Chapter Summary

Scribes and Pharisees rebuked. Syrophonecian's daughter healed.The multitude healed. 4000 fed.

Discussion Questions for Matthew, Chapter 15

1. What is meant by the "tradition of the elders" (verse 2, CSB)? How has the simplicity of the Gospel been added to over the years? How should we combat that?
2. What was the wrongdoing that Jesus accused the Pharisees of committing? Does this relate to the "sin" that Jesus and his disciples were accused of? How?
3. What does verse 11 mean? How does a person's words defile them? How have you experienced this in your life?
4. What is in your heart? What sins are you tempted with? Reflect on your words recently. How have your words reflected your heart?
5. Verses 21-28 seem like Jesus is doing wrong. What is actually going on here? How can we use other Scripture to help interpret this passage?
6. What is the significance of this Canaanite woman identifying Jesus as the Son of David? Have you ever encountered a non believer that was well-informed about Christianity? How can we use a person's knowledge of Christ to lead them to a relationship with him?
7. How do we understand verse 24? Was Jesus really sent only to the Jews? Why or why not? Who are you sent to?
8. Some scholars say that the feeding of the 5000 (Matthew 14) and the feeding of the 4000 are the same story. What would be your response to this? How do you know that they are different? Why is it important that they are different?
9. Do the numbers of fish and loaves of bread have any significance? How do you know?
10. Why do you think Jesus has spent so much time over the last few chapters taking care of people's physical needs? Are we called to take care of people's physical needs as well? Why do you say that? Make sure to use Scripture to make your case.

Key Words/Phrase

Hypocrites, v. 7.

Characters

Jesus, Peter, (disciples), Syrophonecian woman, her daughter.

Strong Verse(s)

8, 28.