1. In vv. 6-8, Jesus makes two breath-taking and almost scandalous claims: he is greater than the Temple and he is Lord of the Sabbath - both critical markers of Old Testament faith. Later in this chapter he says he is "greater than" two others - who?
2. In this chapter, as elsewhere, religious leaders try to use religious laws in order to trap Jesus. Unfortunately, they had elevated the law and law observance above care for people. In a sense, this is ironic, because the commandments are designed to honour God and to outline care for people and for creation. As a sort of summary before he heals this man in an extraordinary way, Jesus says, "Therefore it is lawful to ___ ______ on the Sabbath."
3. In Matt. 12:18-21, the gospel writer includes a quotation from Isaiah 42:1-4. As we have seen in previous chapters, Jesus is presented as the fulfillment of Old Testament hope. Following this quotation, Jesus heals "a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute." If you can, flip to Isaiah 42 and see what is said there about blindness and deafness. How does this help us understand those religious teachers who opposed Jesus (and the condition of their hearts)?
4. How does Jesus completely turn the tables when he is accused of driving out demons by (the power of) the devil?
5. It is good news, as we read in 12:3, that "every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven." Jesus adds a challenging detail though - there is one sin that will not be forgiven. This is a challenging concept, but try to explain it in a short paragraph.
6. Jesus says in v. 34, "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." In your experience, have you known this to be true? How have you seen this demonstrated?
7. In the final three verses of this chapter, Jesus talks about being his family member. What is his criteria?
This chapter is stuffed with all kinds of good things and it may take a bit of time to work through it. So, take your time. As we understand better who Jesus is, would we understand better and more fully his love for us, and would our commitment to him be yet more solid.
Truly, there was never a person like this.
What an incredible thought, that this man, who did these matchless, incredible, almost unbelievable things ... would want to be part of our lives. Or better yet, be friends with us, and call us his own sister/brother. Amazing.