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Will we accept the direction of the Lord or resist? Previous Matthew Index Next Matthew 11:20-30 Will we accept the direction of the Lord or resist? Image by Paul Jai, provided by Unsplash via Wix. Tom Faletti September 8, 2024 Matthew 11:20-24 Judgment for those who do not respond To understand this passage, you need to know where these cities are. Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum were cities in Galilee (the province where Jesus grew up, in the northern part of Israel). Recall that when Jesus began his public ministry after John the Baptist was arrested, he moved to Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:13). The other two towns were within 5 miles of Capernaum. These were places where Jews lived and Jesus preached. Tyre and Sidon were north of Israel. They were pagan or Gentile cities on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the province of Syria. Jesus rebukes Capernaum using a quote in Isaiah 14:13-15 about being exalted or brought down that is a prophecy against the king of Babylon. (Similarly, Ezekiel 26:20 says that Tyre will be brought down to the Pit – i.e., the place of the dead.) Barclay tells us that the Greek word for “woe” in “Woe to you,” which is sometimes translated as “Alas,” “expresses sorrowful pity [at] least as much as it does anger” ( The Gospel of Matthew, Volume 2 , p. 13, emphasis in the original). Liddell and Scott similarly describe the word as an exclamation of pain and anger ( A Greek-English Lexicon , entry for οὐαί ). Why might Jesus be feeling sadness or pain for them? How might things go better on Judgment Day for pagans in Tyre and Sidon, and the people in Sodom (the proverbial Old Testament example of evil), than for the Jews that Jesus is talking to here? Do you think that some non-believers might find a better reception on their day of judgment (i.e., when they die) than some people who are part of the faith/church? Explain. Matthew 11:25-30 Rest for those willing to accept Jesus’s yoke Matthew now eases up on the heavy tone. There are two parts to this little passage: a discussion of who receives wisdom and an invitation to come to Jesus and find rest in his yoke. Verses 25-27 Who receives an understanding of God’s message and who does not? Jesus calls attention to the “infants” (NRSV) or “childlike” (NABRE) in contrast with the supposedly wise and educated people. Many commentators interpret the “infants” as referring to the simple, uneducated people who were embracing Jesus (including his disciples) even as the scholarly scribes and those who followed them were not (Harrington, p. 50; ( Ignatius Catholic Study Bible , Matthew 11:25-27 fn., p. 26). If “infants” means the simple, uneducated people, what is Jesus saying about them in comparison to the scribes and others who think they are wise? Why do you think this upside-down result happens, that the scholarly are unable to grasp what the simple people understand? Jesus is not condemning intellectual exploration. If we thought he was, we wouldn’t be participating in this Bible Study. How can we use the scholarly and intellectual gifts God has given us and still make sure we are on the right side of this simple vs. wise divide? Barclay suggests, “We must be careful to see clearly what Jesus meant here. He is very far from condemning intellectual power; what he is condemning is intellectual pride ” ( The Gospel of Matthew, Volume 2 , p. 15). False wisdom thinks it knows better than God. Simple wisdom submits itself under the tutorship of God. Jesus praises God that the childlike are the ones who “get it.” They are the ones who receive the revelation from God and accept it. Does it seem like Jesus almost enjoys the idea that the wise and intelligent are less able to “get it” than the childlike? If so, why might that be? How does it fit with God’s general approach to humanity? How can we be more like the “infants” and not be found lacking like the “wise and intelligent”? We can be more open and malleable; not see ourselves as smart or important but keep the focus on the straightforward, direct, life-changing message of Jesus. In verse 26, Jesus says to the Father: “such was your gracious will” (NRSV). Do you think it was God’s gracious will that the simple received Jesus’s revelation, that the “wise” did not, or both? Verse 27 sounds like many things Jesus says in the Gospel of John: Jesus’s relationship with God is as the relationship of Father and Son. How does he describe that relationship? Verse 27 suggests that if it weren’t for Jesus, we couldn’t know God; we can know the Father only because Jesus chooses to reveal the Father to us. This means our knowing God is a privilege, not a right. What does this say to you? How is verse 27 important in your life? The fact that Jesus “knows” the Father suggests a real intimacy (he doesn’t just know about the Father). Jesus us draws us into that intimacy. How fully do you think Jesus wants us to know the Father? Who falls within the category of the “anyone” to whom Jesus chooses to reveal the Father? Is this an exclusive little club? If not, what is the implication of this point? Do you show appropriate appreciation for Jesus’s decision to allow you to know the Father? How do you show that appreciation? Are there things you can do to invite more people to, through Jesus, know the Father? Verses 28-30 In verses 28-30, Jesus offers us a tremendous invitation. What does the fact that Jesus says to you, “Come,” mean for you in your life? Jesus recognizes that many are weary and carry heavy burdens. How is it important that he knows that? Do we do what Jesus calls us to do here? If not, why not? Sometimes, we think we have it all figured out or think we should have it all figured out. We think we should be able to manage on our own. Or we may be uncomfortable, or fearful, or don’t want to know what God wants of us. What do you think it means when he says, “I will give you rest”? What do you think “rest” means, in practical and spiritual terms? What is a yoke? What does a yoke symbolize? A yoke symbolizes submission – a willingness to submit to the direction of the one who places the yoke on us. In this meaning, it also symbolizing being given guidance and direction . But a yoke also means an opportunity for service . Animals were yoked when it was time to work. How can taking on Jesus’s yoke provide “rest”? We are not animals, and the yoke is not literal. This is some kind of metaphor. What do you think it means? The rabbis saw the Torah – the Law of God – as a yoke. Jesus, in effect, replaces the Torah-giver (i.e., God) with himself: God gave the Torah as their yoke; now Jesus is giving them his teachings and his guidance as our yoke. How does Jesus describe his yoke? What do you think it means when Jesus says his yoke is “easy”? Barclay says “easy” means “well-fitting,” so it doesn’t chafe ( The Gospel of Matthew, Volume 2 , p. 19). Perhaps that means we don’t feel constrained or bound when we take Jesus’s yoke. How can that be? In what ways is Jesus’s burden “light”? Many people resist faith in Jesus because they think Christianity involves a heavy load of rules to follow. How is Jesus’s burden “light”? How can Jesus’s well-fitting yoke produce rest for our souls? We know physical rest. What is “soul” rest – rest for our souls? Christians can face many burdens, challenges, illness, pain, and loss, even when they tak on Jesus’s yoke. (Jesus even said some of his followers would face persecution.) How can his yoke be “easy” or “well-fitting” even in the hard times? How can it still provide rest? Describe a time when you made a conscious decision to accept Jesus’s yoke/direction even though it wasn’t what you really wanted to do. How did that go? Was the yoke as difficult as you expected? What do you need to do at this point in your life to accept and lean into Jesus’s yoke more fully or effectively? Take a step back and consider this: We noted above that a yoke is a symbol of submission. Some people find it harder than others to accept direction from another person. Some people just want to be their own boss. In the same way, some people find it easier than other people to accept direction from God. The people of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum found it difficult to accept Jesus’s leadership. The scribes and their followers found it difficult to accept Jesus’s authority. The religious leadership couldn’t imagine itself taking direction from him. How good are you at taking direction from God and submitting to his guidance? What are the circumstances or times where it is easier or harder for you to let go of your own plans and do what God is calling you to do? Why are those times easier or harder? A master doesn’t explain to a service animal why the animal is being asked to do what is required. But Jesus does in many cases (not always, but often) tell us the “why.” He has revealed to us his plan to transform us into his image, to shine his light to others, to address the needs of the least among us, to love even difficult people so that they too can come to love him, to share his good news with others, etc. How does knowing the big picture goals of the Lord help as we try to embrace his yoke in our lives? Bibliography See Matthew - Bibliography at https://www.faithexplored.com/matthew/bibliography . Copyright © 2025, Tom Faletti (Faith Explored, www.faithexplored.com ). This material may be reproduced in whole or in part without alteration, for nonprofit use, provided such reproductions are not sold and include this copyright notice or a similar acknowledgement that includes a reference to Faith Explored and www.faithexplored.com. See www.faithexplored.com for more materials like this. Previous Matthew Index Next

Everyone can participate: Sharing and living the good news. [Matthew 28:11-15; 28:16-20] Previous Matthew Index Next Matthew 28:11-20 Everyone can participate: Sharing and living the good news. Image provided by Wix. Tom Faletti May 31, 2024 Matthew 28:11-15 The guards’ dilemma As we discussed in Matthew 27:57-66, it is not clear whether the guards were Roman guards or Jewish guards. If they were Roman guards, it is hard to understand why they would have gone to talk with the Jewish chief priests. If they were Jewish guards, some observers wonder why they would have been concerned that the governor Pilate might cause them trouble; but one can understand their desire to avoid looking like they were derelict in their duty. On balance, it seems more likely that the guards were Jews, but we do not know. In verse 28:11, Matthew says the guards told the chief priests “everything that happened” or “all that had happened” (NRSV and NABRE, respectively). What in particular do you think the guards said? What plan do the chief priests and elders come up with to address what happened? Why would the guards need to be paid a large sum of money to say this? The chief priests might have been seen as guardians of the Torah or Old Testament Law, but now they have constructed a lie, in direct violation of the Torah, to avoid confronting a new truth that confirms the truths Jesus spoke that they already rejected. The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible describes the story concocted in verse 15 as: “A desperate fabrication by the Jerusalem leaders. Their bribe of the Roman soldiers illustrates how willful blindness hardens the heart to resist uncomfortable truths, even in the face of evidence” ( Ignatius Catholic Study Bible , fn. to 28:15, p. 60). Why is it that people sometimes sacrifice the truth to maintain the status quo? In what ways might we be at risk of resisting uncomfortable truths? Consciously or unconsciously, people sometimes choose to ignore evidence that disagrees with what they think. This can happen in matters of spiritual belief, religious observance, political analysis, business practices, social expectations, and family relations. How might we be at risk of resisting uncomfortable truths in these areas of our lives? How important is it to you to know the truth, to believe what is true, and to speak “the whole truth and nothing but the truth” regardless of the consequences? Matthew 28:16-20 The Great Commission Where do the disciples go? In Matthew, mountains are places where important things happen – for example, the Sermon on the Mount. We do not know what mountain this is. It could have been the mountain upon which Jesus was transfigured (Matthew 17:1-8). The rest of what happens in this passage occurs after they “saw” him. Why is seeing important for believing? In what ways does seeing the Lord in action give us strength to do what we are called to do? What do you think it means when Matthew says they worshipped him but some doubted? This could be an oblique reference to Thomas’s doubting before he saw the Lord (John 20:24-29) or others doubting the resurrection. If so, “some doubted” might be a parenthetical comment, not a statement of what happened after “they worshipped him.” The point is that worship was not the automatic or immediate reaction of everyone. Harrington suggests, “Their doubts (v. 17) may involve the possibility of having such an experience at all or the propriety of worshiping Jesus” (Harrington, The Gospel According to Matthew , p. 113). Matthew does not tell about any ascension of Jesus into heaven. Perhaps he thought that was implicit. Or perhaps he thought that how Jesus returned to the Father in heaven was of little importance compared to the importance of the material he is ending with – that Jesus’s followers were directed to spread the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20, often called “the Great Commission”). Go back and re-read the first part of Matthew 28:7 and 28:10. Back at the tomb, what is the first thing the women were asked to do? Why was their task of sharing important, even though they are not among the “eleven” here? Some people have big roles that draw a lot of attention. Some people have smaller or less visible roles where they pass along the word of God in a quiet, unobtrusive way or perform other necessary but often unnoticed tasks. God uses different people in different ways. All of the roles are important. What are some ways that you might be being called or used by God in behind-the-scenes ways to help spread the good news of Jesus? How might you honor those who do the behind-the-scenes work that help make the more public and visible work of God possible? Sometimes a simple, quiet word of appreciate goes a long way. In verse 18, Jesus says that “all authority” (NRSV) or “all power” (NABRE) has been given to him. What does this mean? As he walked the earth, the fully God but fully human Jesus was restricted in space and time, and as a human exercised only limited power on earth. Having risen from the dead, he has been given, by the Father, all power and authority in heaven as well as on earth. “All authority” means that he can do whatever he chooses to do, and no other power can stop him. Notice that the Great Commission (verse 19) begins with “therefore,” meaning that it follows from Jesus’s statement about his authority in verse 18. Why does the Great Commission flow from Jesus’s authority? Do we live our daily lives as though this is true, that all authority or power has been given to Jesus? Explain. In verses 19-20, what does Jesus tell the disciples to do? What is the significance of baptizing people? What is the role of baptism in our faith? When Jesus tells them to teach people to obey everything he commanded, what do you think is included in the “everything”? Where would you look for the content of what should be taught? Matthew has been making it clear throughout his Gospel that the message of Jesus is for all people of all nations, so this ending is not surprise. As early as chapter 2 (vv. 1-12), Jesus is worshipped by Gentiles (the wise men/Magi). In Matthew 4:24-25, we see Jesus’s message reaching beyond the Jews to people in Gentile territory. In Matthew 8:5-13 he heals the servant of a (Gentile) centurion. In chapter 15, Jesus is teaching and healing Gentiles more broadly. So these final verses are the culmination of a message Matthew has been stressing throughout his Gospel. How important is the universality of the gospel to the Christian faith? How central to the faith is the idea that the gospel is meant for everyone? Different faith traditions think about the Great Commission in different ways. Some consider it to be particularly a charge for the original disciples. Some see it as a mandate for the Church as a whole, but with different people called to different tasks and not all people called to evangelize. Some consider it a command directed toward all Christians. What role do you think you are called to play in spreading the good news and making disciples? Do you think we, the Church as a whole, are doing enough to bring the gospel to “all nations”? Explain. Verse 19 is probably the clearest statement of belief in the Trinity found in the New Testament. This Gospel was probably written in the 80s (AD), which shows that even as early as then Christians recognized that God needed to be described in terms of three Persons. Some skeptics like to claim that the idea of the Trinity was created in the 300s under Constantine. This is simply not true. Although some of the final doctrinal language was worked out then, Matthew 28:19 shows that the concept of the Trinity had already been around for more than 200 years before the Council of Nicaea in AD 325 codified the doctrinal language we use to describe the Trinity. How does talking about God in terms of all three Persons of the Trinity help us to get to know God better? Do you find yourself relating more to one of the Persons of the Trinity than another – for example, do you focus more on God as Father, or relate more to Jesus than you do to the Holy Spirit? What value might there be in trying to relate to God in all three Persons of the Trinity? In verse 20, Matthew ends his Gospel with an assuring statement. What does Jesus say? Considering how daunting it might seem to spread the good news to the entire world, how is this statement comforting? How might Jesus’s assurance that he is with us always be an encouragement that spurs us on to greater efforts? Where in your life right now do you need to hear these words: “I am with you always,” even to the end of time? If you had 30 seconds to tell someone the core of the gospel, what would you include in your short testimony or witness or summary of what the Christian faith is all about? If someone asked you why they should care about Jesus – what difference does it make – how would you respond? Conclusion of Matthew’s Gospel Look back through the entire Gospel of Matthew before answering these two questions: What do you think Matthew wants his readers to do in response to his account of the life and teachings of Jesus? Please don’t stop at something simple like, “He wants us to believe.” Yes, of course he does. But what would that look like? What does he want us to do or how does he want us to live our lives as our response to Jesus? What is your favorite story, quote, or teaching from Matthew’s Gospel, or what part of this Gospel strikes you as most important or most meaningful, and why? [If you are studying together in a small group, ask everyone to respond to at least one of these questions and perhaps both, starting with the first questions and then moving to the second question after everyone who wants to share on the first question has done so.] Take a step back and consider this: Matthew’s Gospel is a call to “go” and “do” – to help those in need, to share the good news, to live a transformed life. Matthew is not content with words; he wants to us to put our faith into action. That is the core of his Gospel. Matthew hopes his Gospel will help us understand at least 5 things: First, Jesus seeks to transform our thinking in response to his downside-up view of the world, to see things from the perspective of those at the bottom of the social scale. Second, Jesus calls us to make changes in how we live our everyday lives, in order to be all that God intends us to be and not just avoid breaking the rules of the Law. Third, Jesus expects us to help those most in need and recognize that when we minister to them, we are ministering to him. Fourth, Jesus calls his followers to share with others what he has taught them and help people become part of the kingdom of heaven. Fifth, this message is meant for all people in all nations, not just an exclusive group or those we like or get along with easily. The good news is for everyone. The kingdom of heaven is open to everyone who responds. This is a visionary life we have been called to, and we have been given the privilege of receiving Jesus’s invitation to live it fully, with him. We can’t do everything, everywhere, all at once. As you end this study of the Gospel of Matthew, what is one thing you might consider doing differently starting right now – perhaps, focusing on one change you can make in how you think, how you live, who you help, how you share, and who you welcome in the life you have in Christ? Bibliography See Matthew - Bibliography at https://www.faithexplored.com/matthew/bibliography . Copyright © 2025, Tom Faletti (Faith Explored, www.faithexplored.com ). This material may be reproduced in whole or in part without alteration, for nonprofit use, provided such reproductions are not sold and include this copyright notice or a similar acknowledgement that includes a reference to Faith Explored and www.faithexplored.com. See www.faithexplored.com for more materials like this. Previous Matthew Index Next

Bible-based study guide on hope for small groups and individuals, using Pope Francis's Jubilee Year 2025 document Spes Non Confundit as a guide. Hope: Jubilee Year 2025 Embrace God's Hope and Extend It to All A Scripture-Based Study Guide for Exploring Pope Francis’s Jubilee Year 2025 Document Spes Non Confundit Link to S pes Non Confundit Introduction: Respond to the Invitation to Embrace God’s Hope God wants to renew our hope and help us put our faith and hope into action. Overview: How to Use This Study Guide Suggestions for individuals, small group members, and small group leaders. A Note About Our Terminology What do we mean when we refer to a “part of a paragraph”? Session 1: Why we can have hope We find hope because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through Jesus. (Read paragraphs 1-4) Session 2: The Jubilee leads us on a journey of hope The Jubilee Year invites us to encounter Jesus, who is our hope. (Read paragraphs 1, 5, and 6) Session 3: Where signs of hope are needed today, part 1 Peace and war; welcoming children; prisoners. (Read paragraphs 7-10) Session 4: Where signs of hope are needed today, part 2 The sick; the young; migrants and refugees; the elderly. (Read paragraphs 11-14) Session 5: Where signs of hope are needed today, part 3, and broader appeals for hope The poor; the goods of the earth, debt, economic priorities; synodality. (Read paragraphs 15-17) Session 6: A life anchored in hope, part 1 Faith, charity, and hope; life everlasting; death; happiness. (Read paragraphs 18-21) Session 7: A life anchored in hope, part 2 God’s judgment; indulgence and Penance; the Mother of God; hope as an anchor. (Read paragraphs 22-25) Jubilee Year 2025 - Bibliography Sources used in this study of Spes Non Confundit . If you use this study, please give us feedback using the form below. JubileeFeedback If you used our Jubilee Year 2025 study, please give us feedback. Did you use this study on your own or with a group? On my own. With a group (if so, please tell us where): How well did the study increase your confidence that you can read and understand the Bible? How well did the study increase your confidence that you can read and understand a papal document? How well did the study encourage you in your relationship with Christ? How well did the study encourage you to care for the poor, immigrants, people with disabilities, and others who are left out or ignored? How well did the study give you concrete ideas for putting your faith into action? How well did the study increase your hope despite the difficult situations we face in our world today and in our own lives? What is your overall evaluation of the study? What are the most important things you gained from this study that will be useful as you go forward in your life? If you have other feedback, or suggestions, please share them here. Thank you! First name* Last name* Email* Sign me up to receive email notices when Faith Explored has new articles (generally no more than once or twice a week). Send Feedback

Bible Study material for small groups and individuals for the Gospel of Matthew, with questions, commentary, and background information. Matthew Introduction to Matthew Matthew shows the universal relevance of Jesus – to all people of all nations. Jesus cared about all people and offered a gospel for all people, while demonstrating His authority over all nations. Matthew - Bibliography Bibliography of major sources and additional sources used in this study of the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 1:1-17 Who is Jesus? – Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25 Mary’s pregnancy, from Joseph’s perspective: What is God doing? Matthew 2:1-12 Wise men come to see the newborn king – and still do today! Matthew 2:13-23 Herod seeks to kill Jesus, which is why Jesus ends up as a refugee in Egypt, and then in Nazareth. Matthew 3:1-12 John the Baptist: Repentance is not comfortable but is part of our calling. Matthew 3:13-17 The baptism of Jesus, and how it relates to you. Matthew 4:1-11 The temptation of Jesus shows how to respond to our own temptations. Matthew 4:12-17 Jesus chooses a particular place – Galilee – to begin his ministry. Matthew 4:18-25 Jesus gathers disciples and followers. Matthew 5:1-5 Blessed are the poor, the grieving, the meek. Matthew 5:6-12 Blessed are those who are focused on what God cares about. Matthew 5:13-16 You provide the salt and light of Jesus to the world. Matthew 5:17-20 Jesus fulfills the Old Testament: the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 5:21-26 Murder, anger, insulting others – how are they related, and what can we do about them? Matthew 5:27-32 Adultery, lust, and divorce start in the heart. Matthew 5:33-37 Integrity means your words line up with your actions. Matthew 5:38-42 Jesus takes retaliation in a new direction. Matthew 5:43-48 Why does Jesus tell us to love our enemies? Matthew 6:1-18 Who needs to know about your almsgiving, prayer, and fasting? Matthew 6:9-15 How to pray: The Lord’s Prayer shows the way. Matthew 6:19-24 What is a healthy view of wealth? Matthew 6:25-34 Worry – how to deal with it. Matthew 7:1-6 You will be judged in the same way you judge others. Matthew 7:7-11 Pray with confidence that God will respond as your Father. Matthew 7:12-23 The Golden Rule is part of the fundamental choice Jesus is calling us to make. Matthew 7:24-29 Is your faith built on rock? Is the Sermon on the Mount a central part of your faith? Matthew 8:1-17 Jesus cares about our afflictions. Matthew 8:18-34 To follow Jesus, we need to make some choices. Matthew 9:1-17 Who are you willing to befriend? Matthew 9:18-34 Allow Jesus to heal you, open your eyes, loosen your tongue. Matthew 9:35-10:15 Compassion compels Jesus and us to proclaim the good news. Matthew 10:16-42 Make the choice to follow Christ and do not be afraid of the consequences. Matthew 11:1-19 What is the evidence that Jesus is the Messiah? Matthew 11:20-30 Will we accept the direction of the Lord or resist? Matthew 12:1-37 What matters the most? What do your words reveal? Matthew 12:38-50 Two reactions to Jesus: disingenuous skepticism and genuine commitment. Matthew 13:1-23 What kind of soil can I be, to allow the seed of God’s word to take root and be fruitful in my life? Matthew 13:24-53 God patiently waits for us to bear fruit and asks us to be patient with those around us. Matthew 13:54-14:21 Living parables: Incidents in Jesus’s ministry that tell a bigger story, including the feeding of the 5,000. Matthew 14:22-36 Get out of the boat: Where are you called to take a step of faith and not be afraid? Matthew 15:1-20 It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; it’s what comes out from your heart that defiles you Matthew 15:21-28 The healing love of God is for Gentiles, too. Matthew 15:29-39 Jesus’s compassion extends to all people; even foreigners. How can we be like Jesus? Matthew 16:1-12 What is God trying to do in our world today, and are we missing the signs of what is needed and what he is doing? Matthew 16:13-20 Who is Jesus? Who is Peter? Where do you fit in the Church that God is building? Matthew 16:21-28 Suffering is coming for Jesus, and he calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him. Matthew 17:1-13 Do you struggle with the Christian teaching that Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully human? Three apostles had a visible experience of this truth. Matthew 17:14-27 A healing, a second warning of suffering to come, an interruption to pay a tax – just a normal day in the life of Jesus . . . and us? Matthew 18:1-9 Welcome a child, be as humble as a child, and don’t lead any “little ones” astray: the starting point for our relationships in the church. Matthew 18:10-20 Jesus doesn’t want to lose anyone – not those who have strayed, and not those who have wronged others. He offers a path that seeks reconciliation and broad agreement before disciplinary action. Matthew 18:21-35 How many times must I forgive someone who does something wrong to me over and over again? How is God a model for the answer? Matthew 19:1-12 Divorce: What does it mean for two to become one? Matthew 19:13-15 When you welcome children as God does, you never know the impact you might have. Matthew 19:16-22 The danger of riches: What kind of grip do they have on you? Matthew 19:23-26 Who can be saved? Your wealth won’t save you, but what will? Matthew 19:27-30 What will those who give up earthly goods for Jesus receive? Matthew 20:1-16 Jesus offers the same salvation to all – high or low, early or late – and asks us to adopt his attitude, which is that many who are last will be first. Can we embrace his approach? Matthew 20:17-28 When Jesus calls us to serve, he doesn’t just mean servant leadership; he means servant “helpership” that puts others’ needs first. Matthew 20:29-34 What does God want us to see? And once we see the real world as he sees it, how would he like us to respond? Matthew 21:1-11 Can you embrace a king who comes in peace? Matthew 21:12-17 Jesus wanted the Temple to be a house of prayer and a place of healing. Can our churches and our lives be that, too? Matthew 21:18-22 The cursing of the fig tree was a prophetic action, where Jesus stands against those who are "all leaf and no fruit." Is our metaphorical fig tree producing fruit or withering? Matthew 21:23-27 Responding to difficult questions and dealing with politics. Matthew 21:28-32 Can we say “Yes” to God, and then actually do the work he asks us to do? Matthew 21:33-46 What are you called to do in the work of God’s vineyard? Matthew 22:1-14 Are you wearing spiritual clothes fit for life in the kingdom of heaven? Matthew 22:15-22 What do we owe to governments and leaders? What do we owe to God? How can we honor God and obey the laws of our leaders? Matthew 22:23-33 If we try to make sense of God based on our human limitations, we will misunderstand the Scriptures and the power of God. How can the Scriptures guide us to a bigger picture? Matthew 22:34-40 What does it look like when we love God with our whole heart, soul, and mind, and extend the same love to others? Matthew 22:41-46 Jesus is greater than King David. He’s not your ordinary messiah, not your ordinary son of David. Who is Jesus in your life? Matthew 23:1-12 Are you serving others and helping to lift their burdens, or seeking attention and honor for yourself? Matthew 23:13-24 How can we recognize when we are focusing on little things that are of less importance and missing the more important matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness? Matthew 23:25-36 Clean and beautiful on the outside, dirty and ungodly on the inside. How can we avoid falling into the trap of focusing on our exterior image? Matthew 23:37-39 Jesus loves his people like a mother hen who desires to gather her young under her wings. How can we embrace this maternal love of God for us? Matthew 24:1-14 Jesus calls his followers to persevere in the face of persecution and links it to the preaching of the Gospel to all nations. How are you sharing the good news of Jesus? Matthew 24:15-31 Jesus’s followers will face suffering before he returns. What do we need to know, and what do we need to be doing? Matthew 24:32-44 Jesus tells us to be ready for his return. What are you doing to be ready for that day (whether it is the Second Coming or your death)? Matthew 24:45-25:13 Are you acting like you are ready for the Lord? What would it look like in your life to be the faithful servant, the well-prepared attendant? Matthew 25:14-30 What are the “talents” God has given to you, and are you using them fruitfully? Matthew 25:31-46 Each of us will be judged by our treatment of the hungry, the stranger, the sick, those in prison, etc. What are you doing to find Jesus in those places? Matthew 26:1-13 Two responses to Jesus: total opposition and extravagant devotion. How can you show how you feel about Jesus? Matthew 26:14-25 While the normal routines of life go on, Jesus knows that one of his disciples is in the process of betraying him. How do you keep going when bad things are happening? Matthew 26:26-35 How does Holy Communion help you to enter into the new covenant that Jesus offers us? Matthew 26:36-56 Prayer in difficult times: Can you learn from Jesus’s example and keep in mind the bigger picture of your life? Matthew 26:57-68 Jesus was found guilty because he told the truth. When should you speak the truth? And when should you speak out against injustices against others? Matthew 26:69-27:10 Peter and Judas illustrate 2 different ways to respond when you have committed a serious sin. How can you stay connected to a God who loves you even when you deny him? Matthew 27:11-26 Pilate tried to pretend that Jesus’s death was not his decision. How can we be honest about the role we play in what goes on in our lives? Matthew 27:27-44 Jesus endured the torture and the mocking for us. How can we embrace his sacrificial attitude? Matthew 27:45-56 Jesus was not abandoned by God, but it might have felt that way when he started praying Psalm 22. The psalm affirms him, and the centurion declared: “Truly this was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:57-66 Jesus is buried: Some people take action; others wait and watch. Matthew 28:1-10 The empty tomb means that Jesus is alive – and still alive today! Matthew 28:11-20 Everyone can participate: Sharing and living the good news. Image at top by Tim Wildsmith, provided by Unsplash via Wix.

Teaching and analysis on how to apply the Bible and God's call for justice to our lives and the issues we face in our world. Justice God demands that we work for justice Does God care what goes on in our societies, or does He care only about our individual souls? The Bible has a very clear answer. Justice is one of God’s major priorities, and He wants us to pursue justice in our societies. He wants to transform not only our personal lives but also our governments, businesses, societies, and cultures. Read Justice and the Bible to see a short summary of the many Bible passages where God calls us to work for justice. This section of Faith Explored is a place to explore what it means for Christians to do justice in our time. Justice Resources Justice and the Bible God wants Christians to work for justice. God Calls Us to Speak Out In the Bible, God tells us to speak out for those with no voice and defend the poor (Proverbs 31:8-9). Groups That Work for Justice We are not alone. We can work with groups that speak out for justice. The Bible and Catholic Social Teaching Examples of how the Bible supports Catholic social teaching. Jesus Rejects the Death Penalty In the story of “The woman caught in adultery,” Jesus rebuffs those who seek His consent for an execution and rejects capital punishment. Stations of the Cross on Overcoming Racism What do the final hours in the life of Jesus say to us about racism in America today? Possible Future Topics BASIC PRINCIPLES Common Good Subsidiarity SEVEN THEMES OF CST 1. HUMAN DIGNITY Life War Nonviolence 2. PARTICIPATION Family 3. RIGHTS Health Government Responsibilities Racial Justice 4. OPTION FOR THE POOR Poverty Immigration 5. WORK Economy Business Practices 6. SOLIDARITY Advocacy God's Downside-Up View 7. CARE FOR CREATION Climate Change Want to see more? If there is nothing posted on a topic listed above, it means I don't have anything ready for publication on that topic yet. If you would like to encourage a higher priority for a topic, or would like to see a topic explored further, send me a note using the contact form below explaining what you are interested in and why it should be a priority. If you would like to pay for the development of specific material, please feel free to explore that with me, but payment is not required. The main thing is to offer a convincing case that the topic you are interested in should be a priority as material is added to the website.

Bible Study materials for individuals and small groups for 2 Thessalonians, including questions, commentary, and background information. 2 Thessalonians Introduction to 2 Thessalonians Paul continues to guide the young church at Thessalonica with wisdom that is still relevant to local churches and the whole Church today. 2 Thessalonians - Bibliography Bibliography of major sources and additional sources used in this study of Paul's Second Letter to the Thessalonians (2 Thess.). 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 Continue in faith, love, and endurance despite persecution, so that the Lord may be glorified in you. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 The world and the Church will face difficult times, marked by lawlessness and apostasy, but in the end the Lord will be victorious. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:18 Stand firm in what you have been taught and live an orderly life, doing your own work and not minding other people’s business. Image at top by Markos Mant, provided by Unsplash via Wix.

Bible Study materials for individuals and small groups for 1 Thessalonians, including questions, commentary, and background information. 1 Thessalonians Introduction to 1 Thessalonians Paul brought the gospel of Christ to the people of Thessalonica despite opposition. 1 Thessalonians - Bibliography Bibliography of major sources and additional sources used in this study of Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians (1 Thess.). 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Paul is writing not just to individuals, but to a church that is standing together and living the Christian life together in faith, hope, and love. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16 Paul’s concern for the Thessalonians is like the love of a mother or father for their children. 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 Paul takes the long view, seeing present events in light of eternity, and provides early evidence of the doctrine of the Trinity. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 Paul’s basic rules for Christian living: sexual purity, love for others, and an orderly lifestyle. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 The return of Christ and how to be ready. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 Living the Christian life in the church. Image at top by Markos Mant, provided by Unsplash via Wix.

What are God’s purposes for making the world the way it is? Why allow bad things? What is God trying to do? What is our role? God's Purposes What is God’s purpose for making the world the way he did? Why does God allow bad things to happen? What in the world is God trying to do, and what is our role? These questions trouble people. Agnostics argue that we can’t find answers to these questions. Atheists argue that a good God wouldn’t allow bad things to happen, so there can’t really be a God. Some believers argue that God is so far beyond us that we can’t understand His ways. Some Christians even think we shouldn’t try to answer these questions – that it’s not our place to ask what God is trying to do. The Bible gives us a different way of looking at it. Jesus told us He would send us the Spirit of truth to guide us to the truth (John 16:13-15). Jesus also told us to love God with “all your mind” as well as all your heart and soul (Matt. 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). After the resurrection, Jesus “opened their minds” to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). Paul urges us to have the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5; 1 Cor. 2:16). Paul also urges us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2). God has given us minds to explore His purposes, which He has revealed to us clearly enough that we don’t need to be afraid of tough questions. He has shown us the way to understand His purposes. The evidence is in His Word, His work in the world, and the insights He has given to his people. We must earnestly use the minds God has given us. Please join me in a deep dive into: God’s Purposes: What in the World is God Doing? This “book” is a work in progress. Use the links below to read sections of the book as they are written. Members can also use the Contact form below to ask a question or provide feedback as the book is developed and revised. Section 1: Introduction You Have a Purpose Actually, you have many purposes! You Can Choose You have free will. To Have the Mind of Christ That's one of our goals. Where is God? - Part 1 Outside the timeline. Where is God? - Part 2 Active in the timeline. Does God Care? If God doesn't care about us, we are in a pretty precarious position. Is God More Powerful Than Any Other Force? If God isn't powerful, we can't count on him for much. Section 2: Suffering If God is All-Good and All-Powerful, Why Does He Allow Suffering? This is a perennial question, and for good reason. If God Could Stop Suffering, Why Wouldn't He? Are there any reasons why God would not make the prevention of suffering his highest priority? God is Like a High School Coach Does a high school coach prevent all suffering their players might endure? Why not, and what might that tell us about God? God is Like the Most Loving Mother Does a loving mother prevent all suffering her children might endure? Why not, and what might that tell us about God? The image at the top and the image above of the hands reaching out are both provided by Wix.

Bible study leadership training materials - how-tos for small-group leaders to help people grow in faith. Leading a Small-Group Bible Study Almost anyone can lead a small-group Bible Study if they believe in Jesus, are willing to prepare in advance, have an open heart, and have an awareness of social dynamics. Good leaders work to accomplish at least three important goals: Increase people’s understanding of the Bible, Foster spiritual growth through the application of God’s Word, and Provide a place to experience Christian community. Although leaders have different styles, every group benefits if the leaders seek these goals. Here are some handouts I have used in parish Leadership Training programs to help prepare people to lead well. Preparing to Lead a Small-Group Bible Study Meeting How do you prepare a small-group Bible Study meeting? Leadership Techniques for Good Bible Study Discussions How do you manage what goes on in a Bible Study meeting that you are leading? Important Functions of Leaders What are your goals as a small-group Bible Study leader, and what do you need to do to fulfill the role you have taken on?

Bible Study material for individuals and small groups exploring what the Bible says about Mary, the Mother of Jesus, including questions, commentary, and background information. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: What does the Bible tell us about Mary? Session 1: What Mary was, we are called to be A young woman living in obscurity receives a visit from an angel of God and says “Yes” to God’s plan. How can we be like her? [Luke 1:5-25; 1:26-38; 1:39-45; 1:46-56] Session 2: Jesus’s birth causes uncertainty as well as joy In the days surrounding Jesus’s birth, uncertainty is a fact of life for his mother Mary. She responds by pondering and treasuring everything that happens. How can we embrace her trusting attitude? [Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-7; 2:8-20; 2:21; Luke 2:22-24] Session 3: When life gets complicated Mary and Joseph follow God’s guidance one step at a time, not knowing what each new step will be but trusting that he will show them what to do. Can we, too, trust God to guide us one step at a time? [Luke 2:25-40; Matthew 2:1-12; 2:13-18; 2:19-23] Session 4: "Do whatever he tells you." Mary watches Jesus grow up and begin his ministry. After she brings a concern to him, she tells others, “Do whatever he tells you.” Those are wise words for us. What would he tell you about your concerns do? [Luke 2:40-52; Matthew 3:13; 4:1; 4:12-13; 4:18-22; John 2:1-12] Session 5: Jesus’s family The various denominations within Christianity don’t agree on whether Mary had other children besides Jesus, but they do agree with his statement that those who do his will are his brothers and sisters. How can we respond? [Matthew 13:54-58; Mark 6:1-6; Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21] Session 6: At the foot of the cross and in the Upper Room Mary stands by Jesus at the cross and is with the Christian community at Pentecost. How can we follow her example of being faithful in difficult times and remaining present with the church? [John 6:41-44; Luke 11:27-28; John 19:16-20, 23-27; Acts 1:13-14; 2:1-4; Galatians 4:4-7] Session 7: Other possible references to Mary in the Bible Some people see Mary in a variety of images and prophecies in the Bible where she is not specifically named. What do these passages tell us about God and how we can respond to him? [Revelation 12:1-6; 12:13-18; Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 22:9-10; Jeremiah 31:22; Micah 5:1-4] Mary - Bibliography Bibliography of major sources and additional sources used in this study of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Image at top: Lambert Lombard (1506-1566), artist; Ferdinand Piloty (1785-1844), engraver. “Die Kreuzabnahme (The deposition from the cross).” Print. Cropped. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Art & Architecture Collection, The New York Public Library. The New York Public Library Digital Collections, 1837-1842, https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e3-3e73-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99 .

Bible Study materials for individuals and small groups for the Gospel of Mark, including questions, commentary, and background information. Mark Introduction to Mark Mark presents Jesus as the Messiah (the Christ) and the Son of God. Mark 1:1-8 John the Baptist comes to prepare the way for one greater than him. Mark 1:9-16 Jesus is baptized, subjected to temptation, and starts preaching. Image at top: First lines of Mark 16, Codex Sinaiticus. Late 2nd century or early 3rd century A.D. Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:P.Oxy_LXXXIII_5345.png, downloaded via Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mark_16_first_lines,_Codex_Sinaiticus.png. P.Oxy. LXXXIII 5345, comprising Mark I 7–9, 16–18; published in The Oxyrhynchus Papyri Volume LXXXIII (2018).

Bible Study materials for individuals and small groups for the Gospel of Luke, including questions, commentary, and background information. Luke Introduction to Luke Luke provides an orderly account of the life and teachings of Jesus, explaining the significance of Jesus for all nations. His Gospel places a special emphasis on the lowly, outcast, and marginalized, and God's concern for them. Luke 1:1-4 Prologue to Luke's Gospel: Why is he writing and for whom? Luke 1:5-24 A righteous man, Zechariah, has a supernatural experience that begins the story of Jesus.