The Temptation of Jesus -- Matthew 4:1-11
Understand It
- How did Jesus respond to the first temptation? (4:4)
- How did Jesus answer the second temptation? (4:7)
- How did Jesus react to the third temptation? (4:10)
Apply It
- What steps can you take this week to resist the temptations you are facing now?
Jesus Begins to Preach -- Matthew 4:12-17
Understand It
- What happened where Jesus relocated? (4:13-16)
- Why was Christ’s move significant? (4:14)
- What did Jesus do in His new hometown? (4:17)
Apply It
- To what places and people do you need to go this week as a light for Christ?
The Calling of the First Disciples -- Matthew 4:18-22
Understand It
- What were Simon and Andrew doing when Jesus approached them? (4:18)
- What exactly did Jesus say to Simon and Andrew? (4:19)
- What did Jesus do when He saw the two brothers, James and John? (4:21)
Apply It
- In what area of your life will you follow Jesus more consciously this week?
Jesus Heals the Sick -- Matthew 4:23-25
Understand It
- What did Jesus do at the synagogues of this region? (4:23)
- How did the masses react to the news of what Jesus was doing? (4:24)
- What did Jesus do for the suffering individuals who came to Him? (4:24)
Apply It
- What can you do today to encourage someone who is ill?
The Beatitudes -- Matthew 5:1-12
Understand It
- What does the future hold for those who are persecuted because of righteousness? (5:10)
- What unexpected command is given to Christians who are insulted, hassled, and lied about? (5:11-12)
- What people in history have endured nasty persecution? (5:12)
Apply It
- What can you do this week to encourage a friend who is under fire due to his or her stand for the Lord?
Salt & Light -- Matthew 5:13-16
Understand It
- How are we like light? (5:14)
- According to Jesus, how exactly are Christians to be like lamps? (5:16)
- If believers live as they are supposed to live, how will others respond toward God? (5:16)
Apply It
- What phone calls or letters would you be willing to make or write this week in order to be salt and light in a decaying, dark world?
The Fulfillment of the Law -- Matthew 5:17-20
Understand It
- What did Jesus say was His goal with regard to the Law and the Prophets? (5:17)
- What warning was given to those who would encourage others to disregard the Word of God? (5:19)
- Who is considered great in the kingdom of heaven? (5:19)
Apply It
- What command of God will you commit to memory this week?
Murder -- Matthew 5:21-26
Understand It
- What sort of realization did Jesus say should interrupt our worship? (5:23)
- What should be a believer’s goal in strained or shattered relationships? (5:24)
- When is it best to settle disputes? (5:25)
Apply It
- What relational conflict do you need to straighten out today?
Adultery -- Matthew 5:27-30
Understand It
- How does adultery start? (5:28)
- When does looking at someone become inappropriate? (5:28)
- Why are our moral choices important? (5:30)
Apply It
- In what situations is it important for you to dress modestly this week?
Divorce -- Matthew 5:31-32
Understand It
- Why did Jesus need to say this about marriage and divorce? (5:31-32)
- What is the best way to think about marriage and divorce? (5:31-32)
- What conditions are placed on divorce? (5:32)
Apply It
- What can you do this week to strengthen your marriage or the marriage of a friend?
Oaths -- Matthew 5:33-37
Understand It
- How did Jesus update the ancient proverb about oaths? (5:34)
- How should believers respond to questions? (5:37)
- What’s wrong with swearing oaths? (5:37)
Apply It
- What steps can you take this week to become known as a person who keeps his or her word?
An Eye for an Eye -- Matthew 5:38-42
Understand It
- To what familiar saying was Jesus referring in this context? (5:38)
- How did Jesus say we should respond to people who do us evil? (5:39)
- What should we do to protect our rights and possessions? (5:39)
Apply It
- What act of kindness or reconciliation could you perform by next weekend to help "bury the hatchet"?
Love for Enemies -- Matthew 5:43-48
Understand It
- How did Jesus say we ought to treat our enemies? (5:44)
- How does God treat evil and good people in the same way? (5:45)
- Who has set an example for us? How? (5:48)
Apply It
- For which of your "enemies" will you pray every day this week?
Giving to the Needy -- Matthew 6:1-4
Understand It
- What specific motives did Jesus warn against? (6:1)
- What style of giving did Jesus command us to adopt? (6:3-4)
- What happens to those who give as Jesus told us to give? (6:4)
Apply It
- What steps could you take to ensure that your giving is not done for show?
Prayer -- Matthew 6:5-15
Understand It
- What name did Jesus call people who pray for show? Why? (6:5)
- How did Jesus command His followers to pray? (6:6)
- What type of reward will humility in prayer bring? (6:6)
Apply It
- What changes do you need to make in your prayer life?
Fasting -- Matthew 6:16-18
Understand It
- What facial expressions did some people wear? Why? (6:16)
- What harsh name did Jesus give to people who made a public show of their fasting? Why? (6:16)
- Who should know about an individual’s fasts? Why? (6:18)
Apply It
- What steps can you take to devote your spiritual disciplines to God alone?
Treasures in Heaven -- Matthew 6:19-24
Understand It
- Where did Jesus urge His followers not to "store up treasures"? Why? (6:19)
- Where did Jesus encourage us to invest our wealth? Why? (6:20)
- What did Jesus say about serving two masters? (6:24)
Apply It
- How could you make an investment in eternity today?
Do Not Worry -- Matthew 6:25-34
Understand It
- What creatures did Jesus use to illustrate God’s reliability as a provider? Why? (6:26)
- Why should we take great comfort from the way the animal and plant kingdoms operate? (6:26)
- What comfort can followers of Christ find in the beauty of nature? (6:30)
Apply It
- What worry will you entrust to God today?
