Jesus Sends Out the Twelve - Matthew 10:1-42
Understand It
- What warnings of danger or hardship did Christ give His disciples? (10:17-23)
- Why did Jesus predict trouble for the disciples? (10:24-25)
- What kinds of things did Jesus say to bolster His disciples’ courage? (10:26-31)
Apply It
- What promises from this chapter can you meditate on this week to make you a more effective minister for Christ?
Jesus and John the Baptist - Matthew 11:1-19
Understand It
- What message or question did John the Baptist send to Christ from prison? (11:2-3)
- What instructions did Jesus give to John’s messenger? (11:4)
- What kind of proof did Jesus offer to establish His claim to be the Messiah? (11:5)
Apply It
- What specific actions can you take today to strengthen a weak area of faith?
Woe on Unrepentant Cities - Matthew 11:20-24
Understand It
- Why was Jesus denouncing the cities in which He performed most of His miracles? (11:20)
- How did Jesus say Korazin and Bethsaida were different from Tyre and Sidon? (11:21)
- To what ancient, evil city did Jesus compare Capernaum? Why? (11:23-24)
Apply It
- What are three things you could do this week to be a brighter light for Christ in your city or town?
Rest for the Weary - Matthew 11:25-30
Understand It
- What kind of people was Jesus addressing? (11:28)
- What promise did Jesus make to those who would accept His offer? (11:28)
- How is walking with Christ described? (11:30)
Apply It
- What burdens will you entrust to Christ today?
Lord of the Sabbath - Matthew 12:1-14
Understand It
- How did the Pharisees react when they saw the disciples eating? (12:2)
- What did Jesus accuse the Pharisees of failing to understand? (12:7)
- What did Jesus claim about Himself? (12:8)
Apply It
- What legalistic rules that keep you from loving people do you need to ignore?
God's Chosen Servant - Matthew 12:15-21
Understand It
- In the prophetic passage quoted here, how did God identify the Messiah? (12:18)
- According to Isaiah, what type of ministry would the Messiah have? (12:20)
- According to the prophet Isaiah, how would the nations ultimately respond to Christ? (12:21)
Apply It
- What specific areas of your life do you need to surrender to the control of the Holy Spirit today?
Jesus and Beelzebub - Matthew 12:22-37
Understand It
- What did Jesus say a tree’s "fruit" reveals? (12:33)
- What did Jesus claim a person’s words reveal? (12:34-35)
- What will every single person do on the day of judgment? (12:36-37)
Apply It
- What are some specific steps you can take this week to avoid sinning in your speech?
The Sign of Jonah - Matthew 12:38-45
Explore It
- What did a hostile group of people ask Jesus to do? (12:38)
- What kind of people did Jesus say asked for additional miraculous signs? (12:39)
- To what proof from history did Jesus point? (12:39-40)
Apply It
- How can you demonstrate the reality of God in your life today?
Jesus' Mother and Brothers - Matthew 12:46-50
Understand It
- Who came to find Jesus? Why? (12:46)
- What two rhetorical questions did Jesus pose when He heard about His family’s arrival? (12:48)
- Who can become a member of Jesus’ family? (12:50)
Apply It
- What could you do today to strengthen the bonds you have with another Christian brother or sister?
