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Bible Studies


Matthew, Mark and Luke
Lesson 15
The Hypocrisy of the Pharisees

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Reading assignment for this lesson: Matthew 5:14-16, 5:25-26, 6:16-34, 10:19-36, 12:38-42, 16:1-4, 23:1-36, 24:43-51, Mark 4:22, 8:11-12, 8:38, 12:37-40, 13:32-33, Luke 11:27-54, 12:1-59,

In this lesson Jesus teaches about the dangers of wealth, hypocrisy and worry. He emphasizes the urgent need for commitment to the gospel message. He harshly criticizes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and other religious leaders, and those leaders begin looking for a reason to kill Him.

1. Jesus' reply to the woman who heaped praise on Him and His mother (Luke 11:27-28) may sound a bit harsh. Why did Jesus answer her as He did? (See Matthew 10:37, Mark 10:29-30.)

2. Jesus spoke of receiving the light in Matthew 6:22-23 and Luke 11:33-36. It is usually assumed that the "light" in this saying represents the gospel message. How could our attitude toward that message be like healthy or unhealthy eyes?

3. What were the reasons for Jesus' strong condemnation of the Pharisees and experts in religious law? (See Matthew 23:1-36, Mark 12:37-40, Luke 11:37-54, 12:1.).

4. How did the religious leaders react to Jesus' criticism?

5. a) Why shouldn't we be afraid of evil people who could kill us?
b) Who should we be afraid of? Why?
(See Matthew 10:28, Luke 12:4-5.)

6. a) What warnings did Jesus give about hypocrisy?
b) What illustration did Jesus use to show God cares deeply for us?
(See Matthew 10:20-31, Mark 4:22, Luke 12:1-7.)

7. How would you explain the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21)? (See Matthew 6:19-21, Luke 12:33-35)

8. a) What things did Jesus say about worry? (See Matthew 6:25-34, Luke 12:22-32.)
b) What things do you need to stop worrying about?

9. What do Matthew 24:43-51, Mark 13:32-33 and Luke 12:35-46 say about a "sin now, repent later" lifestyle?)

10. Was it Jesus' purpose to bring strife among people and division to families? (See Matthew 10:34-39, Luke 12:49-56, Matthew 5:9, 7:14, 18:21-22, 10:21-22, 22:14, Luke 6:35-36, 11:23, 16:13.)

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