February 13, 2022

Matthew 22:15-22

Pastor Nate Wright

1. What impacted you or was insightful to you from your own personal Bible reading and study? What is helping you to "affix your mind's attention and your heart's affection" to Jesus Christ in regards to any circumstances you are walking through?
2. For Review: From Matthew 21:28-22:14, there are three parables told by Jesus.  From Matthew 22:15-22:40, there are three questions posed to Jesus.
3. From verse 15: why is it significant that the Pharisees left an area of the temple that is used to worship God for another area? What were they doing?
4. Read Luke 20:20 along with Matthew 22:16.  Why is it significant that the Herodians and the Pharisees had become unified in their purpose?  What was true about what these enemies said about Christ?
5. Considering verses 17-19, why did "every Jew despise deeply" every tax paid? How important was this issue to the Jewish people? 
6. In verse 18, Pastor Nate shared a quote: "Jesus recognized the daggers behind the men's smiles..." Jesus used a statement that we find in Matthew 4:7.  Who were the Pharisees imitating? Look also at John 8:44.  What does it mean that the Pharisees and the Herodians were acting as hypocrites?
7. Jesus gave "simple instructions and asked a simple question" in verses 19-21.  What is extraordinary about Jesus' answer? How does Acts 5:27-29 help to provide more insight?
8. Applications:  "Jesus is incredible!"  As believers we are to:

• Love Christ.  Read John 14:23.  In what areas of your life are you battling to love Christ by making Him a priority and practicing His commands no matter what you think or feel or what others think or feel?  Pastor Nate also challenged us to "Out of love for Christ, pay your taxes."  How does this help you or stretch you? We also learned that believers are not to: "...blame God for your wicked, fleshly desires." We all grapple with sin.  How has this been a challenge for you or how is it currently a challenge for you? The importance of repentance and remorse cannot be overstated.  The outcome of this sin is weighty: "You're lying to others, deceiving yourself and committing blasphemy."
• Enjoy Christ. In verse 22, Jesus "beautifully and powerfully answered the questions of His enemies despite their malicious intent."  Pastor Nate encouraged us to "bask in Christ's wisdom, bask in His brilliance, and delight in His greatness." When have you done this lately and what, practically speaking, does this look like? Make a plan now to sit with Christ, with your mind's attention and your heart's affection on Him, saturating yourself with Him and enjoying Him abundantly.  Share with your group when you plan to do this.