Teaching resource for Lifeway’s Explore the Bible lesson for April 26

Ideas to help you teach your Explore the Bible Sunday School class for April 26:

Scripture focus for the lesson — Matthew 21:23–32

First, use this icebreaker idea:

1. Divide the class into pairs.
2. Discuss these questions since today’s parable is about two sons:
   1. How many siblings were in your family when you were growing up?
   2. How were you different and similar to them?

Second, go back to the full class answering some of the following questions related to the lesson’s Scripture focus:

Matthew 21:23–27

1. Was it rude for a rabbi to be interrupted while he was teaching in the courtyard of the temple?
   No, it was a common method on instruction.
2. According to Mark 11:27 and Luke 20:1, what other group was present with the chief priests and elders?
   Scribes who were probably Pharisees.
3. What do the “these things” refer to?
   It could refer to what happened in recent days like the cleansing of the temple, the Palm Sunday entrance and some of the healings. It’s possible it was referring to events before the recent ones. No doubt it included his teaching as well as his actions.
4. When the Jewish leaders questioned Jesus about his authority, do you think they really wanted to know or were they trying to make a point?
   First, they were trying to once again trap Jesus.
   Second, the fact that Jesus had authority in his teaching was obvious to others. He had something they did not have, and either they wanted to have it or were simply jealous of him.
5. By his question in 21:25 was Jesus about to “trap” the group that was attempting to trap him?
   It was like checkmate in chess. They knew he had their number either way they answered, so they refused to answer.
6. Why could they not say John’s authority was from heaven?
   They knew Jesus would ask them why didn’t they believe him.
7. Why could they not say John’s authority was of human origin?
   They knew everyone considered John to be a prophet and were afraid of the crowd.
8. What additional insight does Luke 20:6 add to their answer?
   They were afraid the people would stone them.

Practical application questions

1. What are some incorrect sources of authority people listen to today to get their ideas about God from?
A. Visions B. Tradition C. Reason/logic D. Non-biblical writings.
One example of a vision would be that of a very young Joseph Smith who had a vision to start the one true church known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons).

2. For the believer, what is our one source of authority? The Bible

3. The Jewish religious leaders did not want to accept the authority of Jesus. Why are people today reluctant to accept the authority of Jesus over their lives? Why are we as believers even reluctant to accept his authority? One possible reason is that we simply do not believe his way is the best way. Ask class members whatever reasons they can think of.

Matthew 21:28–32

1. Is the parable of the two sons connected with the confrontation with the Jewish leaders about his authority?
Yes. In fact, he gave two additional parables based on that confrontation. Matthew is the only one who includes the parable of the sons.

2. How did Jesus begin the parable?
With a question. Questions if used properly can be effective teaching tools.

3. Why do you think the first son changed his mind after initially refusing to work in his father’s vineyard?
One possible answer is that he realized that he made a mistake by refusing to go. We don’t know how much time passed before he changed his mind, but it was enough for him to think that his initial refusal was not the right thing to do. Different translations use repented (KJV), regretted (NASB) in addition to changed his mind.

4. What lesson can we learn from the second son who said he would go, but then did not?
Actions speak louder than words. Jesus said there would be those who would say “Lord, Lord” but at the judgment he would say he never knew them. Many profess with their lips to be believers, but the way they live is the true indicator. See John 14:21a for additional insight.

5. Are we convinced that our Father’s will is always the best?
That varies from person to person. Each person must come to the point in his life that he realizes that God’s will is always the best. We bring grief on ourselves and others when we fail to follow his will for our lives.

6. What exactly did Jesus mean when he said “before you” in 12:31?
Some interpret this to mean that the sinners would enter the kingdom before the religious folk in terms of sequence. Barnes takes it to mean “rather than you.” They were more likely to enter than those who were self-righteous.

7. Matthew does not give the response of the Jewish leaders, but how do you imagine they responded to his statement in 12:31?
Jesus could not have picked two groups more despised by them. Livid and unglued may describe their reaction.

8. What was the reason Jesus gave for this?
The Jewish leaders didn’t belived John the Baptist’s message of repentance, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did.

9. Why is it sometimes for difficult for good people to be saved rather than those have lived a rough life?
Good people don’t easily understand why they need a Savior.

10. What further condemnation did Jesus have of the religious crowd?
Seeing the radical change of those who believed John’s message did not cause them to change their mind and believe him.

11. Can the move of God we see today on many college campuses cause others to follow Jesus?
Yes.

EDITOR’S NOTE — Chip Warren has worked in church ministry and assisted Sunday School teachers in various forms for 40 years. He’s a graduate of Southwestern Seminary and lives in Albertville, Alabama. Warren provides teaching resources such as these questions related to specific passages of Scripture at chipwarren.org.