Discussion Questions for Matthew 15

Matthew 15:1-20

1.Jesus contrasts the commandments of God with human traditions in these verses. In verse 4 he quotes from Exodus 20:12 and 21:17. Study these Old Testament verses in context and explain why they are so important.

2. Can you identify some ways in which we set aside basic principles of God’s word to preserve traditions that have become important in the church? How do you think Jesus would respond?

3. Put the meaning of verse 11 in your own words and illustrate that meaning with an example from modern life as we experience it.

4. What do you think Jesus meant by his comment in verse 13? If it is true how should it affect the way in which we live our Christian lives? What are the dangers of glibly assuming its truth?

5. Based on verses 18-20 what kind of influences do we need to build into our lives and the lives of our children? What kind of influences need to be removed? How can we accomplish these kinds of spiritual influence goals?

6. What expectation do you have of Jesus as finish reading verse 22? Why? What has led you to expect that of Jesus? How do you feel by the time you have read verse 24? Why? How do you explain this picture of Jesus?

7. What seems to be the picture of "faith" taught by this passage? Are there other understandings of faith that are taught or assumed in the gospels? How (and why) do they differ from the view taught here?.

8. Why does Jesus seem to answer some people’s prayers, but not others? Does this passage suggest that the right kind of faith can force God to answer prayer? Why do you or why do you not think so?

9. What does the last sentence of verse 31 suggest about the appropriate response to miracles? Write a brief word of praise to God for miracles that you have experienced or heard about.

10. Carefully compare and contrast Matthew 15:32-39 with Matthew 14:13-21. What do the similarities and difference tell you about the meaning of this passage in chapter 15?

11. What do you think is the significance of Jesus feeding the multitudes as described in Matthew 14:13-21 and Matthew 15:32-39? What application do these miracles have to your own life?