The Kingdom in Conflict

By: Mike Mazzalongo Posted: August, 2014

In this lesson, we begin to see the "push back" from the Jewish religious leaders in response to Jesus' popularity and effectiveness in establishing His kingdom through His teaching and miracles.

Discussion Questions

How are the characteristics of the Apostles like us today as members of God's Kingdom?
What are some similarities between the early ministry of Jesus and the initial period of the church in Acts 2:42-47?
Read Matthew 10:2-4 and answer the following questions:
- Why did Jesus appoint twelve men as His apostles?
- What is significant about the title, "apostle"?
- What is signified by the order of the listing of the apostles?
- What role did the apostles fulfill in beginning of the Kingdom?
Read Matthew 10:5-42 and answer the following questions:
- Who were the apostles to go to and why? (vs. 5-6)
- What power did the apostles have and why? (vs. 8)
- What were the apostles to take with them and why? (vs. 9-10)
- What were they to do when they arrived at a city or village? (vs. 11-15)
- How did some react to the message of the apostles and how does that relate to us today? (vs. 26-39)
- Why does the gospel bring division and what is our response?
- What is demanded by the gospel and what is the reward of those who receive our Lord?
How can you use this lesson to grow spiritually and help others come into a relationship with Jesus?