
June 2-7
Continuing in Matthew …
June 2: Read Matthew 20-22
1. (20:1-16) What qualities of God’s character does this parable reveal? What human characteristics are in sharp contrast to the nature of God?
2. (22:34-40) What do you think are the motives of the Pharisees as they ask their questions? What lessons does Jesus teach in response to their questioning?
3. (22:34-40) What does this episode suggest about the human aspects of Jesus Christ? Consider, for instance, His physical build and temperament.
4. What stood out to you from today’s reading?
June 3: Read Matthew 23-25
1. (23:27-28) These verses come in the middle of Jesus’ sharply-worded evaluation of the lifestyle and religious practices of the Sadducees and Pharisees. How might you be a “whitewashed tomb?” What needs to be cleaned from inside your heart?
2. (24:36-44) Why doesn’t Jesus give us specific information about when He will return? If you knew that He would come back next Thursday, how would you live differently between now and then?
3. (25:1-13) What differentiates the wise from the foolish virgins?
4. (25:14-30) With what things have you been entrusted? How are you using them? Are you happy with how you are using them?
5. What stood out to you from today’s reading?
June 4: Read Matthew 26-28
1. (26:6-16) Contrast the woman at Bethany with Judas Iscariot. What do they do? What are their motives? How do you love Jesus? Is there anything you do in your life to betray Him?
2. (27:50-54) What signs show that God is still at work in the crucifixion? What’s significant about the torn curtain (v. 51)?
3. (27:62-64) What do the chief priests and Pharisees mean by “the last deception” and “the first?” What are they concerned about?
4. (28:16-20) What is Jesus’ last command to His people? What promise accompanies the command? How are you currently responding to the command? When have you claimed the promise?
5. What stood out to you from today’s reading?
June 5: Week 2 Continued - Gospel of Mark
One of Mark’s favorite words is “immediately.” It occurs over forty times in the sixteen chapters of the gospel. In this shortest of the four gospels, Jesus is a man on the move. He enters a fallen planet, which is wrongly impressed by power (be it Roman oppression, financial clout, or nuclear madness).
Jesus Christ has come into this lost world as a person of inexhaustible and divine strength: 70 percent of this book deals with miracles that Jesus performed. Mark also shows us Jesus’ tender side as well as His masterful teaching ability. Between wondrously healing the sick and feeding the hungry, Jesus takes time to bless and hold the children close to Him. He also teaches important lessons about the kingdom of God, which include the parables of the sower, the lamp, and the mustard seed. Three times Jesus predicts the passion which will surround His death.
Jesus Christ, God’s Son and our Savior, is a man of genuine power which comes from God and which reveals itself in working His will. As you read the gospel of Mark, note the following:
• Jesus as God’s powerful man on the move
• Jesus as God’s conquering Son
• People’s responses to Jesus
• Jesus’ teachings on discipleship
• The context of the three Passion predictions
June 5: Read Mark 1-3
1. (1:1-45) How many chapters did Matthew use to discuss the events of Mark? (This is the gospel of “immediately”!)
2. (1:35) Note the quiet moment here between the healing, gathering of disciples, and teachings. What does this teach you about your busyness and your time for prayer?
3. (2:1-5) Whose faith does Jesus notice in this healing of the paralytic? What does this say to you about the importance of the Christian community?
4. (3:20-30) What views of Jesus are expressed here? Who holds these views? How is the view of the teachers of the law illogical?
5. What stood out to you from today’s reading?
June 6: Read Mark 4-6
1. (4:10-12, 21-23) Why do you think Jesus spoke with parables? How is the truth of a parable both hidden and revealed?
2. What qualities of Jesus do you clearly see in Mark’s accounts of Jesus’ miracles?
3. Jesus fed 5000 hungry people with five loaves and two fish. What personal and practical needs can you bring before Him today?
4. (4:3-9, 13-20) Parable of the Sower: How might your life become “good soil”… the kind that will accept the Word of God and bear fruit?
5. What stood out to you from today’s reading?
June 7: Read Mark 7-9
1. (7:14-23) What discussion preceded this message to the crowd? Which of the things Jesus mentions come out of you and reveal some uncleanness in your heart? Talk to God about these things.
2. (8:29) How do you answer Christ’s question to Peter: “But who do you say that I am?” Jesus commanded Peter and the disciples not to share with anyone their knowledge of who He is. What does Jesus command you to do with the knowledge? (See Matthew 28:18-20.) Are you being obedient to that command?
3. (9:24) Imagine the emotions behind this desperate father’s cry. How has God helped you overcome your unbelief?
4. (9:35) Jesus teaches that “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all” (RSV). How was Jesus a servant of all? How might you be a servant to someone today?
5. What stood out to you from today’s reading?