Answer Key – Weeks 41-45

Week 41

In Matthew 18:21–35, what did the servant’s refusal to forgive reveal about his understanding of the king’s mercy?
The servant’s refusal to forgive revealed that he had not truly grasped the depth of the mercy he himself had received. Though the king had forgiven an enormous debt, the servant showed no compassion toward others. Jesus used this parable to teach that hearts transformed by God’s forgiveness should respond with mercy and forgiveness toward others.

In Matthew 26:36–39, what was the “cup” Jesus prayed about in Gethsemane, and why was He willing to drink it?
The “cup” Jesus prayed about referred to the suffering, judgment, and wrath He would bear at the cross for the sins of the world. Though He fully understood the agony before Him, Jesus willingly submitted to the Father’s will out of love and obedience so that sinners could be forgiven and reconciled to God.

In Matthew 26:26–28, what new meaning did Jesus give to the bread and the cup during Passover?
Jesus gave the bread and cup a new meaning by pointing them to His own sacrifice. The bread represented His body given for His people, and the cup represented His blood of the New Covenant poured out for the forgiveness of sins. The Passover meal now pointed directly to Christ as the true Lamb who would save His people.

Week 42

In Mark 6:34–44, how did Jesus respond to the crowd, and what did He say they were like?
Jesus responded to the crowd with compassion because He saw that they were “like sheep without a shepherd.” Rather than turning them away, He taught them, cared for them, and miraculously fed them. The passage reveals both His deep compassion and His role as the Good Shepherd who lovingly provides for His people.

In Mark 10:17–27, why did the rich man walk away from Jesus sorrowful, and how does this contrast with the man in Matthew 13:44?
The rich man walked away sorrowful because he was unwilling to give up his earthly wealth to follow Jesus fully. His possessions held a greater place in his heart than Christ. This contrasts with the man in Matthew 13:44, who joyfully sold everything he had because he recognized the kingdom of heaven as a treasure worth far more than anything else.

In Luke 2:1–12, why is it meaningful that Jesus entered the world in such humble circumstances, and how does Philippians 2:7 help explain this?
Jesus was born in humble circumstances—in a stable and laid in a manger—showing that the Savior came in humility rather than earthly greatness. Philippians 2:7 explains that He “made himself nothing” by taking the nature of a servant. His birth reflects the humility and love that would mark His entire earthly ministry.

Week 43

In Luke 10:38–42, what were Mary and Martha each doing, and why was Mary’s choice better?
Martha was distracted and overwhelmed with many tasks, while Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His teaching. Jesus said Mary had chosen what was better because time spent with Him was of greater importance than anxious busyness. The passage reminds believers to value fellowship with Christ above constant activity.

In Luke 17:11–19, Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to thank Him. What do Jesus’ words in verse 19 reveal about the man who returned?
Jesus’ words in verse 19 reveal that the man who returned responded in faith, not just gratitude. When Jesus said, “your faith has made you well,” He pointed to something deeper than physical healing alone. The man recognized Jesus for who He was and returned to glorify God and give thanks. Jesus’ response shows that faith involves more than receiving blessings—it moves the heart to worship, gratitude, and trust in Him.

One a side note: Luke points out that the man who returned was a Samaritan—a foreigner who would have been looked down upon by many Jews at that time. This detail highlights a theme seen often in the Gospels: those who seemed farthest away were sometimes the ones who responded to Jesus with the greatest faith.

In the story of the Prodigal Son, what happened in Luke 15:20, and what does this reveal about God’s heart toward repentant sinners?
While the son was still far off, his father saw him, ran to him, embraced him, and kissed him. This powerful moment reveals God’s compassion and eagerness to forgive repentant sinners. Rather than rejecting those who return to Him, God welcomes them with mercy, love, and restoration.

Week 44

In Luke 19:8, what did Zacchaeus’ response to Jesus reveal about the change taking place in his heart?
Zacchaeus’ willingness to give generously to the poor and repay those he had cheated revealed genuine repentance and transformation. His actions showed that meeting Jesus had changed his priorities and his heart. Rather than clinging to wealth gained dishonestly, he now desired to live in righteousness and generosity.

In John 3:1–8, Jesus said, “We must be born again.” How do scriptures like Ezekiel 36:26–27 and 2 Corinthians 5:17 help explain what this means?
Being born again refers to the spiritual transformation God brings through the Holy Spirit. Ezekiel 36 promises a new heart and a new spirit, while 2 Corinthians 5:17 describes believers as new creations in Christ. Jesus was teaching that salvation is not merely external religion, but an inward renewal that changes the heart and life.

In John 4:10–14, how is the Living Water Jesus offers different from the water in Jacob’s well?
The water from Jacob’s well could satisfy physical thirst only temporarily, but the Living Water Jesus offers brings eternal life and lasting satisfaction to the soul. Jesus promised that those who receive His gift would never thirst spiritually again because His life-giving presence would remain within them like a spring overflowing with life.

Week 45

In John 9:1–7, what did Jesus say would be revealed through the blind man’s condition?
Jesus said the man’s blindness was not the result of his own sin or his parents’ sin, but that “the works of God might be displayed in him.” Through the healing, God’s power and glory would be revealed. The passage reminds us that even difficult circumstances can become opportunities for God’s purposes to be made known.

In John 10:9, what does Jesus mean when He says, “I am the gate,” and how does Hebrews 10:19–22 help us understand the access we now have through Him?
When Jesus said, “I am the gate,” He was teaching that He alone is the way to salvation and safety with God. Hebrews 10 explains that through Christ’s sacrifice, believers now have confidence to enter God’s presence freely. Jesus is the doorway through which sinners are welcomed into fellowship with the Father.

In John 19:30, what did Jesus mean when He said, “It is finished,” and what does that mean in light of Hebrews 10:10–14?
When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He declared that His work of atonement was complete. Hebrews 10 explains that His sacrifice was offered once for all and fully accomplished what repeated sacrifices under the Old Covenant never could. Through Christ’s finished work, believers can be forgiven, cleansed, and made holy before God.