So then, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Matthew 23:20? 2. How does Matthew 23:20 emphasize the importance of sincerity in our commitments? 3. What does Matthew 23:20 reveal about the relationship between oaths and accountability? 4. How can we apply the principle of integrity from Matthew 23:20 today? 5. In what ways does Matthew 23:20 connect to the teachings of Jesus on truthfulness? 6. How does Matthew 23:20 challenge us to examine our own spiritual practices? 7. What does Matthew 23:20 reveal about the nature of oaths and promises in Christianity? 8. How does Matthew 23:20 challenge the authority of religious leaders? 9. What historical context is essential for understanding Matthew 23:20? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 23? 11. Matthew 20:23 - If Jesus is fully divine, why does He imply He has no authority over who sits at His right and left? 12. Why did the women visit the tomb? To anoint Jesus with spices (Mark 16:1; Luke 23:55-24:1), to see the tomb (Matthew 28:1), or for no specified reason (John 20:1). 13. Should oaths be taken? (Numbers 30:2 vs. Matthew 5:34) 14. Do you swear to tell the truth under oath? Discussion Questions 1. How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 23:20 challenge the religious practices of the Pharisees, and what can we learn from this about our own religious practices?2. In what ways can we ensure that our words and promises reflect integrity and truthfulness, as taught in Matthew 5:33-37 and James 5:12? 3. How does the concept of the altar in the Old Testament relate to the new covenant established by Jesus, as discussed in Hebrews 13:10? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to avoid hypocrisy in our worship and daily lives, in light of Jesus' critique of the Pharisees? 5. How can we cultivate a deeper reverence for God in our speech and actions, considering the teachings of Exodus 20:7 and Isaiah 29:13?1. What does Jesus' criticism of the scribes and Pharisees teach us about religious hypocrisy? 2. How does Jesus redefine greatness in His admonition to the disciples? 3. What can we learn from the "Seven Woes" about the dangers of legalism and losing sight of faith's heart? 4. How does Jesus' lament over Jerusalem underscore God's love for His people, even when they reject Him? 5. What practical steps can we take to ensure our religious practices are not merely outward shows but sincere acts of faith? 6. How does Jesus' rebuke of the religious leaders affect your understanding of spiritual authority and leadership? 7. How can we balance adherence to religious rules with prioritizing justice, mercy, and faith? 8. In what ways does Jesus' criticism of those appearing righteous externally but are internally corrupt challenge us to cultivate inner righteousness? 9. How does Jesus' sorrow over Jerusalem's rejection impact your view of God's heart towards those who reject Him? 10. How do you respond to Jesus' assertion that the greatest must be a servant? 11. What steps can we take to avoid the pitfalls of religious hypocrisy outlined in the "Seven Woes"? 12. How does Jesus' desire to gather Jerusalem under His wings reflect His care for us today? 13. How can we live out Jesus' teaching of humility and servanthood in our daily interactions? 14. What changes can we make in our lives to prioritize justice, mercy, and faith as Jesus instructed? 15. How can we encourage an environment that fosters internal righteousness over external appearances? 16. How does Jesus' lament over Jerusalem affect our understanding of His love and longing for humanity's salvation? 17. How can we guard against misusing religious authority as the scribes and Pharisees did? 18. What does the sorrowful prophesy about Jerusalem tell us about the consequences of rejecting Jesus? 19. How can we actively strive to maintain the purity and sincerity of our faith in light of the "Seven Woes"? 20. How does Jesus' lament over Jerusalem influence our response to those around us who reject Him? Links Matthew 23:20 NIVMatthew 23:20 NLT Matthew 23:20 ESV Matthew 23:20 NASB Matthew 23:20 KJV Matthew 23:20 Commentaries Bible Hub |



