Matthew - Week 48

Pharisees Offended 

READ 

Matthew 15:12 

12 Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you realize you offended the Pharisees by what you just said?” 

Think of the disciples questioning Jesus about what He had just said. They were concerned because the Pharisees had been offended by what He said. Is it possible they thought Jesus could come to be the Messiah of Israel and not offend those who were rejecting Him and always trying to trap Him in some debate? 

REFLECT 

Are you concerned when some teaching from the Bible might offend someone? There seems to be some Christians and churches who make it their goal not to offend anyone. 

RESPOND 

The Bible is clear in teaching that the law never saved anyone and the only way one can become right with God is by trusting in Jesus. See passages such as John 3:16-18; Romans 3:19-22; and Ephesians 2:8-9. Should these verses not be taught if they offend someone? 

Blind Guides 

READ 

Matthew 15:13-14 

13 Jesus replied, “Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be uprooted, 14 so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will both fall into a ditch.” 

Jesus explained that the Pharisees and their teaching were like the tares among the wheat from his earlier parable. They should be ignored. Claiming to have spiritual insight, the Pharisees were spiritually blind and following their teaching would bring a terrible destiny to their followers.  

REFLECT 

Does this help you to see the danger of following those not teaching what the Bible says? 

RESPOND 

With a fellow believer, read 2 Peter 1:12-21 to see what Peter wrote in his concern for believers to follow biblical teaching. Make it your passion to know the Scriptures better so you can know the Lord Jesus Christ better.  

Please Explain 

READ 

Matthew 15:15 

15 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Explain to us the parable that says people aren’t defiled by what they eat.” 

Jesus had said that people are not defiled by what they eat. Peter asked Him for more details about His statements because they went against what was known from the Hebrew Scriptures about unclean foods. Peter indicated he was still trying to live by the Old Testament law system when Jesus was teaching about grace and heart attitudes.  

REFLECT 

Is it difficult for you to realize that you no longer live under the requirements of the Old Testament law? 

RESPOND 

Talk about this with a friend. Read Romans 6:12-18 to see the contrast of law and grace. Across all of Romans 6 one could write, “You don’t have to sin.” 

Source of Defilement 

READ 

Matthew 15:16-20 

16 “Don’t you understand yet?” Jesus asked. 17 “Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer. 18 But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. 19 For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. 20 These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you.” 

Jesus explained the reason that what one eats is not as serious as what one speaks from the heart. This was a revolutionary thought for the disciples still trying to keep the Old Testament law. Notice all the things Jesus said comes from the heart. These seven sins begin in the heart and are carried out in actions. 

REFLECT 

Think about how acts of sin really begin in the inner person.  

RESPOND 

Talk with a fellow believer about Jesus’ comments and about how the heart attitude can be changed. Back to the Bible’s research reveals that those who are engaged in the Bible at least four times a week have fewer lifestyle problems than those not engaged in the Bible that many times.  

A Gentile Woman 

READ 

Matthew 15:21-22 

21 Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.” 

Jesus had come as the Messiah of Israel and the message was not being taken to the Gentiles at this time. Now a Gentile woman addresses Him as the “Son of David.” Only the Jews considered Him a descendant of David, but this Gentile woman called Him that. She told Him about her daughter who was possessed and tormented by a demon.  

REFLECT 

The Bible does not tell us why this Gentile woman knew enough to address Jesus as “Son of David.” Think how large the Bible would be if it gave us answers to all the questions we have. 

RESPOND 

Visit with a fellow believer about the truth of John 3:16-18. There may be many things about this passage you don’t completely understand but the question is whether you believe it. Think of other passages about which you may have questions but are willing to believe the teaching because it has come from God as indicated in 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:20-21.