Mat 15:21 For what reason did Jesus withdraw? See the previous context and cf. Mat 4:12, 12:14-15, 14:12-13. What does Jesus’ example teach us about what is the prudent thing to do when confronted with endangering opposition? Cf. Mat 10:23. What is significant about the region of Tyre and Sidon? Think: were these Jewish cities? …
What concern seems to be behind the disciples’ question to Jesus in Mat 15:12? See again Mat 15:1 and think: if the power brokers of our own day went out of their way to meet with us, would we consider it in our best interests to say something that we knew might offend them even…
Consider the spiritual counterpart of “eating bread”, namely, studying the word of God, meditating upon it, and taking it to heart; what would the spiritual counterpart of washing the hands be in this context? Cf. Jam 4:8. Is it necessary for a person to have already first repented of all his sins and so washed…
Again, about what issue did the Pharisees and scribes challenge Jesus? See Mat 15:2; cf. Mar 7:2-3. Isn’t it a good idea to wash your hands before you eat? What notions were behind their regard for cleanliness, and were their notions much different from ours today? I.e., were their notions entirely ceremonial, or did they…
What did Jesus call the Pharisees for their religious pretense? See Mat 15:7. The Greek word for hypocrite means literally an actor; in what way is this a good description of those whose religious profession is not sincere? In the day of judgment, will God judge men on the basis of their acting ability, or…
Where would Jesus have been at this time when the Pharisees and Scribes came to him? See the previous context of Mat 14:34 and Mar 6:56; cf. Joh 6:59 which took place around this same time. From where had they come to see Him? See Mat 15:1. What does this indicate about how the news…
What two additional things happened when Jesus got into the boat that contributed to the miraculous nature of this event? See Mat 14:32, Mar 6:51, Joh 6:21. What does this illustrate about how, while we are in midst of the sea of this world and are battered by the waves and straining at the oars,…
What does the sea represent spiritually in Scripture? See Psa 65:7, Isa 57:20, Rev 17:1,15. What would be the normal plight of an ordinary man attempting to walk upon the waters of the sea, and what does this teach us about the normal plight of ordinary men in the world? Observe the description of the…
Immediately following the feeding of the 5000 what does Matthew say Jesus did in regard to His disciples and in regard to the multitude? See Mat 14:22. Observe the strong language: why did He “make” or “compel” (see NASB text note, lit. “force”; cf. Act 26:11, 28:19 for the same Greek word) the disciples to…
Who did Jesus ask where they would be able to find food for the multitude in that desolate place? See Joh 6:5. Why does John say that He asked him? See Joh 6:6. Was it in their power or ability to be able to provide food for such a large crowd? See Joh 6:7. What…