Matthew 9:1-13
The Beginning of Opposition

Opener: Have you ever intended to do something good and then have people resent it or become angry? Tell us about the situation. Why were your good intentions the source of anger and resentment in others?

Matthew 9:1-8

1. What is blasphemy?

2. Have you ever heard anyone commit blasphemy?

3. Why did the teachers of the law accuse Jesus of blasphemy?

4. What need of the paralytic did Jesus first address?

5. Why did Jesus choose to meet these needs in this particular order? Does this suggest to us anything about God's priority's in dealing with our needs?

6. The crowd was amazed and praised God for authority Jesus displayed. But given the context of the passage what are some of the possible reactions of the teachers of the Law?

Matthew 9:9-13

1. Matthew was a tax collector and as such was seen as a traitor and Roman collaborator as well as being dishonest. This was among the most despised occupations in the ancient world. What can we infer about Jesus based on his choice of Matthew as a Disciple?

2. Matthew immediately left his trade when called by Jesus. Why do you think he was so willing to leave his livelihood behind?

3. If Matthew is a model of true conversion, what can we expect in the lives of those who genuinely become followers of Jesus Christ?

4. Why are there so many tax collectors and sinners at Matthew's house? (People who study evangelism tell us that new converts make effective faith-sharers because their circle of friends is still comprised of unsaved people who see a genuine change in the convert's life.)

5. What are the Pharisee's implying by their question in verse 11?

6. According to his statement in verse 13, Jesus' ministry focuses on whom? To whom is the church ministering to the most today?

This is the beginning of opposition to Jesus. What is the underlying reason for the opposition? (Answer: Jesus didn't meet their expectations!)

What do you think they expected from Jesus?

How did he thwart these expectations?

(Expectations have to do with what we want.)

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