Victory Fellowship Bible Study
273 23rd St. S.W., Barberton, OH 44203
Wednesdays at 7pm
Rev. Roderick D. Grabski (330) 858-0223
WEBPAGE: victoryfellowshipministries.com
CLASS THIRTEEN: Lord of the Sabbath
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. READ / LISTEN to MATTHEW 12:1–50
a. What are your initial impressions or questions? Notable translation differences?
III. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath (vv. 1-8)
a. The disciples were not stealing. The Pharisees considered them to be harvesting on the Sabbath. (Deuteronomy 23:25)
b. While work was prohibited on the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-9), the rabbis of Jesus’ day divided work into 39 categories, each with sub-categories. Three of these categories were picking, threshing, and winnowing. Thus, the disciples were guilty of 3 infractions against working on the Sabbath – punishable by death.
c. (vv. 3-4) Jesus uses an example from 1st Samuel 21:1-6.
d. (vs. 5) Jesus is reminding the Pharisees that in Numbers 28:9-10 the priests were exempted from the prohibition of working on the Sabbath.
e. (vv. 6-8) Again, Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6 (Matthew 9:13). He is pointing out that Sabbath law can be broken by genuine human need, acts of worship, and acts of kindness.
f. What does Jesus mean in verses 6 and 8?
IV. Jesus Heals on the Sabbath (vv. 9-14)
a. (vv. 9-10) Many rabbis permitted healing on the Sabbath only to save a life. Consequently, bandaging, bone-setting, giving medicine, and sometimes even prayer were not permitted on the Sabbath.
b. (vv. 11-12) How does Jesus’ example of the sheep justify helping this man?
c. (vv. 13-14) Note that Jesus did no physical work to heal the man. Why were the Pharisees so upset?
V. Jesus is God’s Chosen Servant (vv. 15-21)
a. (vs. 15-16) Jesus withdrew from the Pharisees because His time had not yet come. He continued to heal those who followed Him, urging them not to tell anyone.
b. (vv. 17-21) This is the longest Old Testament quote in Matthew. He is quoting Isaiah 42:1-4 and is most likely paraphrasing verse 4 in Matthew 12:21. What does Matthew want us to know about Jesus by using this prophesy?
VI. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (vv. 22-32)
a. (vv. 22-23) This is Matthew’s only use of the Greek word, (existemi) = astounded. He uses it in a way that suggests “they kept on being astounded.” What is the significance of the crowd pondering whether Jesus is the son of David?
b. (vs. 24) Who is Beelzebul?
c. (vv. 25-27) How does Jesus refute their accusation? What example does He use?
d. (vv. 28-29) What does Jesus’ power to cast out demons prove?
e. (vv. 30-32) What is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? Why were the Pharisees guilty of committing it?
VII. The Tree Identified by It’s Fruit (vv. 33-37)
a. (vv. 33-35) What is Jesus saying about the true nature of the Pharisees actions?
b. (vv. 36-37) How do these verses make you feel about your own words?
VIII. The Sign of Jonah (vv. 38-42)
a. (vs. 38) Why is this a redundant request from the scribes and Pharisees?
b. (vv. 39-41) This is the first time Jesus is referring to His death and resurrection. He is quoting Jonah 1:17. In the common Hebrew idiom, a “day and night” could be any parts of a day and two others. So “three days and three nights could cover a span of time anywhere from as little as 26 hours to as much as 72 hours.
c. (vs. 42) Jesus is referring to the account found in 1st Kings 10:1-13 and 2nd Chronicles 9:1-12).
d. What point is Jesus making with the examples of Jonah and the Queen of Sheba?
IX. Concerning Unclean Spirits (vv. 43-45)
a. What is the warning Jesus issues with this illustration?
X. The True Family of Jesus (vv. 46-50)
a. (vv. 46-47) There was a time when Jesus’ own family was not in support of Him. (Mark 3:21; John 7:5)
b. What is significant about verse 49?
c. What is the priority Jesus sets for a relationship with Him?
XI. Application
a. In God’s Kingdom, compassion and mercy are higher priorities than keeping religious rules and traditions. (Micah 6:8)
b. Jesus is a humble servant, not a harsh overlord. He gives hope and victory to all who trust in Him. (1st Corinthians 15:57)
c. The quality of our words reveal the quality of our heart. Our words will be evidence for or against us at the final judgment. (1st Peter 3:10-11)
Final Comments and/or Questions. Close in Prayer
Next Week: The Parables of Jesus - Read Matthew 13:1-58 to prepare.
