BSF® Lesson 16 Questions

®
Matthew
Series III

SCHOOL PROGRAM MEMORY VERSE: “Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little
faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’ And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who
were in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God’ ” — Matthew 14:31-33 (niv84)
FIRST DAY:  Read all notes with references.
1. What personal lesson did you learn from the lecture?

2. What in the notes helped you rely on Jesus in a seemingly impossible situation? Would you share your experiences
of it with your group?

SECOND DAY:  Read Matthew 15:1-9.

3. a. Read Mark 7:1-13 with Matthew 15:2. What explanation does Mark give about the Pharisees’ and teachers’
question to Jesus?

b. How did Jesus turn their question into a challenge to examine themselves?

4. Read Exodus 20:12; Mark 7:11-13; Ephesians 6:1-3. “Corban” was money dedicated to God as a gift and not
necessarily given until a later date.
a. How did this use of “Corban” as a way to avoid supporting aged parents contradict God’s law?

b. What principle from these passages could you apply to your present circumstances?

5. a. Use Matthew 15:8-9 to explain how people can be religious yet not truly worship God.

b. (Personal) When are you in danger of honoring God with your lips without truly worshipping Him?

THIRD DAY:  Read Matthew 15:10-20.

6. Explain Matthew 15:11 in your own words. What lesson do you learn? (See Mark 7:14-19.)

7. a. About what did the disciples warn Jesus?

b. What promise did Jesus give in reply?

c. Along with the promise, what warning did Jesus give?

d. Why did Peter not understand the parable (Matthew 15:13-15)?

8. a. Read Mark 7:20-23. In your own words, list the things Jesus said defile a person in God’s sight.

b. (Personal) Read 1 John 1:6-10. What things have defiled you? Have you confessed them to God and received
His cleansing?

Matthew Lesson 16 | www.bsfinternational.org 7

FOURTH DAY:  Read Matthew 15:21-28.
  9. (Challenge) a. Why did Jesus take His disciples outside the boundaries of Israel at this time?

b. What did the Canaanite woman call Jesus, and what do you know about the Canaanites that makes her words
especially significant?

10. a. (Challenge) Why did Jesus initially answer this woman as He did?

b. How does her reply show developing understanding of Jesus and confidence in His compassion?

c. Read Mark 7:24-30. What additional insights does this passage give you?

11. a. How did the woman’s answers show her quick wit, humility and faith?

b. What gave her such courage and caused her faith to grow? (Use your imagination, but base your answer on
biblical evidence also.)

c. In what circumstances have you persisted with similar courage and confidence in prayer?

12. a. What are some rewards the woman received because of her faith?

b. Read Hebrews 11:1, 6. What lessons do you learn about faith and prayer from this woman’s interaction with
Jesus?

FIFTH DAY:  Read Matthew 15:29-39 and Mark 7:31; 8:1-9.

13. Compare the feeding of the 4,000 with the feeding of the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-23; Mark 6:30-46; Luke 9:10-17).
a. List the main points of difference between the two events. Give verses.
5,000 4,000
For example: Green grass, Mark 6:39 No mention of grass, Matthew 15:35

b. What lessons do you learn from these two miracles?

c. Which lesson will you choose to put into practice this week?

SIXTH DAY:  Review Matthew 15.

14. What did you learn this week about Jesus and about yourself, and how may your group pray for you as you make
this knowledge a part of your life?

15. Homiletics for group and administrative leaders: Matthew 15

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