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 SIXTEEN: Compassion and The Law
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. READ / LISTEN to MATTHEW 15:1–39
a. What are your initial impressions or questions? Notable translation differences?
III. Authority of Scripture Trumps Religious Tradition (vv. 1-9)
a. These Pharisees from Jerusalem traveled about 80 miles to challenge Jesus. (See map)
b. The priests were required to wash their hands at the laver (Exodus 30:17-21) but this is not what the Pharisees mean. They are referring to a religious ritual and tradition that has nothing to do with cleanliness of the hands. In fact, they were permitted to draw the water in containers made from cow manure - and the water was permitted to be so dirty that even a cow would not drink it.
c. (vv. 3-4) Jesus is referring to Exodus 20:12 and 21:17
d. (vv. 5-6) Jesus is referring to the practice of Corban (Lit. - offering).
e. (vv. 7-9) Jesus is most likely quoting Isaiah 29:13 from the LXX.
IV. Defilement Comes from the Heart (vv. 10-20)
a. (vv. 10-12) Why would the Pharisees be offended by these words?
b. (vs. 13) Isaiah refers to “the planting of the Lord” (61:3) and Jesus told the parable of the Weeds (Matt. 13:24ff). How do the Pharisees fit in here?
c. (vs. 14) The Pharisees referred to themselves as “guides to the blind.” (Romans 2:17-24)
d. (vv. 15-20) Jesus explains the parable of defilement.
V. A Canaanite Woman’s Faith (vv. 21-28)
a. (vv. 21) Isaiah 23 and Ezekiel 28 are oracles of woe against Tyre and Sidon because they were pleased when Israel was taken captive in Babylon. Most 1st Century Jews viewed these cities with contempt and deserving of God’s wrath.
b. Jesus is moving into largely Gentile cities.
c. (vs. 22) Why is it significant that this Canaanite woman refers to Jesus as “Lord, Son of David”?
d. (vv. 23-24) Why does Jesus first ignore her and then respond the way He does?
e. (vv. 25-28) Jesus uses the Greek word, kunarion = little puppy instead of kuon = dog. Jesus heals her daughter because of this woman’s faith.
VI. Jesus’ Healings Bring Glory to God (vv. 29-31)
a. The crowds following Jesus consist of a large number of Gentiles. Isaiah’s prophesy (Isaiah 35:5-6) was being fulfilled.
b. The gentiles were giving praise to God where the Pharisees refused.
VII. Feeding 4000 Men (vv. 32-39)
a. Compare this miracle with the one in Matt. 14:13-21. What are the similarities? What are the differences?
b. (vs. 33) After witnessing the event in Bethsaida why do you suppose the disciples wondered how they would feed these people?
c. (vs. 39) Magadan was most likely the ancient city of Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdala.
VIII. Application
a. Our greatest need is not clean hands, but clean hearts. (Psalm 51:10)
b. Do you gives thanks to God at every meal, no matter where you are? This is a simple and consistent reminder of our daily dependence on God, and a non-intrusive witness to our faith. (Matthew 6:11)
c. In our faith and worship we must avoid man-made practices and traditions that are not supported by, and may even contradict, God’s word. (Colossians 2:8)
Final Comments and/or Questions. Close in Prayer
Next Week: Jesus Points Toward the Cross - Read Matthew 16:1-28 to prepare.
