Clean and Unclean - Matthew 15:1-20
Understand It
- Who came from Jerusalem to see Christ? Why? (15:1)
- What complaint did the Pharisees and teachers of the law level against Jesus? (15:2)
- What did the Pharisees and teachers of the law value more than the Word of God? (15:2)
- What did Jesus cite as examples of the Pharisees’ disobedience? (15:4)
- How did the Pharisees get around the requirements of the Law? (15:5)
- What was wrong with the Pharisees? (15:7-9)
- What Scripture did Jesus apply to the Pharisees? (15:8-9)
- How did Jesus shift the emphasis away from external issues like unclean and clean foods? (15:10-11)
- How did the Pharisees like Jesus’ statements? (15:12)
- What advice did Jesus give to followers of the Pharisees? (15:14)
- Why did Jesus explain His statements to His disciples? (15:15)
- How did Jesus redefine "unclean"? (15:17-20)
Apply It
- What is one step you can take to develop a pure heart this week?
- How can you nurture your love for God through your actions at work and at home over the next few days?
- This week, what could help you keep your focus on Christ rather than mere outward conformity to rules?
The Faith of the Canaanite Woman - Matthew 15:21-28
Understand It
- To what place did Jesus withdraw? When? (15:21)
- Who approached Jesus when he reached Gentile territory? (15:22)
- What frantic request did the Canaanite woman make of Jesus? (15:22)
- What was Jesus’ response to the Canaanite woman’s request? (15:23)
- What did the disciples urge Jesus to do? (15:23)
- How did Jesus answer His disciples? (15:24)
- How did the discussion between Christ and His disciples deter the woman in need of help? (15:25)
- What reason did Jesus give for being reluctant to help the woman? (15:26)
- What quick and insightful reply did the woman make to Christ? (15:27)
- How did Jesus praise the woman? (15:28)
- What happened in the end? (15:28)
Apply It
- What long-term, unanswered prayer request do you need to continue bringing before God on a regular basis?
- What encouraging principle from this passage can you share today with a Christian brother or sister?
- What individual in need of help do you need to assist today?
Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand - Matthew 15:29-39
Understand It
- When Jesus left the region of Tyre and Sidon, where did He go? (15:29)
- At what specific place did Jesus set up His "doctor’s office"? (15:29)
- How many people came to Jesus? Why? (15:30)
- What are some of the diseases and ailments that Jesus cured? (15:30)
- How did the healings affect all those who watched? (15:31)
- What note of concern did Jesus share with His disciples after He healed the people? (15:32)
- How did the disciples respond to Jesus’ desire? (15:33)
- Where did Jesus turn to feed the crowd? (15:34)
- How did the disciples’ resources at that moment compare with the food at their disposal the last time they fed a hungry crowd (see Matthew 14:13-21)? (15:34)
- What instructions did Jesus give the crowd? (15:35)
- What procedures did Jesus follow in feeding this large crowd? (15:36)
- How much food was left over? (15:37)
- How many people participated in this all-you-can-eat meal? (15:38)
- Where did Jesus then go? (15:39)
Apply It
- What can you do today to feed someone spiritually?
- How does God want you to meet the physical needs of someone in your life?
- For what specific blessings do you need to express your gratitude to God today?
