Matthew 16: 1-4

Pastor Brian McGuffin

Introduction

Today, so many people don't believe what they hear or read. News stations often seem to support a political party, and you hear different facts/accounts depending on which station you listen to. People talk about the "dark web". Others worry about AI thinking that perhaps truth will be distorted.

What things are you sure are correct/factual? What things do you wonder if they are true or not?

Scripture

Matthew 16: 1 - 4  ESV

"And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed."

Discussion Questions

1. a) What did the Pharisees and Sadducees want Jesus to do?

    b) Why did they ask these questions of Jesus?

2. Today, many people will say there might be a God, but they don't believe the Bible or any other religious group. Some will say there is no God at all. What are some reasons that people give for that opinion/belief?

3. a) Why do you think that people deny Christ today?

    b) Have you had a conversation with a person who challenged the existence of Jesus? What was that experience like for you?

4. How do you deal with people who deny God's existence or care? Or who deny that Jesus is God? What if they are family, or people you work with?

5. The Pharisees and Sadducees all knew the Old Testament very well. They ignored what they   had studied when they met Jesus. Read the following verses to see what they wouldn't  consider:

            Isaiah 7: 14; 9: 6; 35: 5 - 6; 53 (especially v. 3 - 7)

            Micah 5: 2                 Zechariah 9:9; 12: 10                       Psalm 22 - (especially v. 16 - 18

            If you would like to see the many verses in the Old Testament that prophesied Jesus, use the website - gotquestions.org - and look up "How many prophecies did Jesus fulfill".  You will find these quite amazing - actually proof to you as an individual that the Bible is true.

6. Sometimes we wonder ourselves if what we believe is true. Sometimes we doubt that God is really caring for us.

    a) When was a time when you saw God at work in someone else's life? What happened?

    b) Think of a time when you realized that God was working in your own life in some way.  What happened? How did you know that God was with you?

    c) When you became a Christian, the Bible says that the Holy Spirit came into your life and started guiding you. How have you changed over your life as a believer?

    d) What are some things in your life that might be stopping or hindering you from seeing God at work in your life?

    e) What are some verses that help you remember how much God loves you?

    f) What can you do this week that will bring you closer to God than ever before?