9.27.20 - Matthew 14-17: A Messiah Both God and Man (Kenny Camacho)

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 14-17

In these chapters, we could be forgiven for feeling deja vu: many of the sayings and miracles of Jesus appear to be repeated, often in the very next chapter! So, what’s going on here? The answer lies in the text’s geography: Jesus is moving here between Jewish and Gentile cultural centers…and performing identical miracles for both. This is a compelling part of Jesus’s claim to be the messiah: in Jesus’s Kingdom, God has come to deliver everyone…even Israel’s enemies.

REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

  1. In Matthew 14:13, Jesus is described as having compassion for the large crowd, and healing their sick. What does that say about Jesus' character considering He had just heard about John's execution?

  2. Throughout Matthew 14-15, Jesus heals many of the sick. If you are dealing with health problems, what comfort does this give you? Or, does it upset you that God hasn’t done the same miraculous work for you?

  3. Read Matthew 17:1-8. What is this transfiguration of Jesus about?

  4. In Matthew 17:22-23, Jesus predicts His death and resurrection. The disciples are described as being “greatly distressed” upon hearing this. Why do you think that was?

  5. On Sunday, Kenny asked an important question: as you read the story of Jesus’s ministry in Matthew’s gospel, what most compels you to believe (if you believe) that Jesus is who he says he is?

Kenny Camacho