Our next Bible study is scheduled for Thursday, February 20 at 6:30 in the Ed Brown Senior Center in Rancho Bernardo. We will continue our study of the Sermon on the Mount and related scriptures beginning with Matthew 6:14 (after the model prayer) and Jesus’ comments about forgiveness:

Mt 6:14-15;Mk 11:25-26 Forgiveness

1. V14 Debts is now trespasses. Why the change?
2. Why did Jesus elaborate on one aspect of the model prayer?
3. What else did Jesus say about forgiveness?
4. Mark related this in the context of the withered fig tree at the time of the crucifixion. Is it related to the fig tree? Or just more information?

Mt 6:16-18 Fasting

1. Why do the hypocrites fast?
2. Why should we fast? What reward are we hoping to receive?

Mt 6:19-21;Lk 12:32-34 where your treasure is, your heart will be also

1. 12:32 Luke introduces this instruction differently. What is this comment telling us?
2. 6:19 What treasures on earth is He talking about? Physical goods? Something else?
3. 12:33 He then gives instruction about what to do with earthly goods. How might this apply to us?
4. 6:20;12:32 What are examples of treasures in heaven?
5. 6:21;12:34 Why is this true?
6. James 5:1-6 seems relevant. Can we learn anything more from these verses?

Mt 6:22-23;Lk 11:33-36 Lamp of the body

1. Lk 11:33 introduces the passage with a statement we read in Mt5:15. What point did Jesus use it for in Matthew?
2. 11:34;6:22-23 What is Jesus saying? Is the body, eye, light literal or figurative? If figurative, what are they symbolic of? What is a good or single eye? What is a bad or evil eye?
3. 11:35;6:23 More than just an observation, this becomes a warning against darkness, and it is especially strong in Matthew. What is the darkness?
4. 11:36 What is the purpose of this statement? He seems to be going back to v33. Does this give us a clue?

Mt 6:24;Lk 16:9-13 God and mammon

1. I’ve included 16:9-12 even though only v13 is given in Matthew. It provides some context for its use in Luke, although the parable preceding may be relevant as well. What is Jesus saying here?
2. 6:24;16:13 Luke seems to provide an obvious context. Is there any relevant context in Matthew?
3. What is mammon? We are told not to serve it, but 16:9 says we are to make friends of it, and v11 that we are to be faithful in it. What does this mean?

Mt 6:25-34;Lk 12:22-31 Do not worry

1. 6:25;12:22 both of these passages begin with “therefore”, implying that what went before has some relevance. What is the context in each case? And why would He make this conclusion?
2. 6:26;12:24 People go hungry. Why shouldn’t we worry about that happening to us?
3. 6:27;12:25 Why a cubit? Why not an inch?
4. 6:31;12:29 Luke says “anxious mind” instead of what to wear. Any comments?
5. 6:32;12:30 Matthew says “Gentiles”, Luke says “nations”. Any comments?
6. More to come.