Matthew 4: 12-25

Jesus Begins to Preach

1. Review vs 12. It appears that Jesus began His ministry after John the Baptist was put in prison- (the reason for his imprisonment will be discussed later in Matt 14:1-14)

-Why did Jesus wait until after John was imprisoned? 

2. Jesus withdrew from Galilee and moved to Capernaum.

-Why would He have left His hometown of Nazareth?

(Suggested reading: Luke 4: 14-31)

3. Review v 14-17 and Isaiah 9:1-2. Matthew noted that Jesus was again fulfilling Scripture...

-How would Christ's arrival be a Light to those that were living in darkness? Would those living in darkness have recognized Jesus in this manner? 

4a. review vs 17. Matthew noted the "Kingdom of Heaven" over 30 times in his writings.

-What is the "Kingdom of Heaven?"

-How is the reign of God brought about through Jesus Christ? 

-How does the Kingdom of Heaven differ from an earthly kingdom? 

-Specifically, how would Jesus' version of a Kingdom look different than the people of Israel's version? For instance, would those that were looking for a grand king that would save Israel from its enemies, have noticed Jesus as that king? Would their narrow view include a King that would remove the consequences of their sin?

4b. Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near."

-Why would the proximity of Jesus' Kingdom necessitate repentance?

The Calling of the First Disciples

1. Review vs 18 and 21.

-Why did Jesus first approach fishermen to be His disciples? Why didn't He choose educated men that held positions of greater prominence in the area?

2. In verse 19, Jesus says "Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men."

-What does this mean?

-If fishing was their livelihood, why would this statement compel them to throw down their nets and follow Jesus?

-If Jesus approached us in this same manner, would we have been ready for this task? If Jesus' statement meant living in a manner worth of God and aggressively pursuing souls for His Kingdom, are you ready now?

Jesus Heals the Sick

1. review v 23-25. Jesus went throughout Galilee teaching, preaching and healing the sick. News about Him obviously began to spread. This wasn't the year 2008- a time of mass-media with news that can spread over the internet, television and the press...

-That said, what are some of the things that people would have said about Jesus? 

-Would they have placed more focus on His healing of the sick or would His message have been the focus?

-Would less people have talked about Him if He hadn't healed anyone?

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Matthew 4:12-25

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PLEASE NOTE: CHAPTERS 5, 6 and 7 will not be covered in this teaching series as they were covered in the Kingdom Manifesto Series. 

Audio messages of this series are available here:

www.cornerstonelife.com/connect_grow/resources/messages_manifesto.php

Blog questions for that series can be found in the Blog Archive between months February-June.