New Testament in a Year – Matthew 15

By Ron

January 19, 2024

Matthew, New Testament

Clean and Unclean - Matthew 15:1-20

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)

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?

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)

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?

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)