Matthew 13:53- 14:36

A Prophet without honor

 After Jesus finished His parables He went to His home town of Nazareth. The people were amazed and took offense that He displayed such great wisdom and could perform miracles.

1. Imagine Jesus grew up in your home town. 

-How would the citizens of the community receive Him?

-Would they be able to look past His earthly connections?

2. In verse 57, Jesus said, "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor."

-Why?

CHAPTER 14

John the Baptist beheaded

Apparently, a government official named Herod was in an adulterous affair with his brother's wife, Herodias. In line with his character, John the Baptist attempted to hold Herod accountable for this sin. Herod's response was to throw John in prison.

1. Is it easy for you to hold someone accountable to a sin issue in their life?

-If it is difficult, what are some of your reservations?

-Is it easier if it is someone closer to you? A friend or relative, perhaps?

2. If you knew your consequence would be as severe as being thrown into prison, would you still bring the sin up?

Later, on Herod's birthday, Herodias' daughter danced for Herod. Motivated by lust, he promised the daughter whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she asked for the head of John the Baptist. Herod then had John the Baptist beheaded.

1. What kind of character has Herod displayed through out this narrative?

-Was beheading John in line with this character?

2. Were you surprised that this was how John the Baptist's life ended?

-When he was in prison and/or facing execution, discuss what you feel was going through John's mind and heart. Do you think he regretted saying what he said to Herod? 

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

A large crowd started to gather- to be near Jesus. As it got later into the evening, Jesus' disciples asked Him to send the crowd away so they could go to another area and buy food for themselves. 

Review Jesus' response in verse 16

-If you were a disciple of Jesus and saw 5000 people standing around you, what would be going through your mind when He gave you the task of feeding them all?

-Would your faith have given you clarity at that moment that this would be a minor miracle in comparison to some of the things that you had already witnessed? Or, would you have seen this as a monumental task that could not be accomplished?

It was brought to Jesus' attention that there were 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish in the crowd. With these, Jesus gave thanks to His Father and fed all of the people in attendance AND had 12 basketfuls left over.

-If you were in the crowd and witnessed these events, what would be going on in your mind and heart?

-Would this miracle have drawn you closer to Jesus or would you have just marveled at the phenomenon from the side?

Additional question:

-If Jesus ultimately fed the crowd Himself, why did He first present the task to the disciples?

Jesus Walks on Water

After a short time alone, Jesus returned to His disciples that were in a boat off the coast. The King then walked on water to meet His disciples.

1. Describe how you would have responded if you witnessed this.

-Would you have shared the response of the disciples and been terrified?

-would Jesus' statement in verse 27 have confused you more or would it have brought you comfort?

2. Review verses 27-29

-What compelled Peter to get out of the boat and try to reach Jesus? 

-It appears that for a short time, Peter walked on the water also. What do you think would have been some of his thoughts while doing this?

That said, he became aware of the wind and became afraid. When he began to sink, he cried out to God.

-Does this sound familiar? Have there been times in your life where you wanted to move forward in faith and you became aware of the pressures of this world? 

-Did you sink or did you keep walking?

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Matthew 13:53- 14:36