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 FIFTEEN: John the Baptist Beheaded
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. READ / LISTEN to MATTHEW 14:1–36
a. What are your initial impressions or questions? Notable translation differences?
III. John the Baptist Beheaded (vv. 1-12)
a. This account is also shared in Mark 6:14-29 and Luke 3:19-20; 9:7-9
b. (vv. 1-5) The tension between John the Baptist and Herod the tetrarch.
c. (vv. 6-7) Herodias’ daughter, Salome, was probably 16 or 17 years old. She was Herod’s step-daughter from his marriage to Herodias, and she was his niece because she was Herod’s brother Philip’s daughter. Salome’s dance was likely sensual and erotic preformed before an audience of drunken men.
d. (vv. 8-11) Herodias seeks her ultimate revenge against John the Baptist.
e. (vs. 12) John’s disciples care for the corpse and relay the news to Jesus.
f. This story was most likely from an informant in Herod’s court, either Joanna (Luke 8:3; 24:10) or Manaen (Acts 13:1).
IV. Feeding the 5000 (vv. 13-21)
a. (vs. 13) What reasons would Jesus have for His actions?
b. This is the only miracle of Jesus that is recorded in all four Gospels. We get the full picture when we also read Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; and John 6:1-13.
c. (vs. 14) What was Jesus’ reaction to the crowds that followed Him?
d. (vv. 15-16) Why does Jesus tell His disciples to feed the crowd?
e. (vs. 17) These “loaves” were no larger than dinner rolls. The small fish were most likely pickled or dried according to John’s description ( - opsarion).
f. (vv. 18-21) What three experiences of this event demonstrate that it was a true miracle?
g. There is a similar situation in 2nd Kings 4:42-44 that Elisha the prophet performed. What are the key differences between the two events?
V. Walking on the Water (vv. 22-33)
a. (vv. 22-23) Why does Jesus send the disciples on ahead of Him?
b. Compare various translations of verse 24. How far had the boat gone out?
c. (vv. 25-26) Compare various translations of verse 25. What time did the disciples see Jesus approaching them? How did they react?
d. (vs. 27) Jesus’ response can be translated, “I am.” (Exodus 3:13-14)
e. (vv. 28-30) Did Peter walk on the water? What changed the situation?
f. (vs. 31) How do you interpret Jesus’ response to Peter?
g. (vv. 32-33) After what they have seen and heard (vs. 27) the disciples know that God is in the boat with them. They no doubt recall Job 9:8.
VI. Miraculous Healings (vv. 34-36)
a. Gennesaret is on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee about 5 miles south of Capernaum. The people of Gennesaret most likely heard of the woman’s experience recorded in Matthew 9:20.
VII. Application
a. We must not let lustful pride control our decisions. The results can be disastrous.
(1st John 2:16)
b. It is good to remember that God can do wonders with what we might think are meager offerings. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
c. Jesus had compassion on those who were brought before Him. He wants His followers to do the same with each other. (Colossians 3:12-13)
Final Comments and/or Questions. Close in Prayer
Next Week: Compassion and The Law - Read Matthew 15:1-39 to prepare.
