Bible Story Questions Volume Three
Date: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00
Keywords: BS: Christianity: The Bible; Old and New Testament
Description: Bible study, Family Bible study, How to study the Bible using Bible stories

Bible Story Questions

Volume Three

The Life of Christ and the Spread of the Church

Norlan De Groot

Copyright © 2015 Norlan De Groot

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the English Standard Version, 2001, 2007.

ISBN: 978-1-329-7269-1

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To my wife Julie
and our four children:
Christopher, Philip, Megan, and Amy

Thank you for the privilege
of being your husband and father.

Series Preface

I originally wrote Bible Story Questions for my family. My wife and I wanted a way to teach our children how to study the Bible using the stories of the Bible. What we came up with is a unique way for parents to study Bible stories with their children.

It is unique in the way that the stories are presented. The readings are not a retelling of biblical stories. Rather, they are taken straight from the Bible. That’s the way it should be. Devotions with the family should serve to get the whole family into the Word, not take them away from it. I would encourage you to read each passage with your family, and if your children are old enough, to ask them to participate in reading each story. I divided the stories of the Bible into sections small enough for a family to read and still have time for discussion.

The approach of this book is also unique in the types of stories that are presented. While all the Bible is profitable for us, different genres in the Bible are profitable in different ways. Chronologies, poetry, and prophecy all have their place, but I chose predominantly narrative passages that I thought would be profitable to use as Bible stories.

At the same time, some of the stories chosen are ones that you probably have not seen in other Bible story books. Most Bible story books focus on stories with positive and uplifting themes. But many stories in the Bible speak of sin and sinful people in very straightforward ways. Some of them graphically describe the pain and tragedy that sin has brought into the world and into our lives. I have chosen not to avoid these stories. What better place to confront sin head-on than as a family gathered around God’s Word? Of course, if your children are very young, you may wish to skip over some of the more graphic stories, like the story of the Levite and his concubine in Judges 19, until your children have reached an age where they are mature enough to respond to such stories appropriately.

Another unique aspect of this book is the division of each lesson into four sections: a main thought and three sets of questions corresponding to the head, heart, and hands. The intent it to provide tools for the parent to set the passage in context and also to analyze it according to the traditional theological concepts of knowledge, piety, and practice.

The main thought that is identified for each story is intended to focus the discussion on a foundational concept to be learned from the story. Certainly much more can and should be discussed about each story, but the main thought will encourage a deeper discussion than simply a review of the plot. The main thought can be shared with the family before the discussion begins, or can simply be kept in mind by the parent(s) leading the discussion.

Head questions probe children’s understanding of the text. Do the children know what happened in the story? Can the children relate this story to similar Bible stories? Can they see God at work within the plot of the story?

Heart questions help children connect their understanding of the text with their heart attitudes. They expose children’s understanding of their relationship to God and others. They show how God reveals himself as one who loves his children and expects their love in return. They probe how the characters in the story show their love, or lack of love, for God and others. They also encourage children to probe their own hearts.

Hand questions probe how the hearts of biblical characters or the hearts of children affect what they do and say. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Hand questions probe the springs of life, pointing back to the state of the heart that produced those springs.

Generally, each lesson will include a mix of concrete and abstract questions. Concrete questions will be more appropriate for younger children and abstract questions will be more appropriate for those who are older.  Use whatever questions you feel are appropriate for your family. Don’t feel that you need to ask all the questions in each lesson, or that you have to answer them in the order they are listed. You may even want to read over the questions beforehand and choose the top three or four that you want to be sure to ask. Feel free to mix the questions around as they fit in the conversation you are having with your family. The point is to lead your family in a directed discussion of the text that affects the head, heart, and hands. In fact, I would encourage you to also come up with questions of your own that fit your family situation even better than the ones I have written.

The questions are not an end in themselves. They are meant to encourage a deeper study of Scripture. The answers are not given, but should be readily available from the text itself or from a good commentary or Bible atlas. The questions will have served their purpose if they help train your family to determine what kind of questions to ask when approaching the text of Scripture. These are not the only questions to ask, but a sampling of what can be asked. If your family asks other questions, be encouraged that they are learning what they need to learn to approach Scripture on their own.

As you study these Bible stories using the questions supplied, my hope is that you and your children will also learn strategies for approaching the text of Scripture that will serve you and them for a lifetime. Let’s teach our children to be more than passive participants in our devotions. Let’s teach them how to dig into the Word, to get their hands dirty, so to speak, and to engage the text for themselves.

Norlan De Groot

The Word Became Flesh

John 1:1-18

Main Thought

Jesus Christ came as a light to the world.

Head

1. Who was the Word? How can the Word be with God and be God at the same time?

2. How was the Word active in creation?

3. How is life in the Word?

4. What is “the darkness” in verse five? How does the light shine in it?

5. What did John do to bear witness about the light?

6. Who has the right to become children of God?

7. How did the Word become flesh?

8. How did the Word exhibit his glory?

9. Explain what John meant when he said, “He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.”

10. What was given through Moses? What came through Jesus Christ?

Heart

1. Why didn’t the world know the light? Why didn’t Jesus’ own people receive him? Did they have any excuse for not receiving him?

2. When Jesus Christ is proclaimed today, do people have any excuse for not receiving him? Explain.

3. Who did receive Jesus? What right did he give them because they received him?

Hands

1. Was John the Baptist called to bear witness to the light in a special way? Are we also called to bear witness to the light?

2. Would you describe the world we live in today as “darkness”? How does Jesus shine in the darkness today?

The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

Luke 1:5-25

Main Thought

Zechariah learns of God’s plan for John’s miraculous birth.

Head

1. What do you know about Herod, king of Judea?

2. What was the division of Abijah? (see 1 Chron. 24:1-19)

3. Which tribe was Elizabeth from?

4. Besides Elizabeth, what other women in the Bible were barren, but later had a child? How does Elizabeth’s experience compare to the experiences of these other women?

5. When Zechariah entered the temple, why  was the whole multitude of people praying outside?

6. What made Zechariah afraid? Why?

7. What did the angel tell Zechariah? What requirements would affect John’s lifestyle? Why was this required?

8. How do you know that John was filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb? (see Luke 1:41)

9. How was John like Elijah?

10. What sign did Gabriel give Zechariah? Why did he give this particular sign? How was it both a punishment and a blessing?

Heart

1. How does verse six describe Zechariah and Elizabeth? Do you think God chose them because they were this way, or did God make them this way because he chose them?

2. If the Holy Spirit was with John while he was still in the womb, do you think John was saved even before he was born?

Hands

1. How do we know that Zechariah had previously prayed for Elizabeth to have a baby? Was it necessary for him to pray in this way? Explain.

The Birth of Jesus Foretold

Luke 1:26-38

Main Thought

Gabriel assures Mary of the Lord’s favor and tells her of his unique plans for her to be the mother of Jesus.

Head

1. To what is “the sixth month” referring in verse 26? (see vv. 24, 36)

2. Where was Gabriel sent? Who sent him?

3. What does it mean that Mary was “betrothed” to Joseph?

4. What did Gabriel call Mary? Why?

5. Why was Mary troubled at Gabriel’s greeting?

6. Compare Zechariah’s description of John in 1:76-79 with Gabriel’s description of Jesus in 1:32-33. What is similar about them? What is different?

7. To what was Gabriel referring when he said that the Lord God would “give to him the throne of his father David”?

8. Who belongs to the house of Jacob? (see v. 33)

9. How is it possible for Jesus’ kingdom to never have an end?

10. How was it possible for a virgin to have a child?

11. How was Mary related to Elizabeth?

Heart

1. According to Philippians 2:5-7, what did Jesus have to give up in order to be born in the likeness of men? Why did he do it?

Hands

1. According to Philippians 2:1-4, how should our lives reflect what Jesus did for us when he was born in the likeness of men?

2. According to verse 38, how did Mary respond to the angel’s pronouncement? How does her response show her submission to God and his will for her life?

Mary Visits Elizabeth

Luke 1:39-56

Main Thought

Mary and Elizabeth rejoice in the blessed favor God has shown them and the world through the babies they would bear.

Head

1. What prompted Mary to go to Elizabeth? (see v. 36)

2. Why do you think Mary went “with haste” to visit Elizabeth?

3. Where was the hill county in Judah?

4. What happened when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary?

5. How was Elizabeth affected by being filled with the Holy Spirit?

6. What things did Elizabeth say that could be considered prophetic?

7. How was it possible for the baby inside Elizabeth’s womb to feel joy even before he was born?

8. How does this story show that Mary and Elizabeth both understood the special significance of the babies they would bear?

9. What does it mean to magnify the Lord?

10. What reasons did Mary give for rejoicing in God?

11. How long did Mary stay with Elizabeth?

Heart

1. How was Mary blessed by the Lord?

2. How did Mary describe God in her song? What did God do for her? Why did he do it?

3. Compare the Lord’s treatment of the humble with his treatment of the proud.

Hands

1. How did Mary’s humility help to emphasize God’s grace in her life?

2. Have you ever considered humility to be a means of glorifying God?

John the Baptist is Born

Luke 1:57-80

Main Thought

God’s promise to Zechariah and Elizabeth is fulfilled.

Head

1. What name did the relatives want to give Elizabeth’s child?

2. What name did Elizabeth and Zechariah give the child? Why?

3. What happened as soon as Zechariah wrote John’s name on the tablet?

4. When Zechariah suddenly regained his speech, how did that affect his neighbors?

5. How had God visited and redeemed his people? What horn of salvation did he raise up in the house of his servant David?

6. What holy covenant did God remember?

7. How would John serve as “the prophet of the Most High”?

8. To what was Zechariah referring in verse 78 when he mentioned the “sunrise”? (see Mal. 4:2)

9. After John grew and became strong in spirit, where did he stay until his public appearance?

Heart

1. How was the joy that the neighbors and relatives showed toward Elizabeth different than the joy that Elizabeth and Mary had regarding the births of their sons?

2. What promises did God make to his people through Zechariah’s song?

Hands

1. How did Zechariah and Elizabeth’s actions in this story show that they believed God’s promise to them regarding John?

2. Had Zechariah always believed God’s promise to him? Explain.

3. How do you think Zechariah’s inability to speak affected his attitude toward God and the promise God made to him?

An Angel Appears to Joseph

Matthew 1:18-25

Main Thought

Joseph learns the truth about Mary’s child.

Head

1. What obligations did Joseph have because Mary was betrothed to him?

2. What would most people think about Mary being pregnant while betrothed to Joseph?

3. How did Joseph try to resolve the conflict between being a just man but also not wanting to bring shame on Mary?

4. Why was it necessary for an angel to appear to Joseph?

5. Why do you think the angel appear to Joseph in a dream instead of simply appearing before him like the angel did to Mary?

6. Why did the angel call Joseph the son of David?

7. What did the angel tell Joseph about Mary?

8. Do you think Joseph was afraid to take Mary as his wife?

9. What did the angel tell Joseph about Jesus?

10. The prophecy in verse 23 corresponds to Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 7:14. Do you think Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled only once in Jesus Christ, or was it also fulfilled in Isaiah’s day?

11. What does Immanuel mean? How does it apply to Jesus? What does the name Jesus mean?

Heart

1. How can you tell from this story that Joseph truly loved Mary?

2. In what ways was “God with us” in the person of Jesus Christ?

Hands

1. How do Joseph’s actions show that he truly was a just man?

2. How do Joseph’s actions show that he believed the angel’s words?

The Birth of Jesus

Luke 2:1-20

Main Thought

The Savior of the world is born.

Head

1. Who was Caesar Augustus? How could he command all the world to be registered?

2. Why would Caesar Augustus want all the world to be registered?

3. Who was Quirinius? What region did he govern? Did that region include Palestine?

4. Why did people have to go to their home towns to register?

5. Why did Joseph have to go to Bethlehem to register?

6. Where was Mary when she gave birth to Jesus? Why?

7. How did the shepherds react when the angel first appeared to them?

8. What sign did the angels give the shepherds for the Christ who was born? Was the sign appropriate for the Savior of the world? Explain.

9. What did the host of angels sing?

10. Who were the “all” in verse 18 who heard what the shepherds said?

Heart

1. When the angels told the news to the shepherds, what made it “good news of great joy”?

2. How was the humble birth of Jesus glorifying to God?

3. How did Jesus’ birth bring “peace among those with whom he is pleased”?

Hands

1. How did the shepherds respond to the revelation by the angels?

2. How did Mary respond to what the shepherds said? Why did she respond this way?

Jesus Is Presented at the Temple

Luke 2:21-38

Main Thought

Through Joseph and Mary, Jesus fulfills the law and is revealed as the salvation God has prepared.

Head

1. What happened eight days after the birth of a male child?

2. How many additional days did the parents have to wait for the time of their purification? (see Lev. 12:4)

3. What did the parents have to do when the time came for their purification? (see Lev. 12:6-8)

4. Why was it especially important to go to the temple after the birth of a first-born son? What did the parents have to do for the son there? What reason did God give for requiring this? (see Exod. 13:12-14)

5. What does verse 24 tell you about Joseph and Mary? (see also Lev. 12:8)

6. What were Simeon and Anna waiting for? How did they respond when they found it?

Heart

1. If you consider the reason why God required the redemption of all first-born sons, what was so special about Joseph and Mary redeeming Jesus?

2. Why do you think Joseph and Mary marveled at what Simeon said? Do you think they still weren’t sure who Jesus was?

3. How could a tiny baby be God’s salvation that he “prepared in the presence of all peoples”? (v. 31)

4. How was Jesus “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to God’s people Israel”? (v. 32)

Hands

1. How did Joseph and Mary fulfill the law in this story? How important was it for Jesus to fulfill the law?

The Wise Men Seek Jesus

Matthew 2:1-12

Main Thought

Gentiles come to worship the King.

Head

1. Does Matthew ever say how many wise men from the east came to Jerusalem?

2. Why did the wise men go first to Jerusalem?

3. Why would Herod be troubled by the wise men?

4. If Herod was troubled, why was all Jerusalem troubled with him?

5. Who told Herod the answer to the wise men’s question? What answer did they give?

6. What did Herod learn from the wise men?

7. Can you explain how a star could go before the wise men and rest over the place where the child was?

8. What did the wise men see when they entered the house?

9. What gifts did the wise men give?

10. Why didn’t the wise men return to Herod?

Heart

1. Do you think Herod knew about the prophecies regarding Jesus?

2. Do you think deep down Herod knew the prophecies were true?

3. Do you think the wise men understood who Jesus really was?

4. In what ways did God intervene supernaturally in this story?

5. Why do you think God wanted wise men from outside of Israel to come and worship Jesus?

Hands

1. How did Herod use deception and lies in order to try and make things go his way?

The Flight to Egypt and the Return

Matthew 2:13-23
Related passage: Luke 2:39-40

Main Thought

Jesus fulfills the prophecies spoken of him.

Head

1. Why did Joseph, Mary, and Jesus flee to Egypt? Why did they leave by night?

2. When do you think Herod realized that the wise men had tricked him?

3. Why did Herod kill the baby boys two years old and under?

4. Compare Herod killing the baby boys in Bethlehem with Pharaoh killing the baby boys of Moses’ day in Egypt. How are they alike? How are they different?

5. What event made it safe for Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to return to Israel?

6. How many dreams did Joseph have in this story? How did he respond to them?

7. How many specific prophecies were fulfilled in this story?

Heart

1. Why do you think God made Joseph, Mary, and Jesus flee to Egypt instead of removing the threat posed by Herod some other way?

2. How does the flight of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to Egypt and their subsequent return to Israel compare with Jacob’s move to Egypt and the Israelites’ return to Canaan 400 years later? How does Hosea 11:1 apply to both?

3. How did God show his watchful care over Joseph, Mary, and Jesus?

Hands

1. How did Joseph show his obedience to God in the story?

2. If you had to make a life-changing decision, would you like to be told what to do in a dream? Explain.

The Boy Jesus in the Temple

Luke 2:41-52

Main Thought

Jesus submits to Joseph and Mary even though he knows the work he must do in his Father’s house.

Head

1. How often did Joseph and Mary go to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover? Do you think Jesus went with them?

2. Why do you think Luke mentioned that Jesus was twelve years old when this story took place?

3. How was it possible for Joseph and Mary to leave Jesus behind?

4. How long was Jesus separated from his parents?

5. Where do you think Jesus got his understanding and his answers?

6. Was Jesus concerned that Joseph and Mary were looking for him in great distress?

7. When Jesus used the word “my” in the phrase “my Father’s house,” what does that tell you about the way he understood his relationship to God the Father?

8. If Jesus was the son of God the Father, how could he increase in wisdom and stature?

Heart

1. In your opinion, why didn’t Joseph and Mary understand what Jesus said to them about his Father’s house?

2. What do you think Mary treasured up in her heart?

Hands

1. Do you think Jesus disobeyed his parents by staying behind?

2. If Jesus was supposed to be in his Father’s house, why did he submit to Joseph and Mary and return with them to Nazareth?

3. Do you think Joseph and Mary should have made Jesus return to Nazareth with them?

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

Matthew 3:1-10
Related passages: Mark 1:1-6; Luke 3:1-9; John 1:19-23

Main Thought

John the Baptist proclaims the coming of the kingdom and calls people to bear fruit in keeping with repentance.

Head

1. Where did John the Baptist preach?

2. According to verse two why was it necessary to repent?

3. How did Isaiah’s prophecy fit John the Baptist?

4. What does it mean to make the Lord’s paths straight?

5. What did John wear? Why? What did John eat? Why?

6. How popular was John?

7. Was John’s baptism the same as modern Christian baptisms? (see Acts 19:3-5)

8. What did John call the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to his baptism? Why?

Heart

1. What “wrath to come” was John talking about? Does the coming of the kingdom of heaven bring judgment and wrath?

2. What did the Pharisees and Sadducees presume about themselves? Why were they wrong?

3. What wrong things might Christians presume about themselves today?

Hands

1. Why was confession of sins such an important part of John’s baptism?

2. Is it still important for Christians to confess their sins?

3. What did John mean when he talked about trees that didn’t bear fruit and were cut down and thrown into the fire?

The Ministry of John the Baptist

Luke 3:10-20
Related passages: Matthew 3:11-12; 14:3-4;
Mark 1:7-8; 6:17-18; John 1:24-28

Main Thought

John exhorts the people to repent in preparation for Christ’s coming.

Head

1. Who was the crowd questioning at the beginning of this story?

2. According to John, what should people with two tunics do? What should tax collectors do? What should soldiers do?

3. Was there anything similar about what John told the different groups of people to do?

4. What did John do that made people wonder if he might be the Christ?

5. How was John’s baptism different from Jesus’ baptism?

6. What is a winnowing fork?

7. Verse 18 says that with many exhortations, John preached good news to the people. What good news did he preach?

8. What did Herod the tetrarch do to John? Why?

Heart

1. How does Jesus use a winnowing fork to separate wheat from the chaff?

2. How did John describe Jesus coming in judgment?

3. How did John describe Jesus coming in mercy and grace?

4. Describe the difference between Herod’s response to John’s preaching and the response of the tax collectors, the soldiers, and the people who owned two tunics.

Hands

1. How did John lift up Christ instead of himself?

2. How can Christians today lift up Christ instead of themselves?

The Baptism of Jesus

Matthew 3:13-17
Related passages: Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:29-34

Main Thought

In identifying with the people he came to save, Jesus presents himself for baptism by John and inaugurates his earthly ministry.

Head

1. Why did Jesus need to be baptized by John?

2. Why did John question Jesus when he came to him to be baptized?

3. Why would Jesus’ baptism be the appropriate way for Jesus to inaugurate his earthly ministry?

4. How do Jesus’ actions in this story endorse John’s ministry?

5. How do John’s actions in this story confirm Jesus’ ministry? (see also Matt. 21:23-27)

6. Why is the Spirit of God described as descending like a dove?

7. Why did the Spirit of God rest on Jesus after he came out of the water? What did this action by the Spirit of God mean?

8. What did the voice from heaven say? Who said it? Why was it important for him to say it at this time?

9. How does this passage confirm the Trinity? What does it tell us about the three persons of the Trinity?

Heart

1. When John said, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me,” in what way was he correct and in what way was he incorrect?

2. In what way did Jesus humble himself when he presented himself for baptism by John?

Hands

1. How did Jesus “fulfill all righteousness” by being baptized by John?

2. At what point in the story did John stop questioning Jesus and agree to baptize him? What made John agree to Jesus’ request?

The Temptation of Jesus

Luke 4:1-13
Related passages: Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13

Main Thought

Jesus, standing in our place, perfectly resists the temptations of Satan.

Head

1. When did Jesus become “full of the Holy Spirit”? (see 3:22)

2. How was the Holy Spirit at work in this story?

3. Why do you think Jesus was in the wilderness for forty days? How was it possible for him to eat nothing during that time?

4. What would have been sinful about Jesus yielding to Satan’s first temptation in verse three?

5. How was Jesus’ answer in verse four an appropriate response?

6. How did Satan lie in his second temptation in verses six and seven?

7. How was Jesus’ response to Satan’s second temptation an appropriate response?

8. What would have been sinful about Jesus yielding to Satan’s third temptation in verses 9-11?

Heart

1. Why do you think Jesus went through all these temptations?

2. When verse 13 says that Satan departed from Jesus “until an opportune time,” what does that tell you about Satan? What does it tell you about Jesus and his work on earth?

Hands

1. What can we learn about facing temptation from Jesus’ first response to Satan?

2. What can we learn about facing temptation from Jesus’ second response to Satan?

3. What can we learn about facing temptation from Jesus’ third response to Satan?

The Calling of the First Disciples

John 1:35-51

Main Thought

Jesus calls some men to follow him.

Head

1. What did John the Baptist call Jesus when he saw him?

2. Who was one of John’s disciples who turned and followed Jesus?

3. Does the text mention the name of the other disciple? Why or why not? Who might the other disciple be?

4. Why did the two disciples call Jesus Rabbi? Why did they want to know where Jesus was staying?

5. What title did Andrew give Jesus when he told his brother Peter about him?

6. Why did Jesus give Simon the son of John a different name?

7. What was it about Nazareth that made Nathanael ask if anything good could come out of it? Why would it be surprising for the Christ to come from Nazareth?

8. Did Nathanael believe right away that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God? What prompted him to believe?

Heart

1. How is Jesus the “Lamb of God”? Why would Jesus be compared to a lamb? Why would the lamb be “of God”? (see v. 36; Exod. 12)

2. What can you tell about Andrew’s faith from the names he used to refer to Jesus?

3. How is Jesus the King of Israel? (v. 49)

Hands

1. What was the first thing that Andrew and Philip did after Jesus called them? How did these first actions show their priorities?

2. What do our actions say about our priorities regarding Jesus’ call in our lives?

The Wedding at Cana

John 2:1-12

Main Thought

Jesus performs his first miracle as a sign pointing to his identity as the Messiah.

Head

1. To what does “on the third day” refer? (See 1:29, 35, 43)

2. What do you think Jesus’ mother was expecting when she told Jesus that the wedding party had no wine? How did Jesus respond to her?

3. What did Mary’s comment in verse five show about her relationship with Jesus?

4. What was the original purpose for the stone water jars?

5. What happened to the water in the water jars?

6. What purpose might this miracle have served other than to make the wedding feast go well?

7. Why do you think the wine tasted so good?

8. How many miracles did Jesus do before this miracle? (see v. 11)

9. How are miracles like signs?

10. Why isn’t Joseph mentioned in verse 12?

Heart

1. Do you think Jesus’ response to Mary in verse four sounded a bit harsh? Why do you think he responded to her in that way?

2. How did this miracle attest to Jesus’ identity as the Messiah?

3. How did this miracle help Jesus’ disciples to believe in him?

4. How does this miracle help you to know Jesus better?

Hands

1. Why do you think the servants filled the water jars to the brim?

2. Did Mary push Jesus into performing this miracle? Explain.

The First Cleansing of the Temple

John 2:13-25

Main Thought

Zeal for his Father’s house consumes Jesus.

Head

1. Why did Jesus go up to Jerusalem?

2. Why were people selling oxen, sheep, and pigeons at the temple? In what way were these people providing a service for others who came to worship at the temple?

3. What do you think was the main problem Jesus had with the sellers and money-changers? Was it the items they were selling, the location where they were selling them, or something else? Explain.

4. Why did the Jews ask Jesus for a sign? What sign did Jesus give them? How did this serve as a sign for the Jews?

5. How did the Jews interpret the sign Jesus gave them?

6. What did Jesus’ disciples learn about Jesus from this story?

7. According to verse 23 why did many people in Jerusalem believe in Jesus? Do you think this was a good reason?

8. Why didn’t Jesus entrust himself to the people in Jerusalem?

Heart

1. How did zeal for God’s house consume Jesus?

2. How do you think the disciples reacted when they saw Jesus overturning the tables of the money-changers? Explain.

3. What characteristics of Jesus are highlighted in this story? How does your knowledge of these characteristics help you worship Jesus more?

Hands

1. Should other Jews of Jesus’ day have shown the same amount of zeal for the temple that Jesus did? Explain.

2. How important is it for modern Christians to be zealous? What are some ways they can show their zeal?

Nicodemus

John 3:1-21

Main Thought

Jesus tells Nicodemus that Nicodemus must be born again.

Head

1. Why do you think Nicodemus came to Jesus by night?

2. When Nicodemus addressed Jesus as “Rabbi” what does that tell you about how Nicodemus regarded Jesus?

3. What evidence did Nicodemus give for saying that he knew Jesus was a teacher come from God?

4. What did Jesus mean when he said the one must be born again to see the kingdom of God? What did Nicodemus think he meant?

5. What does it mean to be born of “water and the Spirit”?

6. What is the difference between being born of the flesh and born of the Spirit?

7. How is being born of the Spirit like the wind?

8. How would the Son of Man be lifted up like the serpent in the wilderness?

9. According to verse 18, what is the difference between those who believe in Jesus Christ and those who don’t?

10. What is the light that has come into the world?

Heart

1. Was Jesus a “teacher come from God” like Nicodemus said? Explain.

2. If Nicodemus was a teacher in Israel, why didn’t he understand what Jesus was saying?

3. Why did God send his only Son into the world?

Hands

1. How does verse 20 describe people who do wicked things?

2. How does verse 21 describe people who do what is true?

John the Baptist’s Testimony About Christ

John 3:22-36

Main Thought

John testifies that Jesus is the Christ.

Head

1. According to verse one, who was baptizing in the Judean countryside? (see also John 4:2)

2. Where was Aenon? Who was baptizing there?

3. What was the Jewish purification ritual? How did it use water? How was it similar to John’s baptism? How was it different?

4. Why were John’s disciples concerned about Jesus also performing baptisms? How did John answer his disciples?

5. According to John, who was the bridegroom? Who was the friend of the bridegroom?

6. Who was John talking about in verse 31?

7. According to verse 32, to what did Jesus testify? How did the people respond to him?

8. According to verse 33, what happens to those who receive the testimony of Jesus?

9. According to verse 35, what has the Father given to the Son?

Heart

1. In what way was John the Baptist’s joy now complete?

2. Why did John want to decrease?

3. What makes the difference between those who receive the testimony of Jesus and those who do not?

Hands

1. Based on what John’s disciples said and did in this story, do you think they understood who Jesus was?

2. How did John’s actions show that he understood who Jesus was?

The Woman of Samaria

John 4:1-26

Main Thought

Jesus reveals himself as the living water.

Head

1. Why did Jesus leave Judea? Why was this a reason to leave?

2. Why did Jesus have to travel through Samaria?

3. What famous well did Jesus sit beside? What time was it? Where were the disciples at this time?

4. Why was the woman surprised that Jesus asked her for a drink?

5. What kind of water did Jesus offer the woman? What did the woman think about Jesus’ offer?

6. When the woman perceived that Jesus was a prophet, what question did she ask him? Why did she ask him this question?

7. What was different about the way the Samaritans worshiped and the way the Jews of Jerusalem worshiped?

Heart

1. In verse 15, when the woman asked Jesus for the living water, do you think she knew what she was asking?

2. If Jesus knew the woman had no husband, why did he ask her to go call him?

3. Why do you think Jesus so clearly told the woman that he was the Christ? Do you think the woman understood who the Messiah really was and what he would do when he came?

4. Do you think Jesus purposely traveled through Samaria in order to meet the woman at the well? Explain.

Hands

1. Why do you think the woman kept talking to Jesus? Why didn’t she just get her water and leave?

2. How does the fact that God is spirit affect the way we worship him?

Many Samaritans Believe

John 4:27-45

Main Thought

Jesus brings the good news of the gospel to Samaria, planting and reaping where others refused to sow.

Head

1. Why do you think the disciples marvel that Jesus was talking with a woman? Why didn’t any of the disciples ask Jesus about it?

2. What did the woman leave behind when she returned to town? Why?

3. What did the woman do when she returned to town? Why?

4. What food did Jesus have to eat that the disciples did not know about?

5. In verse 36, who is “the one who reaps”? How is it possible for the sower and reaper to rejoice together?

6. How long did Jesus stay? What happened during that time?

7. Where did Jesus go after Samaria? What happened there? Why?

Heart

1. Compare the woman’s understanding of  Jesus’ water in verses 13-15 with the disciples understanding of Jesus’ food in verses 32-33. Did either of them understand what Jesus was talking about?

2. Although the Samaritans came to hear Jesus because of the woman’s testimony, what made them actually believe that Jesus was the Savior of the world? Explain.

3. Compare the Samaritans’ response to the gospel with the response of the Bereans in Acts 17:10-15.

Hands

1. What does it mean that the fields are white for harvest? Does that affect how we live our lives?

2. What did the woman’s testimony accomplish?

3. When we testify to God’s grace in our lives, can we be certain that it will accomplish something? Explain.

Jesus Is Rejected in Nazareth

Luke 4:14-30
Related passages: Matthew 13:53-58; Mark 6:1-6

Main Thought

The people of Jesus’ home town are offended when Jesus declares that his gospel is meant for more than just the people of Israel.

Head

1. According to verses 14-15, how was Jesus greeted when he returned to Galilee?

2. Why did Jesus stand to read in the synagogue? What portion of Scripture did he read? Why did he sit down after he read it?

3. How was Scripture fulfilled that day in Nazareth?

4. Why did people marvel at what Jesus said?

5. According to what Jesus said in verse 23, what did the people of Nazareth want from him?

6. What point was Jesus trying to make in his stories about Elijah and Elisha?

7. When the people got angry, what did they try to do to Jesus?

8. How did Jesus get away from the crowd?

Heart

1. Read verses 18-19 again. How do these words from Isaiah apply to Jesus Christ and his work in our lives?

2. When did the people of Nazareth get angry? Why did they get angry at that time? What caused their anger?

3. Do you think Jesus meant to offend the people of Nazareth? Explain.

Hands

1. Describe the events that made the people turn from marveling at Jesus at the beginning of this story to wanting to throw him off a cliff at the end of the story.

2. Do you think Jesus Christ has a similar effect on people today?

An Official’s Son Is Healed

John 4:46-54

Main Thought

The people see Jesus’ signs and wonders, and they believe.

Head

1. Where was Jesus when the official came to him? Where did the official live? How far apart were the two towns?

2. How sick was the official’s son?

3. What response did Jesus give when the official asked him to come down and heal his son?

4. Why did the official go on his way without Jesus?

5. What message did the official’s servants have for him?

6. When did the official’s son begin to get better?

7. Did the official believe because his son got better at the exact hour Jesus said so, or did he believe before that?

Heart

1. Do you think Jesus was a bit harsh in his response to the official?

2. Why do you think Jesus said what he said?

3. Do you agree with Jesus that the official and others would not believe unless they saw signs and wonders?

4. Should signs and wonders be necessary in order to believe? Explain.

5. Did this miracle strengthen the official’s faith? Explain.

6. Do miracles happen today? Explain.

7. Do you think miracles would help strengthen our faith? Explain.

Hands

1. How did the official respond to Jesus after Jesus first answered him?

2. Why did the official persist in asking Jesus to come down?

3. Is persistence with Jesus a good or bad thing? Explain.

The Miraculous Catch of Fish

Luke 5:1-11
Related passage: Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20

Main Thought

Peter acknowledges his own sinfulness and Christ’s majesty.

Head

1. Where is the lake of Gennesaret? What is another name for this lake? (see Matt. 4:18; Mark 1:16)

2. Why did Jesus get into one of the boats? Whose boat was it?

3. Why were the fishermen cleaning their nets? Did that mean they were getting ready to fish or that they were done fishing?

4. When Jesus was finished speaking what did he ask Simon Peter to do? Why? What did Simon Peter think about that?

5. Why did Simon call Jesus Master?

6. How successful were the fishermen when they let down their nets?

7. What did Simon Peter do when he saw the huge catch of fish?

8. Who were Simon Peter’s fishing partners?

Heart

1. Why did Simon Peter ask the Lord to depart from him after he saw the huge catch of fish? What did Simon realize about Jesus through this miracle? What did he realize about himself?

2. If Simon couldn’t catch fish without the help of the Lord, how would he be able to catch men?

3. Do you think it was difficult for Simon Peter, James, and John to leave everything they had in order to follow Jesus? Explain.

Hands

1. How did Simon show that he believed in Jesus Christ?

2. Why did Simon Peter, James, and John leave everything they had to follow Jesus? Couldn’t they have sold their possessions for a profit before leaving to follow Jesus? Explain

Jesus’ Ministry in Capernaum

Mark 1:21-39
Related passages: Matthew 4:23-25; 8:14-17; Luke 4:33-44

Main Thought

Jesus pursues his teaching and healing ministry with authority.

Head

1. Where was Capernaum?

2. Why were the people astonished at Jesus’ teaching?

3. What did the unclean spirit say to Jesus? Why?

4. Why do you think Jesus wanted the unclean spirit to be silent?

5. What was wrong with Simon’s mother-in-law? What did Jesus do about it?

6. Why did the whole city gather at the door to Simon’s house?

7. Why did Jesus not permit the demons to speak?

8. What did Jesus do at the desolate place?

9. Why were Simon and the others looking for Jesus? Do you think they realized why Jesus went to the desolate place?

10. Why do you think Jesus went to the next town rather than return to Capernaum?

Heart

1. How was the teaching of Jesus different from the teaching of the scribes? What does this difference tell you about Jesus?

2. How did his casting out of the unclean spirit show Jesus’ authority?

3. In what other ways did Jesus show his authority in this story? What kind of authority did Jesus have?

Hands

1. When you pray, is it helpful to find a quiet place where you can’t be disturbed? Explain.

2. Is it possible to pray in places that aren’t very quiet? Explain.

Jesus Heals a Leper and a Paralytic

Luke 5:12-26
Related passages:
Matthew 8:2-4; 9:2-8; Mark 1:40-45; 2:1-12

Main Thought

Jesus shows his authority over physical and spiritual things.

Head

1. What did the leper ask of Jesus?

2. Why didn’t Jesus get leprosy when he touched the leper?

3. Why did the leper have to show himself to the priest? (see Lev. 13)

4. According to verse 16, when great crowds gathered to hear Jesus and to be healed, what did Jesus do?

5. How were the friends of the paralyzed man able to get him by Jesus?

6. Why do you think Jesus forgave the sins of the paralyzed man before he healed him from his paralysis?

7. Why do you think the Pharisees and the teachers of the law came to hear Jesus? What did they think of Jesus forgiving the man’s sins? How did Jesus respond to them?

Heart

1. Compare the faith of the leper in verse 12 with the faith of the Pharisees in verse 21.

2. If so many people needed to be healed, why did Jesus withdraw from them in order to pray? Why was prayer so important to Jesus?

3. What kind of authority did Jesus show in this story?

4. Is it easier to believe that Jesus can heal physical affliction or that he can forgive sins? Explain.

Hands

1. What did the paralyzed man do after Jesus healed him?

2. How did the people respond when they saw Jesus use his authority?

Jesus Calls Levi

Luke 5:27-39
Related passages: Matthew 9:9-17; Mark 2:13-22

Main Thought

Levi understands the importance of feasting when the bridegroom is present.

Head

1. How were tax collectors like Levi viewed in Israel during Jesus’ day?

2. By what other name was Levi called? (see Matt. 9:9)

3. What clues does verse 29 give regarding Levi’s wealth?

4. Why did the Pharisees and scribes grumble at Jesus’ disciples?

5. Why did Jesus eat with tax collectors and sinners?

6. How were John’s disciples different from Jesus’ disciples? Why were they different?

7. When would Jesus’ disciples feast? When would they fast?

8. What did Jesus mean when he told the parable about not putting a new garment on an old garment?

9. What did Jesus mean when he told the parable about not putting new wine into old wineskins?

Heart

1. Did Jesus expect Levi to leave everything and follow him? Explain.

2. Why did Levi leave everything to follow Jesus?

3. Why would Jesus pick a tax collector to be one of his disciples?

Hands

1. Should we use Jesus’ example of eating with tax collectors and sinners to determine who we should associate with today?

2. What kind of behavior did Jesus expect from his disciples?

3. What kind of behavior do you think Jesus expects from Christians today? Should we be doing more feasting or more fasting?

Jesus at the Pool of Bethesda

John 5:1-18

Main Thought

Jesus shows his deity by healing a man on the Sabbath.

Head

1. Why was Jesus in Jerusalem? What was the Sheep Gate?

2. What are roofed colonnades? Who were laying in these roofed colonnades?

3. How long had the sick man in this story been an invalid?

4. Why did Jesus ask the man, “Do you want to be healed”? Do you think the man understood why Jesus asked the question? Explain.

5. Why did the sick man think he needed to be put into the pool in order to be healed?

6. On what day did Jesus heal the sick man?

7. What did Jesus tell the man to do after he healed him? Why was this a problem for some people?

8. Where did Jesus see the man again? What did Jesus tell him?

Heart

1. According to verse six, Jesus knew that the man had been there a long time. How do you think he knew it?

2. According to verse 17, what argument did Jesus make for healing on the Sabbath? How did Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath show his deity? (see also v. 18)

3. Is Jesus equal with God the Father? Explain.

Hands

1. What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you”? Did Jesus imply that the man’s original sickness was due to sin? Did Jesus imply that all sickness was due to sin?

2. If you are sick, does that mean that you have sinned?

The Father and the Son

John 5:19-47

Main Thought

Jesus explains his relationship with his Father.

Head

1. If the Son is God, why can he do nothing of his own accord?

2. What does the Father give the Son that shows the Son’s deity?

3. According to verse 24, how do the Son and the Father work together for our eternal life? When does this eternal life begin?

4. When Jesus said that the hour is now here when “the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live” was he talking about physical death and life or spiritual death and life?

5. How do the Father and the Son have life in themselves? How is this different from the life we have?

6. According to verse 30, whose will does Jesus seek?

7. According to verses 31-47, who bears witness about Jesus?

8. Why do we never see the form of the Father?

9. Did Moses write about Jesus? Explain.

Heart

1. Is it possible to honor the Father and not honor the Son?

2. Were the Jews wrong in searching the Scriptures to find eternal life? Where did they go wrong? (see vv. 39-40)

3. How could Jesus know that the people did not have the love of God within them? How does the love of God become evident in people?

Hands

1. Does verse 29 mean that people who do good go to heaven and people who do evil go to hell? Explain.

2. Why did Jesus speak against receiving glory from others? Is it wrong to seek approval and favor from others?

Jesus and the Sabbath

Mark 2:23–3:6
Related passages: Matthew 12:1-14; Luke 6:1-11

Main Thought

Jesus claims authority over the Sabbath.

Head

1. Why did Jesus’ disciples pluck heads of grain in a stranger’s field?

2. Were Jews allowed to pluck the heads of grain in someone else’s field if they were hungry? (see Deut. 23:25)

3. Why would plucking heads of grain be unlawful on the Sabbath?

4. Would David normally eat the bread of the Presence? Why did he do it when he fled from Saul?

5. Who was the high priest when David fled from Saul? Why did Jesus refer to Abiathar the high priest? (see 1 Sam. 21:1; 22:20-23)

6. What does it mean that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath? How was the Sabbath made for man?

7. Why were the Pharisees watching Jesus when he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath? What did Jesus do?

8. Why do you think Jesus deliberately called attention to his healing on the Sabbath?

Heart

1. How is Jesus “lord even of the Sabbath”?

2. Why was Jesus angry and grieved at the Pharisees and Herodians?

3. Why were the Pharisees and Herodians intent on destroying Jesus?

Hands

1. Is it sometimes proper to do something out of necessity on the Sabbath that you normally wouldn’t do on that day?

2. Is it proper to do works of mercy on the Sabbath?

3. Should we treat the Sabbath differently than other days?

Followers of Jesus

Mark 3:7-21
Related passages: Matthew 12:15-21; Luke 6:12-16

Main Thought

Jesus attracts a multitude of followers, but focuses on twelve to expand the work of his ministry.

Head

1. From what places did the crowd come to see Jesus? What does this tell you about Jesus’ popularity at this point in his ministry?

2. How would a boat help Jesus deal with the crowd that was nearly crushing him? How had he previously used a boat to deal with the crowd? (see Luke 5:1-3)

3. What did the unclean spirits say when they saw Jesus? Why did Jesus order them not to make him known?

4. Why do you think Mark added “whom he desired” in verse 13?

5. What does “apostle” mean?

6. Why might Simon, James, and John be mentioned first in the list of apostles? Why might Judas Iscariot be mentioned last?

7. According to verse 20, why wasn’t Jesus able to eat?

8. What did Jesus’ family want to do with Jesus? Why?

Heart

1. Do you think Jesus’ family understood who Jesus was and why he came?

2. What motivated the crowd to come and see Jesus? What motivates you to want to know Jesus?

Hands

1. What tasks and authority did Jesus give the apostles? How did their authority help them accomplish their tasks?

2. Did Jesus give Judas the same tasks and authority as the other apostles? Why do you think Jesus did that?

The Sermon on the Mount, Part 1

Matthew 5:1-16

Main Thought

Jesus redefines what it means to be blessed?

Head

1. What does it mean to be poor in spirit? Why does Jesus say that theirs is the kingdom of heaven?

2. Why would people be mourning? Who would comfort them?

3. What does it mean to be meek? Who are the meek that Jesus is talking about? Why would they inherit the earth?

4. How will those who hunger and thirst for righteousness be satisfied?

5. How does one show mercy? Do those who show mercy need mercy?

6. What does it mean to be pure in heart? How will they see God?

7. Why would peacemakers be called sons of God?

8. How are people who value righteousness treated? What will God give them as a reward?

9. According to verses 11-12, what should cause you to rejoice?

10. In verses 13-16 the references to “you” are plural. How does that help you understand Jesus’ command to be salt and light?

Heart

1. Do you expect to be persecuted and reviled? Why or why not?

2. If you call someone blessed, what do you usually mean? Do you think Jesus meant the same thing when he described those who are blessed?

3. Should a Christian desire to exhibit all the characteristics described in the Beatitudes? Explain.

Hands

1. How does our being the salt of the earth affect what we do and say?

2. How does our being the light of the world affect what we do and say?

The Sermon on the Mount, Part 2

Matthew 5:17-32

Main Thought

Jesus fulfills the law and teaches new understandings of murder and adultery.

Head

1. Why wouldn’t Jesus want to abolish the Law or the Prophets? How did Jesus fulfill them?

2. Why can’t we relax even a little commandment? What problem would that create?

3. “To what was Jesus referring when he said, “You have heard that it was said...”?

4. According to Jesus, what constitutes murder? Who will make sure justice comes to those who murder?

5. According to Jesus, what constitutes adultery?

6. How did Jesus reinterpret the common approach to divorce in his day?

Heart

1. How is it possible for our righteousness to exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees?

2. Do you think anyone can say they are innocent of murder and adultery? How is it possible for us to be free from the sins of murder and adultery?

Hands

1. If Jesus didn’t abolish the Law, does that mean that we need to obey all the Old Testament laws today? Explain.

2. What should we do if we are angry at someone?

3. Is it important to be reconciled to others before worshiping the Lord?

4. Should we really tear out our right eye or cut off our right hand if they cause us to sin?

5. Is it ever acceptable to divorce?

The Sermon on the Mount, Part 3

Matthew 5:33-48

Main Thought

Jesus explains what it means to be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect.

Head

1. What does it mean to not swear falsely?

2. What did Jesus mean in verse 37 when he said “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’”?

3. In verses 38-42, is Jesus contradicting Deuteronomy 19:21, which says, “...eye for eye, tooth for tooth...”? If not, what is Jesus doing?

4. Why should we love our enemies?

5. What does verse 45 mean when it says, “For he makes his sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust”?

Heart

1. How does always speaking the truth reflect God’s character?

2. How does turning the other cheek reflect God’s character?

3. How does loving our enemies reflect God’s character?

4. Is it easy or hard to reflect God’s character in these ways? Explain.

5. If God sends good things to the evil as well as the just, does he love the evil and the just equally?

Hands

1. Is it wrong to take an oath?

2. When should we turn the other cheek? Is there ever a time when we shouldn’t turn the other cheek?

3. If you see someone begging on a street corner, should you give that person money? Explain.

4. If someone asks to borrow money from you and you are sure they won’t pay you back, should you loan it to them? Explain.

The Sermon on the Mount, Part 4

Matthew 6:1-15

Main Thought

Jesus warns us against acting like hypocrites when we give to the poor or when we pray.

Head

1. What is a hypocrite? How do their ways of giving and praying show their hypocrisy?

2. What does it mean to not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing?

3. What does “hallowed be your name” mean? Why should we pray this petition?

4. What do we mean when we say, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”?

5. What do we mean when we say “Give us this day our daily bread”?

6. What do we mean when we ask the Lord to “...forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors”?

7. What do we mean when we ask the Lord to “...lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Heart

1. What characteristics of the Father assure you that he will hear and see the things you pray and do in secret and reward you?

2. What does it say about our hearts if we do not forgive the trespasses of others?

Hands

1. If you do a good deed, should you do it to receive praise from other people? What is wrong with doing good in order to be seen by others?

2. Should you do a good deed for the reward God the Father will give you? Explain.

3. Is it wrong to pray in public?

The Sermon on the Mount, Part 5

Matthew 6:16-34

Main Thought

Jesus exhorts us to depend fully on our heavenly Father.

Head

1. What does it mean to fast? Are there different ways to fast, or different levels of fasting? What is the purpose of fasting?

2. What are some “treasures on earth”?

3. What are some “treasures in heaven”?

4. Why is it not possible to serve two masters?

5. How should we be like the birds of the air?

6. According to verse 32, what is the difference between Gentiles and Christians?

7. What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “tomorrow will be anxious for itself”?

Heart

1. How do our treasures control our hearts?

2. How is the heart like the eye bringing light to the body?

3. Is it possible to stop being anxious about your life just by telling yourself not to be anxious? Explain.

4. Should we really be unconcerned about what we eat or wear? Doesn’t God want us to enjoy his creation?

Hands

1. Is fasting beneficial for our spiritual lives today?

2. Is it possible to have earthly possessions without laying up for ourselves treasures on earth? Explain.

3. What problems come to those who serve money?

4. How should we go about seeking the kingdom of God first? How should that affect our daily lives?

The Sermon on the Mount, Part 6

Matthew 7:1-14

Main Thought

Jesus teaches us to take the focus off ourselves, and instead find ways to love and encourage others.

Head

1. What is the difference between making just judgments and having a judgmental attitude? What kind of judging do you think Jesus means when he tells us not to judge?

2. In verse six, is Jesus judging some people by comparing them to dogs and pigs? Is discerning between different types of people different than judging someone? Explain.

3. Can we have anything we want if we just ask Jesus for it? Explain.

4. What is the difference between asking, seeking, and knocking?

5. How are earthly fathers different from our heavenly Father?

6. What is the Golden Rule? Why does it work so well?

7. What is the narrow gate? To what does it lead?

Heart

1. Why is it more difficult to see the log in your own eye than to see the speck in your brother’s eye?

2. How does God show his love for us when he responds to our requests? Should he always give us everything we want?

3. How do we find the narrow gate? Can we get through the narrow gate on our own strength? Who brings us through it?

Hands

1. If your friend did something wrong and you confronted him or her about it, how would you respond if your friend said, “Jesus doesn’t want you to judge me”?

2. Describe the difference between leading a life that travels through the wide gate and leading a life that travels through the narrow gate.

The Sermon on the Mount, Part 7

Matthew 7:15-29

Main Thought

Jesus teaches us to let our actions be guided by a heart that has been transformed by God.

Head

1. How can you tell a false prophet from a true prophet?

2. How can you tell a false Christian from a true Christian?

3. Why isn’t it enough to say, “Lord, Lord” to be assured of your entrance into heaven?

4. Can people prophesy in Jesus’ name and do miracles in Jesus’ name and still not be saved? Explain.

5. At the final judgment, how will Jesus determine who will have to depart from him?

6. When Jesus tells some people to depart from him, why will he call them workers of lawlessness?

7. According the verse 24, what does the rock represent?

8. According to verse 26, what does the sand represent?

9. Why were the crowds astonished at Jesus’ teaching?

Heart

1. What can we do to get hints about what is going on in someone’s heart?

2. How well does Jesus know our hearts?

Hands

1. Describe some fruit you would expect to see from a true prophet.

2. Describe some fruit you would expect to see from a true Christian.

3. How can we know the will of the Father in order to do it?

4. Describe what Christians should do to build their house on a rock.

The Sermon on the Plain, Part 1

Luke 6:17-36

Main Thought

Jesus shows the difference between God’s priorities and ours.

Head

1. How do we know that this sermon is not the same as the Sermon on the Mount? (see v. 17)

2. Compare and contrast the three groups mentioned in verse 17. How were they alike? How were they different? What does this tell you about the scope of Jesus’ ministry?

3. According to verses 18-19, what did the people want from Jesus?

4. Compare the Beatitudes in verses 20-23 with the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:2-12. How are they alike? How are they different?

5. What did Jesus say was going to happen to the rich and those who had plenty to eat? Why would he say that?

6. What did Jesus say would happen to those who laugh now?

7. How does Luke 6:27-36 compare with Matthew 5:38-48?

Heart

1. What do the differences in the Beatitudes in Luke and Matthew tell you about Jesus and what he emphasized in his ministry?

2. Why would people speak well of false prophets? Do you think something similar can happen today? Explain.

3. How is it possible to love our enemies?

4. What will happen to those who love their enemies? Why?

Hands

1. Is it wrong to be rich and to have food to eat? Explain.

2. Is it wrong to laugh now? Explain.

3. Is it wrong to have people speak well of you? Explain.

4. How can we reflect God’s mercy in our lives?

The Sermon on the Plain, Part 2

Luke 6:37-49

Main Thought

Jesus shows us how different our actions will be if we follow God’s priorities.

Head

1. Compare verses 37-42 with Matthew 7:1-6. How are these passages alike? How are they different?

2. What is the difference between judging and condemning?

3. What does this sentence mean: “Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap”? (v. 38)

4. Compare verses 43-45 with Matthew 7:15-20. How are these passages alike? How are they different?

5. Compare verses 46-49 with Matthew 7:24-27. How are these passages alike? How are they different?

Heart

1. Does God reward people who treat others well? Explain.

2. Does our forgiveness from God depend on our forgiving others? Explain.

3. How does someone store good or evil things in his or her heart?

4. Explain what Jesus meant when he said, “[O]ut of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (v. 45)

5. What role does God play in a Christian’s ability to bear good fruit?

6. Is God responsible for an evil person bearing bad fruit?

Hands

1. Do the things we see and hear affect our hearts? Explain.

2. What can we do to guard our hearts?

3. What can we do to make sure we are building on a solid foundation?

4. What happens if we don’t build on a solid foundation?

The Centurion’s Servant and the Widow’s Son

Luke 7:1-17
Related passage: Matthew 8:5-13

Main Thought

Jesus shows that his power is not limited to the Jews and is not even limited by death.

Head

1. What town did Jesus enter at the beginning of this story?

2. What was a centurion? What did he do? How many men did he command?

3. Who went to Jesus on behalf of the centurion? Why? What had the centurion done for the Jews?

4. Why didn’t the centurion want Jesus to enter his house?

5. What did the centurion ask Jesus to do instead?

6. Where was Jesus when he raised the widow’s son? How close was that to Capernaum?

Heart

1. Do you agree with the Jewish elders who told Jesus that the centurion was “worthy to have you do this for him? Was the centurion worthy?

2. Did the centurion himself think he was worthy? Explain.

3. When the centurion compared his authority with Jesus’ authority, what was he saying about Jesus? What was the centurion saying about his respect for Jesus?

4. Do you think the Jews would have been surprised at Jesus’ comment about the faith of the centurion? Explain.

5. Do you think the people of Nain believe that Jesus was the Son of God? Explain.

Hands

1. What did the centurion do to show his humility before Jesus?

2. How did the crowd in Nain react after Jesus raised the widow’s son?

Jesus and John the Baptist

Luke 7:18-35
Related passage: Matthew 11:2-19

Main Thought

Jesus assures John the Baptist that he truly is the one to come and that his arrival signals the coming of the kingdom of God.

Head

1. Why did John’s disciples have to report the activities of Jesus to him instead of having John see for himself? (see Luke 3:20)

2. What did John the Baptist’s disciples ask Jesus?

3. What proof did Jesus give to John’s disciples?

4. How was John the Baptist more than a prophet?

5. What did Jesus mean when he said that the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than John the Baptist?

6. What comparison did Jesus make between the people of his day and children playing in the marketplace? What did he try to teach with this comparison?

7. What did Jesus mean when he said, “[W]isdom is justified by all her children”?

Heart

1. Why do you think John the Baptist questioned whether Jesus was the one to come?

2. According to verse 29, the people and the tax collectors had a different response than the Pharisees and the lawyers. What caused these different responses?

Hands

1. When John the Baptist questioned whether Jesus was the one to come, what did Jesus do? How do you think John’s faith was strengthened because of what Jesus did?

2. When we have questions or doubts about Jesus, what can we do to strengthen our faith?

Come to Jesus

Matthew 11:20-30

Main Thought

Jesus calls us all to find our rest in him.

Head

1. Why did Jesus denounce Chorazin and Bethsaida? Why did Jesus compare them with Tyre and Sidon?

2. What did Jesus say about Capernaum? If, according to Luke 7:1-10, a faithful centurion lived there, why did Jesus still denounce it?

3. What had happened to Sodom? Was Sodom a better city than Capernaum? Explain.

4. According to verse 27, what is the only way someone can come to know the Father?

5. What burdens is Jesus talking about in verse 28?

6. What is the difference between our burdens and Jesus’ yoke?

7. How is Jesus gentle and lowly in heart?

Heart

1. Why do you think God hides spiritual truth from those who are wise and understanding?

2. Why do you think Jesus thanked God for hiding spiritual truth from the wise and understanding?

3. Why do you think Jesus called God’s revealing of spiritual truth to little children his “gracious will”?

4. Do you think it is harder for wise and understanding people to believe in Jesus? Explain.

Hands

1. Can faithful Christians have a positive effect on the cities where they live? Explain.

2. Can good works become burdens? What should we do when that happens?

Simon the Pharisee

Luke 7:36-50

Main Thought

Jesus’ forgiveness produces great gratitude.

Head

1. Why might it be important to know that a Pharisee asked Jesus to eat with him?

2. What does it mean to recline at table?

3. What was alabaster? How expensive was it? What does this tell us about the ointment inside the alabaster flask?

4. What did the woman do to Jesus’ feet? Why?

5. Why did Simon refer to Jesus as Teacher?

6. What parable did Jesus tell Simon?

7. Compare what the woman did for Jesus and what Simon did for Jesus. Who loved Jesus more?

8. When Jesus said, “[H]er sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much,” did he mean that because she loved much her sins were forgiven, or because her sins were forgiven she loved much? Explain.

Heart

1. Why do you think Simon asked Jesus to eat with him?

2. What did Simon think about Jesus when he saw what the woman was doing to Jesus’ feet?

3. Can Christians sometimes let the actions of others influence their understanding of and love for Jesus? Explain.

Hands

1. If people who have been forgiven more love Jesus more, should we all seek to do evil so that we can love Jesus more later? (see Rom. 6:1-2)

2. Although we can’t wet Jesus’ feet with our tears, what other ways can we show our gratitude for what Jesus has done for us?

Good and Bad Fruit

Matthew 12:22-50
Related passages: Mark 3:20-35; Luke 8:19-21

Main Thought

Jesus teaches the difference between his true followers and others.

Head

1. Why did the crowd wonder if Jesus could be the son of David? What had been prophesied about the son of David?

2. What power did Jesus have to cast out demons? What power did the Pharisees say Jesus had that gave him the ability to cast out demons?

3. What did Jesus mean when he said in verse 25 that no house divided against itself will stand?

4. What did Jesus mean when he talked about binding a strong man before plundering his house?

5. Describe the difference between good fruit and bad fruit.

6. Why was it wrong for the Pharisees to ask Jesus for a sign? What sign did Jesus give them?

7. Who will “rise up in judgment with this generation”? Why?

8. What lesson can we learn from Jesus’ teaching about the unclean spirit leaving and then returning?

Heart

1. According to verse 30, is it possible to remain neutral about Jesus? Is everyone either for Jesus or against him?

2. Why will someone who speaks against the Holy Spirit not be forgiven?

3. How are the words that we say connected to the state of our hearts?

Hands

1. When Jesus said in verse 30, “whoever does not gather with me scatters,” what was he saying about his expectations for you?

2. Who are Jesus’ brother and sister and mother? Explain.

The Parable of the Sower

Matthew 13:1-23
Related passage: Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15

Main Thought

God shares his Word promiscuously, and we should too.

Head

1. Why did Jesus have to get into a boat?

2. What happened to the seed sown along the path?

3. What happened to the seed sown on rocky ground?

4. What happened to the seed sown among thorns?

5. What happened to the seed sown on good soil?

6. Why would God sow seed in places where he knows seed won’t grow?

7. If people reject the Word, whose fault is it?

8. Why did Jesus speak in parables?

9. Who were the ones who would not understand the parables?

Heart

1. How can you tell what kind of soil your  heart is made of?

2. Do you consider God’s Word worth sharing? How does that play out in your life?

3. Do you think it is possible for our hearts to grow dull like the hearts of the Pharisees in Jesus’ day? Explain.

Hands

1. If God is liberal in spreading his Word, how should we use God’s Word? What can we do to spread it?

2. Do you let people’s outward appearance determine if you share the gospel with them?

3. Are there things we can do in our lives that will help the Word take root and grow in our hearts to produce fruit?

A Lamp Under a Basket and a Growing Seed

Mark 4:21-29
Related passage: Luke 8:16-18

Main Thought

The kingdom of God will bring to light everything that is now in darkness, but it will come imperceptibly, like a growing seed.

Head

1. What is the problem with putting a lamp under a basket or under a bed?

2. Why would a lamp be placed on a stand?

3. What is hidden that will be brought to light?

4. What did Jesus mean when he said, “...with the measure you use, it will be measured to you”?

5. Why will more be given to the one who has?

6. What will be taken away from the one who has not?

7. How is the kingdom of God like a growing seed?

8. According to verse 27 part of how a seed grows is unknown to the farmer. How is this like the growth of the kingdom of God?

9. How does the farmer know when to harvest?

Heart

1. What hope does this passage give us regarding the coming of Christ’s kingdom?

2. What warning does this passage give us regarding the coming of Christ’s kingdom?

3. Do you think everyone will be excited about the harvest? Explain.

Hands

1. In what ways can we let the light of the kingdom be known to those around us?

2. How does the proclamation of the kingdom expose hidden things?

The Parable of the Weeds

Matthew 13:24-43

Main Thought

Christians may not understand Jesus’ patience with the wicked, but he is patient with them for our good.

Head

1. Explain the parable of the weeds by explaining who or what was represented by: a) the sower, b) the servants. c) the ones who sowed the bad seed, d) the wheat, e) the weeds, f) the harvest.

2. Why couldn’t the weeds be gathered earlier? Why did they have to wait until harvest?

3. How is the kingdom of heaven like a mustard seed? How is it like leaven?

4. Why did Jesus speak in parables?

5. What will happen when Jesus comes again?

6. What do you think Jesus meant when he said in verse 43, “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”

Heart

1. Why do you think the disciples needed Jesus’ help to understand the parable of the weeds? Was it difficult to understand?

2. Why does Jesus allow the wicked to prosper? Do you think it is for their sake, for the sake of believers around them, or both? Explain.

Hands

1. What can the parable of the weeds teach you about how to deal with unbelievers before Christ comes again?

2. What can the parable of the mustard seed and the parable of the leaven teach you about how to live in Christ’s kingdom before he comes again?

3. How can we shine like the sun even before Christ comes again? (see also Phil. 2:12-15)

Four Short Parables

Matthew 13:44-52

Main Thought

Using parables, Jesus explains the value and importance of the kingdom of heaven.

Head

1. How is the kingdom of heaven like a hidden treasure?

2. How is the kingdom of heaven like a pearl of great value?

3. How is the kingdom of heaven like a net filled with fish?

4. How is the kingdom of heaven like new and old treasures?

5. How are these four parables similar?

6. How are these four parables different?

7. Do you think the disciples have grown in their faith and in their understanding of Jesus since he originally called them?

8. Who will separate the good fish from the bad fish?

9. What will happen to the bad fish?

Heart

1. Describe the man’s reaction when he found the treasure hidden in a field. How is his reaction similar to the reaction of people who discover the kingdom of heaven?

2. Describe the reaction of the merchant who found the pearl of great value. How is his reaction similar to the reaction of people who discover the kingdom of heaven?

3. How hard would it be to give up everything you have for the sake of the kingdom of God?

Hands

1. How did the people in these parables show that they knew the value of the kingdom of heaven?

2. How can we show that we know the value of the kingdom of heaven?

Jesus Calms the Storm

Mark 4:35-41
Related passages: Matthew 8:23-27; Luke 8:22-25

Main Thought

Jesus shows his power over nature.

Head

1. Why do you think Mark mentioned that it was evening when this story began?

2. Did more than one boat cross with Jesus?

3. What happened to the boat when the storm came up?

4. What was Jesus doing when the storm hit?

5. What can we learn about Jesus’ nature and power when we see his ability to rebuke the wind and the waves?

6. Who did Jesus rebuke in this story? Why did he rebuke them?

7. Besides fearing the wind and the waves, what other fear did the disciples show at the end of this story? Why?

Heart

1. What insight into the faith of the disciples is revealed by their question, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

2. How does this story show the disciples’ lack of faith?

3. How does this story also show the disciples’ growing faith in Jesus?

4. Is it wrong to be afraid?

5. How do we know that Jesus will calm our fears?

Hands

1. Should the disciples have awakened Jesus when they did?

2. If you had been in the boat, would you have awakened Jesus? Explain.

3. When you are afraid, what should you do?

Jesus Heals the Demon-Possessed Man

Mark 5:1-20
Related passages: Matthew 8:28-34; Luke 8:26-39

Main Thought

Jesus asserts his authority over demons even outside of Israel.

Head

1. Where did this story take place? Was this place located within or outside of Israel? Does it matter where this story took place?

2. Who was the first person to meet Jesus?

3. What made this person different from other people?

4. What did Jesus say that made the man with the unclean spirit ask Jesus not to torment him? How would this be considered torment?

5. Who said, “My name is Legion”? What does that name mean?

6. Where did Jesus send the unclean spirits? Why did they obey him?

7. What did the unclean spirits do to the pigs?

8. How did the demon-possessed man change?

9. Why didn’t Jesus let the demon-possessed man go with him?

10. Where was the Decapolis? Why was it called that?

Heart

1. What do you think the herdsmen thought about Jesus? Explain.

2. Why do you think the townspeople begged Jesus to leave their region?

3. Why do you think the demon-possessed man begged to be with Jesus?

Hands

1. According to verse 19, what did Jesus tell the demon-possessed man to do?

2. Does Jesus require something similar from us? Explain.

3. What did the demon-possessed man do that was even more than what Jesus asked him to do?

Jairus’ Daughter

Mark 5:21-43
Related passages: Matthew 9:18-26; Luke 8:40-56

Main Thought

Jesus returns to Israel and shows his power over life and death.

Head

1. Who was Jairus? What was his role in the community? What did Jairus ask Jesus to do for him?

2. Did the act of touching Jesus’ garment heal the woman? Explain.

3. What happened to make Jairus’ servants tell him not to bother Jesus?

4. In verse 36, what did Jesus tell Jairus to do? How would this take care of Jairus’ fear?

5. Which disciples followed Jesus to Jairus’ house? Why do you think Jesus allowed just these disciples?

6. Who met Jesus at Jairus’ house? Why did they laugh at Jesus?

7. What did Jesus do to bring the girl back to life?

8. In Mark 5:1-20, Jesus told a demon-possessed man to tell all his friends what the Lord did for him, but in this story he “strictly charged them that no one should know this.” Why do you think Jesus made such different requests?

Heart

1. In your opinion, who had the greater faith in this story, the woman who touched Jesus garment, or Jairus? Explain.

2. Is it possible to be afraid and to believe at the same time? Explain. (see v. 36)

Hands

1. Do you think Jairus truly believed in Jesus when he went to ask Jesus to help his daughter? Explain.

2. Do you think Jesus needed to ask who touched him? Why do you think he did this?

Jesus Brings Healing

Matthew 9:27-38

Main Thought

Jesus proclaims the good news of the kingdom through word and deed, and seeks laborers for his harvest.

Head

1. What did the blind men say when they cried out to Jesus? Why?

2. What warning did Jesus give the blind men after he healed them? Did the men heed Jesus’ warning?

3. What did Jesus do for the man who was mute? What did the Pharisees think about that?

4. What did Jesus do in all the cities and villages?

5. What is the “gospel of the kingdom”? (v. 35)

6. What do miracles have to do with the gospel of the kingdom?

7. Why were the crowds harassed and helpless?

8. Who is the Lord of the harvest?

9. What did Jesus ask his disciples to request in prayer?

10. Is the harvest still going on?

Heart

1. Why did Jesus say to the blind men, “According to your faith be it done to you”? Why didn’t he say something like, “According to my power be it done to you”?

2. Why do you think the blind men talked about Jesus even when he told them not to?

Hands

1. Should we pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest?

2. How seriously should we consider whether the Lord might be sending us out as laborers into his harvest?

Jesus Send out the Apostles

Matthew 10:1-15
Related passages: Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6

Main Thought

Jesus prepares his disciples for their missionary task.

Head

1. What authority did Jesus give to his disciples?

2. Why didn’t Jesus want the disciples to go anywhere among the Gentiles or the Samaritans?

3. Where did Jesus want the disciples to go instead?

4. How did the disciples show that the kingdom of heaven was at hand?

5. How did the apostles support themselves for their journey?

6. Why didn’t Jesus want the apostles to collect supplies for themselves when they went out on their journey?

7. Where did the apostles stay when they were on their journey?

8. What did Jesus mean when he told the apostles to let their peace come upon worthy houses, but to let their peace return to them if the houses were not worthy?

9. What would the apostles do if anyone did not receive them?

Heart

1. Which households would qualify as “worthy” to have the apostles stay there?

2. How do you think Judas Iscariot reacted to being sent out by Jesus in this way? Do you think he reacted differently than the others who were sent out?

Hands

1. For the people who accepted the apostles’ message, what could they do to respond to it?

2. Should ministers or missionaries today ever shake the dust off their feet like the apostles did?

Persecution and Fear

Matthew 10:16-33

Main Thought

Jesus prepares his disciples for the persecution that will accompany their devotion to him.

Head

1. In verse 16, who was being sent out?

2. How were they like sheep in the midst of wolves?

3. How could they be as wise as serpents and at the same time as innocent as doves?

4. In verses 17-18, do you think Jesus was only referring to the apostles he was sending out at the time, or was he also referring to what later Christians would experience? Explain.

5. What do you think Jesus meant when he said in verse 23, “you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes”?

6. How is a disciple not above his teacher?

7. In verse 25, who is the master of the house? Who called the master of the house Beelzebul? What will these people also do to the master’s followers?

8. What is hidden that will be made known? (v. 26)

Heart

1. How does the Holy Spirit help persecuted Christians?

2. Is it wrong to be afraid of persecution? How is it possible to have no fear when persecution comes?

3. According to verses 29-30, how much does the Father care for us?

Hands

1. How can persecution sometimes tear families apart? Is there anything Christians can do to be ready if that kind of persecution comes?

2. How important is it to acknowledge Jesus Christ before men?

Sacrifice and Rewards

Matthew 10:34-42

Main Thought

Jesus prepares his disciples for the sacrifices that will be required of them but assures them of the rewards that will also come.

Head

1. In what way did Jesus bring the sword instead of peace?

2. How would family members be set against each other because of Jesus?

3. What does it mean to take up your cross and follow Jesus?

4. How can you find your life but lose it, or lose your life but find it?

5. What does it mean to receive the apostles? (v. 40)

6. According to verse 40 if someone receives the apostles, who else does that person receive?

7. What is a “prophet’s reward”?

8. According to verse 41, who will receive a prophet’s reward?

9. What is a “righteous person’s reward”?

10. According to verse 41 who will receive a righteous person’s reward?

11. What’s the difference between a prophet and a righteous person?

12. Who are the “little ones” mentioned in verse 42?

Heart

1. Is there anyone you should love more than Jesus? Explain.

2. Can you still love other people, even if you love Jesus more?

Hands

1. How might the gospel of Jesus Christ come as a sword today?

2. List some examples of Christians taking up their cross and following Jesus today.

3. What are some ways we can give a “cup of cold water” today?

The Death of John the Baptist

Mark 6:14-29
Related passages: Matthew 14:1-12; Luke 9:7-9

Main Thought

John the Baptist receives the martyr’s crown.

Head

1. What had King Herod heard regarding Jesus?

2. When people heard about Jesus, how did they try to explain what was happening?

3. When Herod heard about Jesus, how did he try to explain what was happening?

4. Why did Herod put John in prison?

5. Who was Herodias?

6. How was Herodias’ daughter related to Herod?

7. What oath did Herod make to Herodias’ daughter?

8. Who convinced Herodias’ daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist?

9. Did Herod like the request of Herodias’ daughter? Explain.

Heart

1. Did Herod fear anyone in this story? Who? Explain.

2. If you had been one of John’s disciples, would you have questioned why God allowed Herodias to get away with killing John?

Hands

1. Do you think Herod felt guilty for what he had done to John the Baptist? Explain.

2. If Herod feared John the Baptist and kept him safe, why do you think he put John in prison in the first place?

3. If the king was sorry after he heard the request of Herodias’ daughter, why didn’t he just tell her that he would not fulfill her request?

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

Mark 6:30-44
Related passages:
Matthew 14:13-21; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15

Main Thought

Out of compassion, Jesus provides abundant blessings to the crowd that followed him.

Head

1. According to verse 30, the apostles returned to Jesus. Where had they been?

2. Why did Jesus want them to go with him to a desolate place?

3. What did the crowds do when the apostles and Jesus tried to go to a desolate place?

4. What reason did the disciples give for asking Jesus to send the crowd away?

5. On the surface, what was so absurd about Jesus telling the apostles to give the crowd something to eat? Why wasn’t it absurd?

6. What did Jesus do before he divided the loaves and fish to distribute to the people?

7. How much was left over after everyone had eaten?

Heart

1. When Jesus saw the great crowd on the shore, why didn’t he get back into the boat and try to find a different desolate place?

2. What can we learn about Jesus from the abundance of food left over from this miracle?

Hands

1. How important was it that Jesus prayed before he divided the loaves and the fish and distributed them to the people?

2. Why do Christians often pray before a meal?

3. What do you think about the practice of praying before a meal?

Jesus Walks on Water

Mark 6:45-56
Related passages: Matthew 14:22-36; John 6:16-21

Main Thought

Jesus amazes his disciples with a display of his divinity.

Head

1. When Jesus sent his disciples to the boat to return to Bethsaida, why didn’t he go with them? Where did Jesus go instead? Why?

2. Why do you think it was so important for Jesus to find a place by himself? Do you think he was physically tired? Could he also have been emotionally and spiritually tired?

3. What was “the fourth watch of the night”?

4. Do you think Jesus wanted the disciples to see him as he walked past the boat?

5. What terrified the disciples?

6. What did Jesus say and do to calm the disciples?

7. What happened to the wind when Jesus got into the boat?

8. What did the crowd do when they recognized Jesus at Gennesaret?

Heart

1. Do you ever think of Jesus as needing some time for himself? Explain.

2. How was Jesus’ miracle of walking on the water different from other miracles where he healed the sick? What does this miracle teach us about Jesus?

3. Verse 52 says the the disciples’ hearts were hardened. Do you think Jesus miracle of walking on the water was intended to soften their hearts toward Jesus? Explain.

Hands

1. Compare the different reactions of people when they saw Jesus in this story. What prompted the different reactions?

Jesus is the Bread of Life

John 6:22-40

Main Thought

Jesus Christ assures the people whom God has given him that he will provide all the nourishment they need for their souls.

Head

1. What mystery did the crowd discover in verse 22?

2. Where was Tiberias located?

3. Why did the crowd go to Capernaum? Why did they think Jesus would be there? (see 6:17)

4. In verse 26, what reason did Jesus give for why the people sought him?

5. What is food that perishes? What is food that endures to eternal life?

6. How has God the Father set his seal on his Son?

7. Why did the people ask Jesus for a sign? Was this a good reason to ask for one? Explain.

8. What is the difference between the manna in the wilderness and the true bread from heaven?

9. How is Jesus the bread of life?

10. According to verse 37, who will come to Jesus?

Heart

1. Is it possible to seek Jesus for the wrong reason?

2. How do you know if you are seeking Jesus for the right reason?

3. If you are a Christian, will Jesus ever lose you?

Hands

1. According to verse 29, what is the work of God that we should be doing?

2. Describe some ways that we can labor for food that endures to eternal life.

Jesus Is the Bread of Life

John 6:41-59

Main Thought

The Jews grumble at a difficult teaching of Jesus.

Head

1. Why did the Jews grumble when Jesus said he was the bread of life that came down from heaven?

2. Compare Jesus coming down from heaven with the manna that God supplied in the wilderness. How is Jesus like the manna? How is he different?

3. Why couldn’t the manna keep the Jews of Moses’ day from dying?

4. Do you think the Jews really believed that Jesus was talking about them eating his flesh?

5. Why would Jesus talk about eating his flesh and drinking his blood?

6. According to verse 57, what does the Father have to do with our union with Christ?

7. Where was Jesus when he taught these things?

Heart

1. Is this passage difficult to understand? What makes it so difficult?

2. According to verse 44, is it possible to come to Jesus without the Father drawing you to him? What does this mean for your salvation?

3. In what way do we live by “feasting” on Jesus? How does Jesus provide life to us?

4. How united does Jesus Christ want us to be with him?

Hands

1. If you were to teach this passage to a non-Christian, how would you explain it in a way that would keep it from being misunderstood?

2. What current practice in the church symbolizes eating and drinking Jesus’ flesh and blood?

Jesus Teaches His Disciples

John 6:60-71

Main Thought

Jesus has the words of eternal life.

Head

1. According to verse 61, who was grumbling? According John 6:41, who was grumbling then?

2. Do you think the people in verse 61 and the people in verse 41 were grumbling about the same thing? Explain.

3. What does the Ascension (see v. 62) have to do with people eating Jesus’ flesh and drinking his blood?

4. What divine quality of Jesus is described in verse 64?

5. Why did many disciples turn away from Jesus at this time?

6. Why didn’t the twelve disciples go away as well?

7. Why didn’t Judas leave Jesus at this time?

Heart

1. Do you agree with the disciples when they said that what Jesus taught was a hard saying? Explain.

2. According to verse 63, is it possible to understand what Jesus is teaching without the Holy Spirit?

3. According to verse 65, does anyone have the ability to come to Jesus on his or her own?

4. What did Peter’s response to Jesus in verses 68-69 show about Peter’s heart?

Hands

1. If the Father has granted that you will come to Jesus, is there anything you can do to stop it?

2. If the Father has granted that you will come to Jesus, would you ever want to stop it?

The Traditions of Men

Mark 7:1-23
Related passage: Matthew 15:1-20

Main Thought

Jesus shows that what goes on in the heart is more important than the traditions of men.

Head

1. Why would hands be defiled if they weren’t washed? Was this a command of Moses or a tradition of the Pharisees? (see vv. 3-4)

2. What other traditions did the Pharisees observe? Why did they observe them?

3. What did Jesus call the Pharisees in verse six? Why?

4. What’s wrong with “teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (v. 7)?

5. What did the Pharisees mean when they called something Corban?

6. How did the Pharisees make void the word of God?

7. What is the difference between being defiled from the outside and being defiled from the inside?

8. If the disciples didn’t understand what Jesus said until he explained it in private, do you think the people understood Jesus?

Heart

1. How did the Pharisees honor God with their lips but not with their hearts?

2. How does an evil heart defile a person?

Hands

1. What was vain about the way the Pharisees worshiped God?

2. Do you think it is possible for Christians today to worship God in vain?

3. Is it wrong to have traditions? According to verse nine, what can make traditions wrong?

The Gentile Woman and the Deaf Man

Mark 7:24-37
Related passage: Matthew 15:21-31

Main Thought

Jesus marvels at the faith of some and sighs at the heard hearts of others.

Head

1. Were Tyre and Sidon part of Israel or outside of it?

2. Why did Jesus have a hard time hiding in the house?

3. Why did the Gentile woman come to see Jesus?

4. Where was Syrophoenicia?

5. What did Jesus call the Gentile woman?

6. What answer did the Gentile woman give to Jesus?

7. Where did Jesus go after he left the region of Tyre?

8. What problem did the man have?

9. Why do you think Jesus took the man aside privately?

10. Why did Jesus put his fingers in the man’s ears and touch his tongue after spitting? Do you think this is what healed the man?

11. What did Jesus say when he healed the man? Why?

Heart

1. Why wasn’t the Gentile woman offended when Jesus compared her to a dog?

2. How did the Gentile woman’s answer to Jesus show her faith?

3. In verse 34, why do you think Jesus sighed?

Hands

1. What did the people in the region of the Decapolis do that was against Jesus’ wishes?

2. In these two stories, who asked Jesus to help the girl with the unclean spirit and the deaf man? Why?

Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand

Mark 8:1-10
Related passage: Matthew 15:32-39

Main Thought

Jesus repeats his miracle of feeding a large crowd, but the disciples still don’t understand.

Head

1. Why does Mark say in verse one that a great crowd had gathered again? (see Mark 6:30-44)

2. Where was Jesus when he fed the four thousand? (see Mark 7:31)

3. Does knowing Jesus’ location help you understand the story better?

4. How long had the crowd been with Jesus?

5. Why did Jesus not want to send the people away hungry?

6. How many loaves of bread and how many fish did the disciples have?

7. How many baskets of food were left over?

8. Where is Dalmanutha?

Heart

1. How does this story illustrate Jesus’ love for people?

2. How could the disciples still not understand that Jesus could feed four thousand people, when he had previously fed five thousand?

3. Do you think the crowd expected Jesus to feed them like he did for the five thousand?

Hands

1. Explain why the disciples obeyed Jesus even though they didn’t understand how “one can feed these people with bread here in this desolate place.”

2. Do you think it’s important at times to obey even though we don’t understand? Explain.

3. Should we seek to understand whenever possible? Explain.

Pharisees and Signs

Mark 8:11-26
Related passage: Matthew 16:1-12

Main Thought

The disciples and the Pharisees show their spiritual blindness.

Head

1. What did the Pharisees seek from Jesus? Why did they want this?

2. Why did Jesus sigh deeply in verse 12?

3. Why didn’t Jesus give them a sign?

4. What did the disciples forget to bring? Why were they concerned?

5. When Jesus asked in verse 18, “And do you not remember?” what had the disciples forgotten?

6. What were the disciples supposed to understand about Jesus when he fed the five thousand and the four thousand?

7. Where is Bethsaida?

8. Why did Jesus spit on the blind man’s eyes?

9. Why do you think the blind man was only partially healed the first time Jesus laid his hands on him?

10. Do you think Jesus opened the “eyes” of the disciples gradually, like he opened the eyes of the blind man?

Heart

1. Why did the Pharisees ask for a sign? What does their desire for a sign tell about their hearts?

2. How would you compare the hearts of the disciples with the hearts of the Pharisees?

Hands

1. What can we do to increase our understanding of Jesus?

2. When will our understanding of Jesus be complete? What should we do until that time?

Peter

Matthew 16:13-28
Related passages: Mark 8:27–9:1; Luke 9:18-27

Main Thought

Jesus Christ reveals the foundation of the church.

Head

1. Why would people think that Jesus was John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets? What did Peter think about Jesus?

2. Why did Jesus change Simon’s name to Peter? What does the name Peter mean?

3. On what would Christ build his church?

4. What are the keys of the kingdom of heaven?

5. Why do you think Jesus began to tell his disciples about his death and resurrection right after Peter’s confession that Jesus was the Christ?

6. What was Jesus referring to in verse 27?

7. What do you think Jesus meant in verse 28 when he said, “there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom”?

Heart

1. How did Peter know that Jesus was the Christ the Son of the Living God? Who revealed it to him? Why?

2. If Peter rebuked Jesus for saying he must suffer many things, be killed, and be raised on the third day, do you think he really understood what it meant for Jesus to be “the Christ, the son of the living God”? Explain.

3. How was Satan behind Peter’s rebuke of Jesus?

Hands

1. How does the church administer the keys of the kingdom of heaven today?

2. What does it mean to take up our cross and follow Jesus?

The Transfiguration

Matthew 17:1-13
Related passages: Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36

Main Thought

Jesus Christ reveals his glory.

Head

1. Where had Jesus and the disciples been for six days? What had Peter said about Jesus six days earlier? (see Matt. 16:13-16)

2. Who went with Jesus up the mountain? Why do you think Jesus brought these disciples?  Why didn’t he bring the others? Can you think of another time when Jesus brought these disciples with him? (see Matt. 26:37)

3. What does it mean to be transfigured? Describe Jesus when he was transfigured.

4. Why did Elijah and Moses appear next to Jesus? If Moses represented the Law, what did Elijah represent? What do you think Moses and Elijah might have said to Jesus?

5. What suggestion did Peter make when these men appeared? Why do you think he made this suggestion?

6. What did God the Father say about Jesus? At what other time did he say something like this? (see Matt 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22)

Heart

1. What can you tell about God the Father’s relationship with Jesus in this story?

2. What terrified the three disciples in verse six? Why? Who calmed the disciples’ fears? How?

Hands

1. How was Peter’s response to the transfiguration inappropriate?

2. Why was it important for these disciples to see Jesus glory before Jesus headed to Jerusalem? Why couldn’t they tell others about it until after the resurrection?

The Demon-Possessed Boy

Matthew 17:14-20
Related passages: Mark 9:14-27; Luke 9:37-43

Main Thought

Jesus explains to the disciples that their inability to heal a demon-possessed boy is a result of their little faith.

Head

1. Where had Jesus just been? (see 17:1-13)

2. What is epilepsy? How is epilepsy different from demon possession?

3. How could the boy be considered both epileptic and demon-possessed?

4. How was Jesus’ generation faithless and twisted?

5. Why couldn’t the disciples cast out the demon?

6. How much faith does it take to move a mountain?

7. Do you think Jesus was talking about a literal mountain?

8. Where is verse 21?

Heart

1. How did the father of the boy acknowledge Jesus’ authority and ability to heal the boy?

2. Three of the disciples had just seen Jesus transfigured. How could they still not have faith even as small as the grain of a mustard seed?

3. What does it take to have even the tiniest bit of faith?

4. Do you think the boy’s father had faith? Explain.

Hands

1. Why couldn’t the disciples cast out the demon?

2. What did Jesus mean when he said, “nothing will be impossible for you”?

3. How is what Jesus said about faith different than telling someone, “You can do anything if you put your mind to it”?

Kingdom Privileges and Responsibilities

Matthew 17:22–18:6
Related passages: Mark 9:30-37; Luke 9:44-48

Main Thought

Jesus explains the privileges and responsibilities of the kingdom of heaven.

Head

1. Why were the disciples greatly distressed?

2. Compare Matthew 17:22-23 with Matthew 16:21. What additional details did Jesus add in verses 17:22-23?

3. What was the two-drachma tax? What did it support?

4. Why do you think the tax collectors asked Peter for the tax instead of going directly to Jesus?

5. Why should Jesus have been exempt from the tax?

6. How did Jesus get the money to pay his tax and Peter’s?

7. Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Why?

8. To whom was Jesus referring when he talked about “one such child” in verse five?

Heart

1. Is there anything ironic about what Jesus said he was going to do in verses 22-23 and what was requested of him in verses 24-27? Explain.

2. Why do you think the disciples wanted to know who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

3. Why do you think Jesus reacts so strongly against anyone who causes little ones who believe in him to sin?

Hands

1. What characteristics of children should be emulated by Christ’s disciples in order to enter the kingdom of heaven?

2. How can we avoid causing little ones who believe in Jesus to sin?

Living For and Against Jesus

Mark 9:38-50
Related passage: Matthew 18:7-9; Luke 9:49-50

Main Thought

Jesus teaches that kingdom living demands unwavering commitment.

Head

1. Why did the disciples want to stop the man who was casting out demons?

2. What reason did Jesus give for telling his disciples not to stop him?

3. Do you think it is possible for people who don’t follow Jesus to cast out demons?

4. According to verse 41, what will happen to someone who assists other people because they belong to Christ?

5. According to verse 42, what will happen to someone who causes a little one to sin?

6. How would you describe “one of these little ones”?

7. What did Jesus say you should do if something causes you to sin?

8. How did Jesus describe hell in verses 43 and 48?

9. What does it mean to be salted with fire?

Heart

1. Do you think Jesus wants us to literally cut off our hands or our feet or our eyes if they cause us to sin? Can physical body parts ever be the root cause of sin? What is the root cause?

2. What might our hands, feet, and eyes represent in our struggle with sin?

Hands

1. Should we assist other Christians in order to receive a reward?

2. In what ways should our lives represent the commitments of our hearts? If we love Jesus, how should it show in our lives?

Those Who Have Gone Astray

Matthew 18:10-20

Main Thought

Jesus describes God’s desire to take back Christians who stray.

Head

1. According to verse ten, how do angels serve God’s children?

2. According to 14, is is possible for any of God’s little ones to perish? Explain.

3. If someone we consider to be a child of God does fall away, how do we explain that?

4. How is the parable of the lost sheep in verses 10-14 connected to verses 15-20?

Heart

1. Explain how the parable of the lost sheep shows the depth of God’s love for his children.

2. If your brother sins against you, what should be your primary purpose for telling him his fault? Should you seek justice for the wrong done to you, or should your primary purpose be to restore him to faithful living? Explain.

3. How seriously does God take the requests of two or three Christians who are gathered together?

Hands

1. If we see a brother in Christ falling away, what should we do?

2. What is the first thing you should do if your brother sins against you?

3. If your brother does not listen to you the first time you go to him, what should you do next?

4. Why should you take along two or three witnesses? (see Deut. 19:15)

5. If your brother fails to listen the second time you approach him, what should you do next?

6. What should happen if your brother fails to listen to the church?

The Unforgiving Servant

Matthew 18:21-35

Main Thought

Christ connects our forgiveness with our ability to forgive others.

Head

1. How many times did Peter think a brother should be forgiven? How many times did Jesus say a brother should be forgiven?

2. Should you ever not forgive someone who sins against you?

3. Describe the unforgiving servant.

4. What is mercy?

5. How did God show mercy to the unforgiving servant?

6. According to Jesus’ parable, what reason do we have for always needing to forgive our brother?

Heart

1. When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive a brother, what do you think was his main concern? Did he want to bring his brother back to faithfulness, or was he more interested in learning the requirements Jesus was making on him?

2. Describe what you think of the unforgiving servant? What is it about the unforgiving servant that makes you feel that way?

3. How did the unforgiving servant show that this master’s mercy did not change his heart?

Hands

1. Why do you think it is often so hard to forgive people?

2. How would you respond to someone who said, “I can forgive the person who sinned against me, but I can’t forget what he did”?

3. How would you respond to someone who said, “I waited to forgive someone who sinned against me, but he never asked for forgiveness”?

4. If we truly forgive someone from the heart, how will our actions change toward that person?

Jesus Prepares to Go to Jerusalem

Luke 9:51-62

Main Thought

Jesus demands wholehearted commitment from his followers.

Head

1. Where was Jesus going to be “taken up”?

2. What does it mean that Jesus “set his face to go to Jerusalem”?

3. Why didn’t the Samaritans receive Jesus?

4. What did Jesus mean when he said, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head”?

5. When Jesus told someone to follow him, why didn’t he want that person to bury his father?

6. When another person said he would follow Jesus, why didn’t Jesus want him to say farewell to those at his home?

7. How is it possible for the dead to bury their own dead?

8. What are you doing if you put your hand to the plow and then look back? Why is a person not fit for the kingdom of God if he does that?

Heart

1. Why do you think Jesus rebuked James and John for suggesting that he destroy the Samaritan village with fire from heaven?

2. What do you think is harder about following Jesus, doing everything he requires of you, or giving up connections with your old life that he demands you leave? What makes it so hard?

Hands

1. How difficult is it to follow Jesus wherever he will go? Why do you think it is so difficult?

2. If Jesus is now in heaven, how can we follow him here on earth?

3. If Paul were asked how we can follow Jesus today, what answer do you think he would give? (for one possible answer see Phil. 3:13-14)

Jesus at the Feast of Booths

John 7:1-24

Main Thought

Jesus acts and teaches from the authority of God the Father.

Head

1. Why couldn’t Jesus travel openly in Judea?

2. Why did the Jews want to kill Jesus? (see 5:18)

3. Why did Jesus’ brothers want him to go to Judea?

4. What did Jesus mean when he told his brothers, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always here”?

5. Why didn’t the people at the feast speak openly about Jesus?

6. If Jesus originally went to the feast privately, why did he begin teaching in the temple in the middle of the feast?

7. Where did Jesus get his authority to teach? According to verse 17, how would people know that Jesus’ teaching was from God?

8. How can you tell if someone speaks from his own authority instead of God’s?

9. Why did the crowd say that Jesus had a demon?

Heart

1. According to verse seven, why does the world hate Jesus?

2. Does the world hate Christians, too? Explain.

3. How was it possible for Jesus’ brothers to know Jesus for nearly thirty years and still not believe in him?

4. How can we be convinced that Jesus truly was who he said he was?

Hands

1. Did Jesus lie when he said, “I am not going up to this feast”? (v. 8)

2. Are there times and places in today’s world where it would be dangerous to mention Jesus? What should a Christian do in those circumstances?

Jesus Teaches in the Temple

John 7:25-52

Main Thought

The proclamations Jesus makes about himself creates a division among the people.

Head

1. What did the people of Jerusalem say when Jesus taught openly?

2. According to verse 27, why did the people of Jerusalem assume that Jesus wasn’t the Christ?

3. If, according to verse 28, Jesus didn’t come of his own accord, why did he come?

4. Who sent Jesus?

5. Why didn’t anyone lay a hand on Jesus?

6. What reason did some people give for believing in Jesus?

7. Why did the chief priests and Pharisees send officers to arrest Jesus?

8. According to verses 33-34, where was Jesus going?

9. What was the Dispersion?

10. What are the rivers of living water? What is their source?

11. To what was John referring in verse 39 when he said that the Spirit had not yet been given?

12. According to verses 40-43, why were the people divided over Jesus?

Heart

1. In order to believe in Jesus, do you need to see an external sign?

2. In verse 37, what kind of thirst was Jesus talking about?

3. Do you think some of the officers sent to arrest Jesus may have believed what Jesus said? Explain.

Hands

1. How did Nicodemus come to Jesus’ defense?

Jesus Is the Light of the World

John 8:12-38

Main Thought

Although Jesus is the light of the world, some people prefer the darkness.

Head

1. What does it mean to be the light of the world?

2. How is Jesus the light of the world?

3. Why did the Pharisees think that Jesus’ testimony would not be true if he was bearing witness about himself?

4. What often happens when people bear witness about themselves?

5. Why was Jesus’ testimony about himself different?

6. How is the judgment that Jesus makes different than the judgment of the Pharisees?

7. According to verse 18, who else bore witness about Jesus?

8. Why didn’t the Pharisees know Jesus’ Father?

9. Where was Jesus going that the Jews could not come?

10. Who were the “Jews who had believed in him” in verse 31? Did they have true faith in Jesus?

11. In verse 38, two fathers are mentioned. Describe them.

Heart

1. According to Jesus, why would the Jewish leaders die in their sins?

2. Is it possible to prove that Jesus is who he says he is? Explain.

3. How do you know that Jesus is who he says he is?

Hands

1. According to verse 12, what happens if you follow Jesus?

2. How does someone become a slave to sin?

3. How is a slave to sin set free?

The Devil for a Father

John 8:39-59

Main Thought

The Jews provide living proof that they are children of the devil.

Head

1. Why did Jesus argue with the Jews about whether or not Abraham was their father?

2. According to Jesus, who was the father of the Jewish leaders? Why?

3. Why would the Jews bring up the fact that they were not born out of immorality? What were they implying about Jesus? Explain.

4. Who sent Jesus?

5. How did Jesus describe the devil?

6. Why would the Jews think that Jesus was a Samaritan?

7. Why would the Jews think that Jesus had a demon?

8. What did Jesus mean when he said in verse 51, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death”?

9. Did Abraham and the prophets die?

10. What did Jesus mean when he said in verse 58, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am”?

Heart

1. According to Jesus in verse 43, why didn’t the Jews understand what Jesus had to say?

2. How closely our are hearts connected to our ability to understand Jesus?

Hands

1. What did the Jews say and do in this passage that proved they were children of the devil?

2. Although our good works do not save us, do they prove that we are children of God? Explain.

A Man Born Blind

John 9:1-41

Main Thought

As the light of the world, Jesus gives sight to the blind, but blinds those who see.

Head

1. What did the disciples think caused the man’s blindness?

2. Why did Jesus say the man was born blind?

3. How did Jesus display the works of God in the blind man?

4. Why do you think Jesus made mud to put on the man’s eyes?

5. Did it make a difference that Jesus healed the man on the Sabbath?

6. What answer did the parents of the blind man give the Pharisees?

7. What do you think the Pharisees meant in verse 24 when they told the man, “Give glory to God”?

8. When Jesus asked the man in verse 35, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” why do you think he responded by asking, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him”?

9. Did the Pharisees believe they were blind?

Heart

1. Why do you think God sometimes allows his children to suffer?

2. In verse 39 Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” Explain how these words worked themselves out in this story.

Hands

1. Did Jesus break the Sabbath when he healed the blind man? Explain.

2. What did the blind man say to the Pharisees that testified to Jesus’ miraculous working in his life?

3. How did the Pharisees respond to what the blind man told them about Jesus? Why did they respond that way?

Jesus Is the Good Shepherd

John 10:1-21

Main Thought

As the good shepherd, Jesus lays down his life for his sheep.

Head

1. What characteristics did Jesus highlight when he called himself the good shepherd? How are these characteristics different than his characteristics as the light of the world?

2. How can you tell the difference between a thief and a shepherd?

3. According to verse four, the shepherd brings out his own sheep, and his own sheep know his voice. If Jesus is the shepherd, what does this say about the sheep?

4. What is “the door of the sheep”? (v. 7)

5. What do the thieves and robbers come to do?

6. According to verse 10, why did Jesus come?

7. What is the difference between a hired hand and the good shepherd?

8. To whom do you think Jesus was referring when he spoke about the hired hands?

9. Who are the “other sheep that are not of this fold”? (v. 16)

10. Why were the Jews divided about Jesus?

Heart

1. Who are Christ’s sheep today? How do they hear his voice? How do they know it is his voice?

2. How does Christ give abundant life?

3. According to verse 18, what did Jesus do of his own accord? Why?

Hands

1. What can we do to make sure we are not drawn away by those who enter the sheepfold another way?

2. Describe what living an abundant life in Jesus is like.

Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two

Luke 10:1-16

Main Thought

Jesus sends out laborers into his harvest.

Head

1. Why do you think Jesus sent the 72 out in pairs of two?

2. Is the harvest that Jesus was talking about still going on today? Explain.

3. In what way was Jesus sending out his disciples as lambs in the midst of wolves?

4. What rules did Jesus give the disciples he sent out? Why do you think he gave them those rules?

5. What were the disciples to do when they entered a town and the people received them?

6. What were the disciples to do when they entered a town and the people did not receive them?

7. What did it mean if a disciple wiped the dust off his feet?

8. Compare Chorazin and Bethsaida with Tyre and Sidon.

9. Why do you think Jesus singled out Capernaum to be brought down to Hades?

10. Did the disciples carry Jesus’ authority with them when they went to the towns? Explain.

Heart

1. What do you think made the difference between a town receiving the disciples and a town not receiving them?

Hands

1. Who are the laborers in Christ’s harvest today?

2. How can we serve as laborers in Christ’s harvest?

3. Do different laborers have different tasks? Explain.

Jesus Rejoices

Luke 10:17-24

Main Thought

Jesus rejoices in the salvation of his disciples.

Head

1. Why were the 72 joyful when they returned?

2. Why were the demons subject to the disciples?

3. What did Jesus mean when he said in verse 18, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven”?

4. What did Jesus mean when he said in verse 19, “I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions”?

5. Instead of rejoicing that demons were subject to them, why should the disciples have rejoiced?

6. Why would Jesus rejoice that the Father has “hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children”?

7. What were the things that the Father hid?

8. How did Jesus follow the Father’s will?

9. According to verse 23, how were the disciples blessed?

Heart

1. How did Jesus bring joy to his disciples in this story?

2. How does Jesus bring joy to us today?

Hands

1. If we are doing the Lord’s will, should we be concerned about dangers that we might encounter? Explain.

2. Was it wrong for the disciples to rejoice that the demons were subject to them?

3. Why should the disciples be more joyful that their names are written in heaven?

4. What should we be most joyful about?

The Good Samaritan

Luke 10:25-37

Main Thought

Obedience to the law means living according to the law in all of the circumstances in which God places you.

Head

1. How does the lawyer in today’s story fit with what Jesus said about the wise and understanding in verse 21?

2. When the lawyer asked Jesus what he could do to inherit eternal life, why did Jesus refer to the law?

3. How did the lawyer summarize the law? What made it a good summary?

4. How was the lawyer trying to justify himself when he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor”?

5. Why did Jesus say that the man in his story was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho?

6. What did the priest and the Levite do when they saw the man who had been robbed? What would they have risked if they had stopped to help?

7. List some of the thing the Samaritan did to minister to the man.

Heart

1. Why is it important that Jesus fulfilled the law for us?

2. Do you think the Samaritan in the story would have asked the same question the lawyer asked in verse 29? Explain.

Hands

1. Is it possible to obey the law well enough to inherit eternal life?

2. How did showing mercy prove that the Samaritan was a neighbor to the man who had been robbed?

3. How would the lawyer have defined obedience to the law?

4. How would the Samaritan have defined obedience to the law?

Mary and Martha

Luke 10:38-42

Main Thought

Mary chooses the good portion.

Head

1. How were Mary and Martha related?

2. What was the name of the village where they lived? (see John 11:1)

3. What was the name of their brother? (see John 11:2)

4. If you had to guess, how many people do you think entered Martha and Mary’s house with Jesus?

5. What did Mary do while she was sitting at the Lord’s feet?

6. Why didn’t Martha like what Mary was doing?

7. What was the “good portion” that Mary chose?

8. What do you think Jesus meant when he said the the good portion would not be taken away from Mary?

Heart

1. Explain what made Martha distracted. (v. 40)

2. Explain what made Martha anxious and troubled. (v. 41)

3. Read Psalm 73:25-28. Who do you think would have been most delighted by these verses, Martha or Mary? Explain.

Hands

1. Should Mary have helped Martha?

2. What do you think would have happened if Martha had stopped serving and had sat down with Mary at Jesus’ feet?

3. Between Mary and Martha, which one proved to be the best disciple of Jesus? Why?

4. Do you think every Christian should be more like Mary, or do we need people like Mary and people like Martha in Christ’s kingdom?

The Lord’s Prayer

Luke 11:1-13
Related passage: Matthew 6:5-15

Main Thought

Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray.

Head

1. What had John done for his disciples? Why do you think he did this?

2. How is the Lord’s Prayer in Luke 11 different than the one you were taught?

3. Compare the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 with this version in Luke 11. How are they alike? How are they different?

4. What does “hallowed” mean? Why should we pray that the Father’s name be hallowed?

5. How will God’s kingdom come?

6. Why do you think Jesus connected his forgiveness of our sins with our forgiveness of others’ sins?

7. Why do we need to ask God not to lead us into temptation?

8. Why is the Holy Spirit mentioned in verse 13?

Heart

1. Compare God with the friend that Jesus described in verses 5-8.

2. Compare God with the father that Jesus described  in verses 11-13.

3. What good gifts does the Father give his children?

Hands

1. What are we looking for when we ask, seek, and knock before the Lord?

2. How does receiving the Holy Spirit from the Father help us to live lives that glorify him?

3. Compare the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples with other prayers you hear today. How are the prayers alike? How are they different?

Unclean Spirits

Luke 11:14-26

Main Thought

Jesus didn’t come to do the will of Beelzebul, but to bring freedom from him and his unclean spirits.

Head

1. Why was the man unable to speak?

2. How did some people explain why Jesus could cast out demons?

3. Who else besides Jesus cast out demons?

4. What did others want to do to discredit Jesus?

5. To what kingdom was Jesus referring in verse 17?

6. How would the people know that the kingdom of God had come upon them?

7. What do verses 21-22 have to do with Jesus casting out demons?

8. According to verse 23, is it possible to be neutral toward Jesus?

9. What does it mean to scatter instead of gathering? (v. 23)

10. What did Jesus say would happen to a person who had an unclean spirit but didn’t replace it with anything after the unclean spirit was cast out?

Heart

1. Compare the two ways that people tried to discredit Jesus in verses 15-16. How are they alike? How are they different? Do people try to use similar tactics today?

2. What do you think comes first, an unwillingness to believe Jesus, or an inability to understand him? Explain.

Hands

1. Why is it important to stay focused on “whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable,” and on “any excellence” or “anything worthy of praise”? (Phil. 4:8)

Hearing and Keeping the Word of God

Luke 11:27-36

Main Thought

Jesus tells the crowds how to find true blessedness.

Head

1. How did Jesus describe those who are truly blessed? Why does that make them truly blessed?

2. How was Jesus’ generation an evil generation?

3. What was the sign of Jonah? How was the sign of Jonah related to Jesus Christ?

4. Who was the Queen of the South? Why would she rise up in judgment against the men of Jesus’ generation?

5. Why would the men of Nineveh rise up in judgment against the men of Jesus’ generation?

6. How does a lamp help us after it is lit?

7. How is your eye the lamp of your body?

8. Is it possible to be filled with light and still have some dark parts lurking in you, too?

Heart

1. Why did Jesus refuse to give his generation a sign, except the sign of Jonah?

2. How is Jesus greater than Solomon?

3. How is Jesus greater than Jonah?

4. How does Christ fill us with light? Why does he do it?

Hands

1. How is our blessedness connected to hearing and keeping the word of God?

2. Instead of seeking a sign (v. 29), what should we be doing (v. 35)?

3. How do you know if the light of Jesus Christ is shining in you?

Pharisees

Luke 11:37-54

Main Thought

Jesus warned those who honored God with outward acts but were evil on the inside.

Head

1. Why was the Pharisee astonished that Jesus didn’t first wash before dinner?

2. Why did Pharisees wash before eating? (see Mark 7:3-4)

3. What did Jesus say was wrong with what the Pharisees were doing?

4. According to verse 41, what would make it possible for everything to be clean for the Pharisees?

5. How were Pharisees like unmarked graves?

6. How did Jesus also insult lawyers when he talked about the Pharisees? (see vv. 45-48)

7. Although the lawyers didn’t kill the prophets of old, what did they do that connected them to those killings?

8. Why would the blood of all the prophets killed be required of Jesus’ generation?

9. What was the key of knowledge that the lawyers took away?

10. Go back through today’s passage and list all the times that Jesus said, “Woe to....” What warning did Jesus give with each of these woes?

Heart

1. What difference did Jesus see between what the Pharisees did on the outside, and what was going on in their hearts?

Hands

1. How is it possible to tithe and still not honor God?

2. According to verses 53-54, how did the Pharisees respond to Jesus’ warnings to them?

Jesus Teaches a Large Crowd

Luke 12:1-21

Main Thought

Jesus teaches what it means to be truly committed to him.

Head

1. What is leaven? How were the Pharisees like leaven?

2. How do you make sense of verse five, which tells you to fear God, and verse seven, which tells you to fear not?

3. What happens to those who acknowledge and those who deny Jesus Christ before men?

4. What is the difference between speaking a word against the Son of Man and blaspheming against the Holy Spirit?

5. Why do you think the man in the crowd asked Jesus to tell his brother to divide his inheritance with him? How did Jesus respond to him?

6. What is an arbitrator?

7. What did Jesus mean when he said in verse 15, “[O]ne’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions”?

8. Explain the parable of the rich fool.

Heart

1. According to verse two, can we hide anything from God? Why do you think we sometimes try to hide things from God?

2. Why is God to be feared more than people who can kill the body?

3. How does God show his providential care in creation and in our lives?

4. How will Jesus help you if you are brought before civil authorities for your faith?

Hands

1. Why is it sometimes difficult to acknowledge Jesus before others?

2. What does it mean to be rich toward God?

3. How can you be rich toward God?

Do Not Be Anxious

Luke 12:22-34
Related passage: Matthew 6:25-34

Main Thought

Jesus teaches us that there is more to life than what the world can provide.

Head

1. Why shouldn’t we be anxious about what we eat or what we wear?

2. How did Jesus use ravens to make a point?

3. How are lilies arrayed better than Solomon in all his glory?

4. If we seek first his kingdom what other things will be added to us?

5. What are the “moneybags that do not grow old’?

Heart

1. Does worrying about something ever change anything? Why do you think we worry? (see vv. 25-26)

2. Explain what Jesus meant when he said in verse 32, “[I]t is our Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

3. How is the world preoccupied with material possessions? How should Christians be different?

4. Explain what Jesus meant when he said in verse 34, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Hands

1. What do you think Jesus meant when he told us not to seek what we are to eat and what we are to drink? Are we not supposed to work for a living and support ourselves?

2. How are we to go about seeking Christ’s kingdom?

3. Is it wrong for a Christian to have possessions?

4. When Jesus said in verse 33, “Sell your possessions, and give to the needy,” do you think he wanted us to sell all of our possessions? Explain.

Be Ready

Luke 12:35-48

Main Thought

Jesus exhorts all Christians to be ready for his return.

Head

1. What does it mean to “stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning”?

2. How should Christians be like servants waiting for their master to come home from a wedding feast?

3. Who was meant to hear Jesus’ parable?

4. Describe a faithful and wise manager. How should Christians be faithful and wise managers?

5. Why might a master’s delay cause a servant to act differently?

6. Describe the servant in verse 45 who isn’t faithful. What will the master do to that servant when he returns?

7. Describe the servant in verse 47 who doesn’t get ready for his master. What will the master do to that servant when he returns?

8. Describe the servant in verse 48 who didn’t know his master’s will but did what deserved a beating. What will the master do to that servant when he returns?

9. How are Christians sometimes like the three servants described in verse 45-48?

Heart

1. Describe the difference between a servant who remains faithful even if his master is delayed and a servant who is unfaithful. What in particular makes the difference between these two servants?

Hands

1. How can we be sure that we are awake when the master comes?

2. Do we know when Jesus will come again? How does this affect what we do each day?

The Meaning of Jesus' Coming

Luke 12:49-59

Main Thought

Jesus helps people understand why he came.

Head

1. What fire was Jesus talking about in verse 49?

2. What baptism was Jesus still anticipating?

3. What kind of division did Jesus come to bring?

4. Why would the division even appear within families?

5. What lesson did Jesus teach by referring to a cloud rising in the west and a south wind blowing?

6. Describe a hypocrite.

7. What lesson did Jesus teach by referring to an accuser bringing someone before a magistrate?

8. What does this have to say about our need to be reconciled to God before the Day of Judgment?

Heart

1. Why do you think Jesus wanted the fire to be already kindled?

2. Do you look forward to the day when Jesus will come in judgment, or does that day frighten you? Explain.

3. Why were the people of Jesus’ day unable to discern what God was doing in their midst by sending Jesus?

4. Why did Jesus call the people in the crowd hypocrites?

5. In what way were the people hypocrites?

Hands

1. What can we do to help discern what God is doing in our midst?

2. How can we prepare for the day when Jesus comes again?

3. How can people be reconciled to God?

Repent and Bear Fruit

Luke 13:1-9

Main Thought

Jesus calls all people to repent.

Head

1. What had Herod done to the Galileans (v. 1), and why was it considered such a heinous act? (Note: You may need to consult a Bible dictionary or encyclopedia.)

2. Did what happened to the Galileans show that they were worse sinners than other? What did Jesus have to say about that idea?

3. How are the two tragic incidents in verses one through five related? How are they alike? In what ways are they different?

4. What will the final judgment be like for people who do not repent?

5. What lesson was Jesus trying to teach when he told the parable of the barren fig tree?

Heart

1. If something bad happens to some people, does it mean that God doesn’t like them? Does it mean that they have offended God in some way?

2. Who deserves grace and mercy from God?

3. Who receives grace and mercy from God?

4. Who makes it possible for people to repent?

5. Should people repent because they don’t want to perish? Are there other, better reasons for repenting?

6. Why would God not punish sin immediately?

Hands

1. What is involved in true repentance?

2. If someone truly repents, will they bear fruit in keeping with their repentance? Is it possible for them not to bear fruit? Explain.

A Woman Is Healed on the Sabbath

Luke 13:10-21

Main Thought

Jesus defines the rules for his kingdom.

Head

1. What is a “disabling spirit”?

2. What physical problems did this woman have because of her disabling spirit?

3. How long did it take Jesus to free the woman from her disability?

4. What does “indignant” mean? Why was the ruler of the synagogue indignant?

5. How did Jesus answer the ruler of the synagogue?

6. How is the kingdom of God like a mustard seed?

7. How is the kingdom of God like leaven?

Heart

1. Why do you think the ruler of the synagogue became so indignant? Did he want to keep the Sabbath holy? Did he not want to see the woman healed? Did he just not like what Jesus was saying and doing? Explain.

2. Why do you think Christ’s kingdom comes slowly, like a mustard seed or leaven? Do you like to see it grow slowly, or would you rather have it come all at once? Explain.

3. What benefits might there be to Christ’s kingdom coming slowly?

Hands

1. How did Jesus observe the Sabbath day in this story? Do you think he still considered it a special day, set apart from the other days of the week?

2. How should we observe the Sabbath day?

3. Are there any things we can do to help promote the kingdom? Explain.

The Narrow Door

Luke 13:22-35

Main Thought

Jesus explains why not everyone will enter the kingdom of heaven.

Head

1. When Jesus talked about a narrow door, to what was he referring?

2. Once the door is shut, will it ever be opened again? What will happen to those who knock at the door after it has been shut?

3. What was Jesus trying to teach about heaven when he said that the master of the house will tell those standing outside, “I do not know where you come from”?

4. Why will there be weeping and gnashing of teeth? Where will this take place?

5. Explain what Jesus meant when he said in verse 30, “[S]ome are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

6. According to verse 31, were the Pharisees trying to protect Jesus? Why did Jesus call Herod a fox?

7. What did Jesus mean when he said in verse 32, “...and the third day I finish my course”?

Heart

1. Why won’t many be able to enter through the narrow door? Is there any other way to enter?

2. Show from the story how much Jesus loved the people of Jerusalem.

Hands

1. According to verse 26, why did people think the master of the house should let them in? Why wouldn’t the master of the house accept these reasons?

2. What reasons might people today have for thinking that Jesus should let them enter heaven?

3. What is the only way that Jesus will allow people to enter heaven?

Jesus at the Feast of Dedication

John 10:22-42

Main Thought

Jesus knows those who are his.

Head

1. What was the Feast of Dedication?

2. Where was the colonnade of Solomon in the layout of the temple?

3. What did Jesus do that proved he was the Christ?

4. How is Jesus like a shepherd?

5. How are Christians like sheep?

6. Why is it impossible for anyone to snatch Jesus’ sheep out of his hand?

7. What did Jesus mean when he said in verse 30, “I and the Father are one”?

8. What reason did the Jews give for wanting to stone Jesus? Was it a good or bad reason? Explain.

9. How did Jesus defend himself against the Jews who wanted to stone him?

10. At the end of the story, where did Jesus go? Why do you think he went there?

Heart

1. What was the problem with the Jews asking Jesus to tell them plainly if he was the Christ?

2. Why couldn’t the Jews see that Jesus was the Christ?

3. What does Jesus do for his sheep?

Hands

1. In verse 28 Jesus said that his sheep follow him. Why do sheep follow a shepherd? Why do Christians follow Jesus?

2. Why do you think many people came to Jesus by the Jordan? (v. 41)

Jesus Dines at a Pharisee's House

Luke 14:1-11

Main Thought

The Pharisees learn the wisdom of being humble at the feet of Jesus.

Head

1. Why were the Pharisees watching Jesus carefully?

2. What is dropsy?

3. Why do you think the Pharisees remained silent when Jesus asked them if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath?

4. How did Jesus explain his reason for healing the man on the Sabbath?

5. According to verse seven, what did the people who were invited to the Pharisee’s house do that prompted Jesus to tell a parable?

6. Explain the parable of the wedding feast.

Heart

1. What does the parable of the wedding feast have to do with Jesus’ gospel ministry?

2. Knowing what you know about the Pharisees, do you think the Pharisee who invited Jesus to his house reacted positively or negatively to Jesus’ parable of the wedding feast?

3. What does humility have to do with the heart?

Hands

1. Is there one, best way to observe the Sabbath? Explain.

2. How do you observe the Sabbath?

3. How do you react to people who observe the Sabbath differently?

4. If you take a place of lower honor in the hopes that you will be invited to take a place of higher honor, are you really being humble? Explain.

5. Do you think it is always the case that “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted”? Are there any exceptions? Explain.

The Parable of the Great Banquet

Luke 14:12-24

Main Thought

God esteems the poor, lowly, and humble.

Head

1. Why shouldn’t the Pharisee who had invited Jesus to dinner invite his relatives or rich neighbors when he gives a dinner or banquet?

2. What kinds of people should the Pharisee have invited? Why?

3. In Jesus’ parable, what did the great banquet represent?

4. Do you think Jesus was referring to specific people when he described those who declined the invitation to the banquet? Explain.

5. Whom did the master of the house end up inviting to the banquet?

6. How is the parable of the great banquet like the parable of the wedding feast in verses 7-11? How are the two parables different?

Heart

1. Do you think God esteems the poor, lowly, and humble more than the world does? If so, why? Explain.

2. Is it possible to enjoy the things of this world and also love the kingdom of God? Explain.

Hands

1. If you know someone can’t repay you, should you help them anyway? Explain.

2. Do you get a greater reward if you help people who can’t repay you? Explain.

3. Do Christians have a duty to care for the poor and the infirm?

4. What were the people doing that made them decline the banquet invitation?

5. If the banquet represents the kingdom of God, what do these activities represent? In other words, what might distract people from participating in the kingdom of God?

The Cost of Discipleship

Luke 14:25-35

Main Thought

Christ exhorts us to count the cost of becoming one of his disciples.

Head

1. Why did great crowds follow Jesus?

2. Do you think the people in crowds all followed Jesus for the right reasons? Explain.

3. Do you really have to hate your family members, and even yourself in order to be a disciple of Jesus? What did Jesus mean when he said this?

4. What does it mean to bear our own cross?

5. What does the parable of the tower teach us about becoming a disciple of Christ?

6. What does the parable of the king going to war teach us about becoming a disciple of Christ?

7. What did Christ mean when he said we have to renounce all we have in order to be his disciples?

8. What does the parable of the salt teach us about being a disciple?

9. What did Jesus mean when he said in verse 35, “He who has ears to hear let him hear?”

Heart

1. Who should be a higher priority to us than our families? Why?

2. When you consider what Jesus says about discipleship in this passage, does becoming a disciple of Christ appeal to you? Explain.

Hands

1. What does it cost to be a disciple of Christ?

2. In what ways are Christians called to bear their own crosses today?

3. How can Christians be like salt in the world?

The Parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin

Luke 15:1-10

Main Thought

Heaven rejoices when sinners repent.

Head

1. Why were the tax collectors and sinners mentioned together in verse one? Were they similar? Explain.

2. Why were the Pharisees and scribes mentioned together? Were they similar? Explain.

3. How were the tax collectors and sinners different from the Pharisees and scribes? How were they the same?

4. Would it have been possible for Jesus not to receive sinners and eat with them? (v. 2)

5. In the parable of the lost sheep, who were compared to the ninety-nine sheep, and who were compared to the one lost sheep?

6. Describe the attitude of the shepherd when he lost one sheep.

7. Describe the attitude of the shepherd when he found the sheep.

8. Compare the attitude of the woman who found her coin with the attitude of the angels of God when one sinner repents.

Heart

1. Why do you think Jesus rejoices so much about finding one sheep that was lost?

2. Who else in heaven rejoices when a lost sinner is found?

3. What was the attitude of the Pharisees and scribes toward sinners?

4. Why do you think the Pharisees and scribes had this attitude?

Hands

1. When you see someone doing something wrong, are you more inclined to try to get them in trouble or help them repent of their sin? Explain.

The Parable of the Two Sons

Luke 15:11-32

Main Thought

God loves all of his children.

Head

1. Why does verse 11 mention two sons? What do you think would be a better name for this parable: “The Parable of the Prodigal Son,” or “The Parable of the Two Sons”? Explain.

2. What did the younger son do with his inheritance? What was the result?

3. Why do you think Jesus added the detail about the pigs? What was so degrading about longing for what the pigs had?

4. What finally convinced the younger son to go back to his father?

5. How did the younger son plan to describe himself to his father when he returned to him? Did he ever get the chance to do so?

6. What did the father do when he saw his younger son in the distance? Why?

7. How did the older son learn that the younger son had returned? What was his reaction?

Heart

1. How is the father’s relationship to the younger son like our relationship to God the Father?

2. How is the father’s relationship to the older son like our relationship to God the Father?

3. In your opinion, at the end of the story, who loved the father more: the younger son or the older son? What does this teach us about our relationship to God?

Hands

1. What do you think about the older son’s argument that he never disobeyed his father, but was never treated as well as the younger son? Why should the older son have been obedient?

The Parable of the Dishonest Manager

Luke 16:1-13

Main Thought

Jesus makes a comparison between serving money and serving God.

Head

1. Why did the rich man fire his manager?

2. Before he was removed from management, what did the manager do? Why?

3. Why did the master commend the manager for what he did?

4. What did Jesus mean in verse eight when he said, “For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light”?

5. What did Jesus mean in verse nine when he said, “[M[ake friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings”?

6. Will unrighteous wealth always fail?

7. What is the difference between unrighteous wealth and true riches?

8. Compare the two masters mentioned in verse 13. How is God our master? How can money become a master in our lives?

Heart

1. Explain why no one can serve two masters.

2. If you serve money, what does that say about your relationship to God?

3. If you serve God, what does that say about how you handle money?

Hands

1. What lesson can we learn about true riches by observing how worldly people handle unrighteous wealth?

2. Why is it important to be faithful with the worldly resources that God gives us?

Those Who Justify Themselves

Luke 16:14-31

Main Thought

Jesus contrasts the world’s priorities with God’s.

Head

1. Why didn’t the Pharisees like what Jesus said about money?

2. What is exalted among men that might be an abomination in the sight of God? Give some examples.

3. What did Jesus mean when he said that the Law and the Prophets were until John? What has taken place since then?

4. What did Jesus mean in verse 16 when he said, “Everyone forces his way into it”?

5. Will any part of the law become void? Explain.

6. What did Jesus think about divorce?

7. Describe the situations of the rich man and Lazarus before they both died.

8. Describe the situations of the rich man and Lazarus after they both died. How had their situations changed?

9. What is the great chasm mentioned in verse 26?

10. What did the rich man want to do for his brothers? Why did Abraham refuse?

Heart

1. Describe the difference between how men justify themselves and how God justifies people.

2. Can rich people be saved? Explain.

Hands

1. If you find yourself trying to justify yourself before men, what should you do?

2. Is it ever acceptable for Christians to divorce? Explain.

Jesus Teaches His Disciples

Luke 17:1-10

Main Thought

Jesus explains a Christian’s duty before God.

Head

1. Why is it worse for the one who brings temptation than for the one who is tempted?

2. What is a millstone?

3. Who are “these little ones” that Jesus mentioned in verse two?

4. When the disciples asked the Lord to increase their faith, why didn’t he just say yes?

5. What answer did Jesus give his disciples in verse six?

6. From his answer in verse six, do you think Jesus was more concerned about the amount of faith, or its presence?

7. What can even the tiniest amount of faith do?

8. Describe how Jesus compared Christians with unworthy servants.

Heart

1. If temptations to sin are sure to come, how can we prepare our hearts to meet those temptations before they arrive?

2. Why would Christians who have done their duty still call themselves unworthy servants?

Hands

1. Why is it so important to rebuke a brother who sins?

2. What should your purpose be for bringing the rebuke?

3. What should you do if your brother repents? Why?

4. How often should you forgive your brother?

5. What is our duty before God?

6. Can any Christian completely fulfill his duty?

The Death of Lazarus

John 11:1-27

Main Thought

Jesus is glorified through the sickness and death of Lazarus.

Head

1. Where was Bethany located?

2. What is the first thing that Mary and Martha did when Lazarus became ill?

3. Why did Jesus stay two days longer where he was at?

4. Why was it so dangerous for Jesus to go to Bethany?

5. How are verses nine and ten an answer to the disciples’ question in verse eight?

6. What did Jesus mean when he said that Lazarus had fallen asleep?

7. Why did the disciples think Jesus meant that Lazarus would recover?

8. How long had Lazarus been in the tomb when Jesus arrived?

9. Why do you think Mary remained seated in the house after Jesus arrived?

10. How is Jesus the resurrection and the life?

Heart

1. How did Thomas show a lack of understanding and trust in what Jesus was doing?

2. Describe Martha’s faith. Did she show a good understanding of her faith? Did she show strengths and weaknesses in what she believed?

Hands

1. How can you live to the glory of God even while you are still growing in your faith?

2. If a Christian fears death, does that mean he lacks faith? Explain.

3. If Christians are promised eternal life, why do we still have to go through suffering and death?

Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead

John 11:28-44

Main Thought

Martha believes and sees the glory of God.

Head

1. What did Mary call Jesus in verse 28? Why?

2. Why did Mary leave the house so quickly?

3. What did the Jews think Mary was going to do?

4. How is Martha’s conversation with Jesus in verses 21-27 different from Mary’s in verse 32?

5. Why did Jesus weep?

6. Why did the Jews think Jesus wept?

7. Why didn’t Martha want the stone removed from the tomb?

8. Why do you think Jesus prayed to God the Father before calling Lazarus to come out?

9. Why do you think the story stops as soon as Lazarus comes out of the tomb? Why aren’t the reactions of Mary, Martha, and even Lazarus recorded?

Heart

1. If, according to verse four, the illness and death of Lazarus was meant to glorify God and the Son of God, why does verse 33 describe Jesus as “greatly troubled”?

2. Do you think Jesus orchestrates events in our lives that are ultimately for our good and his glory, but still cause him to be greatly troubled? Explain.

Hands

1. How does your belief in God affect how you respond when bad things happen in your life?

2. How does your belief in God affect how you respond when good things happen in your life?

The Jewish Leaders Plot to Kill Jesus

John 11:45-57

Main Thought

The chief priests and Pharisees put their unbelief into action.

Head

1. What miracle had Jesus recently performed? Compare the response of some Jews in verse 45 to the response of other Jews in verse 46.

2. What did the chief priest and Pharisees worry would happen if everyone believed in Jesus?

3. What advice did Caiaphas give to the Council?

4. What do you think Caiaphas meant when he gave his advice?

5. In what way was the advice of Caiaphas prophetic?

6. Do you think Caiaphas knew how prophetic his advice was?

7. Who are the “children of God who are scattered abroad”?

8. Why could Jesus no longer walk openly among the Jews?

9. What feast day was coming soon? Why did the Jews expect to see Jesus in Jerusalem around that time?

Heart

1. If the Jewish leaders had really believed in Jesus do you think they would have been afraid of what the Romans would do when Jesus became more popular?

2. Why did people need to purify themselves before Passover? Do we still need to purify ourselves today? Why or why not?

Hands

1. What did the Jewish leaders do in this story that showed they were more concerned about offending Rome than offending God?

2. If the Romans alone had authority to put people to death, why do you think verse 53 says that the Jewish leaders made plans to put Jesus to death? How would they be able to do that?

Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers

Luke 17:11-19

Main Thought

Jesus removes the leprosy from ten men, but tells only one that his faith has made him well.

Head

1. Why was Jesus headed to Jerusalem?

2. Was it dangerous for Jesus to head there? Explain.

3. How does leprosy affect the body?

4. Why did the lepers stand at a distance from Jesus?

5. Why did the lepers have to show themselves to the priests? (see Lev. 13)

6. When exactly were the lepers cleansed?

7. How many of the lepers turned back to praise God?

8. What nationality was the leper who turned back? Why did Jesus call him a foreigner?

Heart

1. Why do you think Jesus cleansed the lepers only after they left to go show themselves to the priests?

2. What do you think was different about the Samaritan that prompted only him to turn back and give thanks to Jesus?

3. When Jesus told the Samaritan that his faith made him well, do you think he meant spiritual as well as physical healing? Explain.

4. Do you think the other nine were made well in the same way as the one who turned back?

Hands

1. If you know in your heart that Jesus has saved you, is it possible to avoid giving him thanks for it?

2. How should our lives reflect the thanks we owe to Jesus?

The Coming of the Kingdom

Luke 17:20-37

Main Thought

Christ helps the disciples anticipate the coming of his kingdom.

Head

1. What did Jesus mean when he said in verse 21, “the kingdom of God is in the midst of you”?

2. What were the days Jesus mentioned in verse 22?

3. Who will say, “Look, there” or “Look, here”?

4. When will Jesus be like lightning that lights up the sky?

5. How were the days of Noah like the days of the Son of Man?

6. How were the days of Lot like the days of the Son of Man?

7. What does it mean that “Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it”?

8. What did Jesus mean when he said, “Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather”?

Heart

1. Do you think the disciples fully understood what Jesus said about the coming of the kingdom?

2. Do you think the disciples longed for the coming of the kingdom?

3. Do you think Christians today fully understand what Jesus said about the coming of the kingdom? Explain.

4. Do you long for the coming of the kingdom? Why or why not?

Hands

1. After Jesus ascended into heaven, what did the disciples do as they waited for the kingdom to be fully realized?

2. What can we do in this life as we wait for Christ’s kingdom to be fully realized? Should worship be part of what we do? What about evangelism? What about how we approach our daily work?

The Parable of the Unjust Judge

Luke 18:1-8

Main Thought

Jesus encourages us not to lose heart at the apparent delay of his coming.

Head

1. What does this parable have to do with the coming of the kingdom that Jesus talked about in 17:20-37? In other words, what does the coming of the kingdom have to do with justice?

2. What does it mean that the judge neither feared God nor respected man?

3. Why would the judge initially refuse to give the widow justice?

4. What finally prompted the judge to give the widow justice?

5. How do the actions of the judge compare to God’s actions?

6. How do the actions of the widow toward the judge compare with our prayers to God?

7. Why would the elect cry to God day and night?

8. How would you answer Jesus’ question in verse eight: “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth”?

Heart

1. Why might the disciples be tempted to lose heart regarding the coming of the kingdom?

2. Why might Christians be tempted to lose heart today?

3. What connection does prayer have with not losing heart?

Hands

1. In our crying to God, can we always expect an immediate answer from him? Can we expect a speedy answer? Explain.

2. How often should we pray?

3. What should we pray about?

4. Should we pray for Christ’s kingdom to come quickly?

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Luke 18:9-14

Main Thought

Those who trust in their own righteousness have not received the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

Head

1. According to verse nine, to whom did Jesus tell this parable?

2. Why would Jesus contrast a Pharisee with a tax collector? How were Pharisees different from tax collectors? How were they similar?

3. How might the tax collector in Jesus’ parable be different from other tax collectors?

4. What kinds of men did the Pharisee say he wasn’t like? What did the Pharisee say he did that made him different from other men?

5. How many times did the Pharisee say “God”? How many times did he say “I”? What does this tell you about the Pharisee?

6. Why wouldn’t the tax collector lift up his eyes to heaven?

7. What did the tax collector ask of God?

8. Why did the tax collector go home justified?

Heart

1. According to verse nine, the people who trusted in their own righteousness also treated others with contempt. Do you think those two characteristics often go together? Explain.

2. Why did the tax collector go home justified?

3. What does humility have to do with justification?

4. How was the righteousness of the tax collector different from the righteousness of the Pharisee?

Hands

1. Does fasting or giving tithes make you more righteous? Explain.

2. What is a worthwhile reason for fasting or giving tithes?

Jesus’ Teaching About Divorce

Mark 10:1-12
Related passage: Matthew 19:1-12

Main Thought

Jesus explains that marriage is a permanent union between husband and wife, and it has been so since creation.

Head

1. Why did the Pharisees try to test Jesus by asking him a question about divorce? What were they trying to expose about Jesus?

2. Did Moses allow divorce? Did he allow remarriage?

3. Did Jesus oppose Moses regarding divorce?

4. What did Jesus say about marriage that helps us understand his opposition to divorce?

5. What do you think Jesus meant when he said that God joins married people together? Should man separate what God has joined together? Can man separate it?

6. What is adultery?

7. If someone can still commit adultery after a divorce, what does that tell us about how God views that marriage?

Heart

1. What was hard about the Israelites’ hearts that made Moses allow for a certificate of divorce?

2. What was hard about the Pharisees’ hearts that made them want to test Jesus in this way?

3. Why do you think the disciples later asked Jesus to further explain what he said about divorce?

Hands

1. Is divorce an option for Christians? Explain. (see also Matt. 5:31-32; 19:3-9; 1 Cor. 7:10-15)

2. Is remarriage an option for Christians? Explain.

Jesus and the Little Children

Mark 10:13-16
Related passages: Matthew 19:13-15; Luke 18:15-17

Main Thought

Jesus teaches his disciples that everyone needs to receive the kingdom of God like a child.

Head

1. Who were bringing children to Jesus? Why do you think they wanted Jesus to touch the children? Why did the disciples rebuke them?

2. What does indignant meant? Why did Jesus become indignant?

3. How does the kingdom of God belong to such children?

4. Can children get into heaven just because they are children?

5. What did Jesus mean when he said in verse 15, “[W]hoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it”?

6. How does one receive the kingdom of God like a child?

7. What did Jesus do to the children when they finally were brought to him?

Heart

1. Why do you think Jesus reacted so strongly against what the disciples were doing?

2. Do you think the disciples understood what it meant to be a part of the kingdom of God? Did they still have more to learn? Explain.

3. How can adults receive the kingdom of God like a child?

4. Do you think Jesus loves children more, less, or about the same as adults? Explain.

Hands

1. What did Jesus do in this story that showed how much he loved the children that were brought to him?

2. What can Jesus’ attitude toward the children in this story teach us about our attitude toward others?

The Rich Young Man

Mark 10:17-31
Related passages: Matthew 19:16-30; Luke 18:18-30

Main Thought

Salvation is elusive for those who put their trust and delight in material possessions.

Head

1. What journey was Jesus setting out on?

2. In verse 17, what did the man call Jesus? Why did he call him good?

3. What question did the man ask of Jesus?

4. Why do you think Jesus highlighted the man’s use of the word “good”?

5. Could the man have inherited eternal life by following the commandments? Explain.

6. Did the man think he could inherit eternal life by following the commandments?

7. What additional thing did Jesus ask the man to do? Why was this so hard for the man?

8. In verse 24, why do you think Jesus addressed his disciples as children?

9. How would you answer the disciples’ question in verse 26, “Then who can be saved”? How did Jesus answer their question?

Heart

1. Why is it so hard for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of God?

2. Based on his comment to Jesus in verse 28, do you think Peter understood what Jesus was trying to say about salvation? Explain.

Hands

1. If you sold everything you had and gave it to the poor, would you inherit the kingdom of God? Explain.

The Laborers in the Vineyard

Matthew 20:1-16

Main Thought

God gives good gifts to his children according to his pleasure.

Head

1. How much did the master of the house agree to pay the workers hired early in the morning?

2. What time of day is the third hour? What times of day are the sixth hour, the ninth hour, and the eleventh hour?

3. When the master of the house hired the men at the third hour, did they agree on a wage? What did the master of the house tell them? Why?

4. How much did the laborers who were hired last receive?

5. When the laborers who were hired first saw what the others were paid, what did they think? Why?

6. Is Jesus teaching us that heaven is unjust? What is he teaching us about the kingdom of heaven?

7. What does God’s generosity have to do with what we receive in heaven?

Heart

1. If you could be one of the workers hired by the master of the house, would you want to be one who was hired in the early morning, or one who was hired later in the day? Explain.

2. If you could choose when to be saved and to start serving Christ, would you choose a time early in your life, or later in your life? Explain.

3. Would you be upset if you served the Lord all your life and Jesus treated you the same as someone who lived for himself all his life and was saved on his deathbed? Explain.

Hands

1. Should the thought of receiving a reward influence how we serve the Lord? Explain.

The Cup of Suffering

Matthew 20:17-28
Related passages: Mark 10:32-45; Luke 18:31-34

Main Thought

Jesus teaches his disciples about his suffering, but they still don’t understand.

Head

1. Why did Jesus take the twelve disciples aside?

2. According to Jesus, who would condemn Jesus to death? Who would mock and flog him? What would happen on the third day?

3. Who were the sons of Zebedee? (see Matt. 4:21)

4. What did the mother of the sons of Zebedee want? How did Jesus answer her?

5. Why couldn’t Jesus grant the mother’s request?

6. What cup was Jesus talking about in verse 23?

7. Why were the other ten disciples indignant with the sons of Zebedee?

8. What lesson did Jesus teach all the disciples in verses 25-28?

Heart

1. What do you think prompted the mother of the sons of Zebedee to make her request to Jesus? Explain.

2. Why do you think the sons of Zebedee wanted to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand?

3. Do you think the sons of Zebedee understood what Jesus was asking them when he asked if they could drink the cup he was going to drink?

4. According to verse 28, what did the Son of Man come to do? Why?

Hands

1. If the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, what should be our attitude toward serving others? Give some examples of how we can do this.

Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar

Luke 18:35-43
Related passages: Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52

Main Thought

Jesus confirms the faith of the beggar by healing his blindness.

Head

1. What city was Jesus traveling near?

2. Why was the beggar sitting by the side of the road?

3. What was the beggar’s name? (see Mark 10:46)

4. Why did the beggar think that something was happening?

5. Why would a crowd be following Jesus?

6. Where do you think the disciples were when the story took place?

7. Why did the beggar start crying out?

8. Why did others rebuke the beggar from crying out?

9. Why did the beggar call Jesus the “Son of David”?

10. What mercy was the beggar seeking from Jesus?

11. What did Jesus tell the beggar?

Heart

1. What was it about the beggar’s faith that made him well?

2. If you had to guess, how do you think the disciples would have reacted to the beggar when he started yelling?

Hands

1. Do you think it would have been easier for the beggar to ask Jesus for money or to ask Jesus to be healed? Why do you think he asked Jesus to be healed?

2. What did the beggar do after his sight was restored? Why?

3. What did the people in the crowd do after they saw what happened to the beggar? Why?

Zacchaeus

Luke 19: 1-10

Main Thought

Jesus brings salvation to Zacchaeus.

Head

1. Where did Zacchaeus live? What did he do for a living?

2. Why couldn’t Zacchaeus see Jesus? How did he solve his problem?

3. What did Jesus do when he came to the place where Zacchaeus was?

4. How did Zacchaeus respond to Jesus?

5. Who is the “they” in verse seven? Why did they call Zacchaeus a sinner?

6. How did salvation come to the house of Zacchaeus?

7. Why did Jesus call Zacchaeus a son of Abraham?

8. According to verse ten, what did the Son of Man come to do?

9. Compare the story of Zacchaeus with the story of the rich ruler in 18:18-30.

Heart

1. Why do you think Zacchaeus was so eager to see Jesus?

2. Do you think Zacchaeus felt bad for the way he treated some people in the past? What changed about Zacchaeus to make him feel differently about his treatment of others?

Hands

1. What did Zacchaeus say he was going to do with his wealth?

2. What did Zacchaeus say he would do for anyone he had previously defrauded?

3. If you had to guess, how would you think Zacchaeus’ life changed in the days, weeks, and months following his meeting with Jesus?

4. When Jesus saves people today, should we see a change in their lives? If so, what kind of change should we see?

The Parable of the Ten Minas

Luke 19:11-27

Main Thought

Jesus compares his kingdom to a master and his servants.

Head

1. Where was Jesus when he told this parable? Why did this make the people think that the kingdom of God would appear immediately?

2. How much did the first servant make with the mina that his master gave him?

3. How much did the second servant make?

4. How much did the third servant make? What explanation did the third servant give his master?

5. What did the master tell the third servant? What did the master do with the one mina from the third servant?

6. What did Jesus mean when he said in verse 26, “[T]o everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away”?

7. What did the master do with his enemies?

8. Compare this parable with the parable of the talents. (Matt. 25:14-30)

Heart

1. What does this parable teach us about the coming of God’s kingdom?

2. What does it teach us about God?

3. How do you think Christ would best be described when he comes again? Will he be severe? Awesome? Loving? Compassionate? Explain.

Hands

1. As we wait for the consummation of Christ’s kingdom, what should we be doing? Why?

2. Do you think it would still be tempting to hide the “mina” Christ gives you? Explain.

The Triumphal Entry

Luke 19:28-44
Related passages: Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10;
John 12:12-19

Main Thought

Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem in triumph, but he weeps knowing that the city ultimately will reject him and be completely destroyed.

Head

1. What did Jesus send two of his disciples to find?

2. Why did Jesus need to sit on a donkey when he entered Jerusalem? (see Zech. 9:9)

3. Why did people spread their cloaks on the road in front of Jesus?

4. What can we learn about Jesus based on the way the people praised him in verse 38?

5. What did Jesus say would happen if his disciples were silent?

6. What did Jesus prophesy about Jerusalem?

7. What did Jesus mean when he said that the people of Jerusalem did not know the time of their visitation?

Heart

1. Why do you think the owners of the donkey colt gave it up so easily?

2. Why did the Pharisees ask Jesus to rebuke his disciples? What does this tell you about the Pharisees’ hearts?

3. Why was it so important that Jesus be praised in this way at this time?

4. Why did Jesus weep when he saw Jerusalem?

Hands

1. Do you think the people of Jerusalem who praised Jesus really understood what they were doing?

2. What did the people of Jerusalem do that would ultimately lead to the destruction of Jerusalem?

A Woman Anoints Jesus at Bethany

Mark 14:1-11
Related passages: Matthew 26:1-13; John 12:1-8

Main Thought

Jesus is given a symbol that points both to his inestimable worth and his impending death.

Head

1. Compare the story in Mark 14:3-9 with the story in John 12:1-8. What similarities and differences do you see? Do you think these stories refer to the same event? If so, how can you reconcile the differences?

2. What is the difference between Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread?

3. Why were the Jewish leaders afraid to kill Jesus at this time?

4. Who was Simon the leper? Do you think he was still a leper when Jesus stayed at his house? Explain.

5. How expensive was the ointment? What could 300 denarii buy?

6. What was the cost of the perfume compared to the money that Judas would be given for betraying Jesus?

7. How does the ointment point to Jesus’ worth? How does it point to his death?

Heart

1. If you asked the woman who anointed Jesus to point to what was most valuable in the room, where would she point? Explain.

2. Would you consider the act of anointing Jesus to be an act of love? Explain.

Hands

1. If this story had not taken place just prior to Jesus’ crucifixion and death, do you think the people who wanted to sell the ointment would have had a point? Explain.

2. Do you think the anointing of Jesus prompted Judas to take action against him? Explain.

A Second Temple Cleansing and a Fig Tree

Mark 11:12-25
Related passages: Matthew 21:12-22; Luke 19:45-48

Main Thought

Jesus exercises his authority as the sovereign King.

Head

1. Why didn’t the fig tree have any figs?

2. Why do you think Jesus cursed the fig tree?

3. Why did money-changers and people who sold pigeons have tables set up in the temple? Why did Jesus drive them out?

4. How long did it take the fig tree to wither down to its roots?

5. What lesson did Jesus teach from the withered fig tree?

6. What does the story of the fig tree have to do with the temple?

7. Read verse 24 again. What do you think Jesus meant by that verse?

Heart

1. Why do you think the crowd was astonished at Jesus’ teaching? What was astonishing about it?

2. What did Peter call Jesus in verse 21? Why?

3. Why do you think Jesus mentioned the need to forgive others when approaching the Father in prayer?

4. What does your ability to forgive others say about your relationship with the Father?

Hands

1. What did the money-changers and the people who sold pigeons do that made the temple a den of robbers?

2. What actions of Jesus in this passage showed his authority?

3. What did Jesus claim to have authority over?

4. What authority did Jesus claim for his disciples?

Recognizing Jesus' Authority

Matthew 21:23-32
Related passages: Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8

Main Thought

The Jewish leaders are exposed as unbelievers.

Head

1. Where was Jesus teaching?

2. Did the Jewish leaders have a right to ask Jesus about his authority to teach?

3. How were the Jewish leaders trying to trap Jesus when they asked, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority”?

4. What possible answers could Jesus have given them?

5. How did John’s baptism help to confirm Jesus’ authority?

6. Why did the Jewish leaders decline to answer Jesus?

7. Why did Jesus decline to answer the Jewish leaders?

8. In Jesus’ parable, how did the first son respond to his father?

9. How did the second son respond?

10. What did Jesus mean when he said in verse 32, “For John came to you in the way of righteousness”?

11. According to Jesus, who responded John’s message?

Heart

1. How were the tax collectors and prostitutes like the first son?

2. How were the Jewish leaders like the second son?

3. How do you think the Jewish leaders might have responded to the parable of the two sons?

Hands

1. According to Jesus’ parable, which of the two sons did the father’s will? Why?

The Parable of the Tenants

Matthew 21:33-46
Related passages: Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-18

Main Thought

Jesus exposes the evil hearts of the Jewish leaders.

Head

1. What did the master of the house do for the vineyard to ensure that it was productive?

2. What did the tenants do to the first servants the master sent?

3. What did the tenants do to the other servants the master sent?

4. What did the tenants do to the master’s son? Why?

5. Would it have been possible for the tenants to receive the son’s inheritance by killing the son? Explain.

6. What did Jesus say the master of the vineyard would do to those tenants?

7. Who was the stone that the builders rejected? Who were the builders?

8. According to verse 44, who are the people who fall on the stone? Who are the people crushed by the stone?

Heart

1. How were the Jewish leaders like the tenants of the vineyard?

2. What was the response of the Jewish leaders when they perceived that Jesus was talking about them? What would have been a better response?

3. Jesus applied the parable of the tenants to the Jewish leaders of his day. Do you think this parable can also be applied to us today? Explain.

Hands

1. According to verse 43, why would the kingdom of God be taken from the Jewish leaders?

2. How important is it for Christians to bear good fruit? Why?

The Parable of the Wedding Banquet

Matthew 22:1-14

Main Thought

Many are called into the kingdom of heaven, but few are chosen.

Head

1. What is a parable? Why do you think Jesus spoke in parables?

2. What did the invited wedding guests do to the king’s servants who called on them to come to the feast? How did the king respond?

3. Where did the king find other guests for his feast?

4. Who attended the wedding feast when he wasn’t allowed? Why wasn’t he allowed? What did the attendants do to him?

5. In real life, who would fit the description of the king? The son? The invited guests? The guests invited later? The guest without the wedding garment?

6. What is the place of outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth?

7. What did Jesus mean when he said that many are called, but few are chosen?

Heart

1. Why would someone be unwilling to go to a wedding feast?

2. Why would someone be unwilling to enter the kingdom of heaven?

3. Why do you think the wedding guest without the wedding garment still tried to come to the feast?

4. Why was the wedding garment so important for attending the feast?

5. How would you describe the garment needed to enter the kingdom of heaven? How does one attain such a garment?

Hands

1. Did the second round of guests do anything to deserve their invitations? How does that compare with those who are invited into the kingdom of heaven? Explain.

The Jewish Leaders Question Jesus

Matthew 22:15-33
Related passages: Mark 12:13-27; Luke 20:19-40

Main Thought

The Jewish leaders try trap Jesus using their own logical arguments.

Head

1. According to verse 15, what did the Pharisees try to do to Jesus? Do you think they ever succeeded? Explain.

2. How did the Pharisees’ disciples and the Herodians try to flatter Jesus in verse 16? Why do you think they tried to flatter him?

3. How was the question about paying taxes to Caesar a trap?

4. How were the Pharisees’ disciples and Herodians hypocrites?

5. How did Jesus answer their question and still avoid their trap?

6. How were the Sadducees trying to trap Jesus when they asked him about marriage in the resurrection?

7. How did Jesus answer the Sadducees and still avoid their trap?

8. How did the Sadducees show that they did not understand Scriptures?

9. How did the Sadducees show that they did not understand the power of God?

Heart

1. What was ironic about the flattery of the Pharisees’ disciples and Herodians in verse 16?

2. Why do you think the arguments of the Pharisees and Sadducees didn’t work? Explain.

3. Describe how Jesus showed his wisdom in this passage.

Hands

1. Both the Pharisees and the Sadducees tried to trap Jesus using their own logical arguments. Do we sometimes try to make Jesus fit what we think he should be like according to our own logic? Explain.

The Great Commandment

Matthew 22:34-46
Related passages: Mark 12:28-37; Luke 20:41-44

Main Thought

Jesus answers the tests of the Pharisees and tests them himself with their knowledge of the Christ.

Head

1. Why did the Pharisees gather together when they heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees?

2. How was the question about the great commandment in the Law a test? In what way was it meant to trap Jesus?

3. What answer did Jesus give the lawyer?

4. Do you think the lawyer who asked Jesus the question about the great commandment expected the kind of answer Jesus gave?

5. What do you think Jesus was doing when he asked the Pharisees all those questions in verses 42-45?

6. How did Jesus’ questions help to explain who he was?

7. Why didn’t anyone dare to ask Jesus questions anymore?

Heart

1. Why are the great commandment and the second commandment both connected to love?

2. Who is the Christ? How do you know?

3. What has the Christ done that benefits you? What is the Christ still doing?

Hands

1. How will the observance of the great commandment and the second commandment affect our actions?

2. If the Pharisees had asked questions to learn from Jesus rather than to trap him, do you think they would have been afraid to ask him more questions?

A Lesson on Humility

Matthew 23:1-12
Related passages: Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47

Main Thought

Jesus teaches about true humility.

Head

1. What was “Moses’ seat”?

2. What heavy burdens did the Pharisees tie up and lay on people’s shoulders?

3. What did the Pharisees think about the burdens they made other people bear?

4. What is a phylactery?

5. Why did the Pharisees use phylacteries?(see Ex. 13:9; Deut. 11:18)

6. Why didn’t Jesus want the disciples to be called rabbi by others?

7. Why did Jesus at times allow himself to be called rabbi? (for example see Mark 9:5; 10:51; John 1:38; 3:2; 9:2)

Heart

1. How did the deeds of the Pharisees expose their hearts?

2. How would you describe the hearts of the Pharisees?

3. How do you know if someone is humble?

Hands

1. If the scribes and Pharisees opposed Jesus, why did Jesus tell the crowds and his disciples that they should still “practice and observe whatever they tell you”?

2. Why didn’t Jesus also tell the crowd and his disciples to practice and observe what the scribes and Pharisees did?

3. Why is it so important to practice what you preach?

4. Why would people who exalt themselves end up being humbled?

5. Should you humble yourself in order to be exalted? Explain.

The Widow’s Offering

Luke 20:45–21:4
Related passage: Mark 12:38-44

Main Thought

Jesus exposes the hearts of those who love him and those who don’t.

Head

1. Do you think Jesus realized he would offend the scribes by warning them “in the hearing of all the people”?

2. Do you think it might be significant that Jesus offended the scribes in this way toward the end of his ministry?

3. Why would scribes want to walk around in long robes?

4. How would scribes devour widows’ houses?

5. What does “pretense” mean? What does it mean to make long prayers for a pretense?

6. Why did Jesus call the scribes’ condemnation a “greater condemnation”?

7. What was different with the offering of the rich people compared to the offering of the widow?

8. In what way was the widow’s contribution a greater contribution than that of the rich?

Heart

1. Of all the people Jesus talked about in this passage, who do you think loved God the most? How do you know?

2. How was the attitude of the scribes to widows different than Jesus’ attitude toward the widow who gave the offering?

3. Does God need our money? Why do you think he accepts it?

Hands

1. Is it wrong to contribute out of your abundance?

2. Do you think we should all copy the widow and give to the Lord everything we have to live on? Explain.

Seven Woes

Matthew 23:13-39

Main Thought

Jesus warns against the legalism of the Jewish leaders.

Head

1. What was Jesus warning against in the first woe (vv. 13-14)? The second woe (v. 15)? The third woe (vv. 16-22)? The fourth woe (vv. 23-24)? The fifth woe (vv. 25-26)? The sixth woe (vv. 27-28)? The seventh woe (vv. 29-36)?

2. What is a proselyte?

3. What is a lament?

4. Why did Jesus lament over Jerusalem?

5. Why would all the righteous blood shed upon the earth from Abel to Zechariah the son of Barachiah come upon the Jews of Jesus’ generation?

6. When did Jesus say they would see him again?

Heart

1. Do you think Jesus was exaggerating when he referred to the scribes and Pharisees as children of hell?

2. Was Jesus exaggerating when he called the scribes and Pharisees a brood of vipers? Explain.

3. How is it possible to be scrupulous about the law on the outside, but to be full of lawlessness on the inside?

4. If Jesus had so many bad things to say about the scribes and Pharisees, why did he lament over Jerusalem as soon as he said all those bad things?

Hands

1. How did the scribes and Pharisees shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces?

2. What is more important than tithing? Why?

Persecution at the End of the Age

Matthew 24:1-14
Related passages: Mark 13:1-13; Luke 21:5-19

Main Thought

Jesus exhorts his disciples to stand firm at the end of the age, despite the persecution they will endure.

Head

1. How many buildings made up the temple? What did Jesus say would happen to them?

2. If Jesus was with the disciples at the time, why did they ask him, “What will be the sign of your coming”?

3. How would others attempt to lead the disciples astray?

4. What did Jesus mean when he talked about the beginning of the birth pains in verse eight?

5. Who will deliver Jesus’ disciples up to tribulation?

6. What is the gospel of the kingdom?

7. According to verse 14, when will the end come?

Heart

1. What might cause the disciples to become alarmed?

2. What might cause us to become alarmed? How can we avoid becoming alarmed?

3. Why will many of Christ’s disciples fall away? If they fall away, do you think they were ever true disciples?

Hands

1. How might people try to lead us astray?

2. What can we do to avoid being led astray?

3. What kind of suffering might followers of Christ have to endure?

4. According to verse 13, who will be saved? What or who will make it possible to endure to the end?

Other Signs of the End of the Age

Matthew 24:15-35
Related passages: Mark 13:14-31; Luke 21:20-33

Main Thought

Jesus explains in detail the signs of the end of the age and encourages his disciples to stand fast.

Head

1. What is the abomination of desolation?  (see Dan. 9:27; 11:31)

2. What examples did Jesus give to show his disciples that they would have to flee in haste?

3. Why do you think Jesus gave so many examples?

4. What do you think Jesus meant in verse 22 when he talked about those days being cut short?

5. What does the phrase mean, “Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather”?

6. Do you think the days Jesus is talking about in this passage have already happened or are still to come? Explain.

7. How does Jesus describe the coming of the Son of Man? (vv. 27-31)

8. Explain the lesson of the fig tree.

Heart

1. According to verse 22, why will God cut those days of great tribulation short?

2. Is it possible to lead astray the elect? Explain.

3. Why would people be looking for the Christ on those days?

4. Do you look forward to the day when Christ will come again?

Hands

1. What will the false prophets and false Christ do to lead people astray?

2. If you think you are being led astray, what should you do?

3. What can you do to prepare for times of persecution and tribulation?

Be Ready

Matthew 24:36-51
Related passages: Mark 13:32-36; Luke 21:34-38

Main Thought

Jesus Christ exhorts his disciples to be faithful servants always prepared and ready for the coming of the Son of Man.

Head

1. How can the Father know the day and the hour of Christ’s second coming, but the Son does not know it?

2. How is life before Jesus’ second coming like life before the flood?

3. What did Jesus mean when he said in verses 40-41 that one will be taken and the other left?

4. How is Jesus like a thief in the night?

Heart

1. Should the people of Noah’s day have been aware that a flood was coming? Why weren’t they?

2. Do you think Jesus could come at any moment?

3. Do you think others are aware that Jesus could come at any moment?

4. Does it seem like Jesus’ second coming is delayed? Explain.

5. Why might it be tempting for people to do things that Christ would disapprove of if they were certain he wasn’t coming any time soon?

6. How will Christ treat his servants who are caught unawares and doing things in disobedience to Christ?

Hands

1. Why is it so important that we be ready when the Son of Man comes?

2. What makes a blessed servant?

3. What makes a wicked servant?

4. How can we stay ready for the Son of Man?

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Matthew 25:1-13

Main Thought

Jesus illustrates the importance of always being ready for his return.

Head

1. Why would ten virgins take lamps to meet a bridegroom?

2. Why was it foolish not to take oil for the lamps?

3. What does it mean to trim a lamp?

4. Why couldn’t the wise virgins share their oil with the foolish virgins?

5. What happened when the foolish virgins went to buy more oil for their lamps?

6. Compare the five wise virgins with the five foolish virgins. How are they alike? How are they different?

7. What does the parable of the ten virgins teach us about the kingdom of heaven?

8. How does this parable illustrate what Jesus taught in Matthew 24?

Heart

1. What does the preparation of the wise virgins tell you about their relationship with and respect for the bridegroom?

2. What does the lack of preparation of the foolish virgins tell you about their relationship with and respect for the bridegroom?

3. Why wouldn’t the bridegroom open the door for the foolish virgins even if they were late?

4. Who do you think will be most surprised when Christ comes again?

5. Do you eagerly anticipate the day when Christ comes again?

Hands

1. If the bridegroom is Jesus Christ, what does this story teach us about how to prepare for Christ’s second coming?

2. When will it be too late to prepare for Christ’s second coming?

The Parable of the Talents

Matthew 25:14-30

Main Thought

The Lord shows the necessity of faithfulness in God’s kingdom.

Head

1. To what does “it” refer in verse 14?

2. According to verse 15, how did the master decided how many talents to give each servant?

3. What did the servant who was given five talents do with them? The servant with two talents? The servant with one talent?

4. How did the master reward the faithfulness of his servants?

5. Where is the place where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth?

6. Compare this parable with the Parable of the Ten Minas in Luke 19:11-27

Heart

1. If the master knew that the third servant wasn’t as capable as the first servant, why didn’t he give all the talents to the first servant from the start?

2. Was the second servant rewarded as much as the first servant? Explain.

3. How similar do you think heaven will be to this parable?

4. What was wicked and slothful about what the third servant did?

5. Do you think God reaps where he has not sown and gathers where he scattered no seed? Explain.

Hands

1. Why would the master give his servants talents? What did the third servant do that showed he he didn’t understand the master’s reasons?

2. Do you think God will take away everything from those who are unfaithful? Explain.

The Final Judgment

Matthew 25:31-46

Main Thought

Jesus promises to one day come again and separate the righteous from the unrighteous.

Head

1. According to verse 31, who will be with Jesus when he comes in his glory?

2. Who will Jesus place on his right hand? Who will he place on his left hand?

3. According to verse 34, for whom was the kingdom prepared, and when was it prepared for them?

4. According to verse 41, what has been prepared for the devil and his angels? Who also will experience it?

Heart

1. Do you look forward to the day when Jesus comes again?

2. Finish this sentence: “There are two types of people in the world, the _______ and the _______.”

3. Would you have finished the above sentence differently prior to today’s story? Explain.

Hands

1. How did the righteous show that they were part of the kingdom? How did the unrighteous show that they were not part of the kingdom?

2. Did the righteous realize that they were doing these things to Jesus Christ? Did the unrighteous realize that the things they didn’t do for others they didn’t do for Jesus Christ

3. Did the righteous become righteous by doing good things, or did they do good things because they were righteous? Explain.

4. Did the unrighteous become unrighteous by not doing good things, or did they not do good things because they were unrighteous?

Sir, We Wish To See Jesus

John 12:20-36a

Main Thought

Jesus explains what his death and resurrection will accomplish and exhorts the crowd to follow the light while they still have it.

Head

1. Why would Greeks go to worship at a Jewish feast? What did Jesus say when he was told some Greeks wanted to see him?

2. What needed to happen before Jesus was glorified?

3. How would Jesus’ impending death affect Greeks? (see v. 32)

4. Why was Jesus’ soul troubled?

5. What did the voice from heaven say? What did the crowd think about the voice from heaven?

6. Why did Jesus say in verse 31 that the judgment of the world was coming now? How would the ruler of this world be cast out?

7. How does Jesus draw all people to himself?

8. According to verse 34, how did the crowd misunderstand Jesus?

9. How do people become sons of the light?

Heart

1. Is it wrong to love your life? What did Jesus mean when he talked about life in verse 25?

2. What will the Father do to anyone who serves Jesus? Why?

3. Who is the light of the world? How do you know?

4. What did Jesus accomplish by his death and resurrection?

Hands

1. What did Jesus mean when he said in verse 26, “If anyone serves me, he must follow me....”? How does someone follow Jesus? Where was Jesus going?

2. How does a person walk in the light?

Unbelief and Belief

John 12:36b-50

Main Thought

Jesus explains the difference between those who believe and those who remain blinded and hardened in their unbelief.

Head

1. Why do you think Jesus hid himself from the crowd?

2. How was Jesus’ ministry a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy?

3. In verse 40, who “blinded their eyes” and “hardened their hearts”? Why?

4. When did Isaiah see Jesus’ glory? (see Isa. 6:1ff)

5. When did Isaiah speak of Jesus? (see Isa. 52:13–53:12)

6. According to verse 43 why did the authorities who believed in Jesus still not confess that they believed in him?

7. According to verse 44, if you believe in Jesus Christ, do you also believe in someone else? Explain.

8. Describe the relationship that Jesus Christ has with the Father.

9. What did Jesus mean when he referred to light and darkness in verse 46?

10. What commandment did the Father give to Jesus?

Heart

1. If Jesus did many signs before the people, why did they still not believe in him?

2. Why wouldn’t Jesus speak on his own authority?

Hands

1. Why is it sometimes hard for believers in Christ to let their faith be known in public?

2. Why wouldn’t Jesus judge someone who doesn’t keep Jesus’ words?

3. Who will judge the person who does not keep Jesus’ words?

Preparations for the Passover

Luke 22:1-13
Related passages: Matthew 26:1-19; Mark 14:1-16

Main Thought

Jesus and the disciples prepare for the Passover.

Head

1. What was the Feast of Unleavened Bread? When did it occur?

2. According to verse two, why did the chief priests and scribes have to find the right way to put Jesus to death?

3. How did Judas provide the opportunity the chief priests and scribes were looking for?

4. Do you think Satan was able to enter Judas prior to this? Why or why not?

5. What agreement did Judas make with the chief priests and officers?

6. Which disciples did Jesus send to prepare the Passover? Why do you think he sent these particular disciples?

7. How did the disciples know where to prepare the Passover?

8. Why would it be unusual for a man to carry a water jar?

9. What did Peter and John call Jesus when they spoke to the master of the house? Why do you think they called him by this title?

Heart

1. How was the heart of Judas revealed in the plans he was making?

2. How were the hearts of Peter and John revealed in the preparations they were making?

Hands

1. If you consider the true meaning of the Passover, in what way did Judas help to prepare for it?

2. Why do you think Jesus was so secretive about where he would celebrate the Passover with his disciples?

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

John 13:1-20

Main Thought

Jesus uses himself as an example for his disciples.

Head

1. After Jesus departed from this world, where did he go?

2. Whom had Jesus loved in this world?

3. According to verse three, what did Jesus know about himself?

4. Was Judas present when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples? If he was, do you think Jesus washed his feet?

5. Why didn’t Simon Peter want Jesus to wash his feet?

6. Why would Simon Peter have no share with Jesus if he didn’t allow Jesus to wash his feet?

7. Why did Simon Peter later want Jesus to wash his hands and his head as well?

8. In verse ten, who is “the one who has bathed”?

9. How did Jesus connect knowledge and action? (see v. 17)

Heart

1. If Jesus did wash Judas’ feet, what do you think Judas might have been thinking and feeling while Jesus was doing that?

2. If Jesus knew what he knew in verse three, why did he do what he did in verse four?

3. How did Peter show his love for Jesus in this passage?

Hands

1. How were the disciples supposed to follow Jesus’ example of washing feet?

2. Should Christians today follow Jesus’ example? If so, how?

3. When churches today have a foot washing ceremony, are they following the example Jesus set? Explain.

The Institution of the Lord’s Supper

Luke 22:14-23
Related passages: Matthew 26:20-29; Mark 14:17-25

Main Thought

Jesus Christ desires deep fellowship with his disciples.

Head

1. What does it mean to recline at table?

2. What did Jesus call the disciples in 22:11? What did Luke call them in 22:14? Why the change?

3. What did Jesus mean in verse 16 when he said, “I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God”?

4. Did Jesus distribute the bread or the wine first?

5. What did Jesus say before the disciples ate the bread? What did he say before they drank the wine?

6. Read verse 22 again. Did Jesus die on the cross because he was betrayed or because it was determined that he should die?

7. Why did the disciples question one another?

Heart

1. Why did Jesus earnestly desire to eat the Passover meal with his disciples? What kind of fellowship did Jesus seek from his disciples?

2. What does the celebration of the Lord’s supper teach us about what Jesus did for us?

Hands

1. Look back at all that Jesus said in this story. What parts of it are often repeated in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper? What parts of Jesus’ words are not as often repeated? Why not?

2. 1 Corinthians 11:28-29 says, “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.” Do you think Judas ate and drank judgment on himself at the first celebration of the Lord’s Supper? Explain.

Betrayal and Glory

John 13:21-35

Main Thought

Even in the depths of Christ’s humiliation God is glorified.

Head

1. What made Jesus troubled in spirit?

2. Who was the disciple that Jesus loved? Why did Peter want this disciple to ask Jesus who would betray him?

3. Why do you think Jesus identified his betrayer by dipping a morsel of bread and giving it to Judas? Why didn’t he identify Judas by name?

4. When did Satan enter into Judas?

5. Why did Jesus tell Judas to do what he was going to do quickly?

6. What did the disciples think Jesus had told Judas?

7. Why do you think John included, “And it was night” at the end of verse 30?

8. Why did Jesus call the disciples little children in verse 33?

9. What new commandment did Jesus give his disciples?

Heart

1. How was God glorified in the crucifixion?

2. Is it possible to command others to love one another? Can love be commanded?

3. How can we love one another as Jesus loves us? Explain.

Hands

1. Why do you think Judas waited until Jesus told him to go before he went out to betray Jesus?

2. According to verse 35, how will the rest of the world know who are Christ’s disciples?

3. Why should we want the rest of the world to know that we are Christ’s disciples?

Jesus Prepares His Disciples

Luke 22:24-38
Related passages:
Matthew 36:31-35; Mark 14:26-31; John 13:36-38

Main Thought

Jesus tells his disciples that their glory will only come after a time of much trouble.

Head

1. How would the disciples be like kings? How did Jesus want them to be different from Gentile kings?

2. According to verse 29, what did Jesus assign to the disciples?

3. According to verse 30, what did Jesus have planned for the disciples?

4. What did Satan want to do to Simon Peter and the other disciples? (Note that the “you” pronouns in v. 31 are plural in the original Greek.)

5. What did Jesus want Simon Peter to do after he had turned again? (Note that the “you” pronouns in v. 32 are singular in the original Greek.)

6. Why did Jesus say, “When you have turned again...”?

7. Did Peter think he would succumb to the trials Satan would bring?

8. Why did Jesus tell his disciples to take a moneybag, knapsack, and sword? How was this different than what he had told them earlier in his ministry? (see Matt. 10:9-10)

Heart

1. Why would the disciples want to know who was the greatest?

2. How did Jesus show his protecting grace to Simon Peter?

3. How does Jesus show his providential care to Christians?

Hands

1. When Satan tries to sift us like wheat, what should we do after we have turned again to Christ?

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life

John 14:1-14

Main Thought

Jesus promises blessings and fruitfulness in this life and the next.

Head

1. According to verse one, how can we avoid letting our hearts be troubled?

2. What is Jesus preparing for those who believe in him?

3. According to verse three, what did Jesus promise to do after he had prepared a place?

4. What question did Thomas ask Jesus?

5. How did Jesus answer him?

6. Why did Jesus question Philip’s request to “show us the Father”?

7. What answer did Jesus give to Philip’s request?

8. What did Jesus mean when he said in verse ten, “I am in the Father and the Father is in me...”?

9. What did Jesus mean in verse 12 when he said, “and greater works than these will he do...”?

10. What did Jesus mean in verse 14 when he said, “If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it”?

Heart

1. Why might we be tempted to let our hearts be troubled?

2. How does believing in God stop our hearts from being troubled?

3. How is Jesus the way?

4. How is Jesus the truth?

5. How is Jesus the life?

Hands

1. According to verse 12, if you believe in Jesus what else will you do?

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

John 14:15-31

Main Thought

Jesus prepares his disciples for his absence by promising the Holy Spirit.

Head

1. Who is the Helper that Jesus mentioned in verse 16? (see v. 26)

2. How long will the Helper be with us?

3. Why can’t the world receive the Helper?

4. How will Jesus manifest himself to his disciples but not to the world? (see vv. 22-24)

5. Why did the disciples need the Holy Spirit to bring to their remembrance all that Jesus had said to them?

6. Who sends the Holy Spirit?

7. Why did the disciples need to remember all that Jesus had said to them?

8. According to verse 28, what would have made the disciples rejoice that Jesus was going to the Father?

9. Who is the ruler of this world?

Heart

1. Why did Jesus call the Holy Spirit the Helper? How does he help? What does he help with?

2. How did Jesus give his disciples peace?

3. How does Jesus give us peace?

Hands

1. What does love have to do with keeping the Lord’s commandments?

2. How would the coming of the Holy Spirit affect the disciples’ ability to keep the Lord’s commandments?

3. How does the Holy Spirit affect our ability to keep the Lord’s commandments?

The True Vine

John 15:1-17

Main Thought

Jesus teaches his disciples that they need to abide in union with him.

Head

1. How is Jesus a vine? How is the Father a vinedresser?

2. Who are the branches that do not bear fruit? Who are the branches that do bear fruit?

3. Why can’t a branch bear fruit by itself?

4. What happens to those branches who don’t abide in Christ?

5. According to verse seven, what can happen for those branches that do abide in Christ?

6. According to verse eight, how is the Father glorified?

7. Why didn’t Jesus call his disciples servants? What did he call them instead?

8. Did the disciples choose Jesus, or did Jesus choose his disciples?

Heart

1. What can we do apart from Christ? Is it possible to keep Christ’s commandments without being in union with Christ?

2. How did Jesus show his love to us? (see v. 13)

Hands

1. Do you think it’s possible for someone to go through all the motions of going to church, praying, reading the Bible, etc. and still not bear fruit? Explain.

2. How do we prove to be Jesus’ disciples?

3. Can we do anything to make sure that we abide in Christ? Who is responsible for our perseverance in Christ?

4. Did the disciples bear fruit in order to be chosen, or were they chosen in order to bear fruit? Explain.

The World’s Hatred

John 15:18–16:4a

Main Thought

The world hates Christ because it neither knows nor understands him. The world hates Christians for the same reason.

Head

1. Why did the world hate Jesus? Does the world still hate Jesus?

2. Why does the world hate the followers of Jesus?

3. If the world knew the Father, would they persecute Christians? Explain.

4. What sin is the world guilty of?

5. How does the Helper function as the Spirit of truth?

6. According to 16:1, why did Jesus tell his disciples about the persecution they would receive? Do you think Jesus meant these words for only his twelve disciples? Explain.

7. What kinds of persecution did Jesus tell the disciples they would have to endure?

Heart

1. Why would people think they are offering a service to God by persecuting Christians?

2. If someone persecuted you for being a Christian, would you still be willing to pray for that person? Explain.

Hands

1. Should Christians expect to be persecuted in this world?

2. How did the disciples bear witness about Jesus?

3. Did the disciples bear witness despite the persecution they endured?

4. How can you bear witness about Jesus?

5. Do you think there may come a day when you may have to bear witness by being persecuted?

The Helper

John 16:4b-15

Main Thought

Jesus assures his disciples that the Helper will come and guide them into all truth.

Head

1. Why didn’t Jesus warn the disciples about persecution right from the beginning?

2. Why is he warning the disciples about persecution now?

3. Why didn’t the disciples ask Jesus where he was going?

4. Why were the disciples sad?

5. Why did Jesus have to go away?

6. How does the Helper convict the world concerning sin?

7. How does the Helper convict the world concerning righteousness?

8. How does the Helper convict the world concerning judgment?

9. How will the Spirit of truth guide us into all truth?

10. Why won’t the Spirit of truth speak on his own authority?

11. Why did Jesus hold back from saying everything to his disciples?

Heart

1. What would you say is best: 1) the time that Jesus was on earth, 2) the time when Jesus is in heaven and the Holy Spirit comforts us on earth, or 3)  the time when Jesus will come again? Explain.

Hands

1. Until Jesus comes again, what should be a Christian’s attitude toward the world?

2. Until Jesus comes again, how should Christians use their time?

3. What evidence do you see of the Helper working in your life?

Turning Sorrow into Joy

John 16:16-24

Main Thought

Jesus assures his disciples that temporary sorrow will turn into lasting joy.

Head

1. Who was Jesus addressing in this story?

2. What did Jesus mean when he said at the beginning of verse 16, “A little while, and you will see me no longer”?

3. What did Jesus mean when he said at the end of verse 16, “and again a little while, and you will see me”?

4. Why were the disciples confused about what Jesus asked in verse 16?

5. Which disciples do you think were being referred to when verse 17 mentions “some of his disciples”?

6. When would the disciples weep and lament while the world rejoiced?

7. How would the disciples’ sorrow be turned to joy?

8. How was the Jesus’ current situation like a woman going into labor?

9. At what point will the disciples rejoice again?

Heart

1. How can Jesus be so confident that no one will take your joy from you?

2. Do Christians experience joy now?

3. Will Christians experience greater joy later?

4. Why do you think the disciples asked nothing in Christ’s name up to this point? (see v. 24)

Hands

1. What should the disciples have asked of Jesus in order for their joy to be full?

2. What should Christians today ask of Jesus in order for our joy to be full?

Jesus Has Overcome the World

John 16:25-33

Main Thought

Those who trust in Jesus overcome the world with him.

Head

1. What point in time did Jesus mean when he said in verse 25, “The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father”?

2. According to verse 28, what was soon going to change regarding Jesus?

3. In verse 29, did the disciples think that the hour Jesus talked about in verse 25 had arrived?

4. What is the difference between where Jesus said he came from in verse 28 and where the disciples said Jesus came from in verse 30? Do you think the disciples understood that Jesus was the second person of the Trinity?

5. What was Jesus questioning in verse 31?

6. Despite what the disciples proclaimed about their belief in Jesus, what did Jesus say they would soon do to him?

Heart

1. According to verse 26, how can disciples give evidence of their spiritual maturity?

2. What reason did Jesus give for why the Father loved the disciples?

3. What attribute of God is ascribed to Jesus in verse 30?

Hands

1. Is it possible to believe in Jesus and still fail to live for him? What should we do when those times happen?

2. How would the disciples have peace in the midst of tribulation?

3. How can we have peace in the midst of the troubles we experience in this life?

The High Priestly Prayer

John 17:1-26

Main Thought

Jesus asks the Father to bless and keep his disciples as they bring the gospel to the world.

Head

1. When did Jesus pray this prayer? What was going to happen to Jesus soon after he finished this prayer?

2. How would the Father glorify the Son? How would the Son glorify the Father?

3. According to verse two, to whom does Jesus give eternal life?

4. How did Jesus describe the people the Father had given him? (vv. 6-8)

5. Why did Jesus say he wasn’t praying for the world? (see v. 9)

6. Who was the “son of destruction”? (v. 12)

7. Why didn’t Jesus want the Father to take his disciples out of the world?

8. How does the Father sanctify Jesus’ disciples? (see v. 17)

9. For whom did Jesus pray in verse 20?

Heart

1. According to this prayer, what did Jesus want for his disciples?

2. On what foundation is Christian unity based?

3. How did Christ show his love for the Father in this prayer? How did Christ show his love for his disciples in this prayer?

Hands

1. Why did the world hate Jesus’ disciples?

2. How is the unity of the Trinity an example for Christians to follow among themselves?

3. How does a Christian’s activity in the world mimic what Jesus Christ did when he was in the world?

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

Matthew 26:36-46
Related passages: Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46

Main Thought

Jesus faces the horror of the cross alone.

Head

1. Where was Gethsemane?

2. After Jesus told the disciples to sit down, what three disciples did Jesus take with him farther into the garden?

3. Who were the sons of Zebedee?

4. What did Jesus ask the three disciples to do while he went a little farther?

5. Why did the disciples fall asleep?

6. How many times did Jesus go away to pray?

7. What did Jesus say to his disciples when he returned the last time?

8. In verse 45, why did Jesus call himself the Son of Man?

9. According to verse 46, who was coming to meet Jesus in the garden?

Heart

1. How hard do you think it was for Jesus to offer himself up on the cross?

2. How disappointed do you think Jesus was when he came back and found the disciples sleeping?

3. At this point, do you think the disciples understood what was about to happen to Jesus? Explain.

Hands

1. Why did Jesus ask his disciples to watch and pray? (see v. 41)

2. Why weren’t the disciples able to stay awake while Jesus prayed?

3. Do you think it is true of all those who follow Jesus that their spirit is willing but their flesh is weak? Explain.

Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest

Matthew 26:47-56
Related passages: Mark 14:43-52;
Luke 22:47-53: John 18:1-11

Main Thought

Jesus allows himself to be arrested so that Scripture might be fulfilled.

Head

1. Why do you think Judas used a kiss to identify Jesus? What was ironic about using a kiss as the sign?

2. Why do you think a crowd had to come to arrest one man?

3. According to John, what happened when the crowd attempted to seize Jesus? (see John 18:4-9)

4. Who cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant? (see John 18:10)

5. What did Jesus do about the ear? (see Luke 22:51)

6. What did all the disciples do after Jesus was arrested?

7. According to Mark 14:51-52, what did one young follower of Jesus do? Why do you think Mark is the only gospel writer who mentioned this young man?

8. According to verse 53, what could Jesus have done to stop the crowd from seizing him? Why didn’t he do it?

Heart

1. Why do you think Judas addressed Jesus by the title of Rabbi? Do you think he meant it?

2. Why do you think Jesus addressed Judas as a friend? Do you think he meant it?

Hands

1. Why was it wrong of Peter to use his sword? Why did Jesus tell Peter to put the sword back in its place?

2. Why did the crowd seize Jesus at night instead of during the day when Jesus was teaching at the temple?

Jesus Before Caiaphas

Matthew 26:57-68
Related passages: Mark 14:53-65; 22:63-71; John 18:12-14

Main Thought

Jesus reveals the hearts of Caiaphas and the Council by affirming his identity as the Christ, the Son of God.

Head

1. Who was Caiaphas? Why was Jesus taken to him?

2. According to John 18:12-24, where had Jesus been brought before he was brought to Caiaphas? Why? (Note: You may need to consult a Bible dictionary.)

3. Why did the chief priests and the whole Council need to find false testimony against Jesus? What false testimony did they find?

4. How did Jesus respond to the false testimony? Why?

5. What did the high priest request that elicited a response from Jesus, and how did Jesus respond?

6. What is “the right hand of Power”?

7. Why did the high priest tear his robes? What did the high priest say Jesus had done?

8. What is  blasphemy? Who was really guilty of blasphemy, Jesus or the high priest?

Heart

1. Why do you think Peter followed Jesus? How did he show his love for Jesus in this story?

2. Do you think there was ever a point during the trial when the Council wasn’t sure if Jesus would be declared guilty and deserving death? Explain.

Hands

1. After the judgment was passed in verse 66, did the Jewish leaders need to treat Jesus the way they did in verses 67-68? Why do you think they treated him that way?

Peter Denies Jesus

Matthew 26:69-75
Related passages: Mark 14:66-72;
Luke 22:54-62; John 18:15-18, 25-27

Main Thought

In his weakness, Peter is unable to acknowledge his connection with Jesus and his love for him.

Head

1. How did the servant girl know that Peter was a Galilean? How did Peter respond when she accused him?

2. Why do you think Peter went to the entrance of the courtyard after the servant girl’s accusation?

3. How was Peter’s second denial in verse 72 stronger than his first denial in verse 70?

4. How did the bystanders know that Peter was a Galilean?

5. Who was one of the men whose questions prompted Peter’s third denial? (see John 18:25-27)

6. How was Peter’s third denial (v. 74) stronger than his first two?

7. After Peter’s third denial, what happened that made Peter remember what Jesus said?

Heart

1. How did Peter show his weakness in this story?

2. How did Peter show his love for Jesus in this story?

Hands

1. While Peter was in the courtyard, where were the other disciples? (see John 18:15-16 for information about one of the other disciples)

2. In this story, do you think Peter showed greater courage or greater cowardice than the other disciples?

3. Compare and contrast Peter’s denial of Jesus with Judas’ betrayal of him in 26:47-56.

Judas Hangs Himself

Matthew 27:3-10
Related passage: Acts 1:16-20

Main Thought

Judas regrets his decision to betray Jesus but is unable to repent and seek forgiveness.

Head

1. At what point in the trial of Jesus did Judas change his mind?

2. What reason did Judas give for bringing back the money?

3. Why didn’t the chief priests accept the money from Judas?

4. What did Judas do with the pieces of silver?

5. What did Judas do after he left the chief priests?

6. According to Acts 1:18, what happened when Judas hanged himself?

7. What did the chief priests do with the money? Why?

8. Why was the field called the field of blood?

9. What was Jeremiah’s prophecy?

10. How was it fulfilled?

Heart

1. Why do you think Judas changed his mind? Do you think he repented of what he did? Explain.

2. Is there a difference between repentance and regret? Which one do you think Judas exhibited?

3. After reading this story, do you feel sorry for Judas? Explain.

Hands

1. If Judas brought the money back and said he had sinned, shouldn’t he have been forgiven? Do you think he was? Explain.

2. Would it have been better if Judas had not been born? Explain. (see Matt. 26:24)

Pilate Questions Jesus

John 18:28-38a

Related passage: Matthew 27:11-14 Mark 15:1-5

Main Thought

Jesus is tried under Roman law.

Head

1. When was Jesus brought to the governor’s headquarters?

2. Why would the Jews be defiled if they entered the governor’s headquarters? (For a possible answer see Exod. 13:7.)

3. Why were the Jews especially concerned about not being defiled at this particular time?

4. What evil did the Jewish leaders think Jesus was doing?

5. According to verse 31, what did Pilate want the Jewish leaders to do, and why couldn’t they do it?

6. How did bringing Jesus to Pilate show what kind of death Jesus would suffer? How did the Jews normally put someone to death? How did the Romans put someone to death?

7. What was the first question Pilate asked Jesus? Why?

8. Why was Pilate so interested in learning if Jesus claimed to be a king?

9. How did Jesus bear witness to the truth in this story? What truth did Jesus communicate about his kingdom?

10. How would you answer Pilate’s question in verse 38?

Heart

1. Do you think Pilate cared about the truth?

2. What makes the kingdom that Christ described better than a kingdom of this world?

Hands

1. When Peter cut off the ear of Malchus (18:10), how did he show that he did not yet understand what Jesus told Pilate in 18:36?

Pilate Sends Jesus to Herod

Luke 23:1-16
Related passages: Matthew 27:11-14; John 18:28-32

Main Thought

Pilate seeks a way to release Jesus without causing an uproar.

Head

1. What accusations against Jesus did the crowd initially bring to Pilate?

2. Were the accusations true?

3. According to verse three, what question did Pilate ask Jesus? Why would Pilate want to know Jesus’ answer to that question?

4. Was the comment in verse five true? Why would this be of concern to Pilate?

5. Why do you think Pilate sent Jesus to Herod?

6. Why do you think Herod was in Jerusalem?

7. Why do you think Herod questioned Jesus “at some length”?

8. When Pilate received Jesus back from Herod, what did he tell the chief priests and the rulers of the people? What did Pilate plan to do with Jesus?

Heart

1. Why was Herod glad when he saw Jesus? What does this say about the state of Herod’s heart?

2. Which trial do you think was most difficult for Jesus? Was it the one before Caiapha, Pilate, or Herod? Explain.

3. On what was the friendship between Herod and Pilate based? Was this a good foundation? Explain.

Hands

1. Why would Herod’s soldiers array Jesus in splendid clothing before sending him back to Pilate?

2. If Pilate didn’t find Jesus guilty of any of the charges, why did he plan to punish Jesus before letting him go?

Pilate Releases Barabbas

Matthew 27:15-26
Related passages: Mark 15:6-15;
Luke 23:18-25; John 18:38b-40

Main Thought

The crowd refuses Pilate’s attempts to release Jesus and demands that he be crucified.

Head

1. What feast is mentioned in verse 15? Why did Pilate release a prisoner at the feast?

2. What does “notorious” mean? What does it tell you about Barabbas that he was notorious?

3. Why did Pilate give only two choices, Barabbas or Jesus, for a prisoner to release? What was he hoping would happen?

4. What did Pilate’s wife say to Pilate about Jesus? Why?

5. Why did Pilate ask the crowd what to do with Jesus?

6. According to verse 26, what did Pilate do for Barabbas? What did he do to Jesus?

7. What does “scourged” mean?

Heart

1. Why do you think Pilate’s wife described Jesus as righteous?

2. Do you think the crowd really wanted Barabbas free? Why did they ask for him?

3. What did the people in the crowd mean when they said, “His blood be on us and on our children!”? Do you think they realized what they were saying? Explain.

Hands

1. How do you think Pilate’s wife “suffered much” because of Jesus?

2. What did Pilate communicate to the crowd by washing his hands? Do you think his actions made him innocent of Jesus’ blood?

Pilate Delivers Jesus To Be Crucified

John 19:1-16a
Related passages: Matthew 27:27-31; Mark 15:16-20

Main Thought

Pilate finally relents and hands Jesus over to be crucified.

Head

1. In what ways did the soldiers torment Jesus?

2. What was ironic about the soldiers mocking Jesus by saying, “Hail, King of the Jews”?

3. What was ironic about Pilate presenting Jesus to the crowd by saying, “Behold the Man”?

4. What reason did the Jewish leaders give for still wanting Jesus to be crucified?

5. Why do you think Pilate went to Jesus again (v. 9) and asked him more questions?

6. What was ironic about Pilate telling Jesus about his authority?

7. What did Jesus mean when he said, “[H]e who delivered me over to you has the greater sin”? (v. 11)

8. Why did Pilate tell the Jews, “Behold your King” in verse 14, when he told them, “Behold the man” in verse 5?

9. Why did the Jewish leaders claim allegiance to Caesar? (v. 15)

Heart

1. Do you think Pilate considered Jesus to be just a man? Why do you think he was afraid when the Jews told Pilate that Jesus made himself the Son of God? Explain.

2. Do you consider Jesus to be just a man? Explain.

Hands

1. In what ways did Pilate seek to release Jesus?

2. If Pilate had the authority to release Jesus, and he wanted to release Jesus, why didn’t he?

The Crucifixion

Luke 23:26-43
Related passages: Matthew 27:32-44;
Mark 15:21-32; John 19:17-27

Main Thought

Jesus allows himself to be placed on the cross.

Head

1. Who carried the cross for Jesus? Why do you think he carried it?

2. Do you think the people who were mourning for Jesus were present at Jesus’ trial? Why did Jesus call them “daughters of Jerusalem”?

3. Read verses 29-30 again. Do you think those days have already happened or are they still to come?

4. Who else was led away to be crucified with Jesus?

5. What was the name of the place where Jesus was crucified? Why was it called that?

6. What did the Roman soldiers do with Jesus’ clothes?

7. How did the Jewish rulers, the soldiers, and one of the criminals on the cross mock Jesus?

8. How did the other thief on the cross rebuke the first thief?

9. According to  John 19:25-27, what arrangement did Jesus make with John regarding Mary?

10. How many times was prophecy fulfilled in this story? (You may wish to consult a study Bible.)

Heart

1. Why did Jesus ask the Father to forgive those who crucified him? Do you think Jesus’ request was answered? Explain.

2. What did Jesus do for the criminal on the cross who defended him?

Hands

1. Describe the reactions of the people who witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion.

Jesus’ Death

Matthew 27:45-56 and John 19:28-37
Related passages: Mark 15:33-41; Luke 23:44-49

Main Thought

Jesus dies that we might live.

Head

1. In today’s terms, what time is the sixth hour? the ninth hour?

2. What did Jesus say at the ninth hour? What did people think he said?

3. According to John 19:28, why did they offer Jesus sour wine?

4. What happened at the temple at the moment Jesus died? What happened to the ground? What happened to the tombs?

5. What was the centurion’s reaction when he saw what took place?

6. Name the women who followed Jesus from Galilee. Why were they looking from a distance?

7. According to John, why did the Jewish leaders ask Pilate to break the legs of the men who were being crucified?

8. Why didn’t the soldiers break the legs of Jesus? What did the soldiers do instead?

Heart

1. Do you think the centurion truly believed in Jesus? Explain.

2. What reason did John give for telling people what he witnessed when Jesus died?

3. Why did Jesus have to die?

4. Was Jesus’ death on the cross effective enough to cover everyone’s sins? Explain.

Hands

1. John was able to bear witness to what happened at the cross because he was physically present when it happened. Are we able to also bear witness to what happened on the cross even though we weren’t physically present? Explain.

Jesus’ Burial

Matthew 27:57-66
Related passages: Mark 15:42-47;
Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42

Main Thought

Jesus’ body is laid in the tomb but the Jewish leaders are still suspicious.

Head

1. What does it tell you about Joseph of Arimathea that Pilate granted his request for the body of Jesus? What does it tell you about Joseph of Arimathea that he owned a tomb cut in the rock?

2. Who else was by the tomb when Joseph of Arimathea buried Jesus?

3. What was the Day of Preparation?

4. How did the chief priests and Pharisees describe Jesus to Pilate?

5. Why do you think the chief priests and Pharisees only requested that Pilate post guards until the third day?

6. Why do you think the chief priest and Pharisees suspected that the disciples would try to do steal Jesus’ body? Do you think they knew that Jesus had said he would rise again?

7. Why do you think Pilate told the chief priest and Pharisees, “Go, make it as secure as you can”? What did the chief priests and Pharisees do to secure the tomb? Were they able to make it secure enough? Explain.

Heart

1. Why do you think Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were by the tomb but the rest of the disciples were not?

2. Who do you think grieved for Jesus most? Why?

Hands

1. When the chief priest and Pharisees were making the tomb secure, what do you think the disciples were doing? What does that tell you about the hearts of the chief priests and Pharisees? What does that tell you about the hearts of the disciples?

The Resurrection

John 20:1-18 and Matthew 28:11-15
Related passages: Matthew 28:1-10;
Mark 16:1-11; Luke 24:1-12

Main Thought

Mary, two disciples, and the Jewish leaders all react to Jesus resurrection but in very different ways.

Head

1. What day did Mary Magdalene come to the tomb?

2. Who was the “other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved”?

3. Who outran Peter to get to the tomb first? Who went into the tomb first?

4. What happened to make the other disciple believe?

5. Why did Mary weep outside the tomb?

6. Why didn’t Mary recognize Jesus right away?

7. What did Jesus say to Mary that made her recognize him?

8. Why couldn’t Mary cling to Jesus?

9. According to Matthew, what did the guards report to the Jewish leaders? What did the Jewish leaders tell the guards to say?

Heart

1. Why did Peter and the other disciples still not understand the Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead?

2. How did Mary show her love for Jesus in this story? How did Peter and the other disciples show their love for Jesus in this story?

3. Why did the Jewish leaders want to cover up the resurrection?

Hands

1. Do you think the disciples would even have thought of stealing Jesus’ body from the tomb? Explain.

2. Does Jesus’ resurrection affect how we live our lives today? Explain.

The Road to Emmaus

Luke 24:13-35

Main Thought

Jesus shows two disciples how all the Scriptures point to him.

Head

1. Where was Emmaus? How far was it from Jerusalem?

2. Do you think the two disciples going to Emmaus had seen Jesus before?

3. Why didn’t they recognize Jesus when he walked with them?

4. Why were the two disciples sad?

5. What did Cleopas tell Jesus about recent events in Jerusalem?

6. In verse 19, how did the disciples describe Jesus?

7. How soon after the resurrection did Jesus appear to the two disciples going to Emmaus?

8. What do you think Jesus told the two disciples as he interpreted all the Scriptures to them, beginning with Moses and prophets?

9. What did Jesus do just before the disciples recognized him?

10. What might the breaking of bread have to do with the disciples’ ability to see Jesus?

Heart

1. Had the two disciples heard about the resurrection? Why did they still not understand? (see v. 25)

2. Why do you think the two disciples urged Jesus strongly to stay with them?

3. In verse 32, how did the disciples describe their reaction to what Jesus was saying? Why do you think they reacted this way?

Hands

1. How soon after the disciples’ recognized Jesus did they return to Jerusalem? Why did they go so quickly?

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

John 20:19-31
Related passage: Luke 24:36-43

Main Thought

Jesus appears to the disciples as their Lord and their God.

Head

1. According to verse 19, on what day of the week did this story take place?

2. Why were the disciples afraid of the Jews? Which Jews did the disciples fear?

3. What did Jesus say to the disciples when he appeared to them the first time? Why? How many times did he repeat those words in this passage?

4. What else did he tell his disciples in verse 21?

5. Where was Jesus sending his disciples?

6. Why did Jesus breathe on the disciples?

7. Why did Thomas need to see evidence of Jesus’ crucifixion in the risen Christ?

8. Explain what Thomas meant with his confession in verse 28.

9. Why did John write his gospel? (see v. 31)

Heart

1. Why is it so important that the risen Christ is also the crucified Christ?

2. How is Jesus your Lord?

3. How is Jesus your God?

Hands

1. What did Jesus mean when he told the disciples in verse 23, “if you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld”?

2. How is that authority exercised today?

Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples

John 21:1-14

Main Thought

Jesus reveals himself to his disciples a third time after his resurrection.

Head

1. Where is the Sea of Tiberias? What is another name for it? (see John 6:1)

2. Which disciples were at the Sea of Tiberias?

3. What did the disciples decide to do? How successful were they?

4. How was it possible that the disciples didn’t know it was Jesus standing on the shore? Weren’t they by his side for three years prior to this?

5. Why do you think Jesus called his disciples children? (v. 5)

6. Why did it matter if the disciples cast the net on the left side of the boat or the right side?

7. Which disciple first realized that the person on shore was Jesus? What cause him to recognize Jesus?

8. What had Jesus prepared for the disciples on the shore? Where do you think he got the fish and bread?

9. How many times prior to this had Jesus revealed himself to his disciples?

Heart

1. Why do you think Peter decided to go fishing? Was he catching some fish just for himself, or was he thinking about getting back into the fishing business? Explain.

2. Why were the disciples afraid to ask Jesus, “Who are you?”

Hands

1. What did Peter do when he heard that it was the Lord? Why?

2. Why do you think Peter put on his outer garment before jumping into the lake?

Jesus Reinstates Peter

John 21:15-25

Main Thought

Jesus confirms his plans for Peter and affirms Peter’s love for him.

Head

1. Why do you think Jesus addressed Peter as “Simon, son of John”?

2. What different ways can Jesus’ first question to Peter be understood?

3. How is Jesus’ second question to Peter different than the first?

4. How is Jesus’ third question to Peter different than the first two?

5. What did Jesus command Peter to do after Peter answered each question? Why are Jesus’ commands to Peter slightly different each time?

6. By what kind of death would Peter glorify God?

Heart

1. What do you think might have been going through Peter’s head when Jesus asked him the first and second time if he loved him?

2. Why was Peter grieved (v. 17) when Jesus asked him a third time if he loved him?

3. Did Peter love Jesus? Why might Peter have questioned his love for Jesus?

4. How did Jesus show his love to Peter in this story?

5. How did Jesus show his love for the Church in this story?

Hands

1. Do you think Peter’s decision to go fishing was affected by what he perceived regarding his relationship to Jesus?

2. When Jesus told Peter, “Feed my sheep,” what was he asking Peter to do?

3. What did Jesus tell Peter to do in verse 19? When had Jesus previously given this command to Peter? (see Matt. 4:18-19)

The Great Commission

Matthew 28:16-20 and Luke 24:44-49

Main Thought

Jesus sends his disciples into the world.

Head

1. According to Matthew, why did the disciples go to Galilee?

2. How much authority was given to Jesus? What does it mean that he has all authority?

3. According to Matthew 28:19, where did Jesus want the disciples to go?

4. Why did Jesus say, “therefore” in verse 19? What effect did his previous statements have on what he told his disciples in verse 19?

5. According to verse 19, what did Jesus commission the disciples to do when they went?

6. Why is it important to baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit?

7. According to Luke, how did Jesus prepare the disciples for the commission he gave them?

8. Why did Jesus tell his disciples to stay in the city? (Luke 24:49)

Heart

1. According to Matthew 28:17, what two reactions did the disciples have when they first saw Jesus? Why were they so different?

Hands

1. How do Jesus’ disciples go about making disciples of all nations? Is this commission still valid for Christians today? Explain.

2. When we make disciples, why must we also teach them?

3. In verse 20, why did Jesus command his disciples to “teach them to observe all that I have commanded you”? Why didn’t he say something like, “teach them to understand...”?

4. What is the difference between obedience and knowledge?

The Ascension

Acts 1:1-11
Related passage: Luke 24:50-53

Main Thought

Jesus ascends to heaven but promises to send the Holy Spirit to the disciples while they serve as Jesus’ witnesses until he returns.

Head

1. Who wrote Acts? What other book did he write? (see Luke 1:1-4)

2. Who was Theophilus? What does his name mean? Why did Luke write to him?

3. According to verse three, how long was Jesus on earth with the disciples after the resurrection? What things did he tell them?

4. How well did the disciples understand Jesus’ ministry? (see Acts 1:6)

5. According to verse eight, where would the disciples be witnesses for Jesus? Why do you think Jesus mentioned those areas in that order?

6. What happened after Jesus commissioned his disciples to be his witnesses?

7. Who appeared to the apostles after Jesus ascended to heaven? What promise did they give them?

Heart

1. What does the Holy Spirit have to do with Jesus giving commands to his disciples?

2. Why was it necessary that the disciples be baptized with the Holy Spirit? What does it mean to be baptized with the Holy Spirit?

3. Does the Holy Spirit work in our lives in the same way he worked in the lives of the apostles? Explain.

Hands

1. Should we try to figure out when Jesus will come again?

2. In addition to the apostles, does Jesus also want us to be witnesses?

3. How does the promise in verse 11 affect how we live our lives?

A Replacement for Judas

Acts 1:12-26

Main Thought

The disciples replace Judas with another apostle while they wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Head

1. Where did the apostles go after Jesus ascended to heaven? Why?

2. According to verse 14, what did they do while they waited in the upper room?

3. Who else was with the apostles?

4. Do you think there is a reason why Peter was called “Peter” and not “Simon Peter”?

5. Why did Peter think they needed to choose a replacement for Judas?

6. How was the Scripture fulfilled in the life of Judas? What still needed to be fulfilled?

7. According to verses 21-22 what did the apostles require of the man who would replace Judas? Why?

8. What two men did the apostles put up as a replacement for Judas?

9. How did the apostles choose between the two men?

10. Why were they now called apostles and not disciples?

Heart

1. Should the apostles have chosen a replacement for Judas at this time, or should they have waited until after they received the Holy Spirit?

Hands

1. How did Peter show his leadership in this story?

2. If we are choosing men to serve in a church office today, should we cast lots to see who should serve?

3. If two men were qualified to replace Judas, why didn’t the apostles just appoint both of them as apostles?

The Holy Spirit Comes with Power

Acts 2:1-13

Main Thought

The Holy Spirit dramatically comes to the apostles and shows his power over their lives and ministries.

Head

1. What does the word “Pentecost” mean? What did it celebrate?

2. Describe what happened when the Holy Spirit came. What do you think the tongues of fire looked like?

3. Why do you think the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles in such a dramatic way? How would this kind of dramatic appearance help the apostles? How would it help the church?

4. When the apostles spoke in tongues, do you think their speech was recognizable as another language, or was it something else? Explain.

5. What type of people were described in verse five?

6. What was so surprising to the crowd when they heard the apostles speaking in tongues?

7. What countries were represented by the people in the crowd?

8. What are proselytes?

Heart

1. Should we expect to receive the Holy Spirit today in the same way that the apostles received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost? Explain.

2. How did the Holy Spirit show his control over the apostles in this story? What did the Holy Spirit do for them?

Hands

1. When the Holy Spirit came upon them, how did the apostles respond?

2. Do you think the disciples would have been able to resist what the Holy Spirit caused them to do? Explain.

3. Is it still possible to speak in tongues today?

Peter Address the Crowd at Pentecost

Acts 2:14-36

Main Thought

Peter explains what recently happened with Jesus Christ and what they now were experiencing because of the promised Holy Spirit.

Head

1. If Matthias replaced Judas (1:12-26) why does 2:14 talk about Peter standing with the eleven instead of standing with the twelve?

2. Compare Peter’s exhortation to the crowd to “give ear to my words” (v. 14)  with Jesus’ exhortation to the crowds: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear”? (see Matt. 11:15; 13:9; 13:43; Mark 4:9; Luke 8:8, 14:35)

3. What time was it when Peter spoke to the crowd? Why is it important to know the time?

4. According to verse 17, are we in the last days?

5. What did Joel prophesy about the last days? When did/will these things happen? Are they happening now?

6. According to verse 21, who will be saved?

7. Read verse 23, how is it possible for wicked men to do things that are part of the definite plan and foreknowledge of God?

8. How did David’s words that Peter quoted in verses 25-28 point to Jesus’ resurrection?

Heart

1. Why might it have been easier for the crowd to hear and understand what Peter said than for similar crowds to hear and understand what Jesus said when he was on earth?

2. How did Peter use the words of Scripture to convict the hearts of men?

Hands

1. If the people were guilty of killing Jesus, why did Peter still preach to them?

New Believers

Acts 2:37-47

Main Thought

Peter directs the new believers in living their new life.

Head

1. How did Peter answer the people in the crowd when they asked, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

2. Why is repentance and baptism necessary for the forgiveness of sins?

3. According to verse 42, to what did the believers devote themselves?

4. Why do you think the apostles did more miracles at this time?

5. Why did the new believers have all things in common?

6. How many people became believers that day?

Heart

1. According to verse 37, why was the crowd cut to the heart?

2. What was Peter talking about when he mentioned the gift of the Holy Spirit in verse 38?

Hands

1. If repentance and baptism are connected, should infants be baptized?

2. Why was it important for the new believers to devote themselves to the apostles’ teaching?

3. Why was it important for the new believers to devote themselves to the fellowship?

4. Why was it important for the new believers to devote themselves to the breaking of bread?

5. Why was it important for the new believers to devote themselves to the prayers?

6. Is it still important for us to devote ourselves to the apostles’ teaching, the fellowship, the breaking of bread, and the prayers? Explain.

7. Should we hold everything in common today?

Peter Heals a Lame Man

Acts 3:1-10

Main Thought

The good news that Jesus proclaimed continues through the apostles.

Head

1. If the Jews rejected Jesus, why were Peter and John still going to the temple?

2. Why did people place the lame man at the gate of the temple?

3. What did the lame man ask of Peter and John?

4. What is the first thing Peter said to the lame man? Why?

5. Why didn’t Peter give the lame man silver or gold?

6. Why didn’t Peter just say “Rise up and walk”? Why did he preface that with “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth”?

7. What happened to the lame man?

8. Why were the people filled with wonder and amazement?

Heart

1. Why do you think Peter included “Nazareth” when he mentioned Jesus? How willing was Peter to publicly identify with Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee? How does this show a change in Peter’s heart? (see Matt. 26:69-75)

2. Although the response of the Jewish leaders to the healing of the lame man isn’t recorded in the story we read today, how do you think they reacted to what Peter did?

3. How does this story show God’s mercy and grace to Peter?

4. How does this story show God’s mercy and grace to the lame man?

5. How does this story show God’s mercy and grace to the world?

Hands

1. Why did the lame man enter the temple with Peter and John?

2. Why did the lame man leap and praise God?

Peter Speaks to the People of Israel

Acts 3:11-26

Main Thought

Peter again proclaims the gospel of repentance and the forgiveness of sins.

Head

1. Where was the portico called Solomon’s?

2. Why did the people run together to Peter and John?

3. Compare Peter’s speech at the portico called Solomon’s with his speech at Pentecost in Acts chapter two.

4. Why do you think Peter referred to Jesus in verse 13 as God’s servant?

5. When the Jews brought Jesus to Pilate, they accused Jesus of many things, but how did they deny him, as Peter claimed in verses 13-14?

6. How was Jesus the “Author of life”? (v. 15)

7. According to verse 16, how did Jesus’ name make the lame man strong?

8. According to verse 21, where will Jesus be until all things are restored?

9. How did Moses prophesy about Jesus Christ?

10. Who were the sons of the prophets?

11. How did the covenant that God made with Abraham apply to all the families  of the earth?

Heart

1. Why couldn’t Peter heal the man by his own power or piety?

2. How would you summarize the good news that Peter proclaimed?

Hands

1. If the crowd denied Jesus in ignorance (v. 17) why did they have to repent (v. 19)?

2. According to verses 19-20, what happens when people repent?

Peter Addresses the Jewish Leaders

Acts 4:1-22

Main Thought

Peter and John remain committed to boldly speak about what they had seen and heard regarding Jesus.

Head

1. Who came to Peter and John? What was their attitude toward them?

2. What were Peter and John teaching and proclaiming that made the Jewish leaders so annoyed?

3. How large had the group of new believers become?

4. Which Jewish leaders gathered on the next day? What question did they ask Peter and John? Why?

5. Compare Peter’s speech to the Jewish leaders with his speech to the crowd the day before and his speech at Pentecost. How are they alike? How are they different?

6. What did the Jewish leaders want Peter and John to do? How did Peter and John answer the leaders?

7. Why couldn’t the Jewish leaders stop Peter and John from speaking about Jesus?

Heart

1. Why were the Jewish leaders so annoyed that Peter and John were proclaiming truths about Jesus?

2. Why do we need to know that Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit when he answered the Jewish leaders? What did the Holy Spirit do for Peter?

Hands

1. How important is it to prepare well for witnessing to the world?

2. How important is it to rely on the Holy Spirit for witnessing to the world?

3. When might it be necessary to disobey those in authority over you?

The Believers Pray

Acts 4:23-31

Main Thought

The believers ask the Lord for boldness as they speak his word in the midst of opposition.

Head

1. Why did the believers pray when they heard what happened to Peter and John?

2. Based on the prayer of the believers, what do you think they believed about God? What attributes of God did they highlight in their prayer?

3. According to verse 27, what groups of people were gathered together against Jesus?

4. According to verse 28, who controlled what these groups did?

5. What did the disciples ask the Lord to do for them?

6. What happened when they were finished praying?

Heart

1. What attributes of God give you the most comfort? Explain.

2. Why would God predestine certain groups of people to be against Jesus? Would these groups still be held accountable for their actions? Explain.

3. How soon after the disciples prayed for boldness did the Lord give them boldness?

4. Does God always answer prayers so quickly?

5. Why do you think the Lord made the earth shake?

Hands

1. Why do you think the disciples prayed for boldness? Why didn’t they pray for deliverance from the threats of the Jewish leaders?

2. Why was it appropriate for the disciples to seek boldness at this time?

3. Is there ever a time when boldness might not be appropriate? Explain.

Ananias and Sapphira

Acts 4:32–5:11

Main Thought

Satan attempts to destroy the testimony of the early church by tempting Ananias and Sapphira to lie to the Holy Spirit.

Head

1. Why did Luke say in verse 32 that the “full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul...”? What does that tell you about the early Christians?

2. How is preaching with “great power” connected to “great grace”? (see v. 33)

3. What does the name Barnabas mean? How did Barnabas live up to his name?

4. How was the gift Barnabas gave to the disciples different from the gift given by Ananias and Sapphira?

5. Why do you think the young men buried Ananias so soon after he died? Why did they bury him without Sapphira’s knowledge?

6. What lie did Sapphira tell? Was it the same lie as the one told by Ananias? How do you know?

Heart

1. Do you think any church today would be able to say that the full number of their members were of one heart and soul? Explain.

2. How had Satan filled Ananias’ heart?

3. Do you think the punishment Ananias and Sapphira received was appropriate or was it excessive? Why do you think God punished them in this way?

Hands

1. How did the early Christians express their unity in heart and soul?

2. Should Christians today express their unity in the same way?

3. What specifically did Ananias and Sapphira do that was so wrong?

Signs and Wonders

Acts 5:12-26

Main Thought

The Lord confirms his calling of the apostles through many signs and wonders.

Head

1. Why do you think the apostles did so many signs and wonders at this particular time?

2. Why did the believers meet in Solomon’s Portico?

3. To whom did Luke refer when he mentioned “none of the rest” in verse 13?

4. How well was the group of new believers growing?

5. Why did the people lay their sick in places where Peter’s shadow would fall on them?

6. What did the Sadducees do to the apostles?

7. Who freed the apostles from the public prison?

8. What did the angel of the Lord tell the apostles to do? Did they do it?

9. How did the high priest discover that the apostles had been freed from prison?

10. Why didn’t the captain use force to bring the apostles back?

Heart

1. Why do you think God allowed Peter’s shadow to play a role in curing people of their illnesses?

2. Do you think the people were in danger of focusing on Peter rather than Jesus Christ?

3. Why were the Sadducees filled with jealousy?

Hands

1. Do you think the apostles would have preached in the temple if the angel of the Lord had not commanded them to do so? Explain.

The Apostles Stand Before the Council

Acts 5:27-42

Main Thought

The apostles proclaim Christ boldly and rejoice when they are called to suffer for it.

Head

1. According to verse 28 why was the high priest upset with the apostles?

2. Compare Peter’s response to the high priest in verses 29-32 with his previous speech to the Jewish leaders, his speech to the crowd, and his speech at Pentecost. How are they similar? How are they different?

3. How angry did Peter’s speech make the Jewish leaders?

4. What advice did Gamaliel give the Jewish leaders?

5. Who was Theudas? What did he do? What happened to him?

6. Who was Judas the Galilean? What did he do? What happened to him?

7. Why did the Jewish leaders beat the apostles before they let them go?

8. How did the apostles respond to the beating they received?

Heart

1. How is the Holy Spirit a witness to the work of Christ?

2. Why would someone rejoice for suffering dishonor?

3. Do you think God calls today’s Christians to suffer dishonor for the sake of Jesus Christ? Explain.

Hands

1. Can you think of some examples when it might be necessary to say that you must obey God rather than men?

2. Did Gamaliel give sound advice to the Jewish leaders? Explain.

3. Did the apostles change anything about their teaching and preaching based on their contact with the Jewish leaders? Why or why not?

Deacons

Acts 6:1-7

Main Thought

The apostles focus their activiy on prayer and the ministry of the word.

Head

1. Who were the Hellenists? Why were they called Hellenists?

2. What was the daily distribution?

3. Why might the Hellenist widows be neglected in the daily distribution?

4. Who were the twelve? If Judas was no longer part of the twelve, who replaced Judas as the twelfth apostle? (see 1:15-26)

5. What were the apostles doing that was taking their time away from preaching?

6. What did the apostles propose to do about their problem?

7. Who picked out the seven men?

8. How was Stephen described in verse five?

9. Why do you think all seven deacons had Greek names?

10. According to verse seven, how was the church growing at this time?

Heart

1. What attributes did the apostles require the seven deacons to have?

2. How did these attributes expose the hearts of the deacons?

3. How did these attributes qualify the seven men to be deacons?

Hands

1. Why do you think the twelve apostles summoned the full number of disciples to discuss their problem? Couldn’t the twelve apostles have simply made a decision and told the rest of the disciples later? Explain.

2. Why do you think the apostles devoted themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word? Isn’t serving tables also important? Explain.

Stephen

Acts 6:8-15

Main Thought

Stephen speaks the truth in grace and power but encounters fierce resistance.

Head

1. Why do you think God allowed Stephen to do great wonders and signs among the people?

2. What was the synagogue of the Freedmen?

3. Why does the text mention Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia?

4. Why did men from these places dispute with Stephen?

5. One of the towns in Cilicia is Tarsus. What famous biblical character came from that city? (see Acts 9:11)

6. What made the men unable to withstand Stephen?

7. When the men realized they couldn’t withstand Stephen, what did they secretly do?

8. Compare the trial of Stephen with the trial of Jesus. How are the two trials alike? How are they different?

9. What accusations did the false witness make against Stephen?

Heart

1. How was Stephen full of grace? How was he full of power?

2. Do you think Stephen was full of grace and power in a special way, for a special purpose, or can all Christians expect to be full of grace and power in the way that Stephen was?

3. Why did Stephen’s face become like the face of an angel?

Hands

1. What did Stephen do that warranted his being brought to the council?

2. If you speak the truth in grace and power, will people always accept what you say? What possible reactions might they have?

Stephen’s Speech, Part 1

Acts 7:1-29

Main Thought

Stephen describes how God was at work in the early history of Israel.

Head

1. What did the high priest ask Stephen in verse one? What answer do you think he was looking for?

2. What kind of answer did Stephen give? What tone did he set?

3. Do you think the high priest already knew the history of Irsrael, or did he need Stephen to explain it to him?

4. How did Stephen describe God in verse two? Why?

5. Why did Abraham leave Mesopotamia? What benefit did he receive by leaving?

6. According to verse five, what did Abraham not receive?

7. How did God work in the lives of the patriarchs?

8. How did God work in the life of Moses up to the time that he fled to Midian?

Heart

1. How might Stephen’s understanding of Israel’s history have been different than the high priest’s understanding?

2. Does faith in Jesus Christ influence how we understand what has happened in our past? Explain.

3. Using examples from Stephen’s speech, describe the patriarchs’ relationship with God. Did their lives show that their hope was in God? Explain.

Hands

1. Do you think Stephen was being arrogant by explaining the history of Israel to the high priest?

2. What point to you think Stephen was trying to make by describing this history of Israel to the high priest?

Stephen’s Speech, Part 2

Acts 7:30-53

Main Thought

Stephen shows that God’s people have a history of rejecting God’s prophets and even his Righteous One.

Head

1. Why did Stephen that say an angel appeared to Moses in the burning bush? Didn’t God appear to Moses in the bush? Can you show from Stephen’s speech that Stephen knew God spoke to Moses from the bush?

2. Why do you think Stephen emphasized in verse 35 that Moses, who was the ruler and redeemer of his people, was rejected?

3. According to Stephen, what were some the things the Jews of Moses’ day did and said to reject Moses?

4. Who were Molech and Rephan? (v. 43)

5. According to verse 52, what did the Israelites do to the prophets? Why?

6. Who was the Righteous One that Stephen mentioned in verse 52?

Heart

1. What did Stephen mean in verse 42 when he said that “God turned away....” Why would God turn away from his people?

2. Were the tabernacle or the temple ever able to contain God? (see 1 Kings 8:27)

3. How did the people of Israel “resist the Holy Spirit”? (v. 51)

4. Is it possible to resist the Holy Spirit? Explain.

Hands

1. What did the Israelites do that brought on their exile to Babylon?

2. According to verse 53, what was the attitude of the Jews toward the law?

3. Do you think people still treat the law this way today? Explain.

Stephen Dies but the Gospel Spreads

Acts 7:54–8:8

Main Thought

Stephen’s stoning begins a period of persecution for Christians.

Head

1. Why did the Jewish leaders grind their teeth at Stephen?

2. According to verse 55, what did Stephen see when he looked up into heaven? What did he say when he saw it?

3. What did the Jewish leaders do when they heard what Stephen described? Why?

4. How did Saul react to Stephen’s execution?

5. What did Stephen call out as he was being stoned?

6. Did Stephen’s death help to start the persecution of believers?

7. Why did believers flee Jerusalem? What did they do where they fled? (see 8:4)

8. Where did Philip go? What did he do there?

Heart

1. What do you think it was like for Stephen to see the glory of God? Do you think he was afraid? Was he amazed?

2. In 7:57, why do you think the Jewish leaders stopped their ears?

3. What does it tell you about Stephen’s understanding and experience of grace and mercy that he didn’t want the sin of the people stoning him to be held against them?

4. Why was there much joy in Samaria? (8:8)

Hands

1. Do you think the intense anger of the Jewish leaders played a role in how they treated Stephen? Explain.

2. Do you think Stephen knew he would die for speaking to the Jewish leaders the way he did? Why do you think he spoke to them that way?

Simon the Magician

Acts 8:9-25

Main Thought

Simon tries to buy what can only be received by the free grace of God.

Head

1. What was different about the magic that Simon practiced and the signs the Philip did when he was in Samaria?

2. According to verse ten, what did the people of Samaria say about Simon?

3. How well did the people of Samaria respond to Philip?

4. Why did the apostles send Peter and John to Samaria?

5. According to verse 16, how was Philip’s baptism different than other baptisms? Why was it different?

6. What did Simon think he could do to receive the Holy Spirit?

7. What did Peter think of Simon’s request?

8. According to verse 22, what did Peter tell Simon to do?

9. What did Peter and John do on their way back to Jerusalem? Why?

Heart

1. How did the description of Simon in verse ten celebrate Simon more than God?

2. How was Simon in the “gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity”? (v. 23)

Hands

1. According to verse 11, what did Simon do to make people pay attention to him?

2. Do you think people can still be tricked into paying attention to someone for the wrong reasons? Explain.

3. Do you think Simon’s baptism was legitimate?

4. Simon asked Peter to pray for him, but do you think Simon repented?

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

Acts 8:26-40

Main Thought

Philip describes Jesus in verses from Isaiah.

Head

1. Where did the angel tell Philip to go? Why is it important to know that this was a desert place?

2. Where is Ethiopia? How far away is it from Jerusalem?

3. In whose court did the eunuch serve?

4. Why had the Ethiopian eunuch traveled to Jerusalem?

5. What book of the Bible was the eunuch reading?

6. Why do you think the text says that an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip and later says that the Spirit spoke to him? Are they the same person or different? Explain. (see vv. 26, 29, see also v. 39)

7. How did Philip help the eunuch understand the passage from Isaiah?

8. How does the passage from Isaiah point to Jesus?

9. What did Philip do for the eunuch when they came to some water?

10. How do you think the eunuch knew about baptism?

11. What happened to Philip after he baptized the eunuch?

12. What did Philip do as he traveled from Azotus to Caesarea?

Heart

1. Why did the eunuch go on his way rejoicing?

2. Do you think any miracles were involved in this story? Explain.

Hands

1. Do you think it was right or wrong of Philip to baptize the eunuch as soon as they came to some water? Explain.

2. If you had to guess, what do you think the Ethiopian eunuch did when he arrived in Ethiopia?

Jesus Christ Confronts Saul

Acts 9:1-19a

Main Thought

Jesus claims Saul as his chosen instrument.

Head

1. Who were the people belonging to the Way?

2. When Saul went to Damascus, why would he look for the people of the Way in the synagogues?

3. What authority did Saul have to bring people bound to Jerusalem?

4. Describe what happened to Saul on the road to Damascus.

5. What did the men who were with Saul experience?

6. What happened to Saul’s eyes?

7. How did Ananias react to the Lord when he appeared to him in a vision? How does this compare to Saul’s reaction when the Lord appeared to him?

8. According to verse 11, what was Saul doing during the time he spent at Judas’ house?

9. Why was Ananias concerned about going to meet Saul?

10. How did Ananias address Saul when he first met him? (v. 17)

11. How do we know that Saul became a believer?

Heart

1. If Saul was on his way to Damascus to persecute people of the Way, why did Jesus ask Saul, “Why do you persecute me”?

2. How was Jesus glorified when he claimed Saul as his chosen instrument? What plans did Jesus have for Saul?

Hands

1. Do you think Ananias liked helping Saul? Explain.

2. If Saul was Jesus’ chosen instrument, why did he have to suffer? (see v. 16)

Saul Proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Acts 9:19b-31

Main Thought

Saul zealously proclaims the gospel.

Head

1. What did Saul preach in the synagogues in Damascus? What did the people in the synagogues think about that?

2. How do you think Saul proved that Jesus was the Christ?

3. How did Saul get away from the Jews in Damascus?

4. Why were the disciples in Jerusalem afraid of Saul? Who convinced the disciples in Jerusalem to accept Saul? What evidence did he give?

5. Who were the Hellenists that Saul disputed against?

6. Why did the disciples send Saul to Tarsus?

7. Why did Luke say “church” in verse 31 and not “churches”?

8. In what way did the church in Judea and Galilee and Samaria have peace?

Heart

1. Why did the Jewsish leaders want to kill Saul? Would killing Saul have stopped the Christian message from being spread? Would Saul’s death have satisfied the Jews in some other way?

2. Do you think Saul was being a coward by fleeing from Damascus the way he did? Explain.

Hands

1. When Saul preached openly in Damascus and Jerusalem, he was forced to flee both cities. Do you think it would have been better if Saul had been a bit quieter in his evangelism? Explain.

2. Are different forms of evangelism appropriate for different occasions? How do you know what is appropriate when?

3. What does it mean to walk in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit?

Peter Heals Aeneas and Dorcas

Acts 9:32-43

Main Thought

Two miracles by Peter reflect miracles done by Jesus Christ during his ministry on earth.

Head

1. When Peter went “here and there among them all” where was he going? (see v. 31)

2. Where was Lydda? How close was Joppa to Lydda?

3. Compare the healing of Aeneas with a similar healing in Luke 5:17-26. How are the two healings similar? How are they different?

4. If Dorcas had already died, why did the two men sent from Joppa ask Peter to come without delay?

5. Compare the healing of Dorcas (Tabitha) with a similar miracle in Mark 5:22-43. How are the two miracles similar? How are they different?

6. Why do you think Luke mentioned that Simon was a tanner? Would a tanner have been considered clean or unclean? What story comes next in Acts? Explain.

Heart

1. When the residents of Lydda and Sharon turned to the Lord, do you think they did so because of the miracle, or for some other reason? Explain.

2. When the residents of Joppa believed in the Lord, do you think they did so because of the miracle, or for some other reason? Explain.

Hands

1. Would you like to be known as one who was “full of good works and acts of charity”? Explain

2. Why do you think God allowed Peter to do miracles that were similar to the miracles Jesus did? How was Peter able to avoid having people place their faith in him rather than in Jesus?

Cornelius Sends for Peter

Acts 10:1-8

Main Thought

The Lord claims Cornelius as his own.

Head

1. How far was Caesarea from Joppa?

2. What was a centurion? What was the Italian Cohort?

3. If Cornelius feared God, was he a Jew? Explain.

4. What details about Cornelius does the passage give that show that he was a wealthy man?

5. What did the angel of God command Cornelius to do?

6. What does it mean that Cornelius’ prayers and alms ascended as a memorial before God? Do you think our prayers and alms do something similar?

7. Do you think Cornelius knew what was going to happen when he sent for Peter? Explain.

8. Do you think Cornelius knew who Peter was before he sent for him?

9. Why do you think verse seven describes the soldier as “devout”?

Heart

1. Why do you think Cornelius initially stared at the angel of God in terror?

2. Why do you think Cornelius addressed the angel of God as Lord?

Hands

1. Why did Cornelius pray and give alms? Do you think he did it go get noticed by God or was there another reason?

2. What are some good reasons for Christians today to pray and give alms?

3. Why did Cornelius obey the angel of God right away?

Peter’s Vision

Acts 10:9-33

Main Thought

The Lord shows Peter and Cornelius that they should not call anyone clean or unclean.

Head

1. Describe what was in the great sheet being let down by its four corners.

2. What did the Lord tell Peter to do with the animals?

3. Why didn’t Peter want to do it?

4. When Peter refused, what did the Lord tell him?

5. Why do you think this happened three times?

6. Why did God give this vision to Peter? How important was this vision to the future of the church?

7. Why did Peter wait until the next day to go to Caesarea?

8. What did Peter mean when he told Cornelius in verse 26, “Stand up; I too am a man”?

9. Did Peter initially know why he needed to go to the house of Cornelius?

10. Did Cornelius initially know why Peter needed to come to his house?

Heart

1. Why do you think Peter was inwardly perplexed about the meaning of the vision? Was the vision itself confusing or was Peter confused for another reason?

2. If Peter and Cornelius didn’t initially understand why God asked them to do what he asked, what do you think motivated them to obey?

Hands

1. How did Peter show his obedience to the Lord in this story?

2. How did Cornelius show his obedience to the Lord in this story?

The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles

Acts 10:34-48

Main Thought

God confirms that Gentiles can also be saved through faith in Jesus Christ.

Head

1. Compare Peter’s speech to the household of Cornelius with other speeches he gave in Acts. (Acts 2:14-39; 3:12-26; 4:8-12; 5:29-32)

2. According to verse 43, to what did all the prophets in the Old Testament bear witness?

3. Do you think it was important that the Holy Spirit came upon these Gentiles at this time? Explain.

4. How did Peter respond when he saw that the Holy Spirit came upon Gentiles?

Heart

1. When Peter said in verse 34 that “God shows no partiality,” was that a change in God at the beginning of the New Testament church or had God always been that way? Explain.

2. Can you give examples of how God shows his love for Gentiles also in the Old Testament?

3. Can you name some Gentiles who were included in the family of God in the Old Testament?

4. What changed about how Gentiles were included in the family of God in the New Testament?

5. Do you think God always intended to include Gentiles among the people of God? Explain.

6. How does God’s attitude toward Gentiles affect you?

Hands

1. In verse 35, Peter described people who are acceptable to God as “anyone who fears him and does what is right.” Does “doing what is right” make you acceptable to God? What did Peter mean when he included that in his description?

Peter Explains His Actions

Acts 11:1-18

Main Thought

Peter explains that God directed him to include Gentiles in the covenant community.

Head

1. Why did the circumcision party criticize Peter?

2. What was the problem with going to uncircumcised men and eating with them? Why did the circumcision party think it was a problem?

3. Who told Peter to go with the uncircumcised men? (see v. 12)

4. If Luke had already recorded Peter’s vision in chapter ten, why didn’t he just write that Peter told them his vision? Why did he record the entire vision again in this chapter?

5. What did Peter remember regarding baptism?

6. If Peter had not baptized the Gentile believers, would he have been standing in God’s way?

7. Why did the circumcision party fall silent?

Heart

1. How does the Holy Spirit confirm his work in our lives today?

2. Who grants repentance that leads to life? Why is it his prerogative to grant it?

3. Do you think it was hard for the circumcision party to change their way of thinking? Explain.

4. Once the circumcision party understood that God had directed Peter to include the Gentiles, how did they show that they wholeheartedly accepted it?

Hands

1. How important is it to have a culturally diverse church today?

2. If your church isn’t culturally diverse, is it doing something wrong? Explain.

Christians

Acts 11:19-30

Main Thought

The Lord expands his church from Jerusalem into the Gentile world.

Head

1. Where were the believers scattered after the martyrdom of Stephen?

2. Why did the believers speak to no one except the Jews? Do you think these believers had heard about what happened to Peter?

3. From whom did the Hellenists in Antioch first hear the gospel?

4. Why did the church in Jerusalem send Barnabas to Antioch?

5. According to verse 24, what qualities of Barnabas caused him to rejoice when he saw what happened in Antioch?

6. Why did Barnabas get Saul when he saw what happened at Antioch?

7. Describe Saul and Barnabas’ ministry in Antioch.

8. Who do you think first called the believers Christians? Why?

9. What did Agabus prophesy? How did the Christians in Antioch respond? What did Agabus prophesy later? (see 21:10-11)

Heart

1. Verse 23 says that Barnabas saw the grace of God. If someone had asked Barnabas how he knew the grace of God was at work there, how do you think he would have responded?

2. How can we tell today when God’s grace is at work?

Hands

1. Was the persecution that arose over Stephen a good thing or a bad thing? Explain.

2. Do you think God used Paul’s experience in Antioch to prepare him for his future missionary journeys? Explain.

3. Thinking back on this and previous stories, how had God used Barnabas in the life of Saul?

James and Peter

Acts 12:1-19

Main Thought

The Lord in his sovereignty carries out his purpose for James and for Peter.

Head

1. Why was James identified as the brother of John?

2. Why did Herod arrest Peter?

3. Why does it matter that Herod seized Peter during the days of Unleavened Bread?

4. Was it normal to have so many soldiers guarding one man? Why do you think Herod placed these soldiers over Peter?

5. What did the church do in response to Peter’s arrest?

6. How was Peter confined when the angel of the Lord rescued him?

7. What does verse 11 mean when it says that Peter came to himself?

8. Where did Peter go after the angel left him?

9. How did Rhoda and the others at the house react when Peter showed up at the door? Why did they react that way?

10. Which James was Peter talking about in verse 17? (see also v. 2)

Heart

1. Why do you think God allowed Herod to kill James but saved Peter?

2. Do you think Peter at first believed that God could rescue him from the prison? Explain.

3. List some of the details in the story that could only have happened as a result of a miracle. Why do you think God showed himself through miracles in this story?

Hands

1. Why did Peter go to another place? Do you think he was hiding from Herod? Should he have hid from Herod?

The Death of Herod

Acts 12:20-25

Main Thought

The Lord removes a proud king while increasing and multiplying his own word.

Head

1. Why did the people of Tyre and Sidon come to Herod?

2. Who was Blastus, and how did he help the people of Tyre and Sidon?

3. In verse 21, what did Herod do that showed his pride?

4. In verse 22, how did the people of Tyre and Sidon encourage Herod’s pride?

5. Why did the angel of the Lord strike Herod down? (see 12:23)

6. How did Herod die? Why do you think the Lord caused him to die in this particular way?

7. As Herod was falling from his place of honor, what was increasing and multiplying?

8. Where were Saul and Barnabas? Who was with them?

Heart

1. Why was God so angry at Herod for letting the people of Tyre and Sidon refer to him as a god?

2. Should God have given Herod time to repent of his pride?

3. How did the word of God increase and multiply? Who caused that?

Hands

1. What were the people of Tyre and Sidon trying to do by saying Herod’s voice was “the voice of a god, and not of a man”?

2. Why is pride considered a sin? Shouldn’t we have pride in what we do and who we are?

3. How does our culture view pride? Is it different than how the Bible views pride? Explain.

Barnabas and Saul Are Set Apart for Missions

Acts 13:1-12

Main Thought

The Lord gives Barnabas and Saul a special task to proclaim the word of God to the Gentiles.

Head

1. List the people in the church in Antioch who were prophets and teachers.

2. What plans did the Holy Spirit have for Barnabas and Saul?

3. Why did the others lay their hands on Barnabas and Saul before they sent them off? What else did they do before sending them off? Why?

4. What was the name of the island where Barnabas and Saul first started their work?

5. Where on the island did Barnabas and Saul first go to proclaim the word of God? Why? Who went with them?

6. Who was Bar-Jesus (also known as Elymas), and how did he oppose Barnabas and Saul?

7. How did Saul (also called Paul) deal with him?

8. Compare the judgment Saul pronounced on Elymas with the judgment Paul received from the Lord on the road to Damascus.

9. According to verse 12, why did Sergius Paulus become a Christian?

Heart

1. Why do you think Elymas wanted to turn the proconsul away from the faith?

2. Do you think Saul might have secretly hoped that Elymas would become a Christian after being blind for a time? Explain.

Hands

1. How did Elymas make crooked the straight paths of the Lord?

2. How did the Lord use Elymas in the conversion of  Sergius Paulus?

The Gospel Comes to Antioch in Pisidia

Acts 13:13-43

Main Thought

Paul takes the lead in bringing the gospel to Antioch in Pisidia.

Head

1. Earlier in chapter 13, when Barnabas and Saul were mentioned, Barnabas was always listed first. But in verse 13, the group is referred to as “Paul and his companions.” Why do you think this change occurred?

2. Where are Pamphylia and Pisidia located?

3. How far away from Antioch in Syria was Antioch in Pisidia?

4. When Paul and the others were in the synagogue, why do you think Paul stood up to speak instead of Barnabas?

5. To whom was Paul referring when he said, “and you who fear God” in verse 16?

6. Compare Paul’s speech in this passage to Stephen’s and Peter’s earlier speeches in Acts. How are they alike? How are they different?

7. What was the good news that Paul was talking about in verses 32-33?

8. How did Paul show from the Old Testament that God had fulfilled his promises in Christ?

9. How did the Jews and devout converts to Judaism respond to Paul’s message? (v. 43)

Heart

1. According to verse 17, did God choose the Israelites, or did the Israelites choose God?

2. Does God choose us, or do we choose God? Explain.

Hands

1. What do you think Paul and Barnabas meant when they urged the people to “continue in the grace of God”?

2. How can we go about continuing in the grace of God today?

The Jews Become Jealous

Acts 13:44-52

Main Thought

The disciples bring the gospel to the Jews and the Gentiles.

Head

1. What do you think might have happened between the Sabbath when Paul and Barnabas spoke in the synagogue and this Sabbath when almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord?

2. What reason did Paul and Barnabas give for preaching the good news of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles as well as the Jews?

3. What did the Lord command Paul and Barnabas?

4. What did Luke mean when he said in verse 48, “and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed”? Who appoints people to eternal life?

5. Who was spreading the word of the Lord throughout the whole region?

6. Why did Paul and Barnabas shake the dust off their feet? What did their actions mean?

7. When had disciples of Christ previously been commanded to shake the dust off their feet? (see Matt. 10:14; Mark 6:11; Luke 9:5)

Heart

1. Why do you think the Jews became jealous?

2. Why do you think the Gentiles began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord?

3. Is there any connection between being filled with joy and being filled with the Holy Spirit? Explain.

Hands

1. What caused the Jews to contradict Paul and revile him? Was he saying anything that wasn’t true?

2. How did the Jews try to stop the gospel from spreading?

Paul and Barnabas at Iconium

Acts 14:1-7

Main Thought

Paul and Barnabas face persecution because of their preaching of the gospel.

Head

1. Where was Iconium?

2. When Paul and Barnabas arrived at Iconium, where did they go first? Why?

3. What happened at the synagogue?

4. What did the unbelieving Jews do?

5. According to verse three, what did the Lord do to confirm the message Paul and Barnabas were preaching?

6. Who attempted to stone Paul and Barnabas? What was the result?

7. What did Paul and Barnabas do after they fled to Lystra and Derbe?

Heart

1. How would you explain why the people of Iconium were divided?

2. Why do you think Paul and Barnabas kept preaching in the face of constant persecution and opposition?

3. Do you think the persecution Paul and Barnabas faced weakened their resolve or strengthened it? Explain.

Hands

1. If the unbelieving Jews were making trouble for Paul and Barnabas, why did Paul and Barnabas remain “for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord”? (v. 3) Why did they later flee from the city?

2. If you had to flee from a city because you were preaching the gospel there, how difficult would it be to start preaching the gospel in the city where you fled?

3. In your witness for Christ, are there times when it is prudent to stay and fight and other times when it is prudent to flee? Explain.

Paul and Barnabas at Lystra

Acts 14:8-18

Main Thought

Paul and Barnabas are misunderstood by the people of Lystra.

Head

1. What miracle did Paul do at the beginning of this story? What effect did the miracle have on the crowd?

2. What names did the crowd give Barnabas and Paul? Why?

3. What did the priest of Zeus want to do?

4. What made Paul and Barnabas tear their clothes?

5. How were Paul and Barnabas of like nature with the people of Lystra?

6. What good news did Paul and Barnabas bring?

7. What were the “vain things” that Paul and Barnabas wanted the people to turn from?

8. What did Paul and Barnabas want the people to turn to?

9. What do you think Paul and Barnabas meant when they said in verse 16 that God “allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways”?

10. According to verse 17, what witness did God give the nations?

Heart

1. According to verse nine, what did Paul see in the crippled man? How necessary was it for the man to have this in order to be healed?

2. If God still gave a witness to the nations when he allowed them to walk in their own ways, do you think he still held those nations accountable for what they thought and what they did? Explain.

Hands

1. Knowing how the crowd responded, do you think Paul should have healed the crippled man at the beginning of this story?

2. Do you think it was dangerous for Paul and Barnabas to rush into the crowd the way they did? Why did they do it?

Paul Stoned at Lystra

Acts 14:19-28

Main Thought

Paul and Barnabas increase their zeal for the gospel even as their persecution increases.

Head

1. Who came from Antioch and Iconium? Why?

2. Where do you think Barnabas was when Paul was being stoned?

3. According to verse 20, where did Paul go after he was stoned and dragged out of the city?

4. To what other cities did Paul return?

5. What do you think Paul and Barnabas meant when they said “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God”? (v. 22)

6. Why did Paul and Barnabas appoint elders in every church?

7. What did Paul and Barnabas tell the church in Antioch-Syria when they returned?

Heart

1. How is it possible that the crowd  wanted to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas one minute and wanted to stone them the next?

2. Compare the crowd at Lystra to the crowd present at Jesus’ trimphal entry and crucifixion. How are they alike? How are they different?

3. If you were present when Paul and Barnabas were persecuted, and then saw Paul and Barnabas return, would you be strengthened by their return, scared for their safety, or both? Explain.

Hands

1. If you had been Paul would you have gone back into Lystra after being stoned? Would you then have gone back to the other cities that persecuted you? Why do you think Paul did it?

2. Why do Christians sometimes need to go through tribulations to enter the kingdom of God?

Faith and Works

James 2:14-26

Main Thought

Faith without works is dead.

Head

1. Who wrote the epistle of James? (see 1:1)

2. When did he write it? Was it one of the earlier epistles or a later one?

3. What leadership role did James have in the church in Jerusalem? (see Acts 15:13-21; Gal. 2:9-10)

4. According to James, can faith save a person? Explain.

5. How does verse 16 illustrate faith without works?

6. One of the sayings of the Reformation is that believers are justified by faith alone. How do you reconcile that saying with James’ words in verse 24: “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone”?

7. Do demons believe in God?

8. In what way is faith completed by works? (see v. 22)

Heart

1. How is the relationship between faith and works guided by wisdom from above? (see 3:13-18)

2. How is faith apart from works dead? Is it possible to have faith without showing it?

Hands

1. What do you think James meant when he said that he would show his faith by his works?

2. How was Rahab justified by works?

3. Are you justified by your works?

4. Is it possible for works to be an expression of faith rather than a replacement for faith? Explain.

The Jerusalem Council

Acts 15:1-21

Main Thought

The Jerusalem Council considers its position on the Gentiles.

Head

1. In what city were the men from Judea teaching the brothers that they had to be circumcised?

2. Why was it important for the men from Judea to act “according to the custom of Moses”?

3. Why were Paul and Barnabas opposed to the men from Judea?

4. Why was it important to go to Jerusalem to settle the matter?

5. What did Paul and Barnabas describe to the churches in Phoenicia and Samaria? Why might the churches in Phoenicia and Samaria be interested in that?

6. What argument did Peter make for allowing Gentiles into the church without circumcision? Why did he call circumcision a “yoke that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear”?

7. What argument did Paul and Barnabas make for allowing Gentiles into the church without circumcision?

8. What argument did James make for allowing Gentiles into the church without circumcision?

9. Did James have greater authority to render a judgment in this case?

10. What did James say should be required of the Gentiles?

Heart

1. What did the churches leaders discern about God’s grace to Gentiles?

Hands

1. How important was it for many leaders to contribute to a solution when conflict arose in the church?

2. When conflict arises in the church today, how important is it that a solution comes from a plurality of elders?

The Decision of the Jerusalem Council

Acts 15:22-35

Main Thought

The Jerusalem Council gives their official decision to the Gentile believers.

Head

1. What different groups are listed in verse 22? Why?

2. What is the difference between apostles and elders?

3. How had the minds of the Gentile believers in Antioch become unsettled?

4. How did the apostles and elders describe the two men they sent with Barnabas and Paul?

5. What requirements did the apostles and elders in Jerusalem lay on the Gentile believers? Why?

6. How do you reconcile the decision of the Jerusalem council with Paul’s comments about food sacrificed to idols in 1 Corinthians 8?

7. Why was it important to know that Judas and Silas were prophets?

8. Where did Judas and Silas go after they had spent some time in Antioch?

9. What did Paul and Barnabas do when they remained in Antioch?

Heart

1. How can you tell from this story that the Holy Spirit was behind the decision by the Jerusalem council?

2. How did the letter encourage the Gentile believers?

Hands

1. Why do you think the apostles and elders in Jerusalem sent Judas and Silas with Paul and Barnabas to deliver their message to the Gentile believers in Antioch?

2. How did the decision of the Jerusalem Council and the way they chose to deliver the decision serve to unify the church?

Paul and Barnabas Separate

Acts 15:36–16:5

Main Thought

Paul and Barnabas find different ways to strengthen the churches.

Head

1. What did Paul suggest that he and Barnabas do?

2. What disagreement did Paul and Barnabas have? Why might Barnabas have sided with Mark? Were Mark and Paul ever reconciled? (see Col. 4:10)

3. Where did Barnabas go? Who went with him?

4. Where did Paul go? Who went with him?

5. What was Timothy’s home town? What had happened to Paul earlier in this town? (see 14:19-23)

6. What nationality was Timothy’s mother? His father?

7. Why did Paul circumcise Timothy?

8. What decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem did Paul deliver to the cities he visited?

9. How did Paul strengthen the churches in this story?

Heart

1. Why do you think Timothy allowed himself to be circumcised?

2. Do you think Paul and Barnabas were being stubborn when they decided to go their separate ways? Explain.

Hands

1. How dangerous do you think it was for Paul and Barnabas to visit the cities where they had just proclaimed the word of the Lord? Why do you think they did it?

2. Should Paul and Barnabas have separated?

3. If Paul had argued so strongly that Gentiles didn’t need to be circumcised, why did he circumcise Timothy?

Paul Goes to Macedonia

Acts 16:6-15

Main Thought

God sends Paul and Silas to Gentiles in Macedonia.

Head

1. Where were Phrygia and Galatia?

2. Who forbade Paul and Silas to speak the word in Asia?

3. According to verse seven, what other region was forbidden to Paul and Silas?

4. Where were Mysia and Troas?

5. Where was Macedonia?

6. Describe Paul’s vision.

7. Where were Neapolis, Samothrace, and Philippi?

8. What was special about Philippi?

9. What was different about where Paul and Silas started preaching in Philippi? Why didn’t they go to a synagogue first?

10. Who was Lydia?

11. Do you think there were any children in Lydia’s household who were baptized?

Heart

1. Why do you think Paul needed God to send him a vision before he went to Macedonia?

2. What did God do for Lydia?

Hands

1. What did Paul and Silas do after Paul saw the vision? How quickly did they do it? Why?

2. After Lydia and her household were baptized, what did she do for Paul and Silas? Why?

Paul and Silas in Prison

Acts 16:16-24

Main Thought

Paul and Silas are persecuted by the city of Philippi.

Head

1. Where was the place of prayer where Paul and Silas were going? (see v. 13)

2. How did the slave girl make money for her owners?

3. Why did the slave girl follow Paul and Silas? What reasons might Satan have had for wanting Paul’s presence and ministry announced to the city of Philippi?

4. What reasons might Paul have had for casting out the spirit of divination in the girl?

5. What did the slave girl say about Paul? What did Paul do about it?

6. What did the slave girl’s owners do to Paul and Silas?

7. What accusation did the slave girl’s owners make about Paul and Silas to the magistrates?

8. What did the magistrates do to Paul and Silas?

9. How did the jailer treat Paul and Silas?

Heart

1. Why would Paul become annoyed at what the slave girl was saying?

2. What made the owners angry at Paul and Silas?

3. What made the crowd angry at Paul and Silas?

4. Who was really disrupting the city?

Hands

1. Why did the magistrates beat Paul and Silas with rods?

2. Why do you think the jailer put Paul and Silas in the inner prison?

3. Why did the jailer fasten Paul and Silas’ feet in the stocks?

The Conversion of the Jailer

Acts 16:25-40

Main Thought

God performs a miracle and saves the jailer and his household.

Head

1. When the earthquake came, what happened to the prison doors? What happened to everyone’s bonds? Was this a result of the earthquake?

2. Why did the jailer plan to kill himself? What stopped him?

3. What did the jailer ask Paul and Silas? How did they answer him?

4. According to verse 32, what did Paul and Silas do to ensure that the jailer and his household would be saved?

5. What did Paul and Silas do when the jailer believed?

6. Where did the jailer take Paul and Silas after he was baptized? Why didn’t he take them back to prison right away?

7. When morning came, what did the magistrates want Paul and Silas to do? Why did they refuse? What made the magistrates so afraid?

8. In Acts 16:16 when Luke discussed what happened at Philippi he used the pronoun “we.” However, in Acts 17:1, when Luke discussed what happened after leaving Philippi, he used the pronoun “they.” How do you explain Luke’s change in pronouns?

Heart

1. If you were in chains in a prison at midnight, would you sing? Why do you think Paul and Silas started singing?

2. Do you think the jailer would have asked Paul and Silas what he must do to be saved if the earthquake had not happened? Explain.

Hands

1. Given the treatment of Paul and Silas do you think Paul was correct in not wanting John Mark to travel with them? Explain. (see Acts 15:38)

2. Why didn’t Paul and Silas leave the city right away when the magistrates asked them to leave?

Paul Recounts His Conversion

Galatians 1:11-24

Main Thought

Paul tells how the Lord set him apart for the work of the gospel.

Head

1. When was Galatians written? (You may need to consult a study Bible)

2. Who were the Galatians? Where did they live?

3. What did Paul mean when he said in verse 11 that the gospel he preached was not “man’s gospel”?

4. From whom did Paul receive the gospel? How?

5. What did Paul do in his former life in Judaism? How well did he advance when he was in Judaism?

6. According to  verses 15-16, when was Paul set apart to preach among the Gentiles? Who set him apart?

7. After Paul became a Christian, where did he go? Why?

8. How long after Paul became a Christian did he finally go to Jerusalem?

9. Who was Cephas? Who else did Paul see when he was in Jerusalem?

10. Where did Paul go after he left Jerusalem?

11. Why did the Christians glorify God?

Heart

1. How difficult do you think it was for Paul to talk about his attitude toward Christianity when he was in Judaism?

2. Why did Paul write the Galatians? Who were they deserting so quickly? (see 1:6-7)

Hands

1. Whose approval did Paul seek? (see v. 10)

2. What happened as a result? (see 24)

Paul and the Gentiles

Galatians 2:1-14

Main Thought

As a minister to the Gentiles, Paul takes a stand for the true gospel.

Head

1. How many years passed before Paul went up again to Jerusalem?

2. Do you think the visit mentioned in 2:1 was the one referred to in Acts 11:27-30 or the one in Acts 15?

3. Who went with Paul on this visit?

4. What was the revelation that Paul mentioned in verse two?

5. Summarize the gospel that Paul proclaimed among the Gentiles.

6. Who are the people that Paul said “seemed to be influential”? (v. 6)

7. Who is the “he” who worked through Peter and Paul? (v. 8)

8. Why did Paul oppose Peter in Antioch?

9. How were Peter’s actions not in step with the gospel?

10. If a person isn’t justified by works of the law, how is he justified? (see 2:15-16)

Heart

1. Why was Paul opposed to circumcision? How would it have affected the gospel message if Titus had been forced to be circumcised?

2. What does it mean that God shows no partiality?

Hands

1. What does it mean to give the right hand of fellowship? Why did James, Cephas, and John give it to Paul and Barnabas?

2. What circumstances would cause us to give the right hand of fellowship to people today?

3. How do you think the Jews and even Barnabas acted hypocritically?

4. If we are justified by faith, how then should we live? (see 2:20-21)

Paul’s Relationship with the Galatians

Galatians 4:8-20

Main Thought

Paul shows his intense love for the Galatians and his desire for them not to be drawn away from the truth of the gospel.

Head

1. How were the Galatians formerly enslaved?

2. What are the “weak and worthless elementary principles of the world”? How were these principles related to the Galatians observing days and months and seasons and years?

3. Why did Paul want the Galatians to become as he was? How had he become like the Galatians?

4. What do you think was the bodily ailment that made Paul preach the gospel to them at first?

5. To whom was Paul referring in verse 17 when he said, “They make much of you, but for no good purpose”?

6. Why was Paul perplexed?

Heart

1. What is the difference between knowing God and being known by God?

2. Why did Paul say, “I entreat you” in verse 12?

3. Give evidence from the passage to show how much Paul loved the Galatians.

4. What do you think Paul meant in verse 19 when he talked about Christ being formed in the Galatians?

5. How is Christ formed in us?

Hands

1. Why was Paul’s bodily ailment a trial to the Galatians? How did the Galatians deal with this trial?

2. According to verse 15, what were the Galatians willing to do for Paul?

Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and Berea

Acts 17:1-15

Main Thought

Paul receives two very different reactions to the gospel.

Head

1. Where were Amphipolis and Apollonia? Where was Thessalonica?

2. Why do you think Paul stopped in Thessalonica?

3. Describe some of the people in Thessalonica who became Christians.

4. Why were the Jews jealous? What did they do?

5. Who was Jason? What did Jason do for Paul and Silas?

6. How did the Jews think Paul and Silas were acting against the decrees of Caesar?

7. Why did the authorities take money as security from Jason and the rest? What would we call this kind of security today?

8. Where did the Christians in Thessalonica send Paul and Barnabas?

9. Why did Paul and Silas go to the Jewish synagogue in Berea?

10. What made Paul leave Berea? Who remained in Berea?

11. Where did Paul go after Berea?

Heart

1. Why was it necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead?

2. How were the Jews in Berea more noble than the Jews in Thessalonica?

Hands

1. Describe what the Jews from Berea did when they heard Paul’s message.

2. Why is it important to search the Scriptures like the Bereans?

3. Why do you think Silas and Timothy remained in Berea?

Paul in Athens

Acts 17:16-34

Main Thought

Paul proclaims the gospel fearlessly among the elite Greek intellectuals.

Head

1. What does “provoked” mean? Why was Paul’s spirit provoked within him?

2. According to verse 17, in what two places did Paul reason with people? What kind of people would frequent these places?

3. What did Epicurean philosophers believe?

4. What did Stoic philosophers believe?

5. Why did some of the philosophers call Paul a babbler?

6. What was the Areopagus?

7. How was the true God that Paul described in verses 24-25 different from the Athenians’ gods?

8. How did Paul’s understanding of God change how he understood the nature and purpose of human beings? (see vv. 26-28)

9. What did Paul say about Jesus that turned many against him?

10. Why didn’t everyone turn against Paul?

Heart

1. If you saw people worshiping a false god, would your spirit be provoked within you? Explain.

2. In what ways were the Athenians religious?

3. According to Paul, why should people repent?

Hands

1. How did Paul move the Athenians from their original understanding of gods to an understanding of the true God?

2. What do you think Paul’s reaction was when people started to mock him?

Paul in Corinth

Acts 18:1-17

Main Thought

Paul preaches the gospel fearlessly in Corinth.

Head

1. Where is Corinth in relation to Athens? What do you know about Corinth and Athens? How were the cities the same? How were they different?

2. Why were Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth? Where had they lived before they moved to Corinth?

3. What trade did Paul have in common with Aquila and Priscilla?

4. What was Paul doing when Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia?

5. Who are “they” in verse six?

6. When Crispus and his entire household believed, who likely baptized all of them? (see 1 Cor. 1:14)

7. How long did Paul stay in Corinth?

8. Who was Gallio?

9. Why did the Jews bring Paul to Gallio?

10. How did Gallio respond to the charges of the Jews?

Heart

1. How difficult do you think it was for Crispus, as the ruler of the synagogue, to convert to Christianity?

2. According to verses 9-10, how did the Lord comfort Paul?

3. In what way do verses 12-17 show how God made good on the promise he made to Paul in verses 9-10?

Hands

1. How did Paul use his tentmaking to advance the gospel?

2. What skills can you use to advance the gospel?

Paul and the Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 2:1-16

Main Thought

Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his ministry among them.

Head

1. When did Paul preach to the Thessalonians? (see Acts 17:1-9)

2. How was Paul shamefully treated at Philippi? (see Acts 16:16-24)

3. According to verses 3-8, what are some wrong ways to preach to people? What are some good ways?

4. How was Paul “approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel”?

5. According to verse nine, why did Paul work night and day?

6. How does God call us into his own kingdom and glory? (see v. 12)

7. According to verse 13, why did Paul thank God constantly?

8. Compare the suffering of the Thessalonians with the suffering of the Christians in Judea.

9. How did non-Christians displease God? How did they oppose all mankind?

Heart

1. When Paul preached the gospel, whose glory did he seek? Explain.

2. When Paul preached the gospel, whom did he try to please? Explain.

Hands

1. Why is it important for Christians to proclaim their faith boldly, particularly when there is much conflict?

2. Why doesn’t it work to proclaim Christ using words of flattery?

3. Describe conduct that is holy, righteous and blameless. What makes it holy? What makes it righteous? What makes it blameless?

4. How should a Christian walk in a manner worthy of God? (see v. 12)

5. What is the end result for people who oppose Jesus Christ?

Paul Receives a Good Report

1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:13

Main Thought

Paul sends Timothy to check on the Thessalonians and praises the Lord for the report that Timothy brings back.

Head

1. How was Paul was torn away from the Thessalonians? (see
Acts 17:1-10)

2. Who hindered Paul from returning to Thessalonica?

3. How had the Thessalonians become Paul’s hope, and joy, and crown of boasting?

4. Why did Paul send Timothy back to the Thessalonians?

5. What did Paul mean in verse three when he said, “that no one be moved by these afflictions”? What might some of the Thessalonians have been tempted to do because of the suffering they had to endure?

6. What concern did Paul have regarding the Thessalonians?

7. What report about the Thessalonians did Timothy give to Paul? What was Paul’s response to Timothy’s report?

8. What was lacking in the Thessalonians’ faith? (see v. 10)

Heart

1. Does Satan try to hinder the work of Christians today? Explain.

2. Why should Christians be destined for suffering? (see v. 3ff)

3. How does God establish our hearts “blameless in holiness”? (v. 13)

Hands

1. How did Paul find a way to give thanks to God even through his suffering and the suffering of the Thessalonians?

2. Why was Paul so eager to see the Thessalonians face to face? How is meeting someone in person different from communicating with them in other ways? What impact might this have in how we seek to spread the gospel?

Paul Encourages the Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians 2:13–3:5

Main Thought

Paul discusses his confidence in the Thessalonians and encourages them to continue to stand firm in the love of Christ.

Head

1. Who is the “we” in verse 13? (see 1:1)

2. Why did they give thanks to God for the Thessalonians?

3. According to 2:13, how were the Thessalonians saved?

4. In what way were the Thessalonians firstfruits?

5. According to 2:14, what is the end result of the Thessalonians’ salvation?

6. What were the traditions that Paul taught the Thessalonians?

7. According to 3:1-2, why did Paul want the Thessalonians to pray for himself, Silvanus, and Timothy?

Heart

1. How do you think the Lord Jesus Christ comforted the hearts of the Thessalonians?

2. How does the Lord show his faithfulness to us? (see 3:3)

3. Why do you think Paul had such confidence in the Thessalonians?

4. How does the Lord direct our hearts to the love of God?

5. How does the Lord direct our hearts to the steadfastness of Christ?

Hands

1. What does it mean to thank God constantly?

2. How were the Thessalonians able to stand firm?

3. How do you think the Lord Jesus Christ established the Thessalonians in every good work and word?

4. Do good works and good words go together?

Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos

Acts 18:18-28

Main Thought

Others rise up to promote the gospel message.

Head

1. When Paul left for Cenchrea, who went with him?

2. Why did Paul cut his hair? What did this say about his vow?

3. Where did Paul go in Ephesus? Why?

4. Where did Paul go after he left Ephesus? Where did he go after Caesarea?

5. Verse 23 records the beginning of Paul’s third missionary journey. Where did he go first?

6. Who came to Ephesus to minister there after Paul? What was his native city?

7. What was accurate about the teaching of Apollos? What was lacking?

8. Who corrected Apollos?

9. Where did Apollos desire to go? Who else was in this region at the same time?

Heart

1. How would you describe the character of Apollos? Was he humble? Proud? Intelligent? Argumentative?

2. How would you describe the character of Priscilla and Aquila?

Hands

1. When Apollos was told that part of his teaching was not correct, how did he respond?

2. If you had to guess, how do you think Priscilla and Aquila approached Apollos to correct him?

3. Are there helpful and harmful ways to correct someone? How would you describe the difference between the two ways?

Paul in Ephesus

Acts 19:1-20

Main Thought

The Holy Spirit shows his power through the ministry of Paul.

Head

1. Where was Apollos when Paul came to Ephesus?

2. When Paul found some disciples in Ephesus, what did he discover was lacking in their faith?

3. What is the difference between John’s baptism and baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus?

4. What happened to the men after Paul laid his hands on them?

5. How long did Paul spend preaching in the synagogue? What prompted him to withdraw to the hall of Tyrannus?

6. How long did Paul preach in Ephesus?

7. What kind of miracles was God doing through Paul?

8. Who were the sons of Sceva? What were they doing?  What happened to them?

9. When some who practiced magic arts became believers, what did they do with their books?

Heart

1. Do you think Paul gave up on the Jews in the synagogue who were still stubborn after hearing Paul’s preaching for three months? Should Paul have withdrawn from the synagogue?

2. Why didn’t the evil spirit recognize the sons of Sceva? What were the sons of Sceva lacking in their attempt to cast the spirit out?

Hands

1. Should we look to receive the Holy Spirit in the same way today as the twelve men in Ephesus received him? Explain.

2. When people become believers today, what should they do with the remnants of their former way of life?

Divisions in the Corinthian Church

1 Corinthians 1:10-31

Main Thought

Paul preaches the power of Christ  in order to end divisions in the church.

Head

1. What was causing divisions in the Corinthian church?

2. Look at the list of names in verse 12. Why might the Corinthian believers be divided in their allegiance to these different men?

3. What did Paul have to say about placing one’s allegiance in a man like Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas?

4. Why didn’t Paul want people to say they were baptized in his name?

5. What do you think Paul meant when he said that God uses the “folly of what we preach” to save people?

6. What is the difference between Jewish signs, Greek wisdom, and the Christian preaching of Christ crucified?

7. How is Jesus our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption?

Heart

1. Why are Christians sometimes divided? What will it take for Christians to be united in the same mind and judgment?

2. How can the word of the cross be folly to some people and the power of God to others?

3. What is the difference between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom?

Hands

1. Do you think the Christian church today is too divided? How do you think it got that way?

2. If we were to try and unite the church of today, would there be a right way and a wrong way to do it? Explain.

3. How might words of eloquent wisdom empty Christ’s cross of its power?

Love

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Main Thought

Paul describes love as the greatest mark of a Christian.

Head

1. What was going on in the Corinthian church that made this chapter particularly appropriate for Paul to write?

2. Why do you think Paul included “and of angels” in verse one?

3. How do we know that love will never end?

4. What is Paul getting at when he speaks of seeing in a mirror dimly?

5. According to verse 13, what three things abide? Why?

6. Why is love the greatest of the three things to abide?

Heart

1. Is it possible to have true faith without love?

2. If you make sacrifices like the ones described in verse three, why is it so important that they be done out of love?

3. What is it about love that makes a person patient and kind?

4. What is it about love that makes a person not envious, or boastful, or arrogant, or rude?

5. Why doesn’t love insist on its own way?

6. What is it about love that makes it bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, and endure all things?

Hands

1. How is speaking without love like a noisy gong or a clanging symbol?

2. In verse 11, what distinctions does Paul make regarding acting like a child and acting like an adult?

3. How can you tell whether or not you  are acting out of love in any given situation?

Paul’s Comfort

2 Corinthians 7:2-16

Main Thought

Paul discusses true comfort with the Corinthian believers.

Head

1. Why did Paul feel the need to defend himself in this passage?

2. What kind of people may have tried to take advantage of the Corinthian believers in the past?

3. How did God comfort Paul through Titus?

4. What letter was Paul talking about in verse eight?

5. What is the difference between godly grief and worldly grief?

6. What does repentance lead to?

7. How was Titus refreshed by the Corinthians?

8. How did the Corinthians receive Titus?

Heart

1. How do you make room in your heart for someone?

2. Do you think Paul’s “great boldness” (v. 4) toward the Corinthians is evidence of his love for them? Explain.

3. Do “fighting without” and “fear within” often go together? Explain.

4. Why do you think Paul felt the need to write a letter that made the Corinthians grieve?

5. What resulted from the godly grief of the Corinthians?

Hands

1. How is it possible to overflow with joy in the midst of affliction?

2. What do you think would have happened if the Corinthians had become angry at Paul’s letter instead of grieved by it?

3. What do you think happens when children become angry at discipline they receive instead of being grieved by it?

Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Main Thought

Paul describes his visions and the thorn in his flesh that kept him from becoming conceited because of the visions.

Head

1. If there was nothing to be gained by boasting, why did Paul go on doing it?

2. Who is described in verse two? Why didn’t Paul identify the man?

3. What was the third heaven?

4. According to verse seven, what temptation did Paul face because of the revelations he received?

5. What do you think was Paul’s thorn in the flesh?

6. How often did Paul ask the Lord to take away his thorn in the flesh?

7. What answer did God give?

8. Explain Paul’s statement, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (v. 10)

Heart

1. If Paul was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years earlier, why did he wait to say something about it until now? What did he prefer to focus on?

2. Was the “messenger of Satan” (v. 7) a good thing for Paul? Explain.

3. How difficult do you think it was for Paul to be content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities?

4. Should we be content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities? Would contentment be difficult?

Hands

1. Why would Paul want to boast of his weaknesses? How would weakness help spread the gospel? How is God’s power made perfect in our weaknesses?

A Riot in Ephesus

Acts 19:21–20:3a

Main Thought

Demetrius stirs up the crowd in Ephesus against Paul.

Head

1. What does it mean to resolve something in the Spirit?

2. Where did Paul plan to go after he traveled through Macedonia and Achaia?

3. Why was Demetrius upset with Paul?

4. Who was Artemis? Why would the people say that Artemis was “Artemis of the Ephesians”? (see v. 35)

5. Why did the crowd drag Gaius and Aristarchus into the theater?

6. Why did the crowd begin shouting when Alexander tried to speak?

7. What do you think was the sacred stone that fell from the sky?

8. What did the town clerk say Demitrius should have done if he had a complaint against Paul?

9. Where did Paul go after he left Ephesus? How long did he spend in Greece?

Heart

1. Do you think Paul had an idea that he would be going to Rome in chains? Explain.

2. Do you think Demetrius only made shrines for money or did he truly believe in Artemis? Explain.

Hands

1. Should the disciples in Ephesus have prevented Paul from going into the theater? Explain.

2. If most of the crowd did not know why they came together (see v. 32) why did they remain together and risk being charged with rioting? Do you think it was easier for many to just go along with the crowd?

Paul Longs to Visit to Rome

Romans 1:8-17

Main Thought

Although Paul had not yet met the Roman Christians, he longed to visit them so that they could mutually encourage each other.

Head

1. Where was Paul staying when he wrote the letter to the Romans? (see Acts 20:2-3a)

2. Had Paul ever met the Roman Christians before he sent this letter to them?

3. How had the Roman church been established? Who were likely the first Christians in Rome? (see Acts 2:10)

4. Why had Paul not yet visited the Roman church?

5. What is a barbarian? (v. 14)

6. How was Paul under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians?

7. What do you think Paul meant when he said in verse 16, “to the Jew first and also to the Greek”?

8. How is the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel?

Heart

1. If Paul had never met the Romans, why did he long to see them? What did he already have in common with them?

2. Why was Paul not ashamed of the gospel?

3. Why should we not be ashamed of the gospel?

Hands

1. What did Paul want to do for the Romans?

2. What was Paul hoping the Christians in Rome would do for him?

3. Why is it important for Christians to mutually encourage each other?

4. Do you think living the Christian life is harder for Christians when they don’t encourage each other?

Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome

Romans 15:14-33

Main Thought

Paul describes his calling as a minister to the Gentiles and enlists the help of the Roman church to help him in his calling.

Head

1. How were the Roman Christians “full of goodness”? (v. 14)

2. Why did Paul have to write “very boldly” to the Roman Christians?

3. What was the “offering of the Gentiles” mentioned in verse 16?

4. List Paul’s references to each member of the Trinity in verses 14-20.

5. Why was Paul hindered from visiting the Roman Christians?

6. According to verse 24, where did Paul want to go next in his ministry? How did he expect the Roman Christians to help him?

7. Where did Paul plan to go first before traveling through Rome?

8. In what way did the churches in Macedonia and Achaia owe the church in Jerusalem?

9. When Paul asked the Roman Christians to pray for him to be “delivered from the unbelievers in Judea” do you think he already knew that he could experience persecution in Jerusalem?

Heart

1. How did Paul rely on each of the three persons of the Trinity in order to fulfill his calling as a minister to the Gentiles?

2. How did the Christians in Macedonia and Achaia show their love for the Christians in Jerusalem?

3. What other ways can Christians show their love to each other?

Hands

1. Was Paul ever able to travel to Rome and Spain the way he had planned? How did God alter Paul’s plans?

2. How does contributing to the needs of others show gratitude to God?

Eutychus

Acts 20:3b-16

Main Thought

Paul has an extended time of fellowship with the Christians in Troas.

Head

1. Where was Paul staying when a plot was made against him by the Jews? (see 20:2)

2. Why did so many other people travel with Paul? Where were these people from? What did all these different places have in common?

3. On what day of the week did the Christians at Troas get together?

4. Do you think the breaking of bread mentioned in verse seven was the celebration of communion or simply a fellowship meal? Explain. (see also 2:42 and 2:46)

5. How late did Paul preach?

6. Why do you think Luke mentioned that there were many lamps in the room where they were gathered?

7. What happened to Eutychus? Do you think he died when he fell, or was he just injured?

8. How long did Paul stay after the breaking of bread?

9. Why did Paul decide to sail past Ephesus?

Heart

1. Why do you think Paul preached so long at Troas?

2. Do you think the Christians at Troas complained about the length of Paul’s sermon? Explain.

3. What point do you think Luke was trying to make by mentioning the story of Eutychus?

Hands

1. Why do you think Paul decided to go by land to Assos instead of taking the ship?

The Ephesian Elders

Acts 20:17-38

Main Thought

Paul gives a final exhortation to the Ephesian elders.

Head

1. How did Paul summarize the time he spent at Ephesus? Was it an easy or hard time for him? Was it profitable for the church?

2. According to verse 22, why was Paul going to Jerusalem?

3. What role did the Holy Spirit have in sending Paul to Jerusalem?

4. Why didn’t Paul account his life of any value?

5. Why wouldn’t any of the Ephesian elders ever see Paul’s face again?

6. What did Paul mean in verse 26 when he said, “I am innocent of the blood of all of you”?

7. Why did the Ephesians elders have to be alert?

Heart

1. Why do you think Paul still wanted to meet with the Ephesian elders even though he sailed past Ephesus?

2. If the Holy Spirit knew that imprisonment and affliction awaited Paul in Jerusalem, why did he still want Paul to go there?

3. What was more important to Paul, his life or the work God called him to do? Why?

Hands

1. Should we follow Paul’s example and not account our lives of any value nor as precious to ourselves? Explain.

2. Why is it so important for elders to pay careful attention to themselves and the people they oversee? How do elders do that today?

3. What might “fierce wolves” in the church look like today?

4. Why is it more blessed to give than receive?

Paul is Warned about Traveling to Jerusalem

Acts 21:1-16

Main Thought

Paul’s friends repeatedly warn him of the risk in going to Jerusalem, but Paul is determined to go anyway.

Head

1. Where is Cos? Rhodes? Patara?

2. Where is Tyre in relation to Jerusalem?

3. What did the disciples tell Paul about going go Jerusalem? How did they know this?

4. How long did Paul and his companions stay in Tyre?

5. Where is Ptolemais in relation to Jerusalem?

6. Who was Philip the Evangelist? Why was he called “one of the seven”? (see Acts 6:1-6)

7. What was unique about Philip’s daughters? Why do you think Luke mentioned Philip’s daughters in this passage?

8. Who was Agabus? Where was he mentioned before? (see Acts 11:28)

9. What did Agabus do to Paul? Why?

Heart

1. Do you think the Spirit works in the same way today as he did in the days of the New Testament? Explain.

2. If the Holy Spirit constrained Paul to go to Jerusalem (see 20:22), why did he also use so many people to warn Paul against it?

3. When was Paul’s heart broken? Who broke it? How?

Hands

1. Why did so many people try to stop Paul from going to Jerusalem? Should they have tried to stop him?

2. Do you think the warnings against going to Jerusalem frightened Paul, or did they made him even more resolved to go? Explain.

Paul Purifies Himself in the Temple

Acts 21:17-26

Main Thought

Paul shows the Jerusalem Christians his obedience to Mosaic law.

Head

1. Why is James mentioned by name in verse 18?

2. When Paul told James and the elders what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry, what details do you think he may have included?

3. What concern did the elders in Jerusalem have regarding Paul’s presence in Jerusalem?

4. What solution did the elders come up with to answer their concern?

5. Why did the four men who were under the vow have to purify themselves?

6. If Paul wasn’t under the vow, why did he have to purify himself?

7. When did the Jerusalem council give its judgment concerning Gentile believers? (see 15:28-29)

Heart

1. Did Paul have to purify himself at the temple? Why did he do it?

2. Should the Jerusalem Christians have been concerned if Paul didn’t follow Mosaic customs?

3. Should Paul have accommodated to the sensitivities of the Jerusalem Christians?

Hands

1. Do you think Paul always lived in observance to the law, or did he do so in this story for the benefit of the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem? Explain.

2. Did Paul have to live in observance to the Jewish law?

3. If the Jerusalem elders asked Paul to observe Jewish law but didn’t ask Gentiles to do so, were they guilty of creating a double standard?

Paul Is Arrested

Acts 21:27-36

Main Thought

In observing the Jewish law, Paul is persecuted and accused of violating it.

Head

1. What were the seven days mentioned in verse 27?

2. Who were the Jews from Asia? Name some cities that were located there.

3. Why might Jews from Asia be inclined to stir up trouble against Paul?

4. What was ironic about Paul being charged with teaching against the law of Moses?

5. Did Paul brings Greeks into the temple?

6. If Paul had brought Greeks into the temple would he have defiled it? Explain.

7. Why might the Jews from Asia know that Trophimus was a Gentile from Ephesus?

8. Why do you think the people dragged Paul out of the temple?

9. What did the tribune do when he heard what the Jews were doing to Paul? Why do you think he did it?

10. Why did the tribune arrest Paul?

Heart

1. Why do you think the Jews from Asia caused such an uproar?

2. If you had been one of the Jerusalem elders who asked Paul to purify himself at the temple, how would you have reacted to the events in this story?

Hands

1. In prior stories when Paul was persecuted, he stirred up trouble with his preaching. How is this story different? Did Paul do anything to warrant what happened to him in this story?

Paul Speaks to the Crowd

Acts 21:37–22:21

Main Thought

Paul defends himself by giving his personal testimony.

Head

1. Why was the tribune surprised that Paul knew Greek?

2. Why did Paul tell the tribune that his hometown of Tarsus was no obscure city?

3. Why did Paul address the crowd  in the Hebrew language? Why did he address them as “brothers and fathers”?

4. Who was Gamaliel?

5. Why was it important for the crowd to know that Paul had a close connection with Gamaliel?

6. How did Paul persecute the Way?

7. What had the people of the Way done that the Jewish leaders thought was punishable?

8. Who appeared to Saul (Paul) when he traveled to Damascus?

9. Who is the “Righteous One” mentioned in 22:14?

Heart

1. When Paul rose to speak to the crowd, do you think he was more interested in defending himself or in presenting the gospel? Explain.

2. Does Jesus take the persecution of Christians personally? Explain.

3. Why doesn’t Jesus stop the persecution of Christians?

4. How did Jesus use Paul’s persecution of Christians to glorify himself?

Hands

1. When Paul got up to speak, why do you think he decided to give his testimony rather than simply tell the crowd why he was in the temple?

2. How did Paul identify with other zealous Jews in this story?

Paul Before the Tribune and the Council

Acts 22:22–23:11

Main Thought

Paul defends himself before Roman and Jewish authorities.

Head

1. At what point in Paul’s speech did the crowd rise up against him? (see v. 21) What did they want to do with him?

2. Why would the crowd throw off their cloaks and fling dust in the air?

3. If the tribune already knew that Paul was born in Tarsus (see 21:39), why did he still order him to be flogged?

4. Although Tarsus was a free city, not everyone born in Tarsus was automatically a Roman citizen. What other way could Paul have obtained Roman citizenship?

5. How did the tribune receive his Roman citizenship?

6. Why did the tribune summon the Jewish council?

7. What did Paul say that made Ananias command those near Paul to strike him in the mouth?

8. How were the beliefs of the Sadducees and Pharisees different?

9. What did the Lord tell Paul in a dream that night? Why?

Heart

1. Why did Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles cause such an angry reaction with the crowd?

2. Why did Paul immediately apologize for speaking to Ananias the way he did? If Paul was now a Christian, was Ananias really in authority over him? Why did Paul still give him respect?

Hands

1. Why do you think Paul waited to mention his Roman citizenship until he was about to be flogged?

2. What did Paul say to divide the council? Why did he want the council to argue? Was this a wise move on Paul’s part?

The Plot Against Paul

Acts 23:12-35

Main Thought

Paul learns of a plot against his life and informs the tribune.

Head

1. What oath did the Jews make regarding Paul? How many men made this oath?

2. What had Paul said or done that made the Jews want to kill him?

3. Did the chief priests and elders go along with the plan to kill Paul?

4. What exactly was the plan?

5. Who warned Paul about the plan?

6. Why do you think the tribune so readily believed Paul’s nephew?

7. Why did the tribune charge Paul’s nephew to tell no one that he had informed the tribune of these things?

8. What did the tribune do to protect Paul?

9. Who was Felix?

10. Summarize the letter the tribune wrote to Felix.

11. Why did the soldiers have to bring Paul to Felix by night?

12. Where was Antipatris?

Heart

1. Who feared more for Paul’s life? Do you think it was the tribune or Paul? Explain.

Hands

1. How did the tribune make himself look good in the letter he wrote to Felix?

2. Think back through the last several stories we read about Paul in Jerusalem. How was Paul’s treatment by the Romans and the Jews similar to and different from Jesus’ treatment prior to the crucifixion?

Paul Defends Himself Before Felix

Acts 24:1-21

Main Thought

Paul answers the charges of the Jews and presents the gospel to the Roman court.

Head

1. Who presented the case against Paul to Felix? What does this tell you about the importance they placed on making sure Paul was convicted?

2. How did Tertullus try to flatter Felix in verses two and three?

3. What specific accusations did Tertullus make against Paul in verses five and six? Were these accusations accurate? Explain.

4. When Paul began his defense, did he try to flatter Felix in the same way Tertullus did? Explain.

5. In his reply, how did Paul answer the charges against him? How did he also share the gospel?

6. Why was it important for Paul to point out that only the Jewish leaders considered the Way a sect?

Heart

1. What does calling Christianity “the sect of the Nazarenes” tell you about Jewish attitudes toward Christianity?

2. If you were Felix and had to make a judgment based on the arguments you heard in this passage, what would your decision be? Why?

Hands

1. If Christians are falsely accused of crimes today, how should they respond? What can they glean from Paul’s example?

2. How does someone “take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man”?

3. Why do you think Paul told Felix that he came to Jerusalem to “bring alms to my nation” rather than saying that he came to bring alms to the Christian church in Jerusalem? Do you think Paul was being totally honest with Felix?

Paul Appeals to Caesar

Acts 24:22–25:12

Main Thought

Paul refuses to be given up to the Jews and appeals to Caesar instead.

Head

1. How do you think Felix came to have an accurate knowledge of the Way?

2. Why would Felix want to wait for Lysias the tribune to come down before trying the case?

3. Describe what life was like for Paul in custody.

4. What nationality was Drusilla?

5. According to 24:24, when Felix finally sent for Paul, what did Paul speak about?

6. What alarmed Felix? Why?

7. Why did Felix leave Paul in prison?

8. Why did the Jews want Festus to bring Paul to Jerusalem? What did Festus tell the Jews to do instead?

9. Why didn’t Paul want to go to Jerusalem? Why did he appeal to Caesar instead?

Heart

1. What’s the difference between having an accurate knowledge of the Way and being a Christian?

2. If Paul already knew that he would go to Rome (see 23:11), did it matter whether or not Paul appealed to Caesar? Couldn’t God have brought him to Rome some other way?

Hands

1. Could Paul have gotten out of prison if he had bribed Felix? Why didn’t he do so?

2. Do you think Paul was taking matters into his own hands when he appealed to Caesar in order to go to Rome?

Agrippa and Bernice Visit Festus

Acts 25:13-27

Main Thought

Festus asks Agrippa to hear Paul’s case.

Head

1. Where did Agrippa the king reign?

2. Why didn’t Festus condemn Paul when the chief priests and elders of the Jews brought their case against Paul in Jerusalem?

3. Why did the Jews travel to Caesarea?

4. Did the Jews bring any charges against Paul that Festus considered valid?

5. According to what Festus said in verse 19, what was the main point of dispute between Paul and the Jews?

6. Why do you think Agrippa wanted to hear Paul’s case?

7. If Festus found nothing that Paul had done to deserve death, why did he still plan to send him to Caesar?

8. Compare Pilate’s attitude toward Christ with Festus’ attitude toward Paul.

9. According to verse 26, what reason did Festus give for bringing Paul’s case before Agrippa?

10. According to verse 27, if there were no valid charges against Paul, would it have been reasonable to send Paul to Caesar?

Heart

1. Why do you think Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp (v. 23) to hear Paul’s case? What does that tell you about them?

2. Why do you think God arranged the circumstances so that Paul would have to make his case before Agrippa as well as Festus?

Hands

1. If you were Paul, and Festus asked you to plead your case before Agrippa, what would you say to Agrippa? Why?

Paul Defends Himself Before Agrippa

Acts 26:1-11

Main Thought

Paul begins his defense before Agrippa by describing his early, intense opposition to Christianity.

Head

1. Why did Paul consider himself fortunate for making a defense before King Agrippa?

2. According to verse four, where did Paul live when he was growing up?

3. Did Paul belong to the party of the Pharisees or the party of the Sadducees?

4. Between the Pharisees and the Sadducess, which party was considered more conservative, and which party more liberal?

5. To what hope was Paul referring in verse six?

6. Was Paul really on trial because of his hope in the resurrection? Explain.

7. Who were the twelve tribes that Paul referred to in verse seven?

8. Why did the twelve tribes earnestly worship night and day?

9. Why do you think Paul began his defense before Agrippa by describing his early, intense opposition to Christianity?

Heart

1. Although Paul grew up as a committed Pharisee, was he a true believer as a youth? Explain.

2. Why do some people dismiss the resurrection of the dead as a silly notion? Is it a silly notion? Explain.

3. Why do you think Paul was so virulent in his early opposition to Christianity?

Hands

1. How is our worship affected by our hope of a future resurrection?

Paul Recounts His Conversion

Acts 26:12-32

Main Thought

Paul presents the gospel by recounting his life as Saul and his encounter with Jesus Christ.

Head

1. What commission did the chief priests give to Paul? (see Acts 9:1-2)

2. What did Jesus mean when he said, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads”? (v. 14)

3. What commission did Jesus give to Paul?

4. What did Jesus mean when he told Paul he would be a servant and witness “to those [things] in which I will appear to you”? (v. 16)

5. According the verse 18, how would the people who heard Paul’s message be sanctified?

6. According to verses 19-21, why did the Jews try to kill Paul?

7. To what was Paul referring when he mentioned “the help that comes from God” in verse 22?

Heart

1. What light is brighter than the sun? Why is it brighter? (see v. 13)

2. Why did Festus think Paul was crazy? Who was less in touch with reality, Festus or Paul?

3. According to verse 29, what was Paul’s main reason for giving his defense before Festus and Agrippa?

Hands

1. How was Paul persecuting Jesus when he persecuted Christians?

2. Do you think it would have been possible for Paul to be disobedient to the heavenly vision? (see v. 19)

3. What are “deeds in keeping with repentance”?

4. Should Paul have appealed to Rome? Explain.

Paul Travels to Rome

Acts 27:1-12

Main Thought

Paul begins his journey to Rome.

Head

1. Who sailed for Italy with Paul?

2. Where was Adramyttium?

3. Who was Aristarchus? What was his connection with Paul? (see Acts 19:29, 20:4; 27:2; Philem. 24; Col 4:10,11)

4. Where was Sidon located?

5. What does “under the lee” mean?

6. Where was Myra in Lycia located?

7. What made the travel from Myra to Cnidus so difficult?

8. Why did Paul want to stay at Fair Havens?

9. Why is it important to know from verse nine that much time had passed and that the Fast was already over?

10. What did the majority think they should try to do?

Heart

1. If God wanted Paul to go to Rome, why do you think he made the travel up to this point so difficult?

2. Why do you think the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and the owner of the ship than he did to Paul?

Hands

1. Was Aristarchus required to travel with Paul? Why do you think he did so? Do you think he knew he might also suffer with Paul?

2. Should the centurion and others have listened to Paul when he told them to winter at Fair Havens instead of trying to sail to Crete?

3. If you had been in the centurion’s situation, would you have listened to Paul?

The Storm

Acts 27:13-38

Main Thought

The storm that Paul foretold comes about, but Paul encourages the sailors to take heart.

Head

1. What was the difference between the south wind and the northeaster?

2. What happened when the ship “gave way” to the wind?

3. How did sailors use supports to undergird a ship?

4. Why did the sailors lower the gear? Why did they later throw the ship’s tackle overboard?

5. According to verse 20, what finally made the sailors abandon all hope?

6. What did Paul tell the sailors in order to encourage them?

7. Why did the sailors let down four anchors when they sensed that land was near?

8. Why did the centurion cut away the ropes to the ship’s boat?

9. Why did Paul urge the sailors to take some food?

10. How did Paul show his leadership skills even while he was a prisoner on the ship?

Heart

1. If Paul was just a prisoner on the ship, why do you think the sailors and even the centurion listened to him?

2. Why do you think the Holy Spirit told Paul what would happen in the future? Why doesn’t the Holy Spirit do this for everyone?

Hands

1. Should Paul have told the sailors that they should have listened to him instead of setting sail from Crete? Was he just rubbing it in?

2. What things did Paul say and do that encouraged the sailors?

Paul is Shipwrecked on Malta

Acts 27:39–28:10

Main Thought

Paul’s statement that the ship would be destroyed but no lives would be lost is proven true.

Head

1. What problem could result if the sailors didn’t recognize the land where they tried to beach the ship?

2. Why did the sailors have ropes tied to the rudders?

3. Where is the foresail located on a ship? Why would they hoist that particular sail when trying to run the ship ashore?

4. What happened that made the ship start to break up?

5. Why did the soldiers want to kill all the prisoners?

6. Describe how all the people made it safely to the shore.

7. How did the people of Malta treat the survivors of the shipwreck?

8. Why did the people of Malta think Paul was a murderer? Why did they later think he was a god?

9. Who was Publius?

Heart

1. Why might the centurion have wanted to save Paul?

2. Why do you think God made a viper come out and bite Paul?

3. Why do you think the people of Malta so easily changed their opinion about Paul?

4. In your opinion, why was Paul allowed to heal Publius’ father and others on the island?

Hands

1. Does this story mention Paul preaching to the people of Malta? Do you think he presented them with the gospel? Explain.

2. Do you think the snake Paul picked up was poisonous? Explain.

Paul in Rome

Acts 28:11-31

Main Thought

Paul arrives in Rome and continues to preach the gospel with boldness.

Head

1. How long did Paul and the others wait before setting sail after the shipwreck?

2. Who were the twin gods? Why would sailors put them on a ship?

3. Where are Syracuse and Rhegium?

4. Where was Puteoli?

5. Where did Paul and his companions stay when they were at Puteoli?

6. If this was the first time Paul was in Italy, how did Christians come to be living there? (see Acts 2:10 for a possible explanation)

7. How did Paul live as a prisoner? (see v. 16)

8. Why did Paul call together the leaders of the Jews in Rome?

9. What had the Jewish leaders heard about Paul?

10. What had the Jewish leaders heard about Christianity?

11. What did Paul do during the two years that he spent in Rome?

Heart

1. Why do you think some of the Jewish leaders refused to believe what Paul said about Jesus?

2. What reason did Isaiah give for why the Jewish leaders refused to believe?

3. If Paul was a prisoner for the gospel, how could he be so bold in preaching it while under arrest?

Hands

1. How did God use other Christians to encourage Paul in this story?

2. What are some ways Christians can encourage other Christians today?

Paul Encourages the Colossians

Colossians 1:24–2:5

Main Thought

Paul encourages the Colossians even though he could not see them face to face.

Head

1. Where was Colossae located? Had Paul ever been to Colossae before? (see 2:1)

2. How did Paul suffer for the sake of the Colossians?

3. Was there anything lacking in Christ’s afflictions? Why did Paul say that there was?

4. What mystery was hidden for ages and then revealed to the saints?

5. What great struggle did Paul have for the Colossians and for the Christians at Laodicea?

6. What else do you know about Laodicea? (see Rev. 3:14-22)

7. Explain how Christ is “God’s mystery.” (2:3)

8. What “plausible arguments” might have deluded the Colossians?

9. According to 2:5, what made Paul rejoice even though he couldn’t see the Colossians face to face?

Heart

1. How was Christ the hope of glory for the Colossians?

2. What does it take to become mature in Christ?

3. What does it mean to have hearts knit together in love? How can Christians use that to encourage each other?

Hands

1. How could Paul fill up “what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions”?

2. Why do you think Paul wanted to see the Colossians face to face?

3. Is there something about seeing people face to face that is more encouraging than communicating with them in other ways?

Paul Asks a Favor

Philemon

Main Thought

Paul uses all his influence to ask Philemon to take back Onesimus as a Christian brother.

Head

1. Who was Philemon?

2. Who was Onesimus?

3. How can we be relatively certain that Onesimus and Philemon lived in Colossae? (see Col. 4:9)

4. How did Paul describe himself at the beginning of this letter?

5. Who were Apphia and Archippus?

6. What characteristics of Philemon made Paul thank God for him?

7. Why did Paul call Onesimus his child? (v. 10)

8. Why did Paul send Onesimus back to Philemon instead of keeping him in Rome?

9. Did Paul want Philemon to take Onesimus back as a slave? Explain.

10. What did Paul want Philemon to prepare for him? Why?

Heart

1. Why didn’t Paul command Philemon to take back Onesimus?

2. Do you think it would have worked for Philemon to take Onesimus back as a slave after Onesimus had become a Christian? Explain.

3. Do you think Paul ever paid Philemon for any losses he incurred through Onesimus? Explain.

Hands

1. How had Onesimus been useless to Philemon? How had he become useful again?

2. What is the difference between good works that are done from compulsion and ones that are done of their own accord?

Paul Gives Thanks for the Ephesians’ Faith

Ephesians 1:1-23

Main Thought

Paul rejoices in God’s purpose for this world and for his saints.

Head

1. Where was Ephesus located?

2. When had Paul been in Ephesus before? (see Acts 19; see also Acts 20:17ff.)

3. How did Paul describe himself in verse one? Why do you think he described himself differently here than in his letter to Philemon? (see Philem. 1)

4. What are spiritual blessings in the heavenly places? (v. 3)

5. When did God choose us?

6. What does it mean to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ?

7. According to verse ten, what plan does God have for the world?

8. What inheritance have we obtained? When will we obtain possession of it? (see vv. 11, 14)

9. What did Paul mean when he said that  God “works all things according to the counsel of his will’? (v. 11)

10. Where is Christ seated right now? What is he doing there?

Heart

1. If God chose us before the foundation of the world, did we do anything to warrant his choosing us? Why did he choose us?

2. What does it mean for Christians to be sealed with the promised Holy Spirit? (v. 13)

3. What does it mean to have the eyes of your heart enlightened? (v. 18)

Hands

1. How are faith in the Lord Jesus and love for all the saints connected?

2. Why is it important to give thanks for other Christians in prayer?

A Prisoner for Christ Jesus

Ephesians 3:1-13

Main Thought

Paul encourages the Ephesians with an exhortation regarding the mystery of the gospel.

Head

1. How did Paul describe himself in 3:1? Why do you think he described himself differently here than in 1:1?

2. Does Paul ever finish the sentence he started in verse one? (see 3:14)

3. Why was Paul a prisoner for Christ Jesus?

4. What was the “stewardship of God’s grace” that was given to Paul?

5. What was the mystery Paul discussed in verse three? How was it made known to him?

6. Had previous generations understood this mystery? Explain.

7. Why might the Jews of Paul’s day have had a problem thinking of Gentiles as fellow heirs?

8. What are the “unsearchable riches of Christ”? (v. 8)

9. What is “the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God”? (v. 9)

10. Why would the Ephesians be tempted to lose heart when thinking about Paul?

Heart

1. Why did Paul call himself the very least of all the saints? Do you think he was being overly humble by saying that?

2. What eternal purpose was realized in Christ Jesus? What did Jesus have to do in order to make it happen?

3. What gives us bold and confident access to Jesus Christ?

Hands

1. What did Paul do as a minister through the gift of God’s grace?

2. According to verse ten, what is the role of the church in the world?

The Whole Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-20

Main Thought

Paul exhorts the Ephesian Christians to dress for spiritual battle.

Head

1. What does the strength of the Lord’s might have to do with our being strong in the Lord?

2. How would you describe the “schemes of the devil”?

3. According to verse 12, what do we wrestle against?

4. What is the belt of truth? Why is it a belt?

5. What is the breastplate of righteousness? Why is it a breastplate?

6. What are the shoes of readiness given by the gospel of peace? Why are they shoes?

7. What is the shield of faith? Why is it a shield?

8. What is the helmet of salvation? Why is it a helmet?

9. What is the sword of the Spirit? Why is it a sword? How does someone pray in the Spirit?

Heart

1. Why do you think God gave us armor rather than removing all the schemes of the devil? How does withstanding the schemes of the devil help us glorify God?

Hands

1. How are we able to stand against the schemes of the devil?

2. How does the armor of God help us to stand firm?

3. What can we do to keep alert against the devil’s schemes?

4. Why should we make supplication for all the saints?

5. Why did Paul ask the Ephesian Christians to pray that he may proclaim the gospel boldly? Do you think there may have been times when he was tempted to not be so bold?

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

Philippians 1:12-30

Main Thought

Paul rejoices in suffering that advances the gospel.

Head

1. Where was Philippi located?

2. Describe the church at Philippi. (see Acts 16:11-40)

3. What had happened to Paul that served to advance the gospel?

4. Do you think some members of the imperial guard became Christians because of Paul?

5. Describe two different ways to preach Christ. (see vv. 15-17)

6. Did Paul expect to be delivered from his chains? Explain.

7. What did Paul mean when he said that for him to live is Christ, and to die is gain?

8. How did Paul encourage the Philippians to stand firm? (vv. 27-28)

Heart

1. If something bad happened to you but it served to advance the gospel, would you praise God for it? Would it be difficult to do so? Explain.

2. Why would Paul say that “it has been granted” to the Philippians that they should suffer for his sake? Can suffering be a gift that God grants to people? Explain.

Hands

1. Is it possible for people to have the wrong motives but to still effectively preach Christ?

2. What manner of life is worthy of the gospel of Christ?

3. What would be a clear sign of destruction to the Philippians’ opponents, but a clear sign of salvation to the Philippians? (see v. 28)

4. Do you think standing firm would be a clear sign to opponents of Christianity today? Explain.

Paul Warns Against False Teachers

1 Timothy 1:1-20

Main Thought

Paul contrasts false teachings with the truths of Jesus Christ.

Head

1. Where was Paul when he wrote this letter to Timothy?

2. If Timothy and Paul were quite close, why do you think Paul began the letter by identifying himself as an apostle? (see v. 1)

3. What did Paul call Timothy in verse two? Why?

4. Where was Timothy serving the Lord at this time?

5. According to verses three and four, what problems did Timothy have to confront  in Ephesus?

6. After Paul wrote about false teachers, why do you think he went on to talk about how to use the law? How are false teachers and an improper use of the law connected?

7. Why did Paul call himself the foremost of all sinners?

8. Why do you think Paul gave this charge to Timothy at this point in time?

Heart

1. What is it about a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith that makes love issue from them?

2. According to verses six and seven, what happens when people swerve away from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith? Why?

3. How was Jesus glorified when Paul became a Christian?

Hands

1. Has anyone sinned too much to be saved by Jesus Christ? Explain.

2. What is the “good warfare” (v. 18) and how do Christians wage it?

3. What does it mean to make shipwreck of your faith? Can Christians who have done this ever come back to Christ again?

Titus Puts What Remains in Order

Titus 1:1-16

Main Thought

Paul encourages Titus to put what remains in order by appointing elders in every town.

Head

1. Who was Titus? How had Titus helped Paul in the past? (see 2 Cor. 7:6, 7:13-14; 8:6, 16, 23; 12:18; Gal. 2:1-3)

2. According to verse one, why was Paul a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ?

3. How did Paul describe Titus in verse four? Why?

4. What did Paul ask Titus to do on Crete? Why?

5. Why should an elder be the husband of one wife?

6. Why is it important for the children of an elder to be believers?

7. Why should an elder avoid the characteristics in verse seven and seek the characteristics in verse eight?

8. Why must an elder hold firm to the trustworthy word?

9. In verses ten and following, what were people doing that was disturbing the church?

Heart

1. Who secured our hope of eternal life? When did God promise this? How did God make it happen?

2. Why was it so important that elders be appointed in every town? What do you think would have happened if they hadn’t been appointed?

3. Why are all things pure to the pure?

4. Why is nothing pure to the defiled?

Hands

1. How is it possible to deny God by your works?

2. How does denying God make a person unfit for any good work?

Peter Exhorts the Elders

1 Peter 5:1-11

Main Thought

Peter exhorts elders to exercise proper oversight over the church so that all God’s people can be sober-minded, watchful, and humble.

Head

1. How did Peter describe himself in verse one? Why?

2. What did Peter mean in verse one when he referred to “the glory that is going to be revealed?”

3. How is an elder like a shepherd?

4. Who is the chief Shepherd?

5. Who will give faithful elders the unfading crown of glory? Why?

6. Why should younger people be subject to their elders?

7. What does humility have to do with being subject to elders?

8. What does humility have to do with elders exercising proper oversight?

9. How is the devil like a roaring lion?

Heart

1. Why is it important that an elder exercise oversight willingly and not under compulsion?

2. What would make someone eager to serve as an elder?

3. Why does God oppose the proud but give grace to the humble?

4. Why do humble people specifically need the grace of God?

Hands

1. What happens if elders begin domineering over those in their charge? (see Ezek. 34:1-6)

2. What can we do to resist the devil?

3. Does Peter think Christians should expect to suffer? (see v. 10)

By Faith, Part 1

Hebrews 11:1-22

Main Thought

The author of Hebrews defines faith and provides examples.

Head

1. How does verse one define faith?

2. What does “commendation” mean? What did faith have to do with the people of old receiving their commendation?

3. According to verse three, what does it take to understand the creation of the universe?

4. Why was Abel’s sacrifice more acceptable to God?

5. What city was Abraham looking forward to in verse ten?

6. Why did it take faith for Abraham and Sarah to have a child?

7. What is the “better country” (v. 16) that Christians desire?

Heart

1. Why is it impossible to please God without faith?

2. Describe Noah’s “reverent fear.” (v. 7)

3. What does having faith have to do with acknowledging that you are a stranger and exile on the earth?

4. What makes God “not ashamed to be called their God”? (v. 16)

5. How was offering up Isaac on the altar a test of Abraham’s faith?

6. How did Isaac and Jacob show their faith?

7. How did Joseph show his faith?

Hands

1. What did Noah do that condemned the world? Do you think the actions of Christians today can also condemn the world? Explain.

2. What did Abraham do that showed he had true faith?

3. Does true faith always work itself out in obedient actions?

By Faith, Part 2

Hebrews 11:23–12:2

Main Thought

The author of Hebrews continues his discussion of the heroes of faith.

Head

1. How did Moses’ parents show their faith?

2. What problems did Moses encounter because of his faith?

3. Take a look at the people the author of Hebrews listed in verse 32. Describe how their faith expressed itself in their lives.

4. Describe the faith of the Israelites when they crossed the Red Sea.

5. Describe the faith of the people of Israel when they marched around Jericho.

6. Describe the faith of Rahab when she helped the spies and as she waited in her house while Israel marched around the city.

7. What did the author of Hebrews mean when he talked about people “of whom the world was not worthy”? (v. 38)

8. How is Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith?

9. What has Jesus done for us, and what is he doing now?

Heart

1. Do you think the people listed in Hebrews 11 ever had moments of doubt? Explain.

2. Do you think the faith of people in the Old Testament was different from the faith of people in the New Testament and later? Explain.

Hands

1. Take a look at the list of accomplishments in verses 33-35. How can faith help us overcome opposition in this life?

2. Take a look at the list of persecutions in verses 36-37. How does faith help us endure opposition in this life?

3. Describe the “race that is set before us.” (12:1)

Paul’s Charge to Timothy

2 Timothy 3:10–4:8

Main Thought

Paul encourages Timothy to take over the mantle of his ministry of the word.

Head

1. Where was Paul when he wrote this letter to Timothy?

2. How do we know that this was probably the last epistle Paul wrote? (see 4:6-8)

3. According to verse 12, who will be persecuted?

4. What will happen to evil people and imposters?

5. According to verse 15, what are the sacred writings able to do?

6. According to verse 16, what is unique about Scripture, and how can we use it?

7. What charge did Paul give to Timothy?

8. What did Paul mean when he said people had “itching ears”?

9. What is the difference  between truth and myths?

10. How was Paul being poured out like a drink offering?

11. How did Paul summarize his life and ministry?

Heart

1. Do you think Paul’s understanding of his impending death made a difference in what he chose to write to Timothy? Explain.

2. What is the basic problem that people have when they will no longer endure sound teaching?

3. How would you summarize Paul’s hope?

Hands

1. How was Paul’s life an example for Timothy to follow?

2. How does the Scripture equip Christians for good work?

Peter Looks Forward to the Day of the Lord

2 Peter 3:1-13

Main Thought

Peter describes our hope for the day of the Lord that is to come.

Head

1. Who were the likely recipients of this second letter from Peter? (see 1 Pet. 1:1)

2. Why is it so important to “remember the prediction of the holy prophets and the commandments of the Lord and Savior?” (v. 2)

3. According to verse five, what did water have to do with the creation of the world?

4. What did the word of God have to do with the creation of the earth?

5. According to verse six, what did water have to do with the destruction of the world?

6. How will the word of God act again to destroy the earth? What will come instead of water?

7. Do we know when this second destruction of the world will come?

8. Who will be surprised when the day of the Lord finally comes?

9. What will happen on the day of the Lord?

10. What are the things that will be dissolved? (v. 11)

11. What can we learn about the new heavens and the new earth from Peter?

Heart

1. Why might people who follow their sinful desires scoff at those who don’t?

2. Why is the Lord seemingly slow to come again?

Hands

1. How does your hope in the coming of the day of the Lord affect what you do and say?

Jude Calls Believers to Persevere

Jude 1-25

Main Thought

Jude warns believers to be vigilant against scoffers in the last day and to persevere in godliness.

Head

1. Who was Jude?

2. Who were the recipients of Jude’s letter?

3. According to verse four, what was happening among the people who received Jude’s letter?

4. What can we learn about angels from verse six?

5. What caused the dispute between the Michael and the devil?

6. What are the “hidden reefs” mentioned in verse 12?

7. How did Jude know that Enoch was the seventh from Adam? (see Gen. 5:1-24; 1 Chron. 1:1-3)

8. According to verses 18-19, who will come in the last time, and what will they do?

Heart

1. How is it possible to show mercy with fear? (see Gal. 6:1)

2. How is Jesus able to keep us from stumbling?

3. How is Jesus able to present us to God as blameless?

4. How does God show us his glory, majesty, dominion, and authority?

Hands

1. Do you think it is easy or difficult for people to blaspheme something they don’t understand? Explain.

2. What does it mean to contend for the faith? Do people need to contend for the faith today?

3. What can we do to protect ourselves against the scoffers that come in the last times?

John Warns of Antichrists

1 John 2:18-27

Main Thought

John warns that there are many people in the world dedicated to tearing down what Christ has built up in his church.

Head

1. What did John mean when he said that it was the “last hour”?

2. Is there one antichrist or many?

3. Who are “they” in verse 19?

4. How did John know that they were not part of the true church?

5. Is it possible to believe in Jesus but deny that he is the Christ?

6. Is it possible to believe in the Father but not the Son or the Son but not the Father?

7. In verses 22-24, John spoke of the Father and the Son. Why do you think he failed to mention the Holy Spirit?

8. What people were trying to deceive the Christians who received John’s letter?

9. What do you think John meant when he said that the Christians who received his letter had “no need that anyone should teach you.” (v. 27)

Heart

1. How are Christians anointed with the Holy One?

2. How do we know what is true?

Hands

1. Should our actions reflect the fact that we live in the “last hour”?

2. How does Christ’s anointing teach Christians about everything?

3. What possible ways might Christians misunderstand what John meant when he referred to Christ’s anointing?

4. What does it take to abide in Christ?

Walk in Love

2 John

Main Thought

John encourages the elect lady and her children to love one another.

Head

1. Who is the elder mentioned in verse one?

2. Who is the elect lady and her children mentioned in verse one?

3. What does it mean to be elect?

4. What truth was John talking about in verses one and two?

5. Is it possible to command people to love one another?

6. How does John define love in verse six?

7. According the verse seven, what do the deceivers in the world refuse to confess?

8. Why is it so important to believe that Jesus came in the flesh?

9. What is the “full reward” John mentioned in verse eight?

10. Who was the “elect sister” John mentioned in verse 13?

Heart

1. How does the truth abide in Christians? Who is responsible for the truth abiding in Christians?

2. How will the truth be with Christians forever?

3. How is a letter not a very good substitute for face-to-face conversation?

Hands

1. What does love have to do with obeying commandments?

2. If the truth abides in Christians, are Christians still responsible to also abide in the teaching of Jesus Christ? Explain.

3. How should you treat someone who professes to be a Christian, but does not abide in the teaching of Jesus Christ?

Support and Opposition

3 John

Main Thought

John encourages the church to stay focused on the truth and to imitate what is good.

Head

1. Who was the elder mentioned in verse one?

2. Who was Gaius?

3. What did the elder pray in verse two? Why?

4. How many times did the elder mention the word “truth” in verses one through four?

5. Who are the children mentioned in verse four?

6. Who were the brothers mentioned in verses five through eight, and what had Gaius done for them?

7. What was “the name” mentioned in verse seven?

8. How were the traveling teachers supported in their task?

9. Describe Diotrephes. What was he doing in the church?

10. Who was Demetrius? How did he differ from Diotrephes?

Heart

1. How did John express his love for Gaius in this letter?

2. Why didn’t the traveling teachers accept any support from the Gentiles?

Hands

1. What kind of things do you think Gaius should have done to send the traveling teachers on their way “in a manner worthy of God”? (v. 6)

2. When the other church members were confronted with the wickedness of Diotrephes, do you think they were tempted to respond in kind?

3. How tempting is it to repay evil with evil? According to verse 11, what did John say we should do instead?

John Receives a Vision

Revelation 1:9-20

Main Thought

John sees a vision of Jesus Christ and receives a command to write what he sees.

Head

1. Who wrote Revelation? (see 1:1, 4, 9)

2. How was John a partner in the tribulation the churches were experiencing?

3. Where is Patmos? How was Patmos used in John’s day? What was John doing on Patmos?

4. What did John mean when he said, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day”? (v. 10)

5. What day of the week was the Lord’s day?

6. Why do you think the loud voice told John to write to seven specific churches?

7. Who was the source of the loud voice? What did he look like?

8. Describe the area around him.

9. Who is the man that John described? Using references from the text, explain how you know who it is.

10. According to verse 19, what was John supposed to write?

Heart

1. After reading the description of the man, what do you think about him? Are you filled with awe? Are you afraid? Are you puzzled?

Hands

1. Give some examples where Christians might need the patient endurance that is in Jesus. (v. 9)

2. How did John respond to the man in the vision when he saw him?

3. How would you respond if you saw a vision like this?

The Letters to Ephesus and Smyrna

Revelation 2:1-11

Main Thought

Jesus encourages the churches in Ephesus and Smyrna to be faithful in the midst of false teaching and persecution.

Head

1. How are the letters in chapters two and three connected to chapter one? (see 1:11, 20)

2. Locate Ephesus and Smyrna on a Bible map.

3. From your previous studies in Acts, what do you know about the church in Ephesus?

4. How did Jesus describe himself in verse one? Why would he highlight that aspect of himself for the Ephesian church?

5. How did Jesus praise the Ephesian church? What problem did Jesus have with the Ephesian church?

6. Who were the Nicolaitans? What did they teach?

7. How would you describe the one who conquers?

8. How did Jesus describe himself in verse eight? Why would he describe himself in that way for the church in Smyrna?

9. How could the church in Smyrna be in poverty but still be rich?

10. What did Jesus promise the one who conquers? (see vv. 7, 11)

Heart

1. What was the Ephesians’ first love? Why do you think they abandoned it?

2. Why didn’t Jesus take away the suffering of the church in Smyrna?

Hands

1. According to verse five, what did the Ephesian church have to do to regain its first love?

2. What would Jesus give those in Smyrna who were faithful to death?

The Letters to Pergamum and Thyatira

Revelation 2:12-29

Main Thought

Jesus warns against following Balaam and Jezebel.

Head

1. Locate Pergamum and Thyatira on a Bible map. Where are they in relation to Ephesus and Smyrna?

2. How did Jesus describe himself to the church in Pergamum? (v. 12)

3. How did Jesus describe Pergamum? Why?

4. What was the teaching of Balaam?

5. What did Jesus say he would do if the church in Pergamum did not repent?

6. According to verse 17, what did Jesus promise the one who conquers?

7. What was the hidden manna and the white stone?

8. How did Jesus describe himself in verse 18 to the church in Thyatira?

9. How did Jesus praise the church in Thyatira? What did Jesus have against the church in Thyatira?

10. How would Jesus deal with those who followed the practices of Jezebel?

11. According to verses 26-28, what did Jesus promise the one who conquers?

Heart

1. If you lived in Pergamum, would you be most afraid of living near Satan’s throne or experiencing Jesus wielding his two-edged sword?

2. Why wouldn’t Jesus give any other burden to those who didn’t follow the practices of Jezebel?

Hands

1. According to verse 25, what did Jesus want the faithful Christians in Thyatira to do?

The Letters to Sardis and Philadelphia

Revelation 3:1-13

Main Thought

Jesus warns the church in Sardis to wake up before it is too late, and he encourages the church in Philadelphia to patiently endure.

Head

1. Locate Sardis and Philadelphia on a Bible map. Where are they in relation to the cities of the other churches who received a letter?

2. How did Jesus describe himself to the church in Sardis? Why did he describe himself in this way?

3. How did Jesus praise the church in Sardis? What problem did he have with the church?

4. What was about to die in Sardis?

5. What did Jesus say he would do for the one who conquers in Sardis?

6. How did Jesus describe himself to the church in Philadelphia? Why did he describe himself in this way?

7. How did Jesus praise the church in Philadelphia?

8. What is the open door that Jesus mentioned in verse eight?

9. Did Jesus mention anything against the church in Philadelphia? Explain.

10. What is the “hour of trial that is coming on the whole world”? (v. 10)

11. What did Jesus say he would do for the one who conquers in Philadelphia?

Heart

1. How would you explain the difference between those who had soiled garments and those whose garments were not soiled?

Hands

1. How could the works of the church in Sardis be made complete?

2. How would you describe someone who has patient endurance?

The Letter to Laodicea

Revelation 3:14-22

Main Thought

Jesus warns the Laodicean church that they are not as rich as they think they are.

Head

1. Locate Laodicea on a map. Where is it in relation to the cities of the other churches who received a letter?

2. How did Jesus describe himself to the church in Laodicea? Why did he describe himself in this way?

3. Did Jesus praise the church in Laodicea for anything? Explain.

4. What did Jesus have against the church in Laodicea?

5. What does it mean to be neither cold nor hot?

6. From an earthly perspective, what were the Laodiceans like? What were they like from a spiritual perspective?

7. To what was Jesus referring when he talked about buying gold from him that was refined by fire? (v. 18)

8. What were the white garments? (v. 18)

9. To what was Jesus referring when he talked about salve? (v. 18)

10. When Jesus said in verse 20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock,” by whose door was he standing? Explain.

11. What did Jesus promise the one in Laodicea who conquers?

Heart

1. Do you think it is harder for a wealthy person to rely on Jesus than for someone who is poor? Explain.

2. How did Jesus show that he loved the Laodiceans?

Hands

1. Do you think the problems that Jesus addressed in the seven letters to the churches are still problems for churches today? Explain.

The Throne Room of God

Revelation 4:1-11

Main Thought

John sees a vision of God at the center of all creation’s worship.

Head

1. Why did the vision begin with a door standing open in heaven?

2. What did the first voice tell John?

3. Where did John go?

4. Who was sitting on the throne? What did he look like?

5. What was around the throne that had the appearance of an emerald?

6. How many thrones were around the one throne? Why that number?

7. Why do you think lightning and thunder were coming from the throne?

8. According to verse five, what were before the throne? Where have we encountered this image before? (see Rev. 1)

9. What do you think was the purpose of the sea of glass, like crystal?

10. Describe the four living creatures.

11. How did the four living creatures describe God?

12. How did the 24 elders describe God when they worshiped him?

Heart

1. When you think about God, do you think about him the way John described him in this passage? How do you think about him?

2. What impresses you most about the way John described God’s throne room?

Hands

1. How is your worship the same as the worship that went on in this passage?

2. How is it different?

The New Heaven and the New Earth

Revelation 21:1-8

Main Thought

Jesus describes heaven and earth after he comes again.

Head

1. How do we know that this is a vision of John?

2. In John’s vision, what happened to the first heaven and the first earth?

3. Why would the sea be no more? (see how the sea is depicted in Rev. 12:17; 13:1; 20:13)

4. Why do you think the new Jerusalem was coming down from heaven to earth? (see v. 3)

5. What was going to be different about this new Jerusalem? (see Joel 3:17)

6. The end of verse three states, “they will be his [God’s] people, and God himself will be with them as their God.” Can you think of any other places in Scripture where similar statements are made? (see Gen. 17:7-8; Ex. 6:7; Lev. 26:12; Deut. 7:6; 14:2; 2 Sam. 7:24; 1 Chron. 17:22; Jer. 7:23; 11:4; 30:22; Ezek. 36:28; 2 Cor. 6:16; Heb. 8:10)

7. What will be missing in the new heaven and the new earth? (see v. 4)

8. Why did Jesus say, “It is done” in verse six?

9. What did Jesus promise the one who conquers? (v. 7)

10. What will be the fate of the people mentioned in verse eight?

Heart

1. What will you like most about the new heaven and the new earth?

2. How is it possible that the thirsty can drink from the spring of the water of life without payment?

Hands

1. How does your hope in the new heaven and the new earth affect what you do today?

Jesus is Coming Soon!

Revelation 22:6-21

Main Thought

Jesus encourages everyone to be ready for his second coming.

Head

1. When is Jesus coming?

2. According to verse six, why did the Lord send his angel?

3. What was John’s reaction when he heard and saw the visions?

4. Why was John commanded not to seal up the words of the prophecy?

5. How do you explain the commands to “Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy”?

6. What does “recompense” mean?

7. How is Jesus the Alpha and the Omega?

8. Who can enter the city by the gates?

9. Who remains outside?

10. Who is the bright morning star?

11. Who are the Spirit and the Bride in verse 17?

Heart

1. Is Jesus really coming soon? Do you wish Jesus would come sooner? Explain.

2. Why did the angel have a problem with John worshiping him?

3. Does everyone desire to take the water of life without price? Explain.

Hands

1. Verse 14 says, “Blessed are those who wash their robes...” How do we go about washing our robes?

2. How important are the words of Revelation to Jesus? What happens if someone adds to them or takes away from them?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Norlan De Groot holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication-journalism from Dordt College and a Master of Divinity degree from Calvin Theological Seminary. He has also received a teaching certificate in secondary English education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

He has served as a teacher at Chattanooga Christian School and Mount Vernon Christian School. He also served as the Director of Public Relations and Marketing Communication for Dordt College. In addition, Norlan has served as a theological curriculum writer for Third Millennium Ministries, a promoter for Word & Deed Ministries, and the English Communications Coordinator for MINTS International Seminary.

Norlan considers himself a conservative, Reformed Christian. More importantly, he understands himself to be a sinner saved by grace. Norlan and his wife Julie have four children: Christopher, Philip, Megan, and Amy.

___________________________________

If someone has shared a copy of this book with you and you would like to support this work, please consider purchasing your own copy at

www.norlandegroot.com

While at the website you can:

- purchase additional copies, updated editions, or different formats (print or electronic) of this book.

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Table of Contents

Copyright
Dedication
Series Preface
The Word Became Flesh
The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
Mary Visits Elizabeth
John the Baptist is Born
An Angel Appears to Joseph
The Birth of Jesus
Jesus Is Presented at the Temple
The Wise Men Seek Jesus
The Flight to Egypt and the Return
The Boy Jesus in the Temple
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
The Ministry of John the Baptist
The Baptism of Jesus
The Temptation of Jesus
The Calling of the First Disciples
The Wedding at Cana
The First Cleansing of the Temple
Nicodemus
John the Baptist’s Testimony About Christ
The Woman of Samaria
Many Samaritans Believe
Jesus Is Rejected in Nazareth
An Official’s Son Is Healed
The Miraculous Catch of Fish
Jesus’ Ministry in Capernaum
Jesus Heals a Leper and a Paralytic
Jesus Calls Levi
Jesus at the Pool of Bethesda
The Father and the Son
Jesus and the Sabbath
Followers of Jesus
The Sermon on the Mount, Part 1
The Sermon on the Mount, Part 2
The Sermon on the Mount, Part 3
The Sermon on the Mount, Part 4
The Sermon on the Mount, Part 5
The Sermon on the Mount, Part 6
The Sermon on the Mount, Part 7
The Sermon on the Plain, Part 1
The Sermon on the Plain, Part 2
The Centurion’s Servant and the Widow’s Son
Jesus and John the Baptist
Come to Jesus
Simon the Pharisee
Good and Bad Fruit
The Parable of the Sower
A Lamp Under a Basket and a Growing Seed
The Parable of the Weeds
Four Short Parables
Jesus Calms the Storm
Jesus Heals the Demon-Possessed Man
Jairus’ Daughter
Jesus Brings Healing
Jesus Send out the Apostles
Persecution and Fear
Sacrifice and Rewards
The Death of John the Baptist
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
Jesus Walks on Water
Jesus is the Bread of Life
Jesus Is the Bread of Life
Jesus Teaches His Disciples
The Traditions of Men
The Gentile Woman and the Deaf Man
Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand
Pharisees and Signs
Peter
The Transfiguration
The Demon-Possessed Boy
Kingdom Privileges and Responsibilities
Living For and Against Jesus
Those Who Have Gone Astray
The Unforgiving Servant
Jesus Prepares to Go to Jerusalem
Jesus at the Feast of Booths
Jesus Teaches in the Temple
Jesus Is the Light of the World
The Devil for a Father
A Man Born Blind
Jesus Is the Good Shepherd
Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two
Jesus Rejoices
The Good Samaritan
Mary and Martha
The Lord’s Prayer
Unclean Spirits
Hearing and Keeping the Word of God
Pharisees
Jesus Teaches a Large Crowd
Do Not Be Anxious
Be Ready
The Meaning of Jesus' Coming
Repent and Bear Fruit
A Woman Is Healed on the Sabbath
The Narrow Door
Jesus at the Feast of Dedication
Jesus Dines at a Pharisee's House
The Parable of the Great Banquet
The Cost of Discipleship

The Parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin

The Parable of the Two Sons
The Parable of the Dishonest Manager
Those Who Justify Themselves
Jesus Teaches His Disciples
The Death of Lazarus
Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead
The Jewish Leaders Plot to Kill Jesus
Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers
The Coming of the Kingdom
The Parable of the Unjust Judge
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Jesus’ Teaching About Divorce
Jesus and the Little Children
The Rich Young Man
The Laborers in the Vineyard
The Cup of Suffering
Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar
Zacchaeus
The Parable of the Ten Minas
The Triumphal Entry
A Woman Anoints Jesus at Bethany
A Second Temple Cleansing and a Fig Tree
Recognizing Jesus' Authority
The Parable of the Tenants
The Parable of the Wedding Banquet
The Jewish Leaders Question Jesus
The Great Commandment
A Lesson on Humility
The Widow’s Offering
Seven Woes
Persecution at the End of the Age
Other Signs of the End of the Age
Be Ready
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
The Parable of the Talents
The Final Judgment
Sir, We Wish To See Jesus
Unbelief and Belief
Preparations for the Passover
Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
The Institution of the Lord’s Supper
Betrayal and Glory
Jesus Prepares His Disciples
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
The True Vine
The World’s Hatred
The Helper
Turning Sorrow into Joy
Jesus Has Overcome the World
The High Priestly Prayer
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
Jesus’ Betrayal and Arrest
Jesus Before Caiaphas
Peter Denies Jesus
Judas Hangs Himself
Pilate Questions Jesus
Pilate Sends Jesus to Herod
Pilate Releases Barabbas
Pilate Delivers Jesus To Be Crucified
The Crucifixion
Jesus’ Death
Jesus’ Burial
The Resurrection
The Road to Emmaus
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples
Jesus Reinstates Peter
The Great Commission
The Ascension
A Replacement for Judas
The Holy Spirit Comes with Power
Peter Address the Crowd at Pentecost
New Believers
Peter Heals a Lame Man
Peter Speaks to the People of Israel
Peter Addresses the Jewish Leaders
The Believers Pray
Ananias and Sapphira
Signs and Wonders
The Apostles Stand Before the Council
Deacons
Stephen
Stephen’s Speech, Part 1
Stephen’s Speech, Part 2
Stephen Dies but the Gospel Spreads
Simon the Magician
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Jesus Christ Confronts Saul
Saul Proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Peter Heals Aeneas and Dorcas
Cornelius Sends for Peter
Peter’s Vision
The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles
Peter Explains His Actions
Christians
James and Peter
The Death of Herod
Barnabas and Saul Are Set Apart for Missions
The Gospel Comes to Antioch in Pisidia
The Jews Become Jealous
Paul and Barnabas at Iconium
Paul and Barnabas at Lystra
Paul Stoned at Lystra
Faith and Works
The Jerusalem Council
The Decision of the Jerusalem Council
Paul and Barnabas Separate
Paul Goes to Macedonia
Paul and Silas in Prison
The Conversion of the Jailer
Paul Recounts His Conversion
Paul and the Gentiles
Paul’s Relationship with the Galatians
Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and Berea
Paul in Athens
Paul in Corinth
Paul and the Thessalonians
Paul Receives a Good Report
Paul Encourages the Thessalonians
Priscilla, Aquila, and Apollos
Paul in Ephesus
Divisions in the Corinthian Church
Love
Paul’s Comfort
Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh
A Riot in Ephesus
Paul Longs to Visit to Rome
Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome
Eutychus
The Ephesian Elders
Paul is Warned about Traveling to Jerusalem
Paul Purifies Himself in the Temple
Paul Is Arrested
Paul Speaks to the Crowd
Paul Before the Tribune and the Council
The Plot Against Paul
Paul Defends Himself Before Felix
Paul Appeals to Caesar
Agrippa and Bernice Visit Festus
Paul Defends Himself Before Agrippa
Paul Recounts His Conversion
Paul Travels to Rome
The Storm
Paul is Shipwrecked on Malta
Paul in Rome
Paul Encourages the Colossians
Paul Asks a Favor
Paul Gives Thanks for the Ephesians’ Faith
A Prisoner for Christ Jesus
The Whole Armor of God
Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel
Paul Warns Against False Teachers
Titus Puts What Remains in Order
Peter Exhorts the Elders
By Faith, Part 1
By Faith, Part 2
Paul’s Charge to Timothy
Peter Looks Forward to the Day of the Lord
Jude Calls Believers to Persevere
John Warns of Antichrists
Walk in Love
Support and Opposition
John Receives a Vision
The Letters to Ephesus and Smyrna
The Letters to Pergamum and Thyatira
The Letters to Sardis and Philadelphia
The Letter to Laodicea
The Throne Room of God
The New Heaven and the New Earth
Jesus is Coming Soon!