Judging Others - Matthew 7:1-6
Understand It
- By what measure will we be judged? (7:2)
- What did Jesus call those who ignore their own imperfections and focus on the flaws of others? Why? (7:5)
- Why is it necessary to deal with one’s own sins first? (7:5)
Apply It
- How can you begin this week to get in the habit of examining your own life before you start criticizing others?
Ask, Seek, Knock - Matthew 7:7-12
Understand It
- According to Jesus, what is the result for those who "knock" on God’s door? (7:7)
- What is true about the character of even the best human parent? (7:11)
- How can we be encouraged by the sight of godless parents doing good things for their children? (7:11)
Apply It
- What request will you bring to God every day this week?
The Narrow and Wide Gates - Matthew 7:13-14
Understand It
- What command did Jesus give His followers in this passage? (7:13)
- In what way did Jesus describe the gate that leads to destruction? (7:13)
- How many people find and follow the narrow road? Why? (7:14)
Apply It
- What action can you take this week to help you stay on the narrow path?
A Tree and Its Fruit - Matthew 7:15-23
Understand It
- What does nature reveal about a tree and its fruit? (7:16)
- What happens to trees that fail to produce good fruit? (7:18)
- Who will enter the kingdom of heaven? (7:21)
Apply It
- In what area of your life can you place more emphasis on doing good works each day this week?
The Wise and Foolish Builders - Matthew 7:24-29
Understand It
- What sets fools apart from wise people? (7:24, 26)
- What kind of people did Jesus talk about in contrast to the wise person? (7:26)
- What individuals are like a man who builds a house on sand? (7:26)
Apply It
- What neglected command of Christ will you begin obeying this week?
The Man with Leprosy - Matthew 8:1-4
Understand It
- What happened when Jesus came down from the mountain? (8:1)
- What daring deed did Christ do for the man with leprosy? (8:3)
- For what reasons did Jesus want the man to show his healed body to the priests? (8:4)
Apply It
- What sick or suffering person can you visit or talk to this week?
The Faith of the Centurion - Matthew 8:5-13
Understand It
- Who approached Jesus and asked for help? (8:5)
- What instructions did Jesus give the centurion? (8:13)
- What happened to the centurion’s servant? (8:13)
Apply It
- For what person who is sick or in trouble can you intercede today?
Jesus Heals Many - Matthew 8:14-17
Understand It
- What kinds of people were brought to Jesus that evening? (8:16)
- What did Jesus do for the people who were brought to Him? (8:16)
- What procedure or technique did Jesus use to help the people who were brought to Him? (8:16)
Apply It
- What will you do for someone who is sick or hurting this month?
The Cost of Following Jesus - Matthew 8:18-22
Understand It
- Who approached Jesus? (8:19-20)
- What animals did Jesus say were more secure than He? Why? (8:20)
- What command did Jesus give to the disciple that offered to follow Him under certain conditions? (8:22)
Apply It
- What can you do this week to encourage a Christian who has made sacrifices to follow Christ?
Jesus Calms the Storm - Matthew 8:23-27
Understand It
- What surprise did the boaters encounter in this scene? (8:24)
- How did Jesus reply to the disciples’ expression of fear? (8:26)
- How did the disciples react to this astonishing sequence of events? (8:27)
Apply It
- This week, what specific ways can you demonstrate your belief that Jesus will see you through the storms in your life?
The Healing of Two Demon-possessed Men - Matthew 8:28-34
Understand It
- What did the two Gadarene men shout at Jesus? (8:29)
- What happened as soon as Jesus spoke? (8:32)
- How did the townspeople react to what happened? (8:34)
Apply It
- What individuals in your town are in the grip of Satan and need your prayers today and every day this week?
Jesus Heals a Paralytic - Matthew 9:1-8
Understand It
- Upon His arrival, whom did Jesus encounter? (9:2)
- What did the teachers of the law think about Jesus’ declaration? (9:3)
- What did Jesus say about the teachers’ opinions? (9:4-6)
Apply It
- How can you show your appreciation to God today for His saving work in your life?
The Calling of Matthew - Matthew 9:9-13
Understand It
- What kind of people joined Jesus and His new follower for dinner? (9:10)
- What did Jesus tell His listeners they needed to learn? (9:13)
- What did Jesus say He had come to earth to do? (9:13)
Apply It
- How can you cultivate a relationship with a non-Christian friend this week?
Jesus Questioned About Fasting - Matthew 9:14-17
Understand It
- What did John’s disciples want to know? (9:14)
- How did Jesus explain the fact that His disciples did not fast? (9:15)
- Using an illustration from the world of wine making, Jesus talked about the need to do what? (9:17)
Apply It
- Throughout this week, how can you embrace God’s grace and acceptance in Christ?
A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman - Matthew 9:18-26
Understand It
- While Jesus and the others made their way to the man’s house, who touched Jesus’ cloak? (9:20)
- What was the woman’s reasoning for touching Jesus’ cloak? (9:21)
- Why was the woman healed? (9:22)
Apply It
- How can you trust God today to work in the impossible situation you are facing?
Jesus Heals the Blind and Mute - Matthew 9:27-34
Understand It
- What question did Jesus ask the men who were following Him? (9:28)
- How did the men respond to Jesus’ question? (9:28)
- What did Jesus do to grant the men’s request? (9:29)
Apply It
- What is the first step you need to take in obeying one command that you have found difficult to obey?
The Workers Are Few - Matthew 9:35-38
Understand It
- What emotion did Jesus feel when He saw the crowds of people around Him? (9:36)
- What helpless animals were the people compared to? (9:36)
- For whom did Jesus tell His disciples to pray? (9:37)
Apply It
- For what non-Christians will you pray regularly from now on?
