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Mercy Not Sacrifices READ Matthew 9:12-13 12 When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” 13 Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” The Pharisees were indignant when they saw Jesus associating with tax collectors. Jesus’ remarks were directed at the Pharisees when He said, “those who think they are righteous....” The tax collector, Matthew, and his friends knew they were sinners and needed help. The Pharisees emphasized offering sacrifices, but Jesus wanted them to show mercy. REFLECT Have you noticed when you witness for Jesus that those who think they have no need are not impacted by your words? RESPOND With a friend, read Proverbs 15:8-9 to see what God says about unbelievers offering sacrifices. Read also 2 Corinthians 4:4 to see what keeps unbelievers from responding to the Gospel. The Time to Fast READ Matthew 9:14-15 14 One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, “Why don’t your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?” 15 Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.” Jesus considered fasting as related to mourning. In this analogy, He was considering Himself the groom. There was no reason for His followers to fast while He was still with them. He foresaw a day, however, when He would be taken from them and then His followers would fast. The disciples of John the Baptist were impressed with the external expressions of their and the Pharisees’ fasting. REFLECT Be careful not to be more impressed with external expressions than with one’s heart attitude. RESPOND Read again the words of Jesus recorded in Matthew 6:16-18. Had the disciples of John the Baptist remembered these words, they would not have been impressed with the fasting of the Pharisees or their own fasting. Patches and Wineskins READ Matthew 9:16-17 16 “Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before. 17 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved.” This passage of Scripture contrasts the Old Testament law system with the New Testament revelation of the age of grace. Jesus was not trying to patch up an old system; He had come to establish a completely new one. One of the main problems faced by the apostles and evangelists of the first century was Judaism. Some wanted to mix their legalistic rules with grace. Jesus made it clear that the two could not be mixed. REFLECT Are you guilty of sometimes trying to mix the rules of the works of the Old Testament with the grace offered by Jesus in the New Testament? RESPOND With a friend, think seriously about not mixing law and grace. Read John 1:17; Colossians 2:16-17; Ephesians 2:8-9. It is legalistic to insist believers today live by a set of rules instead of their love for Jesus. A Bold Request READ Matthew 9:18 18 As Jesus was saying this, the leader of a synagogue came and knelt before him. “My daughter has just died,” he said, “but you can bring her back to life again if you just come and lay your hand on her.” The news of Jesus’ healing power had swept the region. The leader of the synagogue kneeling before Jesus was an act of worship as well as one of desperation. This Jewish leader had confidence Jesus could bring his daughter back to life. All he asked was that Jesus would come and lay His hand on her. REFLECT Are you amazed at the confidence people had in Jesus to be able to heal? RESPOND The miracles Jesus performed were to demonstrate He was the promised Messiah and had the ability to forgive sins. Other periods of miracles were during the time of Moses, as recorded in the book of Exodus and Elijah’s time as recorded in 1 Kings. The greatest miracle one can receive today is the forgiveness of sin and a changed life. Any physical healing is temporary because someday we will all be in eternity. But the spiritual miracle of salvation is eternal. Made Well by Faith READ Matthew 9:19-22 19 So Jesus and his disciples got up and went with him. 20 Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe, 21 for she thought, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” 22 Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment. Jesus and His disciples headed to the home of the leader of the synagogue to bring his daughter back to life. On the way, this woman, who had constant bleeding for 12 years, came up behind Him. She did not think He had to touch her to be healed; she thought she only had to touch the fringe of His robe to be healed. What great faith she had. Jesus commended her for her faith and spoke healing into her body. REFLECT Are you impressed with the various ways Jesus could heal? Sometimes it was by touching; at other times at a distance; and here by someone touching his robe. Jesus is not limited by the means He uses to work. RESPOND Read Mark 5:24-34 to see Mark’s account of the healing of this woman. Comparing the Gospel accounts helps one to realize that the human authors God used were not including exactly the same details. They were directed to include only what was needed to support their intended theme to their readers. Matthew was especially writing with the Jewish people in mind, and Mark the Roman people. By the inspiration of the Scriptures these accounts are now available for all to read.

Back to Life READ Matthew 9:23-26 23 When Jesus arrived at the official’s home, he saw the noisy crowd and heard the funeral music. 24 “Get out!” he told them. “The girl isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.” But the crowd laughed at him. 25 After the crowd was put outside, however, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up! 26 The report of this miracle swept through the entire countryside. The leader of a synagogue had asked Jesus to come to his house because his daughter had died. Jesus and His disciples were on the way when a woman touched His robe to be healed. Jesus told her that her faith had made her whole. This passage tells what occurred when he arrived at the home where the daughter was dead. The term “asleep” is often used of believers who have died and He was not understood at first. When He took her by the hand she came to life and stood up. REFLECT Imagine the amazement in the home when Jesus brought the girl back to life. The entire region learned of this great miracle. RESPOND For a passage that uses the word “died” for “sleep” read 1 Thessalonians 4:11-14. Some copies of the Bible render verses 13 and 14 as referring to those who are asleep. Other modern translations add the word “died” to bring it into the current understanding. Two Blind Men READ Matthew 9:27-28 27 After Jesus left the girl’s home, two blind men followed along behind him, shouting, “Son of David, have mercy on us!” 28 They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I can make you see?” “Yes, Lord,” they told him, “we do.” Notice in verse 28 that Jesus was staying in a house. Likely some friends guided the two blind men into the house. They called Jesus the “Son of David,” which indicates they thought He was the promised Messiah. Jesus asked them if they thought He was able to make them see, and they said they did. These two men may have been physically blind but they had excellent spiritual sight. REFLECT Have you known some who were physically blind but who had excellent spiritual sight? RESPOND Jesus healed by various means. Sometimes it was by speaking a word or touching someone; at other times He healed at a distance. Read Mark 8:22-26 to see He used a process to heal a blind man’s eyes. Because of Your Faith READ Matthew 9:29-31 29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.” 30 Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, “Don’t tell anyone about this.” 31 But instead, they went out and spread his fame all over the region. This time Jesus touched the eyes of the two blind men and their eyes were opened. Jesus told them not to tell anyone about this miracle, but they couldn’t contain the good news and told people all over the region. When the masses knew of Jesus’ healing powers, they followed Him for those benefits rather than the spiritual benefits He came to offer. REFLECT Even though you can be pleased to know Jesus can heal physical problems, do you realize the spiritual healing He offers is of far greater benefit? RESPOND Meet with a Christian friend. Spend time praying for the world’s needs and for those who need to trust in Jesus as Savior. Also spend time talking about the assurance you have from the Scriptures about your salvation. Read John 10:28-30 in regard to this. Casting Out a Demon READ Matthew 9:32-34 32 When they left, a demon-possessed man who couldn’t speak was brought to Jesus. 33 So Jesus cast out the demon, and then the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed. “Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!” they exclaimed. 34 But the Pharisees said, “He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the prince of demons.” Jesus was able to cast a demon out a man who was unable to speak. Then the man began to speak. Some saw this as a miracle. The unbelieving Pharisees, however, believed He did it by the “prince of demons.” Unbelievers can always think of some excuse to explain away what others see as a work of God. REFLECT Have you met some who explain away the creation of the universe by God? They think chance and long ages can explain things. No one was there to observe but God, so His word in Genesis 1:1 is the most reliable about it. RESPOND Read Luke 16:19-31 to see that if people do not believe the Bible, not even a person rising from the dead will convince them to believe what it says. For proof of this, think about another person named Lazarus—the brother of Mary and Martha—whom Jesus brought back to life in John 11:40-44. Yet John 12:9-11 shows the religious leaders wanted to kill him. Someone rising from the dead did not convince them. Sheep Without a Shepherd READ Matthew 9:35-38 35 Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” The “Good News of the Kingdom” is that one must be in right relationship with King Jesus in order to enter the kingdom. That is what He told Nicodemus in John 3:5-7. In spite of the throngs who were around Him wanting physical healing, Jesus had compassion on them because “they were confused and helpless.” He urged His disciples to pray that God would send more workers into the fields of lost souls. REFLECT Are you asking the Lord to send out workers to win the lost to Jesus? Are you one of those workers? You do not need to go to another part of the world; you can tell your friends and loved ones about Jesus. RESPOND 2 Timothy 2:15 tells believers to be workers who do not need to be ashamed. What kind of workers need to be ashamed? Proverbs 10:5 says the one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace. Think of yourself as living in the midst of lost souls who need to hear the salvation message. Are you involved in the harvest or sleeping while the harvest field is all around you?

The Twelve READ Matthew 10:1-4 1 Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. 2 Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (also called Peter), then Andrew (Peter’s brother), James (son of Zebedee), John (James’s brother), 3 Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, 4 Simon (the zealot), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him). This is a listing of the 12 disciples. Jesus also called them His apostles. In the various listings of the 12 (here and Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16), Peter is mentioned first and Judas, who betrayed Jesus, is mentioned last. The word “disciple” has the basic meaning of “learner.” The word “apostle” had the meaning of a “sent one.” Jesus gave them authority and powers that would serve as their credentials. As apostles, they were the direct representatives of Jesus. REFLECT These 12 were chosen by Jesus and through them He desired to reach many more. Is God using you today to reach others? RESPOND Talk with a friend about some churches today that are discouraged because they have so few people attending. They need to be reminded that Jesus began with this small group, and one of them would be revealed later not even to be a believer. Do not let small church attendance or small prayer meetings discourage you. Sent Ones READ Matthew 10:5-8 5 Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, 6 but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. 7 Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!” Jesus’ instructions reveal the apostles were being sent only to the people of Israel. They were not to go to Gentiles or to the mixed race of Samaritans. Jesus called Israel, “God’s lost sheep.” Jesus wanted the 12 to announce that “the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” It was near because Jesus was the King of this Kingdom and it was being offered to Israel. As His representatives they were to demonstrate the power He had as the Messiah. REFLECT Think of how special it would have been to be sent out as Jesus’ representative. RESPOND With a friend, read what the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:19-21, a passage that refers to believers as Christ’s “ambassadors.” Think of ambassadors of countries today. They are representatives of the country they serve. Believers have their citizenship in heaven and are to serve as God’s ambassadors to this lost world. Those Who Work READ Matthew 10:9-10 9 “Don’t take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins. 10 Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.” These are the instructions Jesus gave as He sent His disciples to the nation of Israel. They were not to take extra clothing. They were to accept hospitality from fellow Israelites who were instructed from the law of Moses to be hospitable to their own. It was considered that their fellow Israelites would provide whatever they needed. REFLECT Think of the faith it took for the disciples to go out like this. They were completely dependent on God working in the hearts of others to provide for them. RESPOND With a friend look at Matthew 6:32-34 to see what these disciples were depending on as they went to the nation of Israel with the message the Messiah had given them. Worthy and Unworthy READ Matthew 10:11-15 11 “Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town. 12 When you enter the home, give it your blessing. 13 If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing. 14 If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. 15 I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day.” Not every home was considered worthy of having the disciples. They were to search for it. Once in the home they were not to change homes if they saw a more preferred place. They were to give it their blessing. If a town or home refused to have them, they were to symbolically shake its dust from their feet as they left. Jesus declared judgment on the towns or households that would not receive the disciples. REFLECT The homes were to consider it an honor to receive the disciples. Do you consider it a privilege to host fellow believers? RESPOND With a fellow believer read 1 Timothy 3:1-5 to see the qualifications to be a church leader; that is, an overseer of an assembly. Notice especially verse 2 that mentions enjoying having guests in his home. Sheep Among Wolves READ Matthew 10:16-20 16 “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. 17 But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. 18 You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. 19 When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. 20 For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” These were sobering words Jesus told the disciples before sending them out. They were to expect hardships and persecution. This would give them an opportunity, however, to share their faith. If arrested and had to think of something immediately to say, Jesus said God would give them the right words. This is not an excuse to be unprepared if there is opportunity; this was only in a crisis situation when there was little time to think. REFLECT Consider this passage of Scripture. Did anyone tell you that being a Christian could bring some difficulties ahead? RESPOND Read 2 Timothy 3:11-12 to see what will happen to those who make it their desire to live godly lives. Has this happened to you?

Enduring Hatred READ Matthew 10:21-23 21 “A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. 22 And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel.” Jesus told the disciples what would happen to them as they went to the nation of Israel as His personal representatives. The comment in verse 22 about the one who “endures to the end,” seems to be a reference to the evidence of a true believer. The same expression is used in Matthew 24:13 where it seems to be referring to the end of the seven-year Tribulation. The Second Advent of Jesus to earth is referred to in Matthew 10:23. This passage refers to both near events and distant ones, as is frequently done in prophetic statements. REFLECT Consider what the disciples thought as Jesus was telling them what would happen to them as they went to the nation of Israel. RESPOND Read John 6:31-33 to see what Jesus told all believers. They are to look to Him as the model of the one who overcame the world. Setting Expectations READ Matthew 10:24-25 24 “Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. 25 Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names!” Jesus knew what the disciples might be thinking as He told them of the persecution they would face. They should not expect to be treated better than their leader. He referred to Himself as their “teacher” and “master of the household.” Because He had been falsely accused, they should not expect better. In fact, He expected they would be called even worse names. REFLECT If you have been mistreated for your Christian testimony, do you think about Jesus who endured so much for you and even gave His life on the cross for you? RESPOND With a friend, read John 13:15-17 that parallels what Jesus was telling His disciples in Matthew 10. Think about these passages and what some are enduring even today for their Christian testimony—and what many more Christians may face in the future by standing for biblical values. A Day of Revelations READ Matthew 10:26-27 26 “But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. 27 What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!” Jesus reminded His disciples before He sent them out that they would be threatened and persecuted. He assured them that all this was temporary but someday everything would be known. He wanted them to widely and loudly proclaim everything He was telling them. They had followed Him and had received many instructions; now it was time for them to proclaim truths about the Messiah (Christ) who had come. They were to announce that the kingdom of heaven is near. REFLECT No matter the difficulties you are enduring now, remember that they are all temporary in contrast to eternity when believers will be with Jesus. RESPOND Encourage a fellow believer by reading 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. Pray for others who ae going through difficult times. Sparrows and Souls READ Matthew 10:28-31 28 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Jesus contrasted the temporal with the eternal when He told the disciples what to be the most concerned about. Believers in Jesus may have their bodies killed, but those who need to fear God are those who reject Him and can have both their souls and bodies destroyed in hell. The word for “hell” here is gehenna and refers to the final destiny of all the unsaved. Jesus also wanted His disciples to think about their true worth to God. REFLECT Does this passage of Scripture encourage you as you think how precious every believer is to God? RESPOND For the final destiny of unbelievers, read Revelation 20:11-15 where gehenna is referred to as the “lake of fire.” Acknowledgments READ Matthew 10:32-33 32 “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.” Jesus said these words after telling the disciples they would be persecuted for their message representing Him. He wanted them to stand strong and be willing to admit they were followers of Christ, the Messiah, who was offering the kingdom to Israel if the nation would only believe and accept Him as the King. REFLECT These may seem like hard words, but think of the reward of Jesus acknowledging believers before His heavenly Father in heaven. RESPOND Jesus’ words are similar to what the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:11-13. How wonderful to know that even if believers deny Jesus, He will always remain faithful.

A Sword READ Matthew 10:34-36 34 “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. 35 ‘I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 Your enemies will be right in your own household!’” Some people believe Jesus came only to bring peace. That is not what He said. He refers to Micah 7:6 as He mentioned divisions within families. Many families are ripped apart over different beliefs about Jesus. This also relates to what the Bible says about Him and His teaching. In some countries today, it is illegal to claim Jesus as Savior and some families disown a member who trusts in Jesus. REFLECT How is it in your family when the topic of Jesus comes up? What do you do and say then? RESPOND Talk with a friend about ways to handle family differences about spiritual issues. When differences arise, be sure to ask, “Where does the Bible say that?” If the Bible is not the source of authority, everything else is just the opinion of fallible humans. Take Up Your Cross READ Matthew 10:37-39 37 “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. 38 If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. 39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.” The Hebrews thought in large contrasts. The love you have for your parents should seem like hatred in comparison to the love you have for God. Jesus is not saying one should not love father and mother, but love for God should be far greater. In His day, the cross was a reference to death, and not a symbol of Christianity. Those who live only for self will someday find they have nothing. Those who live for Jesus will someday have rich rewards. REFLECT Does this contrast of emotions help you to better understand how you are to love your parents but not nearly as much as you love God? RESPOND For the Hebrew contrast of emotions, read Malachi 1:2-3. Some translations say God hated Esau. God loved Esau but not to the extent that He loved Jacob. Receiving Strangers READ Matthew 10:40-42 40 “Anyone who receives you receives me, and anyone who receives me receives the Father who sent me. 41 If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet. And if you receive righteous people because of their righteousness, you will be given a reward like theirs. 42 And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” Jesus was sending the disciples out to the nation of Israel as His representatives. They were to look for a place to be welcomed into a home. To receive these representatives of Jesus was equal to receiving Him into their homes. If they received Him, Jesus said it was the same as receiving His heavenly Father. Those who would even give a cold drink to His representatives would be rewarded. REFLECT Think about welcoming other followers of Jesus as welcoming Jesus Himself. RESPOND Talk with a fellow believer about what can be done to show other Christ-followers the same welcoming spirit Jesus referred to. Teaching and Preaching READ Matthew 11:1 1 When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region. Having finished giving instructions to the 12 disciples, Jesus Himself went out to teach and preach. If you’ve ever wondered about the chapter and verse divisions in our modern Bibles, the chapter divisions were set by Stephen Langton in the 13th century A.D. and were included in the King James Version of 1611. The verse divisions of Robert Estienne in 1551 were also incorporated. Sometimes it is good to read right through the chapter divisions to see the continuation of the previous chapter. This is one of those times. REFLECT Have you tried reading the Bible by disregarding the chapter and verse divisions? That is the way it was originally written. RESPOND Read the Bible with a friend and try omitting the chapter and verse divisions as you read. Read the end of Matthew 10 and then go right into chapter 11. Are You the Messiah? READ Matthew 11:2-3 2 John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, 3 “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” Understandably, John the Baptist had some doubts when he was in prison. He had declared Jesus was the Christ (Messiah) as revealed to him at the baptism of Jesus. Now he was languishing in prison, which made him wonder. John the Baptist sent some of his disciples to ask this question of Jesus. REFLECT Do you understand how John the Baptist might have doubts? Do you sometimes have doubts about what you believe? RESPOND John the Baptist had to rely on word of mouth to verify the truth about Jesus. Today, copies of the Bible are available to assure us what is true about Jesus and salvation of all who trust in Him. For any doubts about Jesus, see John 1:1-5, 14. For doubts about salvation, see 1 John 5:11-13. Believe what is written in the only book God has inspired.

Report What You Have Seen READ Matthew 11:4-6 4 Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen—5 the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” 6 And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.” John the Baptist was in prison and having doubts about whether Jesus was really the Messiah. He sent some disciples to ask Jesus if He was the one who was expected. This passage contains Jesus’ answer for John’s disciples to take back to him. Jesus told of the works He had been doing that gave evidence He was the promised Messiah. Jesus said God blesses those who don’t lose faith in Him. REFLECT Read one of the Gospels and see the miracles Jesus performed. This will encourage you. RESPOND Talk with a fellow believer and agree to choose one of the Gospels to read through searching for the miracles Jesus performed. Talk about what a great Savior He is. What Were You Expecting READ Matthew 11:7-8 7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? 8 Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces.” Jesus reminded the crowds of what John the Baptist was like. He was not weak nor was he dressed in expensive clothes. Jesus wanted them to think about John’s message; not about what he looked like. Cultures differ greatly on opinions of how a pastor/preacher should dress. Jesus wanted the focus to be on the message of John the Baptist, not on his appearance. REFLECT Have you sometimes been so distracted by the way a presenter dresses that you do not hear his message? RESPOND Read the account of God choosing David to be the next king to succeed Saul. It is found in 1 Samuel 16:6-13. Talk with a friend about what lessons you can draw from this passage. More Than a Prophet READ Matthew 11:9-10 9 “Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. 10 John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say, ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.’” Jesus said John the Baptist was a prophet, but that he was more than a prophet. Jesus referred to the prophecy in Malachi 3:1 that promised a forerunner for the Messiah. John the Baptist had been a partial fulfillment of prophecy in this regard. REFLECT Are you impressed with the working out of the plan of God concerning John the Baptist and Jesus? RESPOND Take the time now to read Malachi 4, which is the last chapter in the Old Testament. It was written before a period of 400 silent years until more revelation came in the New Testament. Note especially Malachi 4:5-6. Forcefully Advancing READ Matthew 11:11-12 11 “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is! 12 And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it.” John the Baptist had announced the King and the kingdom, and yet the least person “in the Kingdom of Heaven” would be considered greater than John. Although the Kingdom of Heaven was being announced by John the Baptist, many were opposing it. They were rejecting Jesus as the promised Messiah and King. REFLECT By trusting in Jesus as Savior, you will have the privilege of being in the Kingdom of Heaven. John the Baptist had announced it but he was not in it yet. RESPOND Matthew used the expression “Kingdom of Heaven” 13 times in his Gospel. He used the expression the “Kingdom of God” five times. The Jewish people thought the name Yahweh was so special they would not even pronounce it. This is the name that most translations render as LORD (note the all caps). In either case, the Kingdom of Heaven or the Kingdom of God is a kingdom that originates with God. Looking Forward READ Matthew 11:13-15 13 “For before John came, all the prophets and the law of Moses looked forward to this present time. 14 And if you are willing to accept what I say, he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come. 15 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!” Some debate whether John the Baptist would have fulfilled the prophecy in Malachi 3:1 about Elijah coming if the nation would have accepted Jesus as Messiah. John the Baptist denied being Elijah when he was asked (see John 1:21). By Jesus’ comment, it seems He was saying that John the Baptist had come in the spirit and power of Elijah. REFLECT Some things in the Bible are difficult to understand. One would have to be God to completely understand everything about God and some of the things He has said. RESPOND Talk with a friend about the Bible having some things you do not understand. Then look at Revelation 1:3. Many are troubled by the things they do not understand in the book of Revelation. Verse 3 offers a blessing to those who read, hear, and obey what is in the book. One will learn that God wins in the end, and in the meantime He blesses those who honor Him and brings judgment on those who do not.

Comparisons READ Matthew 11:16-17 16 “To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, 17 ‘We played wedding songs, and you didn’t dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn’t mourn.’” God had sent John the Baptist as the forerunner of Jesus who was the promised Messiah-King. His many miracles showed Him to be qualified as this Messiah. The nation of Israel rejected Him, however, and only complained instead of turning to Him in repentance. Nothing that was done would satisfy them or convince them that Jesus was the promised Messiah-King. REFLECT Think of those who had God’s special revelation of His Son’s presence and yet these people were unimpressed and rejected Him. RESPOND Some wish they were living in Bible times when Jesus lived on earth. Think of all those who had contact with Him but still rejected Him. Read John 20:24-29 to see what Jesus said when Thomas believed in Him. Two Extremes READ Matthew 11:18-19 18 “For John didn’t spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.” Jesus said the generation living then would never be satisfied. They thought John the Baptist was at one extreme and Jesus was at another. They criticized Jesus for being “a friend of tax collectors and other sinners.” Jesus used the friendship to win them to Himself. His model reveals evangelism has its greatest impact when it is based on a relationship. REFLECT Are you using your friendship with others as a basis of them being drawn to Jesus through you? RESPOND With a friend, read John 4:19-26 to see the interaction between Jesus and the Samaritan woman. His conversation established a relationship so what He said about Himself would have greater impact. Harsh Judgments READ Matthew 11:20-22 20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where he had done so many of his miracles, because they hadn’t repented of their sins and turned to God. 21 “What sorrow awaits you, Korazin and Bethsaida! For if the miracles I did in you had been done in wicked Tyre and Sidon, their people would have repented of their sins long ago, clothing themselves in burlap and throwing ashes on their heads to show their remorse. 22 I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be better off on judgment day than you.” Jesus never ministered in Tyre and Sidon, but had He done in those cities what He had done in these cities in Galilee, He said those cities would have repented and turned to God. Indicating that Tyre and Sidon, who had never seen Jesus do miracles, would be better off in the judgment day to come than those cities in Galilee indicates there will be degrees of judgment for unbelievers in eternity. REFLECT How does this passage relate to you? Have you had more light than others? Do you realize this indicates greater responsibility? RESPOND With a friend, read Revelation 20:11-15 to see that unbelievers will be judged according to their works, which indicates there will be different degrees of punishment for them. Worse than Sodom READ Matthew 11:23-24 23 “And you people of Capernaum, will you be honored in heaven? No, you will go down to the place of the dead. For if the miracles I did for you had been done in wicked Sodom, it would still be here today. 24 I tell you, even Sodom will be better off on judgment day than you.” Genesis 19:1-13 records the evil of those in Sodom. Even with this sinfulness, Jesus told those in His home town of Capernaum that those in Sodom would be better off in the judgment than those who had personally witnessed His ministry and did not believe in Him. REFLECT Even though you have not had opportunity to personally witness the miracles of Jesus, you have eyewitness reports of them in the Bible. Does this not make the ones who know the reports of these eyewitnesses even more responsible? RESPOND Meditate on this passage of Scripture and how it applies to people today. Pray for others who have access to the Bible to take its truths more seriously. The Wise and the Childlike READ Matthew 11:25-26 25 At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. 26 Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way!” Those who knew Jesus personally thought they were “wise and clever.” In their supposed wisdom, however, they rejected Jesus. This was also true of those in Judea where Jesus had performed miracles. Many Jewish people believed in Him but not the Jewish leadership. The wise and clever rejected Him but many of the common people believed in Him. REFLECT Do you sometimes think you need academic degrees to know the Bible and Jesus better? That has never been a requirement. RESPOND Compare with this passage what is said in 1 Corinthians 3:18-20. Read also Proverbs 1:1-7 to see what true knowledge is.

The Father and Son READ Matthew 11:27 27 “My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Jesus told who truly knows Him—only the heavenly Father. He also told who truly knows the heavenly Father—only those to whom He chooses to reveal Him. This verse shows no one can completely understand God and all His workings. One would have to be God to completely understand Him. REFLECT Think of how special it is that you have a copy of the Bible to read what Jesus has revealed about the heavenly Father. RESPOND Join with a fellow believer and talk about the wonderful truths about God. Read Isaiah 55:8-11 and be encouraged that you will never completely understand God, but that His Word will never return without accomplishing its purpose. Read also Ephesians 3:8-9 for how the apostle Paul described the riches of Christ. Rest READ Matthew 11:28 28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” This wonderful verse has been of encouragement to many. Jesus invites all to come to Him. The greatest burden, of course, is the burden of sin. The greatest rest is found by trusting in Jesus as Savior. He will lift your burden and give you rest about your life and eternal destiny. Notice that none who come to Him is rejected. REFLECT Have you found rest by trusting in Jesus as Savior? Have you shared this with anyone? RESPOND Those who think they need to work to earn God’s favor need to read John 6:28-29 and Ephesians 2:8-9. My Yoke Is Easy READ Matthew 11:29-30 29 “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Notice that the rest those find by coming to Jesus is rest for their souls. Their bodies may be weary from their activities, but their souls are at peace with God. Jesus may not prevent you from going through the storms of life, but He promises to be with you in the storms. The Jews in Jesus’ time on earth knew the heavy burdens the Pharisees placed on them. All of their efforts were to earn favor with God, which will never work. REFLECT Think of the relief you experience by realizing your salvation has come by grace alone through faith in Jesus alone. Some unbelievers would give all their wealth to experience the peace you have. RESPOND With a Christian friend, read and think on John 16:32-33. No matter what you are enduring here on earth you can take heart because your Savior has overcome the world. Harvesting on the Sabbath READ Matthew 12:1-2 1 At about that time Jesus was walking through some grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, so they began breaking off some heads of grain and eating them. 2 But some Pharisees saw them do it and protested, “Look, your disciples are breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath.” The Pharisees added to the requirements of the law. In their eyes, the disciples where threshing grain as they rubbed their hands over the heads of the grain. They decided this amounted to working on the Sabbath. Legalism has no limits, and the Pharisees were the best at adding requirements that God had never given. REFLECT Are you thankful for the grace of God for salvation and Christian living or are you trying to live by a set of rules not found in the Bible? RESPOND Before his conversion to Christ, the apostle Paul was a Pharisee believing what these Pharisees believed. After experiencing the grace of God in salvation, Paul wrote in Colossians 2:16-17 that you should judge no one based on diets and days. David's Example READ Matthew 12:3-4 3 Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He went into the house of God, and he and his companions broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat.” Jesus rebuked the Pharisees by indicating they didn’t know their own Scriptures. David was a highly respected ancestor, but the Pharisees did not seem to remember this incident in his life. Along with this comment, Jesus remarked about other things the Pharisees should have been aware of. This was the same as accusing them of being biblically illiterate. REFLECT Use the same question Jesus asked if others are falsely accusing you. You could ask, “Have you never read”—and point them to a portion in the Bible. RESPOND To read about the incident with David that Jesus referred to, see 1 Samuel 21:1-6. Consider also when debating a spiritual issue to ask, “Where do you find that in the Bible?”

Greater Than the Temple READ Matthew 12:5-6 5 “And haven’t you read in the law of Moses that the priests on duty in the Temple may work on the Sabbath? 6 I tell you, there is one here who is even greater than the Temple!” Jesus continued telling the Pharisees what they should have known from their Scriptures. Even the priests were allowed to work on the Sabbath. The Israelites were fixated on the Temple, which was the center of worship for them. As Jesus stood in front of them He said there is one here now who is greater than the Temple. He referred to Himself. REFLECT Do you realize believers in this age are not bound by the Mosaic laws in the Old Testament? RESPOND Certain principles of the Old Testament law always apply, such as the moral principles found with the Ten Commandments. According to common Jewish count there were 613 commandments in the Old Testament law. See James 2:10 for what is true if you broke even one in those days. See also what Paul, a former Pharisee, wrote after he came to Christ in Colossians 2:16-17 about special diets and days. Lord Over the Sabbath READ Matthew 12:7-8 7 “But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ 8 For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” Jesus rebuked the Pharisees by saying if they had known their own Scriptures they would not have criticized His disciples. The Pharisees were greatly concerned about doing all the proper sacrifices, and Jesus told them His desire was that they would show mercy rather than offering sacrifices. “Son of Man” is a title Jesus used of Himself. The Pharisees were guilty of legalistic details rather than worshiping the Lord who was in control of everything. REFLECT Are you sometimes guilty of focusing on what God has created rather than focusing on the Creator Himself? RESPOND With a fellow believer, read Romans 1:18-32 to see what occurs to people who worship what is created instead of worshiping the Creator. This passage also reveals everyone is without excuse because God has revealed enough of Himself that all should know there is a creator. Another Trap READ Matthew 12:9-10 9 Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, 10 where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, “Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?” (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.) The Pharisees were always hoping to trap Jesus into saying something that would legitimize their accusations about Him breaking the Sabbath. As Jesus was on earth, the Jewish nation was still living under the Mosaic law, which continued until the Day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2. In the Old Testament, God often used Gentile nations who spoke other languages to discipline His Hebrew-speaking people (see Deuteronomy 28:49; Isaiah 28:11-12). On the Day of Pentecost the disciples were enabled to speak Gentile dialects understood by those who used those dialects. It was a sign that God was changing His program with Israel. REFLECT As you study the Bible you will learn more contrasts between the Mosaic law in the Old Testament and the age of grace in the New Testament. RESPOND Read 1 Corinthians 14:22 to see that speaking in tongues was for a sign. This raises the question, “Sign of what?” Acts 2, with the speaking in languages not learned by the speakers, seems to be a sign that God was changing His program—turning from Israel who rejected Him to the Gentiles. Doing Good on the Sabbath READ Matthew 12:11-12 11 And he answered, “If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you work to pull it out? Of course you would. 12 And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.” The Pharisees thought one should not even do a good act on the Sabbath. Jesus revealed how foolish their thinking was. He also emphasized how much more important a human being is than an animal. He concluded these remarks by saying, “Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.” This should have ended the debate, but would it? REFLECT Do the words of Jesus seem reasonable to you? Do you believe that a person is more valuable than an animal? RESPOND Today some people in their thinking switch Sunday for the Sabbath (Saturday) and believe one should follow Sabbath rules for Sunday. Some even refer to Sunday as the “Christian Sabbath,” which the Bible never does. These people are not following the teaching of the New Testament after the Day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2. Plotting to Kill READ Matthew 12:13-14 13 Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one! 14 Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus. This passage reveals the hatred the religious leaders of Jesus’ time had for Him. They were more concerned about keeping their self-imposed rules for the Sabbath rather than believing in the Lord of the Sabbath. Even though Jesus had healed the man with the deformed hand, rather than the Pharisees rejoicing over that, they wanted to kill Jesus for healing him. REFLECT What lesson are you learning from this passage? RESPOND Talk with a friend about how sometimes religious leaders can be the enemy of Christianity rather than its friend. Everyone who stands behind a pulpit does not necessarily proclaim the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, and that salvation is available only through Him as John 14:6 says.

Many People Followed READ Matthew 12:15-16 15 But Jesus knew what they were planning. So he left that area, and many people followed him. He healed all the sick among them, 16 but he warned them not to reveal who he was. Jesus left the area because the religious leaders wanted to kill Him for healing a man’s hand on the Sabbath. Note that even though the religious leaders rejected Him, “many people followed him.” He healed the sick among them but didn’t want them to tell others who He was. Many seemed to believe in Him as the Messiah but it would only anger others and limit His ministry. Some who followed Him, however, were following only for what He could do for them physically. REFLECT It is great to know what Jesus can do for you physically, but it is far better to know what He can do for you spiritually. RESPOND A “disciple” is literally a “learner.” Some followed Him to learn what He could for them spiritually but others only for what He could do for them physically. John 6:66 seems to refer to those followers who were only learning about Him, and when they heard more than they could agree with they turned away from Him. The Beloved Servant READ Matthew 12:17-19 17 This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning him: 18 “Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen. He is my Beloved, who pleases me. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. 19 He will not fight or shout or raise his voice in public.” These verses refer closely to what Isaiah penned in Isaiah 42:1-2. The Old Testament has many prophecies about the coming Messiah of Israel, the Lord Jesus Christ. These verses describe what kind of person He would be. REFLECT As you read the Old Testament, be alert to prophecies that tell of the coming Lord Jesus Christ. RESPOND With a friend, read Isaiah 53:1-12. This passage tells much about the coming Savior. It has been used effectively in witnessing to the Jewish people today. Hope of the World READ Matthew 12:20-21 20 “He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. Finally he will cause justice to be victorious. 21 And his name will be the hope of all the world.” These verses echo what is written in Isaiah 42:3-4. There will come a time when Jesus will “cause justice to be victorious.” The world is filled with hopelessness now, but later “his name will be the hope of all the world.” There will come the day when Jesus will reign on earth for a thousand years (see Revelation 20:1-6). REFLECT Do you have as much confidence in the promises of Jesus’ second advent as you do for the ones of His first advent? RESPOND If the prophecies for His first advent were literally fulfilled, why should one think those for His second advent will be any different? Read Luke 1:31-33. Some refer to this passage as the prophecy of His first advent and the neglected prophecies of His second advent. Could It Be? READ Matthew 12:22-23 22 Then a demon-possessed man, who was blind and couldn’t speak, was brought to Jesus. He healed the man so that he could both speak and see. 23 The crowd was amazed and asked, “Could it be that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah?” This passage reveals that not all in the crowd of the many who followed Jesus were believers in Him. After He healed the demon-possessed man they asked, “Could it be that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah?” In the Bible, “son” is used in the sense of “descendant.” Up to this time they had not been fully persuaded of this. REFLECT Although the miracle caused some to ask this question, what do you think the Pharisees thought? Think about some people who want Jesus for their physical problems but do not want Him for their spiritual problems—they do not want Him as their Savior. RESPOND Talk with a fellow believer about how blessed you are now to have both the Old and New Testaments to read. The Old Testament gives prophecies about the coming Christ and the New Testament provides eyewitness accounts of who He was and what He did. He rose from the dead on the third day after He was crucified, proving that He was God (see 1 Corinthians 15:4). Grasping at Straws READ Matthew 12:24 24 But when the Pharisees heard about the miracle, they said, “No wonder he can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons.” The Pharisees could not deny the miracle of Jesus healing the demon-possessed man. This meant they had to come up with an excuse for Jesus being able to do so. They accused Jesus of getting His power from Satan, whom they considered to be the prince of demons. This was a ridiculous charge and Jesus will point out their lack of common sense in saying this. REFLECT Have you had an occasion when someone tried to explain away something spiritual? Perhaps they have seen the change in your life after you trusted in Jesus and have tried to explain it by some other means. RESPOND There may be a debate about physical miracles happening today, but no one can question your testimony about the difference Jesus has made in your life after you trusted in Him as Savior. That has been a spiritual miracle. Talk with another believer how to effectively share your testimony.