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The Purpose of Parables READ Matthew 13:13-14 13 “That is why I use these parables, for they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand. 14 This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, ‘When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend.’” Jesus explained to the disciples why He used parables. It was to hide truth from those who had willfully rejected hearing it. He quoted from Isaiah to support from the Hebrew Scriptures why He was speaking this way. REFLECT We don’t know when it will occur in a person’s life, but it seems if one willfully rejects the truth his mind will be blinded to any reasoning offered by others. RESPOND React with a friend about this. Read Proverbs 1:20-33 to see what Wisdom cries out to those who have refused to listen. Hardened People READ Matthew 13:15 15 “‘For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’” This gives the reasons for Jesus speaking the way He did. The word “For” is often used in the sense of “because” and explains what has gone before it. The people had “closed their eyes” so now they will not see and hear. Neither will they understand. They refuse to turn to the Lord. REFLECT Remember this passage is a further explanation of why Jesus spoke in parables. RESPOND In your Bible study with a friend, examine some other passages where “for” is used in the sense of further explaining. See John 3:15-16; Romans 3:19-20, 22-23, 6:22-23, and Ephesians 2:13-14. Blessed Senses READ Matthew 13:16-17 16 “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. 17 I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it.” Jesus told His listeners how blessed they were to be living at a time when they could see and experience what the prophets and righteous people in the past longed to see. He said those listening had eyes open to seeing and ears open to hearing. He was referring to more than physical hearing. Spiritual seeing and hearing were the most important. REFLECT How is it with you? Are your spiritual eyes and ears open to seeing and hearing the things spoken in the Bible? RESPOND Pray with a friend that God will open your eyes to see spiritual truths in the Bible. Check Psalm 119:18 as an example. The Seeds Explained READ Matthew 13:18-19 18 “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: 19 The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts.” Jesus had explained why He spoke in parables and then He explained the parable of the sower that He had just told. The first example had to do with the seed that fell on the path that represented those who heard the word but did not understand it. This allowed Satan to snatch away what had been planted in their hearts. Notice, it is necessary not only to hear, but to understand the message. REFLECT Do you also make it your desire not only to engage in the Bible but also to understand it? This could be called “Biblical literacy” when it is true in your life. RESPOND As you and a friend meet to read and study the Bible, pray for understanding of its truths. Read Colossians 1:9-10 to see that Paul prayed for believers to have “spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Lack of Roots READ Matthew 13:20-21 20 “The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. 21 But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.” Jesus moved from explaining what was meant by the seed falling on the path to that which fell on rocky soil. Notice that the message was received with joy. Anyone observing would have thought these were genuine believers because of the way they responded to the message. Not so. When problems and persecution for receiving the message came they revealed their hearts had not been changed. REFLECT How was it with you? After you gladly received the message did you reveal you were a genuine believer by a changed life? RESPOND With a friend, return to Matthew 7:15-17 to read what Jesus said about assessing people by the fruit their lives are producing. Also read Galatians 5:22-23 to see the fruit that is produced by true believers in Jesus.

Thorny Problems READ Matthew 13:22 22 “The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.” Jesus continued to explain the parable of the sower that He had told. Some hear God’s word but the message gets crowded out by worries and love of wealth. As a result no fruit is produced. Notice the desire Jesus had was to see fruit produced in the lives of His hearers. Emotional expressions at the time of hearing are not as significant as to whether fruit is produced in their lives. REFLECT Are the differences Jesus gave about hearing and producing fruit becoming more clear in your mind? RESPOND Talk with a friend about the concern over worries and the lure of wealth. Read Romans 8:37-39 about nothing being able to separate us from God’s love. Also read 1 Timothy 6:5-7 about what is truly great wealth. The Good Soil READ Matthew 13:23 23 “The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Notice concerning those who produce much fruit in their lives. It is the people who not only hear but also understand God’s word. Those today far removed from the culture of Jesus’ time may need the Bible explained to them so they have an understanding of what is being said. The Bible has symbols and figures of speech, but they are to be understood as meant at the time of writing. This may need explanation. REFLECT Do you find yourself growing in your appreciation of God’s Word as you more clearly understand it? Do you have an older one in the faith who can help you with this? RESPOND Consider the importance of understanding what is written in the Word of God. When God sent Philip to help the Ethiopian eunuch, notice in Acts 8:30 the question Philip asked him. See also Nehemiah 8:8 that provides the basis for explaining what the Scriptures mean. Do you need someone to help you understand the Scriptures? You can help others who know less than you, and others who know more about the Scriptures than you can help you. Weeds Among the Wheat READ Matthew 13:24-26 24 Here is another story Jesus told: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. 25 But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. 26 When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew.” The story Jesus told is about “The Kingdom of Heaven.” This parable has to do with what the kingdom is like while the king is absent. The “good seed” was sown but then weeds also grew. What should be done now? REFLECT Have you seen some spiritual work begin that later was infiltrated with unbelievers who acted like believers? How did you tell them apart, or could you? RESPOND In Matthew 13, Jesus will interpret this parable. Up to this point, however, what do you and a friend think He may be alluding to? Perhaps what you are thinking is what the disciples were thinking. A Deeper Lesson READ Matthew 13:27-28 27 “The farmer’s workers went to him and said, ‘Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?’ 28 ‘An enemy has done this!’ the farmer exclaimed. ‘Should we pull out the weeds?’ they asked.” The reaction of the farmer’s workers was that the weeds should be pulled out. At least they asked permission before trying this. Remember, as a parable, this story is using something the disciples knew about to teach a deeper lesson. They knew what it was like to plant something and have weeds come up, but what did Jesus mean by this story? REFLECT It must be remembered that Jesus is not talking about a local church but what will go on in the world in the kingdom while the king is absent. RESPOND Talk with someone about what you would think if you had sown a field of grain and an enemy had sown weed seed that grew with your crop. Would you have been like the disciples and ask, “Should we pull out the weeds?” Bundle and Burn READ Matthew 13:29-30 29 “‘No,’ he replied, ‘you’ll uproot the wheat if you do. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.’” When the farmer was asked by the workers if they should pull out the weeds, the farmer gave them his answer. To do so would uproot the wheat. He told them to let them grow together until the harvest. At that time the weeds would be bundled and burned, but the wheat would be put into the barn. REFLECT Surely now you wonder to what Jesus was referring. He will tell you later in this chapter of Matthew. RESPOND With the reference to bundling and burning, it is apparent that judgment is a message that is coming from this parable. Putting the wheat in the barn is an apparent reference to blessing. Jesus’ explanation of this parable will be a warning for all to choose one’s destiny.

A Mustard Seed READ Matthew 13:31-32 31 Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.” Some debate about whether modern science knows of a smaller seed. Jesus said it “is the smallest of all seeds.” It was, however, the smallest known in the East at that time. This parable seems to refer to the expansion of Christendom between the two advents of Jesus to earth. “Christendom” includes not only those born again but also counterfeit religious groups, of which there are many. The “birds” in this passage surely relate to the “birds” in the first parable that came and ate the seeds. REFLECT Be aware of those who pretend to be God-lovers but really are not. RESPOND With a Christ-follower, read 2 Timothy 3:1-5 to see the need to be aware of false teachers in the last days. A Little Yeast READ Matthew 13:33 33 Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” Yeast, or “leaven,” was viewed in the Bible as something less than desirable. At the feast of Unleavened bread in the Old Testament there could be no yeast used. Here it is a symbol of something that goes through and affects everything. It is not a symbol of good. An example is seen in 1 Corinthians 5:5-7 where Paul wrote about church discipline. REFLECT Is it apparent to you how a “little” sin can permeate a situation and become a major problem? RESPOND Read 1 Corinthians 5:1-8 to see more about what Paul said about the immorality in the church in Corinth. Talk of Things Hidden READ Matthew 13:34-35 34 Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables. 35 This fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet: “I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world.” Jesus saw no reason for declaring truths to those who had set their wills against accepting them. That is the reason He commonly spoke in parables. The Old Testament reference Jesus made was to Psalm 78:2, “For I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past.” REFLECT Have you found it wise not to talk with other believers about Jesus when an outspoken and disrespectful unbeliever is present? RESPOND The New Testament speaks of “mysteries.” These were truths not mentioned in the Old Testament but were revealed in the New Testament. For an example, read Ephesians 3:1-7 to see the “mystery” or plan of God revealed by the apostle Paul. Explain the Weeds READ Matthew 13:36 36 Then, leaving the crowds outside, Jesus went into the house. His disciples said, “Please explain to us the story of the weeds in the field.” The disciples were still puzzled about the parable Jesus told about the farmer sowing seeds and the weeds that grew up around them. Perhaps they had questions about some of the other parables Jesus told, but this first one stuck in their minds. REFLECT Have you sometimes gone on in your Bible reading but kept thinking about a statement you read earlier? That is similar to what the disciples experienced, and they needed answers. RESPOND Before reading Jesus’ explanation about the farmer sowing seeds, return to the parable itself in Matthew 13:24-30. Read this with a Christian friend so you will better understand the explanation Jesus gave. Good Seeds and Bad Weeds READ Matthew 13:37-38 37 Jesus replied, “The Son of Man is the farmer who plants the good seed. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one.” Jesus explained who the farmer in the parable represented—it was Jesus Himself. He also explained that the field represented the world, and the good seed represented the people in the kingdom. The weeds represented those who belong to the evil one. This indicates that between the two advents of Jesus to earth the form of the kingdom will include both Christ-followers and those who reject Him. REFLECT Does the explanation of Jesus help you to better understand His parable? Surely it helped the disciples to understand it. RESPOND As you study the Bible with a friend, be thankful every time you find an explanation of something you are wondering about. In this case, it was from Jesus Himself.

Time of Harvest READ Matthew 13:39 39 “The enemy who planted the weeds among the wheat is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world, and the harvesters are the angels.” When the Son of Man sowed good seed in the world the weeds grew up with the good grain. Who planted those weeds? Jesus said that it is the devil. Jesus also indicated when the harvest would take place to separate the wheat from the weeds—“the end of the world.” The word in the Greek text of Matthew for “the world” refers to “the age.” This would refer to the time just before Jesus returns at His second advent to the earth to set up His kingdom on earth. REFLECT “The weeds” refer to those “who belong the evil one.” Be cautious about unbelievers infiltrating groups of believers. RESPOND Are you studying Matthew with a friend and talking about these matters? Use the opportunity to help others grow spiritually in their knowledge of the Word of God. Read Ephesians 1:15-18 to see how Paul prayed for believers. Removed from the Kingdom READ Matthew 13:40-41 40 “Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the world. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will remove from his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil.” During the age of Christendom between the two advents of Jesus, there will be both believers and non-believers. They will be separated at the end of the age when the wheat is separated from the weeds. When Jesus returns to earth the second time, no unbelievers will be allowed to enter His 1000-year reign on earth. REFLECT Think about how Jesus taught about prophecy even in the parables He told. RESPOND Someday there will be a complete separation of believers and unbelievers. Urge others to place their trust in Jesus before it is eternally too late. Destiny of the Wicked READ Matthew 13:42-43 42 “And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!” Jesus referred to the destiny of the wicked in verse 42. The “fiery furnace” is another expression for hell, seen in Revelation 20:11-15. It is referred to there as the “lake of fire.” It is complete and eternal separation from God. On the other hand, believers enter His kingdom and experience the benefits of eternal life with their Lord and Savior. REFLECT Ponder the blessed destiny of believers and the awful destiny of unbelievers. RESPOND The separation of the wheat and the weeds in Matthew 13 is comparable to the separation of the sheep and the goats at the end of the seven-year Tribulation, as recorded in Matthew 25:31-46. At the end of the age, the unbelievers will go into “eternal punishment” and believers into “life eternal.” Treasure in a Field READ Matthew 13:44 44 “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.” There is disagreement about what this hidden treasure is. The figure of a “man” in this parable is likely the same as in Matthew 13:37, which is the “Son of Man,” the Lord Jesus Himself. The “field” is the world (Matthew 13:38). Those should be kept in mind in the parable of the hidden treasure. Jesus was most likely referring to the believing remnant of Israelite believers while He was on earth. He was the one who bought them with His blood. REFLECT Think about Jesus giving everything, even His life, to purchase redemption for others. RESPOND With a believer, consider John 1:11. Notice He came to His “own” and His “own” did not receive Him. In the Greek text the first “own” is in the neuter gender referring to “things,” perhaps His creation. The second “own” is masculine and refers to people. He came not only as the Messiah of Israel but also for the entire world. Pearl of Great Value READ Matthew 13:45-46 45 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. 46 When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!” Jesus continued to tell what Christendom would be like between His two advents to earth when the king was absent. The “merchant” in this story pictures Jesus Himself who found a “pearl.” A pearl is formed inside something else. The Church came out of the sufferings of Christ who gave His life to provide salvation for all who would believe in Him. REFLECT As a believer in Jesus, you are part of the Universal Church, which is the body of Christ. Hopefully you are also part of a local church. RESPOND It is necessary to distinguish between local churches and the Universal Church. Local churches may have both believers and nonbelievers, but the Universal Church includes only believers. At salvation, the believer is baptized into the body of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 12:12-13). Read Ephesians 4:15 and Colossians 1:18 to see that Christ is the head of the Church.

A Full Fishing Net READ Matthew 13:47-48 47 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind. 48 When the net was full, they dragged it up onto the shore, sat down, and sorted the good fish into crates, but threw the bad ones away.” Jesus continued to tell about believers and unbelievers in the kingdom of heaven while the king was absent. When the net was full of fish it was dragged up to the shore, the fishermen sorted the good fish from the bad. The bad ones were thrown away. REFLECT Imagine the interest of the disciples in hearing Jesus tell these stories. RESPOND Notice how Jesus used an illustration from everyday life to draw spiritual lessons. This is a reminder to us to endeavor to use examples people know about to tell about some spiritual truth. It is not always possible to think of such but helpful if we can. Pastors/preachers are especially effective when they do this. The End of the World READ Matthew 13:49-50 49 “That is the way it will be at the end of the world. The angels will come and separate the wicked people from the righteous, 50 throwing the wicked into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” The time referred to is the “end of the world” [lit. age]. Angels separate the unbelievers from the believers. The time period referred to is at the end of the seven-year Tribulation when Jesus returns to earth to set up His 1000-year kingdom on earth. Believers during the Church age will be taken to heaven before the Tribulation begins (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). REFLECT Think about the number of times Jesus referred to the separation of unbelievers from believers and their final destiny. RESPOND Torment of the wicked is often referred to, but their final judgment will be the lake of fire mentioned in Revelation 20:11-15. Before that time they will suffer torment in hades, as seen in Luke 16 about the unbelieving rich man. Talk about these passages with a friend. Gems of Truth READ Matthew 13:51-52 51 “Do you understand all these things?” “Yes,” they said, “we do.” 52 Then he added, “Every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old.” Had Jesus asked you if you understood what He was saying in these parables, what would you have answered? Somehow the disciples were able to say they understood. Then Jesus added more information. What must they have understood about this last statement from Jesus? As the great homeowner Jesus certainly brought them many old truths from the Old Testament; He was also revealing many new truths to them during His time on earth. REFLECT Think about the old truths you can glean from the Old Testament and the new ones you can glean from the New Testament. RESPOND With a Christian friend, check out an old truth about salvation by seeing Genesis 15:4-6 and John 3:16-18 that gives a new truth in the New Testament. Abraham simply believed God would do what He said (see Romans 4:20-22). That is the same kind of faith needed today as one believes in Jesus for salvation. Return to Nazareth READ Matthew 13:53-54 53 When Jesus had finished telling these stories and illustrations, he left that part of the country. 54 He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, “Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?” Those Jesus had grown up with and had lived among could not believe He was so wise when He taught in the synagogue. They were impressed with both His wisdom and His ability to perform miracles. Surely someone who had grown up in their midst could not be so wise and powerful, they thought. REFLECT How do the friends you have grown up with treat you? When you talk about what you have learned in the Bible, do they scoff at you for claiming to know so much? RESPOND The relationship of Jesus with His hometown seemed to have two aspects. In John 4:43-44 Jesus headed home after going through Samaria. So much commotion was made about Him in Judea that His activities were limited. Not as much fuss would be made over Him in Galilee. Later, however, even the people in His hometown of Nazareth rejected Him. A Prophet at Home READ Matthew 13:55-58 55 Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. 56 All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?” 57 And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” 58 And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief. This is the negative aspect of being in one’s hometown. One is not given the honor that is deserved. In this passage the brothers (half-brothers) of Jesus are named, but the sisters (half-sisters) are not. This is customary each time there is a listing of the family members. Jesus comments that a prophet is not honored in his hometown. Those He grew up with were rejecting Him. Because of their unbelief He did few miracles in the area. REFLECT How is it with you? Perhaps you have much more experience than others and even some academic degrees. But you are not respected in your hometown for who you are and what you have accomplished. RESPOND Talk with a friend about how to relate to those in your hometown. Read the words of Ephesians 4:1-3 that the apostle Paul wrote from prison about how to treat others.

Herod's Assessment READ Matthew 14:1-2 1 When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus, 2 he said to his advisers, “This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead! That is why he can do such miracles.” This Herod was a son of Herod the Great who was responsible for killing the babies of Bethlehem when Jesus was born. Herod Antipas is also known as “the tetrarch” because he ruled one-fourth of Palestine. He was also the one Jesus appeared before in His trial before His crucifixion. This Herod had put John the Baptist to death. Now he is haunted by the fact that he thinks this Jesus he has heard about is actually John the Baptist raised from the dead. This is the only way he could explain the ability of Jesus to do such miracles. REFLECT Have you sometimes been concerned about your past behavior? Have you been able to realize that if you have trusted in Jesus, His blood cleanses you from every sin? RESPOND For some background of the behavior of Herod the Great, see Matthew 2:16-18. For the behavior of Herod Antipas, see Luke 23:6-16. Both figured prominently at the birth and death of Jesus. John's Judgment READ Matthew 14:3-5 3 For Herod had arrested and imprisoned John as a favor to his wife Herodias (the former wife of Herod’s brother Philip). 4 John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry her.” 5 Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet. Matthew now gives background information about the death of John the Baptist. Herod wanted to kill John because John had confronted him about his immorality. Because so many believed the mission of John, however, Herod relented from killing John. REFLECT Have you experienced opposition from speaking out about immorality? RESPOND With a friend, read Romans 1:18-32. This passage reveals God’s judgment on immorality. The Daughter's Request READ Matthew 14:6-8 6 But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias’s daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him, 7 so he promised with a vow to give her anything she wanted. 8 At her mother’s urging, the girl said, “I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!” This reveals what the occasion was that caused Herod to allow the life of John the Baptist to be taken. He promised to give Herodias’s daughter whatever she wanted. Because of her mother’s urging she requested John’s head on a tray. What a horrible request, but now Herod was boxed in. What would he do? REFLECT Have you sometimes made a pledge to do something that you later regretted? What did you do about it? RESPOND Talk with another believer about not being quick to make vows you may not be able to keep. See what Jesus said as recorded in Matthew 22:36-40. He was answering a question about the greatest commandment. Follow these instructions and leave the details to God, without making unnecessary vows of what you think you should do.  John's Death READ Matthew 14:9-11 9 Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders. 10 So John was beheaded in the prison, 11 and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. Herod regretted his vow but was forced into an embarrassing situation because of what he had promised Herodias’s daughter. This was peer pressure at its peak, and Herod permitted John the Baptist to be beheaded because he had made the vow publically. What a sad ending to the life of one who was a forerunner to announce the coming of Jesus, the Messiah. REFLECT Have you sometimes given in to some wrong behavior because of peer pressure? RESPOND Read Psalm 119:2-4 about not compromising with evil. Pray with a fellow believer, asking God to keep you from compromising your testimony because of peer pressure. Reporting to Jesus READ Matthew 14:12 12 Later, John’s disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened. How sad the disciples of John the Baptist must have been as they took his body and buried it. They knew who would be the saddest of all, so they went to tell Jesus about John’s death. How do you think Jesus reacted when He learned the sad report? REFLECT How have you reacted when you learned of a dear friend’s death? Was there a significant difference in how you felt if you knew the person was a believer in Jesus? RESPOND For comfort while mourning a Christian friend’s death, read John 11:25 to see what Jesus said at the time of Lazarus’s death. This verse applies to all believers in Jesus.

Attempted Solitude READ Matthew 14:13-14 13 As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. 14 Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. After Jesus learned of the death of John the Baptist—and likely some of the details—He went alone to a remote area. Even when He wanted to be alone, the crowds followed Him. As He stepped from the boat He saw the crowd and had compassion on them. While grieving over the death of John the Baptist, He healed the sick among them. REFLECT What has it been like for you when you lost a close loved one to death? Did you want to be alone? RESPOND Talk with a friend about different responses at the time of death of a loved one. Did your other responsibilities cause you to think about others even while grieving over a friend’s death? Feed the Crowd READ Matthew 14:15-16 15 That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.” The disciples urged Jesus to send the huge crowd away so they could buy food before the day’s end. To their surprise, Jesus told them, “You feed them.” That must have been a shock to the disciples that Jesus would say such a thing. How did He expect them to do that? REFLECT Have you sometimes felt the Lord was urging you to do something that you saw no possibility of doing? How did your experience turn out? RESPOND Read Mark 10:23-27 to see that what is impossible for humans to accomplish, God can. God is only limited by what He desires to do. Divine Multiplication READ Matthew 14:17-19 17 “But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered. 18 “Bring them here,” he said. 19 Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. Notice that although Jesus, the creator of the universe, did not need their small amount of food, He asked them to bring it to Him. He told the people to sit down on the grass and offered thanks to the heavenly Father. Then He broke the loaves into pieces and gave them to the disciples to distribute. REFLECT Do you realize that even though God does not need what you have, He wants to use whatever you have in ministering to others? Dedicating to Him what you have will bring blessing into your life. RESPOND As seen in this passage in Matthew, talk with a friend about how God uses people to accomplish His will. In what way is He using each of you today? Leftovers READ Matthew 14:20-21 20 They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. 21 About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children! Although the disciples had only five loaves and two fish, the Lord multiplied those to feed 5,000 hungry men, not counting women and children. By the time one would add women and children to the group, some estimate the total crowd would be over 15,000. The disciples must have been marveling about this great miracle as they walked around feeding the people. Notice there were 12 baskets of leftovers after the people had eaten all they wanted. Was each disciple holding one? If so, their small faith was rebuked by this incident. REFLECT What has God done in your life that has been used to rebuke your small faith? RESPOND With a friend, read Judges 7:1-9 to see how God had Gideon reduce his army so he would know the victory would come from the Lord and not from the power of his army. Alone in the Hills READ Matthew 14:22-23 22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. After He had learned about the death of John the Baptist, Jesus went to a remote area to be left alone. His day was interrupted, however, by the large crowd He did not ignore. Once their needs were cared for, He sent His disciples away and went into the hills by Himself to pray. He continued there alone until evening came. REFLECT Does this impress on you how much Jesus wanted to be alone with His heavenly Father? Is that your desire even after you have had a busy day after hearing some bad news? RESPOND Spend time with a friend talking about responding to grief and how you can encourage others when they are going through such a time. Others may be encouraged just by knowing you have gone through something similar. Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 to see what the apostle Paul wrote about comforting others.

It's a Ghost READ Matthew 14:24-26 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” Jewish time had about 12 hours of daytime (6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). It also had four watches of three hours each at nighttime. This experience was in the fourth watch, or between 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. This was a scary time for the disciples to see someone walking on the water and coming toward them. Knowing no other possibility, they thought it was a ghost. REFLECT What would you have thought had you been in the boat with the disciples? RESPOND Meet with a Christian friend and talk about this instance where the disciples were so frightened and what was about to occur in the rest of the passage of Scripture. Take Courage READ Matthew 14:27-29 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. Jesus spoke to the frightened disciples and told them to take courage. Jesus essentially told them, “The I Am is here.” Peter blurted out that if He was really Jesus, he wanted Him to ask him to come to Him by walking on the water. Jesus invited him to come. Peter got out of the boat and began walking on the water toward Jesus. Peter can be criticized for many things, but his faith at this point should be admired. REFLECT Had you been in the boat with Peter, would you have asked Jesus if you could walk on the water toward Him? If not, don’t blame Peter for being courageous enough to ask to do so. RESPOND The “I am” in the Bible is significant. It is based on what God told Moses when he wondered what to tell his fellow Israelites who was sending him to lead them out of Egypt. See Exodus 3:14 for God’s answer and what His name is. The Greek text uses two words to express this: the first is the word for “I” and the second is the word for “I am.” Modern translations usually add “He” and render it “I am He.” This dims its significance somewhat to the reader. Save Me Lord READ Matthew 14:30-31 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When Peter looked at the wind and the waves instead of at Jesus, he began to sink. Some comment about Peter’s prayer being one of the shortest prayers in the Bible: “Save me, Lord!” Jesus responded immediately by grabbing Peter, but then questioned why he had such little faith. Then Jesus asked Peter, “Why did you doubt me?” REFLECT Are you helped by knowing you do not have to have long prayers? Have you sometimes doubted Jesus? RESPOND Read James 1:5-8 to see what James wrote about one who has doubts when asking God for wisdom. Worship in the Boat READ Matthew 14:32-33 32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. When Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the wind stopped. The disciples were filled with thoughts of Jesus’ worth and they worshiped Him. Their faith seemed to have been developing as they declared that Jesus really was the Son of God. Some things that Jesus said they did not believe until He had been raised from the dead. REFLECT Have you thought about the fact that thinking about the worth of God is worship. The word “worship” likely comes from an old English word meaning “Worthship.” RESPOND Read some examples of the developing faith of the disciples. Examine such Bible passages as John 2:18-22 and John 20:19-29. The Healer Arrives READ Matthew 14:34-36 34 After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. 35 When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. 36 They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed. Gennesaret was on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. Wherever Jesus went there seemed to be crowds. In this instance, they brought “all their sick to be healed.” Apparently there were too many for Him to personally touch so they pleaded for permission for any to be healed if only they touched the fringe of His garment. This was a mass healing event without any promotion for the people to come. REFLECT If you have a physical problem, you can understand how desperate the people were to get healed. How blessed they were to be healed even if they could simply touch the hem of His garment. RESPOND To read about another who was healed by just touching the robe of Jesus, see Mark 5:21-34. You can also read of another who asked the God three times to heal him and it was not done. Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 for this and to see the God’s answer.

Ignoring Traditions READ Matthew 15:1-2 1 Some Pharisees and teachers of religious law now arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. They asked him, 2 “Why do your disciples disobey our age-old tradition? For they ignore our tradition of ceremonial hand washing before they eat.” The Pharisees and teachers of religious law were scrupulous about keeping the Old Testament laws. The “teachers of religious law” were the scribes who copied the Scriptures and were those in authority to teach it. In fact, these groups were so intense about keeping the law they even added other laws to what God had instructed. They added their traditions. The “ceremonial hand washing” involved much more than just washing the hands, as thought of today. It was a religious ritual they thought should be performed. REFLECT Do you know of some who have added rules of their tradition to what the Bible says? Have you been guilty of this? RESPOND Read Colossians 2:16-17 to see what Paul said about diets and special days. Talk with a fellow believer about following these instructions. Traditions and Commandments READ Matthew 15:3-4 3 Jesus replied, “And why do you, by your traditions, violate the direct commandments of God? 4 For instance, God says, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’” Jesus is about to point out that these religious leaders had found a way to get around what God instructed about honoring their parents. To prepare them, Jesus reminded them of what the Scriptures said and this laid the basis for His showing they were not really keeping God’s law. REFLECT Think on Exodus 20:12 for the passage Jesus was referring to. Honoring parents would necessarily involve providing for any needs the parents had. RESPOND A Christian child at home is to obey his or her parents. See Ephesians 6:1 for this instruction. This is the way believing children reveal their faith. Grown children are not necessarily to obey everything their parents say, but are to honor them. The word “honor” could be thought of as “respect.” Grown children should have respect for their parents and provide for their needs, if possible, but this would not include obeying their every wish. Legal Loopholes READ Matthew 15:5-6 5 “But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’ 6 In this way, you say they don’t need to honor their parents. And so you cancel the word of God for the sake of your own tradition.” Jesus exposed these religious leaders revealing how they got around the clear commandments of the law. They could claim something was devoted to God, which would allow them to keep it without needing to give it in support of their parents. Jesus charged these religious leaders with canceling God’s word and going by tradition instead. REFLECT Think about the culture from which you have come. Are you following some of those traditions rather than the Bible? RESPOND With a Christian friend, read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 to see that the Bible has been breathed out by God and what its uses are. Far Away Hearts READ Matthew 15:7-9 7 “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, 8 ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’” Jesus did not try to please these religious leaders—He called them hypocrites! He charged them with saying proper things but not doing what God instructed. As a result, their worship was only for show. They were guilty of teaching man-made ideas as if they were the commands of God. REFLECT Today these religious leaders would be called “legalists.” Such people substitute their man-made rules for what the Bible actually teaches. RESPOND With a friend, read Luke 13:10-17 for another occasion when Jesus called out religious leaders for their hypocrisy. Pray about being consistent in your life. Defiling Words READ Matthew 15:10-11 10 Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “Listen,” he said, “and try to understand. 11 It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.” Jesus’ comments must have been earth-shaking to the listeners. They had been taught from the Old Testament that some animals were unclean and should never go into the mouth. Now Jesus said that is not what defiles one. He emphasized even a more basic truth—the mouth only reflects what is in the inner person. REFLECT Have you found that your words reflect what is in your heart? Do you find this to be true with others? RESPOND Read Acts 10:9-20 to see God’s lesson to Peter not to call unclean what He had called clean. This was preparing Peter to take the Gospel to a Gentile, whom the Jews considered unclean. Talk with a fellow believer about whether some are neglecting today to take the Gospel to groups not considered acceptable to them.

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.