Life and Teachings of Jesus

 INSTRUCTIONS: Assignment 5

Read the following sections of the gospels and answer the questions. Single spacing is acceptable. Maintain the numbering as given.

Walking on Water (Matthew 14:22-33).

1.   How did Jesus come to the disciples while they were in the boat, and what did they think He was?
2.   Who met Jesus, walking on the water, and why did this disciple begin to sink?
3.   What confession did the disciples then make?

Criticism of the Disciples (Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23).

•   Why did the Pharisees and scribes criticize Jesus’ disciples for not washing their hands before eating?
•   What charge did Jesus make concerning the Pharisees and scribes?
•   Explain: “Every plant which my heavenly Father planted not, shall be rooted up.”
•   Explain: “Not that which enters into the mouth defiles the man, but that which proceeds out of the mouth.”

The Leaven of the Pharisees (Matthew 16:1-12).

•   Why did the Pharisees and Sadducees want a sign?
•   What is leaven, and what warning did Jesus give his disciples?

Acknowledgment of Jesus’ Identity (Matthew 16:13-28).

1. Do research, and briefly describe the concept of Messiah (including the Greek term Christ).   
2. At Caesarea Philippi what answer did the disciples give to the question, “Who do men say that I am?”
3.  What answer did Peter give? How did Jesus commend him?
4.  Upon what rock would Jesus build his church? Was it Peter, or something else?  Explain.

Predictions of Death (Matthew 16:21-28; 17:22-23; Mark 9:30-32).

1.   What did Peter mean by the words, “Lord: this shall never happen to you”?
2.   How did Jesus then rebuke Peter?
3.   Why were the disciples unable to understand Christ when He again foretold His death and resurrection?

The Cost of Discipleship (Mark 8:34-9:1; Luke 14:25-35).

1.   In what way might someone have to “take up his cross” in order to follow Christ?
2.   What did Jesus say to suggest that his followers could expect the kingdom soon?
3.   In what way does a Christian have to count the cost?
4.   Why in your thinking is following Jesus worth the cost?

The Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36).

•   Define the term “Transfiguration.” Where did this event take place?
•   Name the three disciples who accompanied Jesus on this occasion.  Why these three only?
•   Who appeared with Jesus, and what did Peter propose?
•   What did the voice out of the cloud say?
•   What charge did Jesus give the disciples concerning that which they had seen on the mountain?
•   How did they react to Jesus’ statement that He would arise from the dead?
•   Who did Jesus refer to as “the Elijah who was to come.”

Dispute About Greatness (Matthew 20:20-28; Mark 9:33-37).

•   What did the mother of James and John ask, and what was Jesus’ response.
•   On the way to Capernaum how did the disciples dispute among themselves?
•   In what graphic way did Christ teach His disciples lessons on greatness and humility?
•   In what ways should Jesus’ followers be like little children?

Love, Reconciliation, and Forgiveness (Matthew 18:10-35; John 8:1-11).

•   Give the central lesson in the Parable of the Lost Sheep.
•   If a Christian suffers wrong from his brother how should he handle the matter?
•   According to Jesus’ statement, how often should forgiveness be extended?  Is that literal?
•   What spiritual message is contained in the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant?
•   Summarize the story of the adulteress who was brought to Jesus.
•   What should be learned from this story?

Sending out the Seventy (Luke 10:1-20).

•   How many went out together? What were they to take with them and where would they stay?
•   What were they to do and say?
•   As the seventy returned, over what were they rejoicing? What did Jesus say to this?
•   Explain: “I beheld Satan fallen as lightning from heaven.”

The Lawyer’s Question (Luke 10:25-37).

•   What did the young lawyer first ask?
•   What was Jesus’ answer?
•   What was the man’s next question?
•   Explain the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

Mary and Martha (John 11:1-46; Luke 10:38-42).

•   What message from Mary and Martha brought Jesus to Bethany?
•   What is suggested by the fact that Jesus wept?
•   Why did Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead?
•   What effect did the raising of Lazarus have on the Pharisees?
•   Why did Jesus commend Mary and correct Martha?

The Model Prayer (Matthew 6:5-15; Luke 11:1-8).

•   According to Jesus, what is wrong with the way some people pray?
•   Why is this a model (example) prayer and not truly “The Lord’s Prayer?”

Attachment to Earthly Things (Luke 12:13-34).

•   What circumstances brought forth the Parable of the Rich Fool, and what is the central teaching of this parable?
•   Does Jesus promise that his followers will have everything they want if they put the kingdom first? If not, what does He mean?

More Kingdom Parables (Luke 13:18-21; 14:7-16:31).

•   Why is the Kingdom of God like a mustard seed?
•   Which criticism of the Pharisees and scribes prompted Jesus to relate the three parables on lost things?
•   Summarize the three parables: The Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son.
•   What did Jesus say to the Pharisees because of their love of money?
•   What is the point of the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus?