week of 9/10

Unit 25  Session 2

THE PROVOCATIVE PROPHET

MATTHEW 22

In His response to the challenges of the religious leaders, Jesus demonstrated His wisdom, authority, and mastery of the Scriptures.

After Jesus entered Jerusalem with the crowds cheering, Jesus had various encounters with the Pharisees and Sadducees throughout that week. Their goal was almost always to discredit Jesus; His goal was to teach about God and His kingdom. Jesus both answered and asked questions that showed that He had a mastery of the Word of God and that He also stood in authority over the Word of God. Jesus' teachings in Matthew 22 showed that He truly was the Messiah and foreshadowed His death and resurrection for the salvation of humanity.

Points to consider:

✞   Jesus affirms the reality of resurrection.

     * What are some practical ways the 

        truth of the resurrection should give 

        believers hope?

     * Why is it important to affirm the 

        truthfulness of all Scripture, not just 

        the Scriptures we agree with?

✞   Jesus clarifies the centrality of love.

     * How can we love God with all our 

        heart, soul, and mind?

     * Why is loving others like ourselves so 

        difficult?

✞   Jesus claims the authority of the Messiah.

     * Why do you believe Jesus is the Messiah?