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…
Following Jesus’ visit to His hometown (Mat 13:53-58, Mar 6:1-6a) what does Mark say He and the twelve did? See Mar 6:6b-7,12-13. What was the result of this ministry tour? See Mar 6:14a, Luk 9:1-7. What does Mar 6:14-29, Luk 9:7-10a, and Mat 14:10-13 indicate about the approximate time in relation to these other events…
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…