Continued Confrontations and More Miracles - Matthew in Twelve Weeks
A Bible Study Covering chapters 14-16:12 of the Gospel of Matthew - Leader Guide and Handout
This section of Matthew, chapters 14-16:12, contains a nuanced treatment of faith and miracles, using the Pharisees and Sadducees as foils to highlight Jesus' true nature and mission. As we explore these passages, we'll see Jesus' compassion and power on display while witnessing the growing opposition to His ministry. This tension between faith and unbelief serves to deepen our understanding of what it means to truly follow Christ.
John's Execution (14:1-12)
Ask a study participant to read Matthew 14:1-12 aloud. After reading, discuss: How does John's fate interplay with what Jesus said about him in chapter 11?
John the Baptist's execution serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of discipleship and the tension between prophetic truth-telling and societal opposition. Herod's response to Jesus' growing fame is colored by his guilt over John's death, illustrating how earthly power often stands in opposition to God's kingdom. This passage challenges us to recognize that faithfulness to God's calling may come at a great personal cost. John’s fate mirrors the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus Himself will undergo; it serves as a clear, sobering example of the potential cost of becoming a disciple of Jesus.
Faith and Miracles (14:13-36)
Ask study participants to read Matthew 14:13-21 and 14:22-33 aloud. After each reading, discuss: How do these miracles demonstrate both Jesus' power and His compassion? What do they reveal about the nature of faith?
In this section, we see Jesus perform two of His most famous miracles: the feeding of the five thousand and walking on water. The feeding miracle showcases Jesus' compassion for the crowds and His ability to provide abundantly from seemingly scarce resources. This act of provision stands in stark contrast to Herod's self-serving feast that led to John's death.
The water-walking episode highlights the dynamics of faith, particularly through Peter's experience. His initial boldness and subsequent doubt, fear, and ultimate rescue by Jesus provide a powerful metaphor for the Christian life. Both miracles serve to reveal Jesus' divine nature and authority over creation while inviting His followers to a deeper trust in Him.
Confrontations with the Pharisees (15:1-20)
Have a study participant read Matthew 15:1-9 and another read 15:10-20. After each reading, discuss: How does Jesus challenge the religious traditions of His day? What does this teach us about true righteousness?
Jesus' confrontation with the Pharisees over hand-washing traditions goes to the heart of what constitutes true righteousness and exposes the hypocrisy of valuing human traditions over God's commandments. In this passage, Jesus emphasizes that true defilement comes from within the heart, not from external factors. This teaching is central to one of Matthew’s overall themes: How the kingdom of heaven clashes with the kingdoms of man.
This teaching echoes themes from the Sermon on the Mount, reinforcing the idea that God is concerned with the internal transformation of His people, not merely outward compliance. It prompts us to consider how we might be tempted to misconstrue God's will in our own lives by substituting genuine faith with religious formalism.
More Miracles (15:21-39)
Ask a study participant to read Matthew 15:21-28 and another to read 15:32-39. Discuss: How do these encounters demonstrate Jesus' compassion for those outside the Jewish community? What do they reveal about the nature of faith?
The healing of the Canaanite woman's daughter stands out as a powerful example of faith overcoming cultural barriers. Despite Jesus' initial apparent rejection, the woman's persistent faith and humility ultimately lead to her daughter's healing. This encounter foreshadows the extension of God's kingdom beyond Israel to include Gentiles. The feeding of the four thousand, while similar to the earlier feeding miracle, emphasizes Jesus' ongoing compassion and provision for those who seek Him. These miracles, along with the general healing described in verses 29-31, reinforce Jesus' identity as the Messiah, who brings restoration and abundance to all who come to Him in faith.
The Leaven of the Pharisees (16:1-12)
Have a study participant read Matthew 16:1-12. After reading, discuss: Why does Jesus refuse to give a sign? How does this passage challenge our understanding of faith?
Jesus' refusal to provide a sign for the Pharisees and Sadducees highlights the inadequacy of seeking spectacular proofs as a basis for faith. Doubtless, many individuals had reported Jesus’ miracles to the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and it is very likely that they themselves had already witnessed Jesus’ work. Their request for an additional sign is more akin to a demonstration of control than to a faithful plea. Thus, Jesus’ warning about the "leaven" of these religious leaders serves as a caution against the backwards, faithless approach that the Pharisees adopted in their interaction with Jesus. Still, Jesus foretells his own resurrection by saying that they will be given the sign of Jonah.
Conversation Starters
How do you balance speaking truth with wisdom and compassion in potentially hostile environments?
Reflect on a time when you, like Peter, stepped out in faith but then gave in to doubt. What did you learn from that experience?
In what ways might we be guilty of prioritizing religious traditions over genuine obedience to God's commands?
How does the story of the Canaanite woman challenge our assumptions about who "belongs" in God's kingdom?
Why do you think Jesus often refused to provide signs on demand? How does this shape our understanding of faith and doubt?
Resources