Introduction
We continue from Matthew 14 looking at Matthew’s Gospel. Jesus gives lessons after being challenged by the religious leaders.
Questions
1. What does Jesus say their tradition causes the Pharisees and scribes to do?
v 3 He answered them, “Why do you also disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition?
2. What prophecy of Isaiah does Jesus say applies to the Pharisees and scribes?
v 7 to 9 … Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying,
‘These people draw near to me with their mouth,
and honour me with their lips;
but their heart is far from me.
And in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrine rules made by men.’ ”
3. What does Jesus say comes from our heart and what effect does this have on us?
v 19 and 20 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies. These are the things which defile the man; ...
Summary Points
- v 1 to 9 Jesus shows that the Pharisees and scribes are disobeying God because of their tradition. He uses a prophecy from Isaiah to show their heart is not right and their doctrines are man-made
- v 10 to 20 Jesus points out that we are defiled by our thoughts and motives not by what we eat
- v 21 to 28 Jesus moves to the region of Tyre and Sidon. He tells a Gentile woman who has a sick daughter that he was really sent to the house of Israel. He grants her request when she acknowledges her position. Jesus marvels at her faith
v 29 to 39 Jesus moves to a mountain near the sea of Galilee. Great crowds come to him for healing. After the crowds have been with him for three days, Jesus feeds 4,000 men and their families. After sending the crowds away he goes to Magdala by boat