God take delight in (vs. 25,26)? Who are the people Jesus called out to (vs. 28-30)? Who are the people who benefitted from His help (vs. 5)? What response did Jesus expect from those who saw His work (vs. 20,21)? What response did He get (vs. 16,17)?

Chapter 12

 

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:29 KJV

 

What is the Sabbath? Where did it originate (Genesis 2:3)? What were Jewish people told about the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11)? Instead of a rigid rule what was God expecting of Jewish Sabbath keepers (vs. 6,12)? Does Jesus expect Christians to observe the Sabbath (Exodus 31:15,17; Colossians 2:16,17)?

 

In the description of Jesus in vs. 18-21 do you get the impression that He is a person of violence? Is He a loud, rowdy person? Is He likely to protest and march in the streets? Is He likely to discourage those who are trying to serve Him?

 

How did the demon affect the man (vs. 22)? Why did the demon enter the man (vs. 29)? Why could a demon re-enter a person (vs. 43-45; John 5:14; 1 John 5:18)? Who does Jesus consider to be a part of His family (vs. 50)?

Chapter 13

 

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3 KJV

 

Why are some people never healed (vs. 14,15)? Why does Jesus speak to them in parables (vs. 11,13)? Why does He not use parables to teach His disciples (vs. 10-24)?

 

In the first parable, the type of heart a person has is represented with soil type. The Word of God is the seed. What is necessary for the seed to grow in soils 1 & 4 (vs. 19,23)? Why did the seed in soil 2 fail (vs. 21)? Why did the seed in soil 3 fail (vs. 22)?

 

Who sows good seeds (vs. 37)? Who sows evil seeds or weeds (vs. 37)? In church groups we will find true Christians and evil people (weeds) trying to look good (vs. 47-50). Who is never fooled (Matthew 7:21-23)? Why does Jesus allow good and evil people to exist together in the church (vs.29,30,39-43)? What test does He use to separate good from evil people (Matthew 12:33-37)? If a person hears and obeys God’s Word, what effect will this have (vs. 31-33)?

 

The truth the God gives is like treasure. How are we to treat Go’s truth (vs. 44-46; Proverbs 23:23)? Those who store God’s treasure in their hearts always have something fresh and new to share (vs. 52). Why did the people reject what Jesus was saying (vs. 53-58)?

Chapter 14

 

Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Hebrews 10:7 KJV

 

From everything you now of John the Baptist, did you expect him to die in this way? How did the news of his death affect Jesus (vs. 13)? But grief did not stop Jesus from being compassionate to others (vs. 13-14). When people grieve they tend to have little time and patience for the needs of others. How did Moses behave when he grieved (Numbers 20:1-12)? Was God impressed with Moses’ behaviour? Would He be pleased with Jesus’ behaviour?

 

In what way does Jesus expect his ministers to care for others (vs. 16)? Even with a rough day He still found time for _______ (vs. 22,23)? Even when we grieve we should not neglect what is essential. At 4 o’clock in the morning, during a storm, what did the disciples lack (vs. 27)? What did Peter lack (vs. 31)? In treating His disciples this way how did Jesus make them better disciples?

Chapter 15

 

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23 KJV

 

Religious people put their effort into impressing others. What does Jesus expect His disciples to put their effort into (vs. 8,9)? The heart is a storage room for good or evil treasure. When the mouth speaks it brings its treasure from the __________ (vs. 13-20)?

 

Washing hands prevents germs from going into the stomach. Controlling your emotions prevents evil from being stored in your heart (Proverbs 4:23). Failure to protect the heart from unruly emotions leads to internal contamination. What are some of the sins of a contaminated heart (vs. 19)? What is more important to Jesus, washed hands or a washed heart? How does a heart get washed (1 John 1:7,9)?

Chapter 16

 

Signs are everywhere. There are traffic signs, weather signs, and even spiritual world signs. If you can read everyday signs you must learn to read the signs of the times. Greater than a sign is a teaching. Teachings have three sources. The faulty teaching of man is like yeast (vs. 5-12). Once exposed to it, it works its way through your life contaminating it.

 

God the Father can also reveal truth in the form of a teaching (vs. 16,17). Satan, the enemy of all humans, can also provide his own evil teaching (vs. 22,23). This kind of teaching creates an obstruction for what God has chosen to do.

 

Jesus taught us the teaching of our Heavenly Father. What did He teach His disciples would do? What did He teach preserves life (vs. 24)? What did He teach about investment (vs. 26)? What did He teach about future reward (vs. 27)?

Chapter 17

 

If Moses and Elijah could speak to Jesus what does this say about life after death? What did God the Father have to say about Jesus (vs. 5; Hebrews 1; Colossians 1:14-22)?

 

When it was prophesied that Elijah would come again, who did this refer to (vs. 10-13)?

 

What is faith (Hebrews 11:1)? What is the purpose of faith (vs. 19-21; Hebrews 11:6)?

Chapter 18

 

People want to be great. How did Jesus define greatness? What might prevent a person being great (vs. 8,9)? Why should children be treated with care?

 

Sometimes we have arguments with others. How does Jesus want us to handle them (vs. 15-17)? What power did Jesus give to His followers (vs. 18-20)? What does Jesus want you to know about forgiveness (vs. 21-35)?

Chapter 19

 

What advice did Jesus give about divorce? If a person ignores this advice and gets a divorce why is Jesus against re-marriage?

 

How does Jesus feel about children? How do you know? Jesus expects His rich followers to look after the poor. Why do some rich folks find it difficult to follow Jesus in the way He wants? What sacrifices did Jesus disciples make? What rewards did Jesus promise them?

Chapter 20

 

Jesus used a story to reveal what the kingdom of heaven is like.     Would you say God has favourites (vs. 1-13)? Why do you think so?

 

What does Jesus expect of His followers who are leaders? How did Jesus’ own life show this kind of leadership (vs. 29-34)?

Chapter 21

 

How powerful is Jesus to know where to get help and with the authority to command that help (vs. 1-6)? What are some of the names the people called Jesus (vs. 7-11)? Is anger a sin (Ephesians 4:26)? Did Jesus get angry? What made Him so angry? Why were the Teachers of the law angry?

 

What right does Jesus have to command fruit from a tree (Colossians 1:14-17)? Can He command good fruit from your life? Can you identify some of the bad fruit from people’s lives as revealed in the two illustrations?

Chapter 22

 

Not everyone God invites to His house will come and not everyone who comes will come in the way He wants and expects. Why do you think it is like this (Isaiah 55:8,9)?

 

Many clever people tried to outsmart Jesus and trap Him but His wisdom enabled Him to answer them with great insight. Identify the 2 kinds of wisdom (James 3:13-18). How does a person’s life demonstrate wisdom (James 3:13)? Which kind of wisdom do you use? Examine the fruit of each type of wisdom then identify the type of wisdom in:

1. The Pharisees and Sadducees
2. Jesus
3. Yourself

Chapter 23

 

Jesus expects us to respect all leaders. But He does not expect us to follow the bad examples some of them set. Can you identify some of the bad examples the leaders in Jesus’ country set (vs. 4-36)?

 

How did the people treat the good leaders God sent them (vs. 37)? Why did God send these good leaders to the people (vs. 37)? What did the people eventually do to Jesus at Calvary?

Chapter 24

 

People are always worried about the end of the world. People can look at the weather and predict what will happen (i.e. rain, sun or snow). People can also look at a tree and say what is going to happen to that tree (vs. 32-34). In the same way Jesus wanted us to be able to predict what will happen in the world around us. What are some of the clues (signs) Jesus gave us in Matthew 24 to help us know when the end of the world is close?

 

Even though they were warned how did the people in Noah’s day behave (vs. 36-39)? Is it possible that people living today will behave in the same way (vs. 39-44)? Are you ready for the day Jesus will come? How did the unprepared servant live (vs. 48-51)?

Chapter 25

 

How did the five wise young women live? How did the five foolish young ladies choose to live? Which life was more stressful? Are you ready for Jesus’ return?

 

How did the wise investors choose to live (vs. 14-30)? How did the lazy investor choose to live? Are you diligent for God or lazy?

 

The sheep belong to God and the goats to Satan (vs. 31-46). How are sheep different from goats? Why does Jesus call His followers sheep?

 

What are some of the kind of things God wants His sheep to do?

Chapter 26

 

When Mary of Bethany poured perfume on Jesus how did some people view her action? How did Jesus feel about this action? Which is more important to you, what people say or what Jesus says?

How much money was exchanged for betraying Jesus? How is Matthew 26:17-19 just like Matthew 21:1-6? When people take communion at church what does it mean (vs. 20-29)?

What are some of the different things Jesus faced the night He was arrested? What are some of the difficult things you have faced?

Chapter 27

 

What was the most shocking thing for you in Matthew 27? What evidence was there in the chapter to prove that people knew Jesus was innocent?

What do the Hebrew words in the passage mean in English? What do they reveal about God the Father?

Chapter 28

 

In what way were the women brave? How did God reward their courage (vs. 5-7,9-10)? How was money used to spread a lie? Is it possible that this can be happening today?

What brave deed does Jesus ask His followers today to do (vs. 18-20)? How did He promise to help these obedient, faithful followers?

Impressum

Texte: Steffie Gray
Bildmaterialien: Steffie Gray
Lektorat: MOAMFJ
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 28.11.2015

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