How did Jesus hear about the death of John the Baptist? See Mat 14:12. Considering the influence of John among the multitudes of people who regarded him as a prophet, why is it significant that upon his death “they went and reported to Jesus”? I.e., what does such action indicate about the regard they had…
How did Herod respond to Salome’s dance that so pleased him and his guests? What would Salome’s age have had to do with Herod’s promise with an oath to give her whatever she desired? Would he in his wildest dreams have expected her to ask for such a thing? In light of her mother’s recent…
What day occasioned the death of John the Baptist? See Mat 14:6. On what other occasion is a birthday mentioned in Scripture? See Gen 40:20-22. In what way were these celebrations humanistic and not godly? Cf. Mar 6:21 and think: who were they celebrating? Do you think it is significant or just incidental that the…
As the news about Jesus’ ministry spread—his miracles and teaching—what were the various opinions expressed by the people about Him? See Mar 6:14-15, Luk 9:7-8; cf. Mat 16:13-14. What was Herod’s opinion? See Mat 14:2, Mar 6:16. What does his opinion indicate about his guilty conscience for having put John to death? Cf. Mat 14:9,…
Matthew 14:1 Who was the Herod mentioned in this verse, why is he called a tetrarch, and what was his relationship to the other Herods mentioned in Scripture? Note: the Herod mentioned here was surnamed Antipas. It was his father, Herod the Great, who established the Herodian dynasty, was king when Jesus was born (Mat…
Mat 13:51-52 Why did Jesus tell this parable? See Mat 13:51. In the parable, who does the scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven represent? Who is the head of the household or landowner (same Greek word) that Jesus says they are like? See Mat 10:25, 13:27, 20:1, 21:33. What is…
Mat 13:47-50 To which of Jesus’ other parables in this chapter is this parable most like? See Mat 13:36-43. In what way is it similar, and in what way is it different? Does the sea in this parable represent the church, or the world? See Psa 98:7, Isa 57:20, 60:5. If there was an element…
Mat 13:44 In this parable what does the hidden treasure represent? See Pro 2:1-4, 3:13-18, 8:10-12,18-19, 16:16, Job 28:1-2,12-20. Wherein are found the hidden treasures of God’s wisdom? See Job 28:23,28, Psa 19:7-10, 119:14,72,127. Who is the living Word of God in whom are found all the “treasures” of wisdom and knowledge? See Col 2:3;…
Mat 13:31-32 Who does the man represent who sows the mustard seed in his field? What are the characteristics of the mustard seed described by Jesus that are significant to the parable’s meaning? See Mat 13:32; cf. 17:20. Is the size of a plant determined by the size of the seed from which it grows,…
What conclusion did the disciples draw in Mat 19:10 from the strictness of Jesus’ teaching on divorce and remarriage? From a human, even religious perspective, why was the disciples’ response completely logical? Recall the Pharisees’ question in Mat 19:3 and think: given the fallen state of mankind, will not one always be able to find…