Journey through the Gospels

Matthew Chapters 25-26

1) Matthew 25 records the last three parables Jesus teaches.  They provide a great review of how we should live.  Give a one-sentence summary of each parable (1-13, 14-30, 31-46).

2) Much takes place in Chapter 26, but one of the most significant events is found in 36-46.  What happens in the Garden of Gethsemane that prepares Jesus for all that is to come?  What four words capture this?  How would it impact us if we learned and accepted this truth?

3) The Garden exposes a truth about our nature (40-41).  Why is this true?  Can this be changed?

The final parables of Jesus found in Matthew’s gospel could be summarized this way.  Verses 1-13: Be ready for Jesus’ return.  Verses 14-30: Be faithful with what He has given you.  Verses 31-46: Be a servant to all in need.  These three stories provide a great reminder of how we are to live day-to-day.

“Thy will be done.”  Jesus taught us to pray this way in Matthew 6:10 and now He expresses this Himself.  “Thy will be done” is not giving up, but rather accepting God’s ways over our ways.  It’s not a statement of “whatever,” but an expression of faith in God’s wisdom and sovereignty.

Is your spirit willing, but your flesh weak?  Do you struggle with doing what you want to do and not doing what you don’t want to do?  Paul experienced this same thing (see Romans 7:15-25).  It’s not what you can or can’t do.  The way to change this is to continue to rely upon God’s working in and through your life each day.

Matthew Chapters 27-28

1) Some of the most difficult words to read in the entire Bible are found in 27:46.  How could this be?  Why would Jesus have said this?  Why is this so significant?

2) One of the most hopeful aspects of the resurrection is found buried in 28:6.  “…just as He said…” is tucked away in the midst of what the angel tells the women at the tomb.  Why were these words of hope?  How are these words of hope for you today?

3) They say opposites attract.  That may be what is taking place in 28:8.  It doesn’t seem like these two emotions should co-exist.  How is this possible?

That Jesus died is an historical fact.  How He died causes us great pain.  Why He died (for you and me) is difficult to fully comprehend.  But perhaps the greatest challenge is to consider what it cost Jesus.  God the Father and God the Son had never been separated.  Now, as He took on our sins, He saw His Father turn His back on Him.  The whips – painful; the mocking – humiliating; the cross – shameful.  But it was after all this that He cried out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?”

“Just as He said,” is a reminder of God’s faithfulness.  Throughout the Bible we find evidence of God doing exactly what He said He would do (see Joshua 21:45).  You can go forward with confidence knowing that God is faithful.

As the women left the tomb, we read they were “afraid, yet filled with joy.”  What a great combination!  Afraid that they didn’t know exactly what was going on yet filled with joy that Jesus was alive!  No matter what you are facing, the fact remains – Jesus is alive!

Mark Chapters 1-2

1) One characteristic of Mark’s gospel is the fast pace at which the events of Jesus’ ministry unfold.  Consider the day described in 1:21-34.  This makes what we read in 1:35 even more incredible.  When did Jesus pray?  What do you think Jesus prayed for?  What excuses do you have for not starting your day this way?

2) Jesus lived with purpose (1:38), yet responded to what He saw around Him (1:40-42).  How can you do both?  How could the time Jesus spent in prayer (see question 1) have prepared Him for the day?

3) Consider the types of people that followed Jesus (2:13-17).  How should this impact us?  How do we live right in God’s eyes and live out in the world?

It wasn’t until after sunset that Jesus began healing those that came from the whole town (1:32-34).  We don’t know how late He was up, but “very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”  This certainly shows the absolute priority Jesus had regarding His time with His Father.  If the God the Son needed to spend time with God the Father, how much more important is it for us to do so.

Although He was busy, Jesus never lost sight of what He was here for – people.  Compassion was what guided Him and His response time and time again was, “I am willing.”  I pray we would say “I am willing” to those in need around us.

As good, church-going people, we sometimes don’t know what to do with Jesus and the people He was with.  The religious leaders couldn’t have imagined spending time with “them”.  But we are called to make a difference in a very dark world (see Philippians 2:15).

Mark Chapters 3-4

1) In 3:5, we see Jesus express an emotion that we might not want to associate with Him.  What is this emotion?  Who is this directed to?  Why (verse 5 answers this)?  Is there something in your life that Jesus would have this type of reaction to?

2) In 4:1-20, Jesus identifies four responses to hearing God’s word.  Which is most like you?  What has challenged you along the way (4:17-19)?  What evidence is there of a harvest in your life?

3) Jesus performs another miracle before His disciples, yet they respond with fear and doubt (4:39-41).  How do you respond to Jesus’ work around you?  What keeps you from moving forward with a strong faith?

Jesus was angry that the religious leaders were unwilling to see the shallowness of their ways.  They were more concerned with keeping the rules of the Law than with the people around them that they were called to love.  Don’t ever lose sight of the reason we follow Jesus – to love God and to love others.

The parable of the sower (4:1-20) is one of His best known parables.  We can get some great insight into our own spiritual journey if we will be truthful with ourselves.  No matter where you are, keep in mind what Jesus’ ultimate goal is for you – to produce a bountiful harvest.

It always amazes me that Jesus’ disciples struggled with their faith given all that they saw.  They were eyewitnesses to the amazing power of God, yet were full of fear and doubt.  Truth is, we are the same way today.  Pray that God would continue to increase your faith and give you the joy of trusting Him more and more.

Mark Chapters 5-6

1) The people’s reaction to the miracle Jesus performed is hard to believe (5:17).  But how do you react to things you don’t fully understand?  Can you move forward in faith even when you don’t have all the information?

2) Consider the story of the little girl who is sick and eventually dies (5:21-43).  How is Jesus’ perspective different than those around Him (5:36-39)?  What is the implication for your life?

3) “Let’s see if they notice.”  I wonder if this is what Jesus was thinking as he walked on the water near the disciples’ boat (6:48).  What was in the way of their recognizing Jesus?  How aware are you of Jesus around you?  What gets in your way of seeing Him at work?

Jesus was operating so far out of the box that the people didn’t know what to do with Him.  They witnessed a great miracle, yet asked Him to leave.  Pray that we would accept even what we don’t know and embrace God’s work around us.

Perspective changes everything!  Don’t be content with your limited, low-altitude perspective on life.  Learn to look through Jesus’ eyes and begin to see what He sees.  “Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

The entire passage of Jesus walking on the water is amazing (6:47-52).  Verse 48 indicates Jesus could see the disciples from the mountainside where He was praying.  This verse continues and indicates He was about to pass them by (this is almost funny).  But verses 51-52 shows that this demonstration of power, like the miracle of the loaves (6:30-44), was lost on the disciples.  Pray that our hearts would be open to see the work of Jesus around us.

Mark Chapters 7-8

1) What are some traditions that we observe in our faith?  Do any of these conflict with God’s commands?  How do the words of Isaiah apply today to following traditions or even to following God’s commands (7:6)?

2) How would you describe the work of God around you?  How would you describe God’s work in your life?  Could you join in with the people who responded to Jesus’ work in 7:37?

3) An example of Jesus’ “contrary to the world” teachings is found in 8:35.  What are some other examples?  What does this mean for the way in which you should live your life?

The Pharisees often found themselves at odds with Jesus.  They worked hard at following the rules; it was just the wrong set of rules.  They were more interested in following their man-made traditions than the commands of God (7:8-9).  In either case, the issue Jesus had with them was an issue of the heart.

Jesus certainly had a great reputation among the people.  He taught with authority, put the Pharisees in their place and healed the sick.  No wonder we read the great statement in 7:37, “He has done everything well.”

Much of Jesus’ teaching seems upside-down when you consider the standards of the world (first/last, greatest/servant, save/lose).  In fact, a good indication that you are on track with God is that you are swimming against the current of the world.

Mark Chapters 9-10

1) Faith and doubt.  Both are expressed in 9:24.  How do these come together for you?  Does one of these tend to be stronger in your life?

2) Consider an area of struggle in your spiritual life.  How much energy does it take for you to manage that struggle?  What would it take for you to completely eliminate it (see 9:43-47)?

3) How did Jesus feel about the rich young man (10:21)?  Why do you think Mark specifically mentions this?  How did the man respond to Jesus’ challenge?  What is the next step Jesus has for you?

9:24 is one of my favorite verses.  It recognizes the fact that we are on a journey of faith.  Even when I believe, I may struggle with not believing.  It seems contradictory, but this shows that there is a beautiful tension between faith and doubt.  Both faith and doubt can lead me closer to God.

Jesus' solution to areas of sin in our lives seems a little extreme, but His point should be well taken.  For each of us, there are areas that we know we are more likely to struggle with.  Rather than work hard through these areas, they should be ruthlessly eliminated from our lives.

Jesus knew that what He asked the rich young man to do would be a great challenge to him (see 10:21).  But Jesus also knew this was the next step the young man needed to take on his spiritual journey.  And because of this, Mark records that Jesus looked at this young man with love.  Indeed, Jesus loves us just the way we are, but He doesn’t want us to stay this way.

Mark Chapters 11-12

1) Jesus responded to what He found in the Temple – the place of worship (11:15-17).  What did He do?  Why did He do this?  How would Jesus respond to your worship today?

2) How do you respond to the teachings of Jesus?  What is your reaction to the nature of what He says?  Consider the people’s reaction in 12:37.

3) The story of the Widow’s Mite has been told time and time again (12:41-44).  What principles do we learn from this?  How do these principles apply to your life?

Unfortunately, worship had become just an activity for the Jews.  In fact, some of the activities were anything but acts of worship to God.  All along, the issue for the Jews was that their hearts were not close to God.  God wants our worship to be done in spirit and in truth (see John 4:24).

“The large crowd listened to him with delight.”  Yes, He was challenging.  Yes, He was compelling.  But at the end of the day, the people enjoyed hearing Jesus.  As we continue our journey through the gospels, simply enjoy what Jesus has to say.

To think that a poor widow would have caught Jesus’ attention is amazing.  With all the activity going on around Him, it is important to realize why He called His follower’s attention to her act of generosity.  Giving is not supposed to be conveniently done out of the extra we may have.  The widow shows us that we are to give even out of our poverty, and in doing so, demonstrate our full dependence on God.

Mark Chapters 13-14

1) How well do you speak concerning your faith?  How clearly are you able to explain what you believe?  How does 13:11 provide encouragement to you?

2) What can God do?  How do you deal with the fact that what God can do He sometimes chooses not to do?

3) Consider Peter’s struggle in 14:68-72.  Do you stand for Christ or quietly sweep your faith under the rug?  Are your words and actions testifying about your relationship with Him?

Consider the intensity of the last days as found in Chapter 13.  Yet, even in the face of hostile authorities, Jesus promises we will know what to say.  If this will be the case then, how much more so now in less intimidating situations.

We previously looked at the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26).  As I read the account found in Mark 14, I noticed something different.  Mark 14:36 adds “everything is possible for you.”  Jesus knew God could spare Him from what was going to come, but that He was not going to.  Indeed, God is able, but we must still be willing to defer to His plans.

Peter’s life literally was on the line.  And because of this, he caved in and denied that he even knew Jesus.  You may never have to make a life or death decision, but if you are not careful, the way you live may be in essence a denial of your faith.  Let your relationship with Christ shine through all you say and do.

Mark Chapters 15-16

1) How do you respond when people wrong you?  What do you do when you are unfairly treated?  Why did Pilate react the way he did to Jesus (15:5)?  Why do you think Jesus kept silent?

2) Based on the way Jesus died, the centurion said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”  What do you think the centurion saw (15:39)?

3) Was it faith or an oversight?  How could the women have forgotten about such a big detail as moving the stone so they could properly prepare Jesus for burial (16:3)?  Is there a lesson here for us?

Pilate was amazed (15:5) that Jesus wasn’t trying to defend Himself.  Certainly, Pilate had been called upon to judge many cases before and had always heard both sides of the argument.  But this time, Jesus said nothing.  How was this possible?  I believe Jesus’ behavior here can be traced all the way back to the Garden of Gethsemane.  For Jesus, everything had already been settled.  There was nothing more to say.

I’m not sure what the centurion noticed about the way Jesus died, but even in His death, Jesus testified about Who He was. 

I wonder if there are times when we fail to move forward because of perceived obstacles.  The women would not even have gone to the tomb if they focused on the stone.  Perhaps God removes obstacles only after we move toward them.

Final note: your Bible probably has a footnote stating that 16:9-20 is not found in the earliest and most reliable manuscripts.  I looked at several commentaries and found a good bit of information about this peculiarity.  Suffice it to say, the best course of action regarding these verses is to not solely rely upon them for determining biblical truth.  As with all scripture, look to find consistency with the teachings of other passages.