When does Matthew say that Jesus explained this parable? See Mat 13:36. What is the significance that it was only after leaving the multitudes and entering into the house that He explained its meaning? See Mat 13:11; cf. Luk 8:16. What does this teach us about how we are to come to understand the “things…
Who does the thorny soil represent in the parable of the sower? See Mat 13:22. Does seed that is sown among thorns sprout, and even take root? What does this imply about those who are like seed sown among thorns? In the terms used by many churches today, would they say, and would these be…
What does Mat 13:18 indicate about how willing Jesus is to explain His parables to those who are willing to forsake their lives in this world to follow Him? Cf. Luk 8:16-18 and think: what is the lamp, who has lit it, and what must one do in order to see its light? In this…
To what does Jesus refer in Mat 13:12? I.e., “whoever has, to him shall more be given”: but has what, and what is it that more shall be given to him? See Mat 13:11 and think: besides to see and to hear, what word occurs three times in the next three verses? By what means…
How many people does Matthew say gathered to Jesus to hear Him teach? See Mat 13:2. What statement in Mat 13:2 indicates how large the crowds were that were seeking to hear Jesus? How does Matthew say that Jesus spoke to them? See Mat 13:3. What is a parable, and in what way do parables…
Mat 12:43-45 What is the connection between these verses and the preceding context? See Mat 12:22-24,27. In Jesus’ parable, does the man from whom the demon went out refer to the man from whom He had just cast the demon and provided such a great deliverance that the crowds marveled and the Pharisees charged…
What do these verses teach about the reality of a future judgment? Cf. Acts 17:31. As a rule, do people today believe in and live their lives as if there will be a future judgment? What effect does an understanding of future judgment have upon people’s lives? Think: did Hitler, Stalin, Mao, etc… believe in…
What do Jesus’ words in Mat 12:40 teach us about the common notion that He was crucified on Friday? Think: how many nights are there from Friday until the first day of the week (Sunday) on which he was raised (Mat 28:1)? What day must He then have been crucified on, and how do we…
Considering that Gideon had asked for three signs to be sure it was God who was speaking to him and to discern His will (Jdg 6:17,36-40), and was given even yet another sign (Jdg 7:10-11), why was the request by the scribes and Pharisees for a sign rebuffed by Jesus? See Mat 12:22-24. Were they…
What “fruit” did Jesus have in mind in Mat 12:33? See Mat 12:34, 36-37. What is the implication of Jesus’ words in Mat 12:33 as to why the Pharisees could not speak what is good? See Mat 12:34. What sort of tree did Jesus consider them to be? By referring to them as a “brood…