Homes Jesus Visited

Lesson 5

 

 

                                                          MATTHEW’S HOUSE

                                         Luke 5:27-31; Matthew 9:9-13; Mark 2:13-17

 

 

1.                  Based on the reading, what would you say the great need of this home was?

 

2.                  In all three records, this episode follows the healing that demonstrated that Jesus had authority on earth to forgive sins.  What then would this present event be aimed at showing?

 

3.                  Describe the location and circumstances from which this encounter developed.  (Cf. Mk.2:1,13)

 

4.                  Think of the variety of emotions that arise from this scene.  First, we have to approach it with a certain sense of ___________________ for _________________.

a.                   What are the other ways in which he is identified?

b.                  What was he doing when Jesus saw him?

c.                   As he passed by, what did Jesus say to him?

d.                  What did he do then (Cf. Lk.5:28)?  Why would he have done this?

e.                   What do you think we learn about him from the fact that he made Jesus a great feast in his house?

 

5.                  Second, we need to have some __________________for the ___________ ___________

the circumstances presented.

a.                   Describe the guests who gathered for the feast at Matthew’s house.

b.                  Why would such a company have been there?

c.                   Why would they have had an interest in being near Jesus?

d.                  Why would their presence have been a problem for anyone?

e.                   “Jesus and his disciples did not isolate themselves from a needy world, nor did they assimilate it.  They went out with Christ in mission....Jesus did not ignore sin, nor did he excuse it.  What he did is to present himself as the answer to it.”

 

6.                  Next, we cannot observe what occurs without feelings some ________________ at the _________________ and their scribes.

a.                   Who were the Pharisees?

b.                  What is suggested about their behavior in Matt. 9:11?

c.                   What did they do then (cf. Lk. 5:30)?

d.                  What question did they raise, and why?

 

 

 

7.                  Finally, when we really think about this scene we are moved with _________________  for Jesus.

a.                   What did he see when he passed by the tax booth?  (Cp. Lk. 5:27; Matt. 9:9)

b.                  How did Jesus treat the “tax collectors and sinners” who came to the feast at Matthew’s house?  (Cf. Mk. 2:15)

c.                   Why did he say he was conducting himself in this way?

i.                    “Those who are well have ____ ________ of a physician, but those who are sick.”  (Matt. 9:12; Mk. 2:17; Lk. 5:31)

ii.                  “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire ___________, and not sacrifice.’” (Matt. 9:13; cf. Hos. 6:6).

iii.                “I have ______ come to ___________ the righteous but sinners to repentance.”  (Lk. 5:32; cf. Matt. 9:13; Mk. 2:17)

 

8.                  “Their failure to become disciples is perhaps connected with the fact that repentance is not easy for the respectable and self-righteous.”  What lesson does this teach us for our homes?

 

9.                  Note the emphasis of Matthew in places like Matt. 5:6 and Matt. 11:28.  Did any of his interest in statements like these arise from what happened at his own home?