Matthew 12: The Leaders and the King
POWER OVER PEOPLE is not easily shared. Wars have been fought, people assassinated and elections rigged in order to gain or maintain power.
The leaders of Israel were becoming concerned over the growing reputation and following of Jesus. Like ripples in a pool of water, the ministry of Jesus and his disciples continued to have a widening impact on the Jewish nation. If Jesus' followers became too numerous, the leaders would end up losing their positions of authority. In Matthew 12 they formulate a strategy to discredit him.
Warming Up to God
How would you feel if untrue rumors about you were being spread around?
Read Matthew 12. »
Discovering the Word
- Consider the ways that religious leaders attacked Jesus in verses 1-14. What was their strategy?
- As you compare the Pharisees' second accusation against Jesus (v. 10) with their own response (v. 14), what irony do you see?
- Notice the startling contrast between the religious leaders' attitude toward Jesus and God's attitude (vv. 15-21). How do they differ?
- In verses 43-45 Jesus tells the Pharisees and teachers of the law a story. What does it reveal about them?
- Look back over chapter 12. What factors led to the hardness and unbelief of the Pharisees and teachers of the law?
Applying the Word
- How can we avoid being like the Pharisees and teachers of the law?
- What area of change in your life does this suggest you consider?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to teach you how to read and understand his Word so that you can use it to his glory.
For Further Study
Matthew 1-13 (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture) by Manlio Simonetti