Reflection questions For Saturday's message from God's word.
Jesus breaks from ministry and retreats to the wilderness. In Matthew’s account, we learn Jesus withdraws due to a threat to His life. His popularity is getting out of control, and he escapes by boat to avoid being trampled. The people wanted healing, or desired to see what all the commotion was about…..not salvation, not Jesus.
Jesus had not arrived as Messiah in the anticipated way, and was not amassing political influence and power as hoped. But, how He did arrive still drew all kinds of attention. Sometimes Jesus walks away from conflict, not this time…..He challenges the accusation that He was one with Satan. In chapter 3 we encounter Jesus beginning to build a community of followers and explaining to them in increasing detail who He is and what He has come to do.
-How can you relate to the crowds? Do you think you would have been among those watching and listening to Him, do you think you would have followed Him? Why do you want Jesus? Is it something that you want from Him or do you want Him?
-Why was Jesus so upset with the Jewish leaders?
-What were the requirements of the twelve chosen by Christ to be apostles?
-How did Jesus’ family react to his ministry?
-What did Jesus mean when He declared that His true mother and brothers and sisters are those who do His will?
-What are some areas you can pray and ask God to conform your life more closely to the will of God?
“Jesus’ statement in v. 28 is that all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven. How can this be true in light of v. 29? Almost the only explanation is that a lack of repentance (spiritual pride) is the only sin that can kill you. If you repent, any and all sins are forgiven. But if you don’t repent, there is no forgiveness for anything. In any case, one thing is clear. If you are worried about having committed this sin, you certainly haven’t committed it. Anyone who is committing v. 29 isn’t worried or humble — and that’s the opposite of blasphemy!”
-Tim Keller
Romans Study pg. 36