Matthew 12:1-21
Key Verse: 12:18 “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.”
1. What did Jesus’ disciples do when they were hungry one day and why was this unlawful according to the Pharisees? (1-2)
2. What two examples did Jesus give to show that God is not legalistic? (3-5) What does Jesus consider most important in serving him? What did he teach about himself? (6,8)
3. Why did the Pharisees ask Jesus a question about healing on the Sabbath when they saw the man with a shriveled hand? (9-10) How did they regard Jesus and the man with the shriveled hand?
4. Read verses 11-14. What did Jesus teach about the mercy of God in answer to the Pharisees’ legalism? Why did Jesus command the man, “Stretch out your hand”?
5. Read verses 15-21. How did Jesus’ actions fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy regarding the Lord’s chosen servant? What does a bruised reed and a smoldering wick mean? In what way is Jesus the hope of the nations?