2025 Study of Matthew’s Gospel

THE SIGN OF THE PROPHET JONAH

Matthew 12:22-50

Key Verses 12:40

1. Why did the Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by Beelzebul (22-24)? What does Jesus teach about spiritual unity and division (25–27)? What are the signs that the kingdom of God has come upon our lives and communities (28-29)?
2. What does it look like to be “with Jesus” in your daily life—at home, work, or school (30)? What is the “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” (31-32)? How can we cultivate our hearts to produce “good fruit” (33-35)? Why does Jesus place such importance on our words (36-37)?
3. Why do you think Jesus called the Pharisees and teachers of the law “a wicked and adulterous generation” when they asked for a sign (38-39a)? What is “the sign of the prophet Jonah,” and how does it point to Jesus’ death and resurrection (39b-40)? Why will the men of Nineveh and the Queen of the South condemn that generation (41-42)?
4. What does Jesus mean in this parable about the impure spirit returning with seven other spirits more wicked than itself (43-45)? What practical steps can we take to fill our hearts with the presence of God? What does it mean that whoever does the will of God is Jesus’ family (46-50)?
5. What do you learn from this passage, and how can you apply it to your life personally?