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…
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…