Archive for the ‘Gospel of Matthew Studies’ Category

Rich Young Ruler and Jesus | Mark 10:17-27

Bible Study Lesson:

  • Mark 10: 17-27
  • Matthew 19:16-27
  • Luke 18:18-27

Q. What can we know about the young rich ruler from these passages?

  • Young man
  • Very rich (Luke 18:18)
  • Ruler, respected in society
  • Sincere, very well mannered
  • Religious Jew from his childhood
  • Seeker, enthusiastic, willing and eager to learn (Mark 10:17)
  • He had a great question to ask. After all, what can be a better way than to start a conversation with the question about Eternal life!
  • This was not the only time, Jesus was asked this question. In Luke 10:25-37, One of the teachers of the Law, asked similar question to Jesus. However his intention was to test and trap Jesus. (check out – Authority of Jesus questioned by Teachers of the Law)
  • The young rich ruler had no such hidden agenda, he was sincere in his request. Read On…

Joseph – Father of Jesus – Matthew 1:18-25 | Bible Study

Bible Study Lesson:

Matthew 1:18-25

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” Read On…

Jesus Heals Jairus’ Daughter – Miracles of Jesus

Jesus raises Jairus daughter

Bible Study Passages:

  • Mark 5: 21-24, 35-43
  • Luke 8: 40-42, 49-56
  • Matthew 9: 18-26

Jesus’ home town, Capernaum:

  • Capernaum was situated on the sea of Galilee in a populated area.
  • It was a wealthy city due to fishing and trade.
  • It was a base of Jesus’ early ministry.
  • The city had Roman garrison which maintained peace in the region. The city was a cultural melting pot, greatly influenced by Greek and Roman manners, dress, architecture and politics. Read On…

How to Overcome Temptation

temptation How to Overcome Temptation

Background and Meaning of the Word ‘Temptation’:

  • The same Greek word (Peirasmos) is used for ‘temptations’ (Mat 6:13, 1 Cor 10:13, Jas 1:13) and ‘trials’ (Jas 1:2,12, 1 Pet 1:6).
  • Meaning of the word – To put to proof by experiment of good or experience of evil
  • to scrutinize, entice, discipline, examine, prove, try, tempt
  • It is important to make a distinction between two meanings within this one word.
    • On one hand, it signifies an attempt to entice someone into evil. (Often translated as temptations)
      • Satan is the ultimate source of all desires and actions contrary to God.
      • He is the tempter. (Mat 4:3, 1 Th 3:5)
    • On the other hand, it indicates a testing which aims at spiritual good. (Often translated as trials)
  • This bible study is detailed description of ‘temptation’ in its negative significance. Read On…

The Sadducees and Jesus – Question about Resurrection

Bible Study Lesson:

  • Mark 12:18-27
  • Mat  22:23-33
  • Luke 20:27-40

Q. Who were Sadducees? What did they believe?

  • One of the religious parties / sects among the Jews during the time of Jesus Christ and the early church
  • They only held to the ‘Law of Moses’.
  • They rejected the traditions of the Pharisees and did not agree with them. (check out Jesus, Pharisees and Parable of Great Feast)
  • They did not believe in the ‘resurrection of the dead’.
  • They believed that “Souls die with the bodies”. (According the Jewish historian – Josephus)
  • They denied the resurrection of the body in Mat 22:23, Luke 20:27, Acts 4:1-2, 23:8.
  • They did not believe in the existence of Angels or Spirits. (Acts 23:8)
  • There are about 12 incidences of Sadducees in the bible (NT).
  • Other incident of ‘Jesus and Sadducees’ is found in Mat 16:1, when they ask Jesus to show a sign from Heaven. Read On…

Beatitudes: Blessed are Poor in Spirit – 8 Part Series

The Beatitudes: An Overview

Matthew 5: 3 -12 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

  • Beatitudes are referred to, as the account of the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ preached by Jesus Christ, recorded in Matthew 5: 3-12 in the Bible.
  • It is one of the most quoted passages of the Bible.
  • A similar list of beatitudes is also given in Luke 6:20-23.
  • This bible study guide is an eight part series on the Beatitudes. Read On…

Christian Discipleship: Definition | Cost of Discipleship

Q. Who is the disciple? (Discipleship: Definition)

  • One who is a follower of a master, spiritual teacher, religious leader or a guru.
  • One who lives by the teachings and lifestyle of his master.
  • One who holds the standard and ideals set by his master.
  • One who wants to be like his master.
  • The Word used for ‘Disciple’ in Greek (‘mathetes’)refers generally to student, pupil, or apprentice.

Q. How can one become the disciple of Jesus?

  • Decision to follow Jesus Christ is the beginning of a christian discipleship.
  • Jesus himself demonstrated clear conditions for being his disciples. Before we focus on the conditions of discipleship, we need to know what it is not! Read On…