Following Jesus: Focus On The Message – Matthew 4

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Last Updated on May 8, 2024 by Rocklyn Clarke

Description

Welcome to Focus On The Message – the first component of our Following Jesus discipleship program. This web page contains the lessons for:

Matthew 4

Purpose

Follow this link for information about these key aspects of our training: Purpose, Goals, Habits, Ministries, and Assignments.

Matthew 4

This chapter has 4 lessons. You should ideally cover one chapter (with all of its lessons) in a week, but please don’t let a week go by without completing at least one lesson.

Lesson 1: The Temptation of Jesus

Main text and related passages:

Checkout the following:

Topics to explore:

    • Does Donald Trump’s promise the “Christianity will have power” resemble the devil’s offer to Jesus?
    • Jesus continues to redo Israel’s history the right way. Demonstrating obedience in the wilderness where Israel repeatedly disobeyed.
    • The Holy Spirit in the life of the believer – guidance.

Additional resources to check out:

Training assignment (do this yourself, and use it to help train someone else):

    • Read the main passage and related passages above.
    • Watch the “Overview” video from the “5 thresholds” video. Which of the people in your sphere of influence fit into the “Trust”, “Curiosity”, Openness to Change”, “Seeking”, and “Following” categories?
    • Discussion Questions
      • Why didn’t Jesus take the devil up on his offer of all the kingdoms of the world?
      • Why did the devil offer Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worshiping him?
      • Why didn’t God the Father just take all of the kingdoms of the world and give them to Jesus?
      • Why did Jesus have to go to the cross?

Lesson 2: Jesus Begins to Preach

Main text and related passages:

Checkout the following:

Topics to explore:

    • Note that Jesus’ message is the same as John’s: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near”.
    • This is the context we have so far for Jesus’ ongoing ministry:
      • Jesus is “God with us”. – Matthew 1:18-23
      • Jesus is “saving his people from their sins”. – Matthew 1:18-23
      • Jesus’ message is calling people to repent and align with God’s Kingdom. – Matthew 4:12-17
      • What will it mean to apply this context to what we read in Matthew going forward?

Additional resources to check out:

Training assignment (do this yourself, and use it to help train someone else):

    • Read the main passage and related passages above.
    • Watch the “Overview” video from the “5 thresholds” video. Which of the people in your sphere of influence fit into the “Trust”, “Curiosity”, Openness to Change”, “Seeking”, and “Following” categories?

Lesson 3: The Calling of the First Disciples

Main text and related passages:

Checkout the following:

Topics to explore:

    • These first disciples are the first “saved” people we encounter in Matthew. From this point on we can explore the picture that Matthew presents of what it means to be saved.
    • It all begins with “Follow me!”. This is the basis for the Christian life – following Jesus.
    • Notice that there are no theological formulas for the disciples to recite.
      • The disciples are never asked: 
        • To acknowledge that they are sinners.
        • To acknowledge that the penalty for sin is death.
        • To acknowledge that Jesus paid the penalty for them.
        • To confess that Jesus is Lord and to believe that God raised him from the dead.
      • They simply accept Jesus’ offer to follow him.
    • This is a foundation for understanding how one becomes Christian.
      • You don’t need formulas like the 4 Spiritual Laws, ABC, or Romans Roadmap.
      • Engage the narrative by observing:
        • how people become disciples,
        • what life with Jesus looks like after becoming a follower,
        • how life with Jesus continues after his resurrection.
      • Process:
        • Jesus calls them.
        • They leave everything to follow him. They are captivated by Jesus.
      • Let’s keep track of what their subsequent life is like with Jesus!

Additional resources to check out:

Training assignment (do this yourself, and use it to help train someone else):

    • Read the main passage and related passages above.
    • Watch the “Overview” video from the “5 thresholds” video. Which of the people in your sphere of influence fit into the “Trust”, “Curiosity”, Openness to Change”, “Seeking”, and “Following” categories?

Lesson 4: Jesus Heals the Sick

Main text and related passages:

Checkout the following:

Topics to explore:

    • Jesus’ activity draws large crowds who follow him. Are they in the same category as the disciples?
    • Are the people in the crowds “saved”? Note – the next chapter will shed some light on this.

Additional resources to check out:

Training assignment (do this yourself, and use it to help train someone else):

    • Read the main passage and related passages above.
    • Watch the “Overview” video from the “5 thresholds” video. Which of the people in your sphere of influence fit into the “Trust”, “Curiosity”, Openness to Change”, “Seeking”, and “Following” categories?

Last Updated on May 8, 2024 by Rocklyn Clarke

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Acknowledgements

Please join me in acknowledging the key people who contributed to this material!

Advance to Matthew 5

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