1. In Matthew 23, Jesus delivers seven woes to the Pharisees. Seven is a significant number in Scripture, indicating perfection or completion. How does that add gravitas to Jesus’ rebuke? Additionally, what is the basic theme of the seven woes, and how do you see that theme show up in your own life?
2. Matthew 24 is a perplexing chapter and has given interpreters difficulty for centuries. Rather than try and sort out the timeline of everything Jesus describes, it is better to take his cue for what to focus on. Circle all the imperatives (commands, e.g. “See that no one leads you astray”) in this passage. Consider especially verses 42–44. Why did Jesus say all these words to the disciples, and what is the takeaway for readers today?
3. Matthew 25 continues with themes of watchfulness and readiness. Its ending describes a judgment scene. Over what does the King judge those who say they knew Jesus but didn’t? What do verses 31–46 tell us about how we should live in light of all of Jesus’ warnings in chapters 24 and 25? In other words, what should we not focus on, and what should we focus on instead?
4. Tension rises in Matthew 26 as Jesus spends his final hours with the disciples before the crucifixion. Why do you think Matthew records the Passover meal in this section? (Consider the “This was to fulfill . . .” motif that featured heavily in the earlier chapters of Matthew.) What is Jesus’ posture toward the events unfolding? Read Isaiah 53 and reflect on Matthew 26 in light of it.
5. Matthew 27 tells the story of Jesus’ sentencing and crucifixion. At various points, Jesus is mocked, ironically called the King of the Jews or the Son of God. Note the places where Jesus is mocked, and who is mocking him. Yet one person (with company) makes a sincere acknowledgment of who Jesus is. Who confesses him as the Son of God, and why is this to the shame of the original Jewish audience of Matthew’s Gospel?
New Testament Reading Plan Week 18: Matthew 23–27
1. In Matthew 23, Jesus delivers seven woes to the Pharisees. Seven is a significant number in Scripture, indicating perfection or completion. How does that add gravitas to Jesus’ rebuke? Additionally, what is the basic theme of the seven woes, and how do you see that theme show up in your own life?
2. Matthew 24 is a perplexing chapter and has given interpreters difficulty for centuries. Rather than try and sort out the timeline of everything Jesus describes, it is better to take his cue for what to focus on. Circle all the imperatives (commands, e.g. “See that no one leads you astray”) in this passage. Consider especially verses 42–44. Why did Jesus say all these words to the disciples, and what is the takeaway for readers today?
3. Matthew 25 continues with themes of watchfulness and readiness. Its ending describes a judgment scene. Over what does the King judge those who say they knew Jesus but didn’t? What do verses 31–46 tell us about how we should live in light of all of Jesus’ warnings in chapters 24 and 25? In other words, what should we not focus on, and what should we focus on instead?
4. Tension rises in Matthew 26 as Jesus spends his final hours with the disciples before the crucifixion. Why do you think Matthew records the Passover meal in this section? (Consider the “This was to fulfill . . .” motif that featured heavily in the earlier chapters of Matthew.) What is Jesus’ posture toward the events unfolding? Read Isaiah 53 and reflect on Matthew 26 in light of it.
5. Matthew 27 tells the story of Jesus’ sentencing and crucifixion. At various points, Jesus is mocked, ironically called the King of the Jews or the Son of God. Note the places where Jesus is mocked, and who is mocking him. Yet one person (with company) makes a sincere acknowledgment of who Jesus is. Who confesses him as the Son of God, and why is this to the shame of the original Jewish audience of Matthew’s Gospel?