Signs & Stories of the Kingdom. Part 4. Matthew 13:53 – 14:12

A Bible Study:

Read Matthew 13:53 – 14:12

Read it again, in a different translation.

This study is a little different, because there is no direct or indirect reference to the kingdom in these verses. Rather, what Matthew shows us in these verses is two different ways that people attempted to suppress the kingdom work that was going on at that time.

(For some helpful context, you can read about Herodias and her motives here: https://sharonwilharm.com/herodias/)

Compare Matthew 13:54-55 with Mark 1:21-28.

• What differences and similarities do you observe?

At the end of Matthew 13, Jesus is visiting his hometown. Look closely at the final three verses of this chapter.

• What are the issues that come up there?
• Why do you think this is happening?

At the start of Matthew 14, we read that Herod thinks Jesus is John the Baptist come back to life and then hear about how he died. While Herod might have hoped that John was back, the reality is, he was dead, and his death occurred because he was a threat to those in power.

• What stands out to you in these stories?
• What do these stories teach us about the kingdom of God?
• How do we try and suppress or deny the tougher aspects of Jesus’ work in our lives?
• What can you do to keep yourself open to him?

For interest: You can read a thoughtful, feminist take on this story here:

https://www.mothergodexperiment.com/salomes-whispered-me-too/