Welcome to week 5 of Rooted's New Testament Reading. This week will cover Matthew chapters 18 through 22. These chapters find Jesus concluding His Galilean mission and heading toward Jerusalem and His date with the cross. They conclude with His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and a growing conflict with the religious leaders.

Don’t forget to check out the Rooted Facebook page for a bit more discussion on each chapter.


Discussion Questions:

• What is Matthew 18:8-9 saying? Are we really supposed to consider chopping off a hand or foot, or gouging out an eye?

• Does Jesus really expect all of us to sell everything we have and give it to the poor? If not, how should we take Matthew 19:21?

• How is greatness defined in the kingdom of heaven? (Matt. 20:25-27)

• Was Jesus’ cursing of the fig tree just a peevish response of Jesus to it having no fruit? (Matt. 21:18-19), Or does this have some greater significance?

• Can every law in the Torah be assigned to one of the two commands in Matthew 22:37-40? For instance: “Do not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk” (Ex. 23:19, Ex. 34:26, and Deut. 14:21).


Some Answers from Last Week's Questions:

•  What was Jesus teaching in the parable of the yeast (Matt. 13:33)? – We do not see how the Spirit works in this world (like yeast in dough), but we can see the results.

• Why did Peter start to sink after walking on the water (Matt. 14:28-32)? – He took his eyes off of Jesus and looked at why what he was doing was impossible. If we keep our eyes on Jesus, nothing He invites us to do will be impossible.

• Why did Jesus seem so reluctant to help the Canaanite woman (Matt 15:21-28)? – He exhibited compassion and healing to Gentiles in many other places. It would appear this was a test for this mother, meant to get her to express her faith in Jesus.

• What is the leaven of the Pharisees (Matt. 16:5-12)? – He was referring to the teaching of the Pharisees. Teaching that sounds good, but is contrary to the gospel and will hurt those who respond to it.

• What do you suppose Jesus, Moses, and Elijah were talking about on the Mount of Transfiguration? (Matt. 17:1-3) – Luke 9:30-31 tells us that they were discussing Jesus’ departure, soon to take place at Jerusalem. They were talking about the cross that Jesus was marching toward.




Helpful Resources:


• Rooted Facebook Group for online sharing and further exploration 

• Bible Project New Testament overview videos
• Bible Gateway, a Bible app with many translations and some other free helps
• A Clay Jar Devotionals