Matthew

Lesson 5Matthew Chapters 8-10

In our last lesson, we looked at the second half of the Sermon on the Mount, Christ’s first real teaching to a large group. We observed the importance that Jesus placed on teaching us that we should put God first in all that we do. When we do, the things of this world that we worry about today will no longer trouble us, as we place the Lordship of our lives in His hand.

We also noted that Christ concluded his teaching by comparing two men, one who built his house on the rock and one who built his on the sand. When the storms came, the house built on the sand was washed away. In that story Christ was indicating that the teachings which he had just pronounced within the Sermon on the Mount represented the rocks that the solid house had been built on. As such, we would be wise to pay close attention to this sermon and to seek ways to apply to our lives all the truths that were taught.

Matthew

In this lesson, we will be examining three interesting chapters leading up to the calling of the Apostles. These chapters cover a variety of miracles, healings and teachings that occurred after the Sermon on the Mount.



Read Matthew Chapters 8, 9 and 10 and answer the following:

  1. In Matthew Chapter 8, five miracles that Jesus accomplished are described. Can you name them?
  2. These five miracles illustrate that Jesus has power over both the _________ and _________ worlds.
  3. In Matthew 8:20, we observe the first time that Jesus refers to himself as "the son of man". Was this phrase ever used in prophecy about him? (see Daniel 7:13-14)
  4. Do demons believe in God? (see James 2:19 and Matthew 8:28-29)
  5. Do demons know their final outcome? (see Matthew 8:29)
  6. As recorded in Matthew 9:3, why did the teachers believe that Jesus was blaspheming?
  7. In Matthew 9:9-14, we observe some of the contrasts between the Pharisees and Christ, as they relate to the dinner at Matthew’s house. Is this passage teaching us that as Christians we should be party goers? Is it teaching us that we should make friends with government officials? If not, then what is this passage teaching us?
  8. Several times in Matthew Chapter 9, Jesus refers to people’s faith, e.g. in Matthew 9:22. In this passage, as we consider the faith of these who are healed, can we describe their faith as "blind faith"? How would you describe their faith and how deep it was?
  9. In Matthew 10:16, how does Christ say he is sending us out to spread the gospel, and what are we to be when we are sent?
  10. In Matthew 10:22, what does Christ tells us regarding how we will be received as His witnesses?
  11. What is the central message that Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:25?
  12. Read Matthew 10:29-31. What can we learn about our life and our death from these verses?

In this lesson, we once again see that Jesus is more than able to provide for all our needs. He has power over both the natural and spiritual worlds; and He has called us to be a unique people, set apart for spreading the gospel message.

I pray that we will come to see that there is nothing that Christ cannot do for us, in us, or with us; if only we are willing to put our complete faith in Him. Once we give Christ the total Lordship of our life, we can begin to live a life of real victory.

Have a great week everyone!

In Christ,

Wes

[2003]

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