unfoldingWord® Translation Questions
v88
Matthew
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unfoldingWord® Translation Questions
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unfoldingWord® Translation Questions
Date: 2026-01-14
Version: v88
Published by: unfoldingWord®
unfoldingWord® Literal Text
Date: 2026-01-14
Version: v88
Published by: unfoldingWord®
unfoldingWord® Simplified Text
Date: 2026-01-14
Version: v88
Published by: unfoldingWord®
Table of Contents
Matthew
Matthew 1
Matthew 1:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:1ULT:
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham:
UST:
This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah. He is a descendant of {King} David, who was a descendant of Abraham{, the ancestor of all Jewish people}.
In the genealogy of Jesus Christ, which two ancestors are listed first, indicating their importance?
The two ancestors listed first are David and Abraham.
Matthew 1:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:2ULT:
Abraham fathered Isaac, and Isaac fathered Jacob, and Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers,
UST:
Abraham was the father of Isaac. Isaac was the father of Jacob. Jacob was the father of Judah and Judah’s {older and younger} brothers.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 1:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:3ULT:
and Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez fathered Hezrom, and Hezrom fathered Aram,
UST:
Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah. Their mother was Tamar. Perez was the father of Hezrom. Hezrom was the father of Aram.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 1:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:4ULT:
and Aram fathered Amminadab, and Amminadab fathered Nahshon, and Nahshon fathered Salmon,
UST:
Aram was the father of Amminadab. Amminadab was the father of Nahshon. Nahshon was the father of Salmon.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 1:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:5ULT:
and Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, and Obed fathered Jesse,
UST:
Salmon was the father of Boaz. Boaz’s mother was Rahab. Boaz was the father of Obed. Obed’s mother was Ruth. Obed was the father of Jesse.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 1:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:6ULT:
and Jesse fathered David the king, and David fathered Solomon by the {wife} of Uriah,
UST:
Jesse was the father of King David.
David was the father of Solomon. Solomon’s mother was {Bathsheba, who had been} Uriah’s wife.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 1:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:7ULT:
and Solomon fathered Rehoboam, and Rehoboam fathered Abijah, and Abijah fathered Asaph,
UST:
Solomon was the father of Rehoboam. Rehoboam was the father of Abijah. Abijah was the father of Asaph.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 1:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:8ULT:
and Asaph fathered Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat fathered Joram, and Joram fathered Ozias,
UST:
Asaph was the father of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat was the father of Joram. Joram was an ancestor of Ozias.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 1:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:9ULT:
and Ozias fathered Jotham, and Jotham fathered Ahaz, and Ahaz fathered Hezekiah,
UST:
Ozias was the father of Jotham. Jotham was the father of Ahaz. Ahaz was the father of Hezekiah.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 1:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:10ULT:
and Hezekiah fathered Manasseh, and Manasseh fathered Amos, and Amos fathered Josiah,
UST:
Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh. Manasseh was the father of Amos. Amos was the father of Josiah.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 1:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:11ULT:
and Josiah fathered Jechoniah and his brothers at the Babylonian deportation,
UST:
Josiah was the grandfather of Jechoniah and Jechoniah’s brothers. {They lived} at the time when {the Babylonian army took the Israelites as} captives to the country of Babylon.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 1:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:12ULT:
and after the Babylonian deportation, Jechoniah fathered Salathiel, and Salathiel fathered Zerubbabel,
UST:
After {the Babylonian army took the Israelites as} captives to the country of Babylon, Jechoniah became the father of Salathiel. Salathiel was the father of Zerubbabel.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 1:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:13ULT:
and Zerubbabel fathered Abiud, and Abiud fathered Eliakim, and Eliakim fathered Azor,
UST:
Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud. Abiud was the father of Eliakim. Eliakim was the father of Azor.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 1:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:14ULT:
and Azor fathered Zadok, and Zadok fathered Achim, and Achim fathered Eliud,
UST:
Azor was the father of Zadok. Zadok was the father of Achim. Achim was the father of Eliud.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 1:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:15ULT:
and Eliud fathered Eleazar, and Eleazar fathered Matthan, and Matthan fathered Jacob,
UST:
Eliud was the father of Eleazar. Eleazar was the father of Matthan. Matthan was the father of Jacob.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 1:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:16ULT:
and Jacob fathered Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, the one called Christ.
UST:
Jacob was the father of Joseph. Joseph was Mary’s husband. Mary was the mother of Jesus. Jesus is the one whom we call the Messiah.
At the end of the genealogy, who is the wife that is named, and why is she listed?
Mary, the wife of Joseph, is listed because by her Jesus was born.
Matthew 1:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:17ULT:
Therefore, all the generations from Abraham until David {were} 14 generations, and from David until the Babylonian deportation {were} 14 generations, and from the Babylonian deportation until the Christ {were} 14 generations.
UST:
So then, there are 14 ancestors when we count from Abraham to David. There are 14 ancestors when we count from David until when {the Babylonian army took the Israelites as} captives to the country of Babylon. There are 14 ancestors when we count from that time to the Messiah.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 1:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:18ULT:
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was thus: His mother, Mary, having been engaged to marry Joseph, before they came together, was found having in the womb from the Holy Spirit.
UST:
{I will tell you} what happened when the mother of Jesus the Messiah gave birth to him. His mother Mary was about to marry {a man named} Joseph, and they had not yet had sex. Despite that, Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant with a baby (whom the Holy Spirit had given to her).
What happened to Mary before she had come together with Joseph?
Mary became pregnant by the Holy Spirit before she had come together with Joseph.
Matthew 1:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:19ULT:
Now Joseph her husband, being righteous, and not wanting to publicly disgrace her, intended to divorce her secretly.
UST:
Joseph, who was about to marry her, {thought that Mary had sex with another man.} Joseph usually did what was right, and he also did not want to shame Mary. So, he decided to say in private that he would not marry her.
What kind of man was Joseph?
Joseph was a righteous man.
What did Joseph decide to do when he learned Mary was pregnant?
Joseph decided to end the engagement with Mary secretly.
Matthew 1:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:20ULT:
But he having reflected on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him by way of a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, you should not fear to take Mary as your wife, because the one having been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
UST:
While Joseph was deciding what to do, he saw an angel from the Lord while he was sleeping! The angel said to him, “Joseph, King David’s descendant, do not be reluctant to marry Mary. {I say that} because it was the Holy Spirit who caused her to become pregnant.
What happened to Joseph that made him decide to remain engaged to Mary?
An angel told Joseph in a dream to take Mary as his wife because the baby was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:21ULT:
And she will bear a son, and you will call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
UST:
She will have a male child. You should name him ‘Jesus,’ {which means ‘the Lord rescues’}. {You should name him that} because he will rescue his people from the sins that they have committed.”
Why was Joseph told to give the baby the name Jesus?
Joseph was told to name the baby Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.
Matthew 1:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:22ULT:
Now all this happened so that might be fulfilled {what} was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,
UST:
When all those things happened, what the Lord said by speaking through the prophet {Isaiah} came true. {Isaiah} said,
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 1:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:23ULT:
“Behold, the virgin will have in her womb and bear a son, and they will call his name Immanuel”—which is translated, “God with us.”
UST:
“A young woman who has never had sex will become pregnant! She will give birth to a male child. People will name him ‘Immanuel.’” The name Immanuel means, “God is with us.”
What is written in the Old Testament prophecy which was fulfilled in these events?
The Old Testament prophecy was that a virgin would give birth to a son and that they would call his name Emmanuel, which means “God with us.”
Matthew 1:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:24ULT:
And Joseph, having been awakened from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took her {as} his wife.
UST:
After Joseph woke up, he married Mary, which is what the angel from the Lord had told him to do.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 1:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 1:25ULT:
And he did not know her until she bore a son. And he called his name Jesus.
UST:
However, he did not have sex with her before she gave birth to a male child. Joseph named the child Jesus.
What was Joseph careful not to do until Mary gave birth to Jesus?
Joseph was careful not to sleep with Mary until she gave birth to Jesus.
Matthew 2
Matthew 2:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:1ULT:
Now, Jesus having been born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, learned men from the east arrived in Jerusalem,
UST:
{Mary} gave birth to Jesus in the town of Bethlehem in the region of Judea. During that time, Herod was the king there. {Some time after Mary gave birth to Jesus,} some scholars who studied the stars traveled from eastern countries to the city of Jerusalem!
Where was Jesus born?
Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea.
Matthew 2:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:2ULT:
saying, “Where is the one having been born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east and came to worship him.”
UST:
They were asking people, “Where is the child who will be the king over the Jewish people? We saw a star appear in the sky {that indicated that his mother had given birth to} him. We traveled here so that we can worship him.”
What title did the learned men from the east give to Jesus?
The learned men from the east gave Jesus the title “King of the Jews.”
How did the learned men know the King of the Jews had been born?
The learned men had seen the star of the King of the Jews in the east.
Matthew 2:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:3ULT:
But having heard this, Herod the king became troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
UST:
When King Herod learned {what these men were asking}, he was upset. Many people in the city of Jerusalem were also upset.
How did King Herod respond to the news from the learned men?
When King Herod heard the news from the learned men, he was troubled.
Matthew 2:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:4ULT:
And having brought together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired from them, “Where is the Christ being born?”
UST:
So, King Herod summoned all the Jewish ruling priests and teachers of the Jewish law. He asked them about where the Messiah’s mother would give birth to him.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 2:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:5ULT:
And they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet,
UST:
They answered him, “{His mother will give birth to him} in the town of Bethlehem in the region of Judea. {We know that} because of what the prophet {Micah} wrote.
How did the chief priests and scribes know where the Christ would be born? (2:5-6)
They knew the prophecy that said the Christ would be born in Bethlehem.
Matthew 2:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:6ULT:
‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah, for from you will come out a ruling one who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
UST:
‘You who live in the town of Bethlehem in the land of Judah, your town is one of the important towns in Judah. {That is} because someone from your town will become a leader. That person will rule God’s people, the Israelites.’”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 2:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:7ULT:
Then Herod, having secretly called the learned men, inquired from them the time of the appearing of the star.
UST:
After that, King Herod summoned the scholars who studied the stars {to talk with him} privately. He asked them about exactly when they first saw the {special} star.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 2:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:8ULT:
And having sent them to Bethlehem, he said, “Having gone, search carefully for the young child, and after you have found him, report to me so that I also, having come, might worship him.”
UST:
After that, he told them, “Go to the town of Bethlehem and look for the child. When you are sure that you know who he is, {come back and} tell me {who he is}. That way, I too can go and worship him.” Then he sent them away.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 2:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:9ULT:
And they, having heard the king, went, and behold, the star that they saw in the east was going before them until, having come, it stood over where the young child was.
UST:
The scholars listened to the king, and then they traveled {to Bethlehem}. The star which they saw when it appeared in the sky guided them! It moved {in the sky} until it was directly above the place where the child{, Jesus,} was living.
How did the learned men find exactly where Jesus was?
The star in the east went before them until it stood over where Jesus was.
Matthew 2:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:10ULT:
And having seen the star, they rejoiced with very great joy.
UST:
When they saw how the star moved and then stopped, they were extremely happy.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 2:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:11ULT:
And having gone into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother. And having fallen down, they worshiped him, and having opened their treasures, they offered him gifts: gold and frankincense and myrrh.
UST:
They went into the house {above which the star had stopped}. There, they saw the child {Jesus} and his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then, they unpacked the valuable things that they had brought with them. They gave Jesus gold, incense, and valuable tree resin.
How old was Jesus when the learned men came to see him?
Jesus was a young child when the learned men came to see him.
What gifts did the learned men give to Jesus?
The learned men gave to Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:12ULT:
And having been warned through a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their country by another way.
UST:
After that, God used a dream to tell them not to go back to King Herod. So, they went home on a different road {than the one on which they had come}.
By what way did the learned men return home, and why did they go this way?
The learned men returned home another way because God warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
Matthew 2:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:13ULT:
Now they having departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appears to Joseph by means of a dream, saying, “Having gotten up, take the young child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is going to seek the young child to kill him.”
UST:
After the scholars who studied the stars went home, Joseph saw an angel from the Lord while he was sleeping! The angel told him, “King Herod wants to find the child so that he can kill him. So, when you wake up, escape to the land of Egypt with the child and his mother{, your wife}. Stay there until I tell you {that you can return home}.”
What instructions did Joseph receive in a dream?
Joseph was instructed in a dream to take Jesus and Mary and flee to Egypt because Herod was going to try to kill Jesus.
Matthew 2:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:14ULT:
And having gotten up, he took the young child and his mother at night and departed for Egypt,
UST:
Then Joseph woke up. During that night, he left for the land of Egypt with the child and the child’s mother{, his wife}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 2:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:15ULT:
and he was there until the death of Herod, in order that might be fulfilled {what} was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
UST:
They lived in the land of Egypt while King Herod ruled. So, what the Lord said by speaking through the prophet {Hosea} came true: “I have told my son to leave Egypt.”
What prophecy was fulfilled by Jesus’ later return from Egypt?
The prophecy, “Out of Egypt I have called my son” was fulfilled when Jesus later returned from Egypt.
Matthew 2:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:16ULT:
Then Herod, having seen that he had been mocked by the learned men, was very angry, and having sent forth, he killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all its region, from two years and under, according to the time that he had determined exactly from the learned men.
UST:
When {the scholars who studied the stars did not come back to King Herod}, he realized that they had fooled him. He became furious. He had some of his soldiers go to the city of Bethlehem and the areas around it and kill every male child who was two years old or younger. {He picked those ages} because of what the scholars who studied the stars told him about the exact time {when they first saw the star}.
What did Herod do when the learned men did not return to him?
Herod killed all the male children in the region of Bethlehem who were two years old or younger.
Matthew 2:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:17ULT:
Then it was fulfilled {what} was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying,
UST:
At that time, what God said by speaking through the prophet Jeremiah came true:
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 2:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:18ULT:
“A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and not willing to be comforted, because they are no more.”
UST:
“People heard women in the town of Ramah lamenting loudly. It was the descendants of Rachel mourning for their children. Because their children were dead, they would not stop mourning.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 2:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:19ULT:
Now Herod having died, behold, an angel of the Lord appears by means of a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
UST:
{During this time, Joseph and his family were living} in the land of Egypt. After Herod died, Joseph saw an angel from the Lord while he was sleeping!
What instructions did Joseph receive in a dream after Herod died? (2:19-20)
Joseph was instructed in a dream to return to the land of Israel.
Matthew 2:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:20ULT:
saying, “Having gotten up, take the young child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for the ones seeking the life of the child have died.”
UST:
The angel told him, “Everyone who wanted to kill the child has died. So, when you wake up, return to the country of Israel with the child and his mother{, your wife}.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 2:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:21ULT:
And he, having gotten up, took the young child and his mother, and entered into the land of Israel.
UST:
Then Joseph woke up. He went back to the country of Israel with the child and the child’s mother{, his wife}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 2:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:22ULT:
But having heard that Archelaus is reigning over Judea in the place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. But having been warned by means of a dream, he withdrew to the region of Galilee,
UST:
However, Joseph heard that Archelaus had succeeded his father, King Herod, as king over the region of Judea. So, he was afraid to live there. Further, while Joseph was sleeping, God instructed him {to live somewhere else}. So, Joseph decided to live in the region of Galilee.
Where did Joseph settle to live with Mary and Jesus? (2:22-23)
Joseph settled to live with Mary and Jesus in Nazareth of Galilee.
Matthew 2:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 2:23ULT:
and having gone, he lived in a city being called Nazareth, so that it might be fulfilled {what} was spoken through the prophets, that he will be called a Nazarene.
UST:
When he and his family arrived {in Galilee}, they lived in the town of Nazareth. In that way, what God said by speaking through the prophets came true: “People will say that the Messiah is from Nazareth.”
What prophecy was fulfilled when Joseph moved to their new location?
The prophecy that the Christ would be called a Nazarene was fulfilled.
Matthew 3
Matthew 3:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 3:1ULT:
Now in those days, John the Baptist comes, preaching in the wilderness of Judea,
UST:
While Jesus was living in Galilee, a man whom people called John the Baptizer went to a desolate area in the region of Judea. He proclaimed,
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 3:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 3:2ULT:
saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens is near.”
UST:
“Stop doing what is wrong! {You should do that} because God is about to establish his heavenly kingdom here.”
What was the message that John the Baptist preached in the wilderness?
John preached, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Matthew 3:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 3:3ULT:
For this is the one spoken of through Isaiah the prophet, saying, “A voice of one calling out in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’”
UST:
That man is the one about whom the Lord said, by speaking through the prophet Isaiah, “In the desolate place, someone will be calling out {to the people}: ‘Prepare yourselves to receive the Lord! Make yourselves ready for when he comes!’”
What did the prophecy from Isaiah say that John the Baptist would come to do?
The prophecy said that John the Baptist warn people to make ready the way of the Lord.
Matthew 3:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 3:4ULT:
Now this John had his clothing from the hair of a camel and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.
UST:
As for this man John, he wore rough clothes that he made out of camel’s hair. He fastened around his waist a belt that he made from animal skin. He ate grasshoppers and honey that he found in that desolate area.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 3:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 3:5ULT:
Then were going out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the {region} around the Jordan,
UST:
At that time, people who lived in the city of Jerusalem, many people who lived in the region of Judea, and many people who lived near the Jordan River often went to listen to John.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 3:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 3:6ULT:
and being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.
UST:
Many of these people agreed that they had sinned. Then, John baptized them in the Jordan River.
What did the people do as they were baptized by John?
As they were baptized, the people confessed their sins.
Matthew 3:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 3:7ULT:
Now, having seen many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, “Offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
UST:
In fact, many men from the Pharisee sect and from the Sadducee sect went to John so that he would baptize them. When he saw them, he declared to them, “You people are sneaky and dangerous like poisonous snakes! You think that if I baptize you, God will spare you when he punishes sinners. {But I did not say that!}
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 3:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 3:8ULT:
Therefore, produce fruit worthy of repentance.
UST:
You need to do the things that show that you have truly rejected your previous sinful way of living!
What did John the Baptist tell the Pharisees and Sadducees to do?
John the Baptist told the Pharisees and Sadducees to bear fruit worthy of repentance.
Matthew 3:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 3:9ULT:
And you should not think to say in yourselves, ‘We have Abraham {as} father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones.
UST:
Do not think to yourselves, ‘{Certainly God will not punish us, because} we are descendants of Abraham!’ {That does not impress God.} Let me assure you, God could turn these stones into descendants of Abraham!
What did John the Baptist warn the Pharisees and Sadducees not to think among themselves?
John warned the Pharisees and Sadducees not to think among themselves that they had Abraham as their father.
Matthew 3:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 3:10ULT:
But already the ax is set against the root of the trees. So, every tree not producing good fruit is chopped down and thrown into a fire.
UST:
You are like fruit trees that do not produce good fruit. God is like a man who is positioning the head of his axe at the base of those trees, ready to chop them down and throw them into the fire. God is ready to punish you like that if you continue sinning.
According to John, what happens to every tree that does not produce good fruit?
John says that every tree that does not bear good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire.
Matthew 3:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 3:11ULT:
I indeed baptize you with water for repentance. But the one coming after me is more powerful than I, of whom I am not worthy to carry away his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire,
UST:
I use water to baptize you so that you stop doing what is wrong. However, soon you will see someone else who is more powerful than I am. It is not appropriate for me to be even his servant. He will give you the Holy Spirit and make you pure.
How will the one who was coming after John baptize?
The one who was coming after John will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Matthew 3:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 3:12ULT:
whose winnowing fork {is} in his hand, and he will thoroughly clear off his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the storehouse. But he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
UST:
{The Messiah is ready to do that, just like} a farmer who has his winnowing fork ready to use. A farmer separates all the good grain from the useless chaff. He stores the grain safely in his barn, but he burns the chaff until it is all gone. {Much like that farmer, the Messiah will preserve the people who obey God, and he will punish the people who disobey God.}”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 3:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 3:13ULT:
Then Jesus comes from Galilee to the Jordan, to John, to be baptized by him.
UST:
After {John began preaching and baptizing people}, Jesus traveled from the region of Galilee to where John was near the Jordan River. He wanted John to baptize him.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 3:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 3:14ULT:
But John was hindering him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?”
UST:
However, John did not want to baptize him. He said to Jesus, “You should not want me to baptize you. Actually, I need you to baptize me!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 3:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 3:15ULT:
But answering, Jesus said to him, “Permit {it} now, for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permits him.
UST:
Jesus answered him, “Please {baptize me} at this time. When you do, you and I will be acting appropriately by doing what God requires.” After {Jesus said that,} John agreed {to baptize} him.
What did Jesus say to John that convinced John to baptize Jesus?
Jesus said that it was right for John to baptize Jesus in order to fulfill all righteousness.
Matthew 3:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 3:16ULT:
Now, having been baptized, Jesus immediately came up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove, resting upon him,
UST:
Right after John baptized him, Jesus walked out of the River Jordan. Then, God allowed him to see into heaven! He saw that the Holy Spirit, who looked like a small bird, was descending {from heaven} and landing on him.
What did Jesus see when he came up from the water?
When he came up from the water, Jesus saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and resting on him.
Matthew 3:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 3:17ULT:
and behold, a voice from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.”
UST:
Then God spoke from heaven! He declared, “This man is my Son, the one whom I love dearly. What he does pleases me.”
What did the voice from heaven say after Jesus was baptized?
The voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 4
Matthew 4:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:1ULT:
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
UST:
After that, the Holy Spirit took Jesus into a desolate area. That way, the ruling evil spirit could try to make him sin.
Who led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil?
The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
Matthew 4:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:2ULT:
And having fasted 40 days and 40 nights, afterward he was hungry.
UST:
He did not eat any food for 40 days. After that, he was hungry.
How long did Jesus fast in the wilderness?
Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness.
Matthew 4:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:3ULT:
And having approached, the one tempting said to him, “If you are the Son of God, speak so that these stones might become loaves.”
UST:
Then the devil arrived. He wanted to make Jesus sin. He said to Jesus, “Show me that you really are God’s Son. Command these stones to become loaves of bread {for you to eat}.”
What was the first temptation that the devil presented to Jesus?
The devil tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread.
Matthew 4:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:4ULT:
But he, answering, said, “It is written, ‘Man will not live on bread alone, but by every word coming through the mouth of God.’”
UST:
Jesus responded, “{I will not do that}, because Moses wrote in the Scriptures, ‘People need more than food to stay alive. {They also need to do} everything that God tells {them to do}.’”
What was Jesus’ answer to the first temptation?
Jesus said that man will not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.
Matthew 4:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:5ULT:
Then the devil takes him into the holy city, and he set him on the highest point of the temple,
UST:
After that, the ruling evil spirit transported Jesus to {Jerusalem,} the sacred city. He made him stand on the highest part of the temple.
What was the second temptation that the devil presented to Jesus? (4:5-6)
The devil tempted Jesus to throw himself down from the temple.
Matthew 4:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:6ULT:
and says to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and, ‘They will lift you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”
UST:
Then, he said to Jesus, “Show me that you really are God’s Son. Jump from here! {You will not hurt yourself,} because it says in the Scriptures, ‘God will tell his angels {to protect} you. They will carry you, and you will not hurt yourself at all.’”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 4:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:7ULT:
Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You will not test the Lord your God.’”
UST:
Jesus responded, “Again, {I will not do that}, because Moses wrote in the Scriptures, ‘Do not provoke the Lord your God to see what he will do.’”
What was Jesus’ answer to the second temptation?
Jesus said that you must not test the Lord your God.
Matthew 4:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:8ULT:
Again, the devil takes him to a very high mountain and shows him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
UST:
Then, the devil transported Jesus to the top of a very tall mountain. {From there,} he showed Jesus all the nations in the world. {He showed Jesus} how rich and powerful they were.
What was the third temptation that the devil presented to Jesus? (4:8-9)
The devil tempted Jesus to worship him in return for all the kingdoms of the world.
Matthew 4:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:9ULT:
And he said to him, “All these things I will give you, if having fallen down, you would worship me.”
UST:
He told Jesus, “Bow down and worship me. Then, I will make you the ruler of all these countries.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 4:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:10ULT:
Then Jesus says to him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written, ‘You will worship the Lord your God, and you will serve only him.’”
UST:
After that, Jesus responded, “Leave me, Satan! {I will not worship you,} because Moses wrote in the Scriptures, ‘You must only worship the Lord your God. He is the only one you may honor {as God}.’”
What was Jesus’ answer to the third temptation?
Jesus said that you must worship the Lord your God and must serve him only.
Matthew 4:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:11ULT:
Then the devil leaves him, and behold, angels came and began to minister to him.
UST:
After {Jesus said that,} the ruling evil spirit went away. Then, angels arrived and took care of Jesus!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 4:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:12ULT:
Now, having heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee.
UST:
Soon afterward, Jesus learned that {King Herod Antipas} had put John {the Baptizer} in prison. So, Jesus went back to the region of Galilee.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 4:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:13ULT:
And having left Nazareth, having come, he lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territories of Zebulun and Naphtali,
UST:
After he visited the town of Nazareth, he went to live in the town of Capernaum. Capernaum is next to the Sea of Galilee in the region that used to belong to the tribe of Zebulun and the tribe of Naphtali.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 4:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:14ULT:
so that it might be fulfilled what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,
UST:
So, what God said by speaking through the prophet Isaiah came true:
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 4:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:15ULT:
“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, {the} way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
UST:
“{I am speaking about people in} the regions that belong to the tribe of Zebulun and to the tribe of Naphtali. {These regions are} by the Sea {of Galilee}, on the other side of the Jordan River. {We call these regions} Galilee, where many non-Jewish people live.
What was fulfilled by Jesus’ move to Capernaum in Galilee? (4:15-16)
The prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled which said that the people in Galilee would see a great light.
Matthew 4:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:16ULT:
the people sitting in darkness have seen a great light, and to the ones sitting in the region and shadow of death, upon them has a light arisen.”
UST:
The people {who live in those regions} sin and despair. They are like people who sit in dark places. However, God will rescue them. They will be like people who see a bright light. Again, {the people in those regions} suffer and die. They are like people who sit in a dangerous place without any light. However, God will save them. It will be as if a light shines on them.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 4:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:17ULT:
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has come near.”
UST:
After {he went to live in the town of Capernaum}, Jesus started proclaiming, “Stop doing what is wrong! {You should do that} because God is about to establish his heavenly kingdom here.”
What message did Jesus then begin to preach?
Jesus preached, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has drawn near.”
Matthew 4:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:18ULT:
Now walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.
UST:
One day, Jesus was walking next to the Sea of Galilee. He saw two men: Simon, who also had the name Peter, and Simon’s {younger} brother Andrew. They earned money by catching and selling fish. {When Jesus saw them,} they were using nets to try to catch fish.
How did Peter and Andrew make their living?
Peter and Andrew were fisherman.
Matthew 4:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:19ULT:
And he says to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
UST:
Jesus commanded them, “Come with me and be my apprentices. I will teach you how to gather people {to be my apprentices}, just as you have been gathering fish.”
What did Jesus say he would make Peter and Andrew?
Jesus said that he would make Peter and Andrew fishers of men.
Matthew 4:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:20ULT:
And immediately, they, having left the nets, followed him.
UST:
As soon as {Jesus said this}, they stopped working. They went with him and were his apprentices.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 4:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:21ULT:
And having gone on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the {son} of Zebedee, and John his brother in the boat with Zebedee their father mending their nets, and he called them,
UST:
Jesus kept walking {next to the sea}. Then, he saw two more men: James, the son of Zebedee, and James’ {younger brother} John. {When Jesus saw them,} they were preparing their fishing tools in a boat with their father, Zebedee. Jesus commanded them, {“Come with me and be my apprentices.”}
How did James and John make their living?
James and John were fisherman.
Matthew 4:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:22ULT:
and immediately they, having left the boat and their father, followed him.
UST:
As soon as {they heard what Jesus said,} they got out of the boat and left their father. They went with Jesus and were his apprentices.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 4:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:23ULT:
And he was going around in all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.
UST:
Jesus visited all the towns in the region of Galilee. He instructed people {when they gathered} in the Jewish meeting places. He proclaimed the good news about God’s kingdom. He cured many Jewish people who were sick in any way.
At this time, where did Jesus go to teach?
Jesus taught in the synagogues of Galilee.
Matthew 4:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:24ULT:
And the news of him went out into all Syria, and they brought to him all the ones having sickness, being afflicted by various diseases and pains, and being possessed by demons, and the epileptic and the paralytic, and he healed them.
UST:
Many people who lived in the region of Syria heard about him. They took to him many people who were suffering, people who were sick or hurting, people with demons, and people who could not move or who had seizures. Jesus healed them.
What kind of people were brought to Jesus, and what did Jesus do with them?
All those who were sick and demon possessed were brought to Jesus, and Jesus healed them.
Matthew 4:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 4:25ULT:
And large crowds followed him from Galilee and Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judea and beyond the Jordan.
UST:
Large groups of people went wherever Jesus went. These people came from the region of Galilee, from the region of the Ten Towns, from the city of Jerusalem, from the region of Judea, and from the east side of the Jordan River.
How many people were following Jesus at this time?
Great multitudes were following Jesus at this time.
Matthew 5
Matthew 5:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:1ULT:
Now, having seen the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and he having sat down, his disciples came to him.
UST:
When Jesus saw these large groups of people, he went up on a hill. He sat down there, {ready to teach,} and his apprentices gathered around him {to listen}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:2ULT:
And having opened his mouth, he taught them, saying,
UST:
Then he began to instruct them. He said,
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:3ULT:
“Blessed {are} the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of the heavens.
UST:
“It is very good for those who do not have spiritual strength. {That is} because they are part of God’s heavenly kingdom.
Why are the poor in spirit blessed?
The poor in spirit are blessed because theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:4ULT:
Blessed {are} the ones mourning, for they will be comforted.
UST:
It is very good for those who grieve. {That is} because God will encourage them.
Why are those who mourn blessed?
Those who mourn are blessed because they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:5ULT:
Blessed {are} the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
UST:
It is very good for those who are gentle. {That is} because God will give them the world {when he renews it}.
Why are the meek blessed?
The meek are blessed because they will inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:6ULT:
Blessed {are} the ones hungering and thirsting for righteousness, for they will be fed.
UST:
It is very good for those who greatly desire to do what is right. {That is} because God will enable them to do what they desire to do.
Why are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness blessed?
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed because they will be filled.
Matthew 5:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:7ULT:
Blessed {are} the merciful, for they will obtain mercy.
UST:
It is very good for those who are merciful {to other people}. {That is} because God will be merciful to them.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:8ULT:
Blessed {are} the pure in heart, for they will see God.
UST:
It is very good for those who desire what is good. {That is} because they will be with God.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:9ULT:
Blessed {are} the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
UST:
It is very good for those who enable people to be peaceful {with each other}. {That is} because God will regard them as his own children.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:10ULT:
Blessed {are} the ones persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of the heavens.
UST:
It is very good for those whom others mistreat because they do what is right. {That is} because they are part of God’s heavenly kingdom.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:11ULT:
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute {you} and say every evil thing against you, lying,because of me.
UST:
It is very good for you whenever {people act against you} because you are my apprentices. They may shame you, mistreat you, and tell many hurtful lies about you.
Why are those who are insulted and persecuted for Jesus’ sake blessed? (5:11-12)
Those who are insulted and persecuted for Jesus’ sake are blessed because great is their reward in heaven.
Matthew 5:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:12ULT:
Rejoice and be very glad, for your reward {is} great in the heavens, for in this way they persecuted the prophets before you.
UST:
{When people treat you like that}, God is ready to reward you greatly from heaven. So, you should rejoice very much! Further, people mistreated the Jewish prophets long ago just as people mistreat you now.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:13ULT:
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt is made tasteless, with what might it be made salty again? It is good for nothing any longer, except having been thrown out, to be trampled by men.
UST:
You are like salt since you make people in this world better, just as salt seasons food. However, if salt were to stop seasoning food well, no one could make it season food well again. No one can use it for anything. So, people throw it away, and others walk on it. {In the same way, I will punish you if you do not make this world better.}
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:14ULT:
You are the light of the world. A city being set on top of a mountain is not able to be hidden.
UST:
You are like a light that illuminates everyone in this world {since you tell people about me}. {You are like} a town on a hill that everyone can see {since everyone notices the good things that you do}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:15ULT:
Neither do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but rather on the lampstand, and it shines for all the ones in the house.
UST:
Further, when people light a lamp, they do not cover it with a basket. Instead, they put it on a lampstand. That way, it illuminates everyone in the house.
How do believers let their light shine before people? (5:15-16)
Believers let their light shine before people by doing good deeds.
Matthew 5:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:16ULT:
Let your light shine before men in such a way so that they might see your good deeds and might glorify your Father in the heavens.
UST:
Just as {the light from a lamp illuminates everyone in a house}, so you should publicly do what is right. That way, people will notice the good things that you do. Then, they will praise God, your Father, who rules from heaven.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:17ULT:
Do not think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I came not to destroy but to fulfill.
UST:
You should not conclude that I am here to abolish any parts of the Scriptures. I am not here to abolish them. Rather, I am here so that they come true.
What did Jesus come to do with the law and the prophets of the Old Testament?
Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets of the Old Testament.
Matthew 5:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:18ULT:
For truly I say to you, until the heaven and the earth passes away, one jot or one tittle will certainly not pass away from the law until all things are accomplished.
UST:
Every part of the Scriptures will be authoritative as long as what God has created continues to exist. {Further, the Scriptures will be authoritative} until everything {that their authors wrote about} happens. What I have said is true.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:19ULT:
Therefore, whoever annuls one of the least of these commandments and teaches men to do so will be called least in the kingdom of the heavens. But whoever does and teaches {them}, that one will be called great in the kingdom of the heavens.
UST:
So then, suppose that someone disregards even one of the most insignificant laws. Also, suppose that this person teaches other people to do the same thing. This person will be insignificant in God’s heavenly kingdom. In contrast, suppose that someone obeys the laws and teaches other people to do the same thing. This person will be very important in God’s heavenly kingdom.
Who will be called great in the kingdom of heaven?
Those who keep God’s commandments and who teach them to others will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:20ULT:
For I say to you that unless your righteousness abounds more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will certainly not enter into the kingdom of the heavens.
UST:
Here is what I mean: You need to do what is right even more than the teachers of the Jewish law and the Pharisees do. That is the only way to participate in God’s heavenly kingdom.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:21ULT:
You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘Do not kill,’ and, ‘Whoever kills will be subject to the judgment.’
UST:
You know that God said to our ancestors, ‘You must not murder anyone. People who murder someone deserve to have a judge decide they are guilty and punish them.’
Jesus taught that not only those who murder are in danger of the judgment, but also those who do what? (5:21-22)
Jesus taught that not only those who murder, but also those who are angry with their brother are in danger of the judgment.
Matthew 5:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:22ULT:
But I say to you that everyone being angry with his brotherwill be subject to the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raka!’ will be subject to the council. And whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the Gehenna of fire.
UST:
Now here is what I want to tell you: people who become angry with fellow believers deserve to have a judge decide they are guilty and punish them. People who insult fellow believers deserve to have the Jewish council decide they are guilty and punish them. People who say {that fellow believers are} foolish deserve to have God punish them in hell.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:23ULT:
Therefore, if you offer your gift at the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you,
UST:
So then, suppose that you are standing near the altar {in the temple} to present something {to God}. Then, you recall that you have offended a fellow believer.
What did Jesus teach we should do if our brother has anything against us? (5:23-24)
Jesus taught that we should go and be reconciled to our brother if he has anything against us.
Matthew 5:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:24ULT:
leave your gift there in front of the altar and go; first be reconciled with your brother, and then, having come, offer your gift.
UST:
You should set down near the altar what you are presenting {to God} and depart {to visit that fellow believer}. You should resolve what happened to offend that fellow believer. Then, you can go back {to the altar} and present your gift {to God}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:25ULT:
Be in agreement with your accuser quickly while you are with him on the way, lest your accuser might hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison.
UST:
Suppose that someone intends to say to a judge that you did something wrong. You should try to resolve what happened before that person can speak to the judge. That way, the person does not bring you to the judge, who would command one of the officials to put you in jail.
What did Jesus teach we should do with our accuser before reaching court?
Jesus taught that we should try to come to an agreement with our accuser before reaching court.
Matthew 5:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:26ULT:
Truly I say to you, you will certainly not come out from there until you have paid the last quadrans.
UST:
{If you go to jail,} you will never get out of there until you are able to pay every bit of what the judge says you owe. What I have said is true.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:27ULT:
You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’
UST:
You know that God said, ‘Married people must remain sexually faithful to their spouses.’
Jesus taught that it was not only wrong to commit adultery, but also to do what? (5:27-28)
Jesus taught that it was not only wrong to commit adultery, but also to lust after a woman.
Matthew 5:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:28ULT:
But I say to you that everyone looking at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
UST:
Now here is what I want to tell you: suppose that a man stares at a woman who is not his wife so that he can think about having sex with her. Simply because of what he desires, he has been sexually unfaithful to his wife.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:29ULT:
But if your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw {it} away from you. For it is better for you that one of your members would perish and your whole body would not be thrown into Gehenna.
UST:
Suppose that you sinned because you looked at something. You should never do that again, even if you have to remove your eyes to make sure of it! {You should respond that drastically} because it is better for you to have no eyes than to have a complete body but end up in hell.
What did Jesus say we must do with anything that causes us to sin? (5:29-30)
Jesus said that we must get rid of anything that causes us to sin.
Matthew 5:30
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:30ULT:
And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw {it} away from you. For it is better for you that one of your members would perish and your whole body would not go into Gehenna.
UST:
Suppose that you sinned because you touched something. You should never do that again, even if you have to chop off your hands to make sure of it! {You should respond that drastically} because it is better for you to have no hands than to have a complete body but end up in hell.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:31
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:31ULT:
Now it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’
UST:
God said, ‘Suppose that a man wants to divorce his wife. He must present her with a document that states that he is divorcing her.’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:32
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:32ULT:
But I say to you that everyone divorcing his wife, except for a report of sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery. And whoever marries {the one who} has been divorced commits adultery.
UST:
Now here is what I want to tell you: a man may divorce his wife only if she has had improper sex. When a man divorces his wife for any other reason, he makes her disobey what God commanded about being sexually faithful to one’s spouse. Further, any man who marries a woman whose husband has divorced her also disobeys what God commanded about being sexually faithful to one’s spouse.
For what cause did Jesus allow divorce?
For the cause of sexual immorality did Jesus allow divorce.
What does a husband cause his wife to become if he divorces her wrongly and she remarries?
A husband causes his wife to become an adulteress if he divorces her wrongly and she remarries.
Matthew 5:33
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:33ULT:
Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘Do not break an oath, but carry out your oaths to the Lord.’
UST:
Here are more examples: you know that God said to our ancestors, ‘You must not promise to do anything that you will not do. Rather, you must always do what you promised the Lord {that you would do}.’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:34
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:34ULT:
But I tell you not to swear at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God;
UST:
Now here is what I want to tell you: you must never have someone or something guarantee what you promise. For example, you must not have heaven guarantee it. That is because heaven is where God rules.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:35
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:35ULT:
nor by the earth, for it is a footstool for his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
UST:
You must not have the earth guarantee what you promise. That is because the earth is what God rules over. You must not have the city of Jerusalem guarantee it. That is because Jerusalem is a city that belongs to God, who is a powerful king.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:36
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:36ULT:
Neither should you swear by your head, for you are not able to make one hair white or black.
UST:
You must not have your own head guarantee what you promise. That is because you cannot even control the color of one of your hairs.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:37
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:37ULT:
But let your word be ‘Yes, yes,’ {or} ‘No, no.’ But anything greater than this is from the evil one.
UST:
When you promise something, just say ‘Yes, I will do it,’ or ‘No, I will not do it.’ When you say more to guarantee what you promised, you are doing what Satan wants {you to do}.
Instead of swearing oaths to various earthly things, what does Jesus say our speech should be like?
Jesus says that instead of swearing oaths by all these things we should let our speech be, “Yes, yes,” or “No, no.”
Matthew 5:38
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:38ULT:
You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye in exchange for an eye, and a tooth in exchange for a tooth.’
UST:
You know that God said, ‘{You must punish people in a way that matches how they hurt others. For example,} consider a person who blinded someone. You should punish that person by blinding him or her too. Consider a person who knocked out someone’s tooth. You should punish that person by knocking out his or her tooth too.’
What did Jesus teach we should do with one who is evil toward us? (5:38-39)
Jesus taught that we should not resist one who is evil toward us.
Matthew 5:39
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:39ULT:
But I tell you not to resist the evil one. Instead, whoever strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
UST:
Now here is what I want to tell you: do not try to stop people who do bad things to you. Rather, suppose that someone {insults you by} hitting you on the right side of your face. You should turn your face so that the person can hit the left side also.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:40
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:40ULT:
And to the one wanting to have judgment passed upon you and to take away your tunic, let him also have your cloak.
UST:
Suppose that someone wants to sue you for your shirt. You should give that person your coat as well.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:41
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:41ULT:
And whoever will press you into service for one mile, go with him two.
UST:
Suppose that someone requires you to carry his or her burden for one section of road. You should continue to carry that person’s burden for a second {section of road}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:42
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:42ULT:
Give to the one asking you, and do not turn away from the one wanting to borrow from you.
UST:
Suppose that someone requests something from you. You should give that person {what they requested}. Suppose that someone wants to receive a loan from you. You should lend money to that person.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:43
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:43ULT:
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
UST:
You know that God said, ‘Care for your fellow Jews.’ {Some people add,} ‘Despise those who oppose you.’
What did Jesus teach we should do with our enemies and with those who persecute us? (5:43-44)
Jesus taught that we should love and pray for our enemies and for those who persecute us.
Matthew 5:44
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:44ULT:
But I say to you, love your enemiesand pray on behalf of the ones persecuting you
UST:
Now here is what I want to tell you: you should care for those who oppose you. You should pray for those who mistreat you.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:45
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:45ULT:
so that you might be sons of your Father in the heavens. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust.
UST:
God causes the sun to shine on people who are wicked and on people who are good. God makes it rain on people who do what is right and on people who do what is wrong. So, when you {care and pray for people who oppose you}, you are like children of God, your Father, who rules from heaven.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:46
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:46ULT:
For if you love the ones loving you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same thing?
UST:
Further, if you care for {only} those who care for you, do not expect God to reward you for doing that. Even {unkind} tax collectors care for those who care for them.
Why did Jesus say that we must not only love those who love us, but also love our enemies? (5:46-47)
Jesus said that if we only love those who love us, we do not receive a reward because we are only doing what the Gentiles already do.
Matthew 5:47
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:47ULT:
And if you greet only your brothers, what do you do more? Do not even the Gentilesdo the same thing?
UST:
If you say hello {only} to fellow believers, you are not behaving any differently {than unbelievers do}. Even {unbelieving} non-Jews say hello to their friends.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 5:48
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 5:48ULT:
Therefore, you shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
UST:
So, you should always do what is right, just as God, your Father, who rules from heaven, always does what is right.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 6
Matthew 6:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:1ULT:
Now take heed not to do your righteousness before men to be seen by them, otherwise, you do not have a reward with your Father in the heavens.
UST:
When you do what God desires, make sure that you are not doing it so that people praise you for it. When you do what God desires so that others praise you, God your Father, who rules from heaven, will not reward you.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 6:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:2ULT:
So when you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before yourself even as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they may be glorified by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
UST:
Whenever some people give money to help poor people, they have someone announce what they are doing by playing a loud instrument in the Jewish meeting places and in the main roads. They pretend to help others, but they just want other people to praise them. God will not reward them any more than that. What I have said is true. So, you should not behave like that.
What is the reward of those who do their acts of righteousness to be seen by people?
Those who do their acts of righteousness to be seen by people receive the praise of people as their reward.
Matthew 6:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:3ULT:
But you, giving alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing
UST:
Instead, when you give money to help poor people, you should do it as privately as possible.
How should we do our acts of righteousness in order to be rewarded by the Father? (6:3-4)
We should do our acts of righteousness in private.
Matthew 6:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:4ULT:
so that your alms may be in secret, and your Father seeing in secret will reward you.
UST:
That way, only God your Father will know that you have given money to help poor people. When he observes you doing that privately, he will reward you.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 6:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:5ULT:
And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray, having stood in the synagogues and on the corners of the street, so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
UST:
Whenever some people pray to God, they enjoy doing so while standing in the Jewish meeting places and on the street corners. They pretend to focus on praying, but they just want other people to recognize them. God will not reward them any more than that. What I have said is true. So, you should not behave like that.
What reward do those receive who are hypocrites praying to be seen by people?
Those who are hypocrites praying to be seen by people receive their reward from people.
Matthew 6:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:6ULT:
But you, when you pray, enter into your inner chamber, and having shut your door, pray to your Father in secret, and your Father seeing in secret will reward you.
UST:
In contrast, when you want to pray to God, you should go to a private room in your house and close the door. Then, you can pray to God your Father, who is there with you in private. When he observes you doing that privately, he will reward you.
Those who pray in private receive a reward from whom?
Those who pray in private receive a reward from the Father.
Matthew 6:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:7ULT:
Now praying, do not make useless repetitions even as the Gentiles, for they think that because of their many words they will be heard.
UST:
Further, as you are praying, do not repeat yourself as non-Jews do. They suppose that their gods will listen to them if they use many words.
Why does Jesus say we should not pray with useless repetitions? (6:7-8)
Jesus says we should not pray with useless repetitions because the Father knows what we need before we ask him.
Matthew 6:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:8ULT:
Therefore, you should not be like them, for your Father knows what need you have before you ask him.
UST:
So then, do not pray to God as they do. In fact, before you ask him {for anything that you need}, God your Father is already aware of what you need.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 6:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:9ULT:
Therefore, you must pray like this: ‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be made holy.
UST:
Here is how you should pray to God: ‘{I pray to} God our Father, who rules from heaven. May all people glorify you.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 6:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:10ULT:
Let your kingdom come, let your will be done as in heaven also on earth.
UST:
May you establish your kingdom. May everyone do what you want here on earth, just as {they already do} in heaven.
Where should we ask the Father that his will be done?
We should ask the Father that his will be done on earth, as it is already done in heaven.
Matthew 6:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:11ULT:
Give us today our daily bread;
UST:
Please give us the food we need each day.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 6:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:12ULT:
and forgive us our debts, as we also forgave our debtors;
UST:
We have forgiven people for when they did not treat us rightly. In the same way, please forgive us for when we do not act rightly.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 6:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:13ULT:
and do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
UST:
Please protect us from everything that tries to make us sin. Please rescue us when Satan tries to harm us.’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 6:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:14ULT:
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
UST:
God your Father, who rules from heaven, will forgive you as long as you forgive the people who sin against you.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 6:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:15ULT:
But if you do not forgive the men, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
UST:
However, God your Father will not forgive you when you sin against him as long as you do not forgive other people.
If we do not forgive others of their debts to us, what will the Father do?
If we do not forgive others of their debts to us, the Father will not forgive our debts.
Matthew 6:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:16ULT:
Now when you fast, do not be mournful as the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so that they may be seen as fasting by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
UST:
Whenever some people do not eat in order to please God, they change how their faces look. They pretend to be sad, but they just want other people to recognize that they are not eating. God will not reward them any more than that. What I have said is true. So, you should not behave like that.
How should we fast so that we receive a reward from the Father? (6:16-18)
We should fast without appearing to people as fasting, and then the Father will reward us.
Matthew 6:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:17ULT:
But you, {when} fasting, anoint your head and wash your face
UST:
In contrast, when you do not eat in order to please God, you should keep yourselves neat and clean.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 6:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:18ULT:
so that you would not be seen as fasting by men, but only by your Father in secret; and your Father, seeing in secret, will reward you.
UST:
That way, other people do not know that you are not eating. Only God your Father, who is there with you in private, {will know}. When he observes you doing that privately, he will reward you
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 6:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:19ULT:
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
UST:
You should not collect many valuable things for yourselves in this world. In this world, insects eat clothes, and metal objects corrode. Further, robbers force their way into people’s houses to take their goods.
Where should we store up treasure, and why? (6:19-20)
We should store up treasure in heaven, because it cannot be destroyed or stolen there.
Matthew 6:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:20ULT:
Instead, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in nor steal.
UST:
Rather, you should collect many valuable things for yourselves in heaven. In heaven, insects do not eat clothes, and metal objects do not corrode. Further, robbers do not force their way into people’s houses to take their goods.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 6:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:21ULT:
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
UST:
{That is important} because you think and care most about the place where you collect valuable things.
What will be where our treasure is?
Our heart will be where our treasure is.
Matthew 6:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:22ULT:
The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be illuminated.
UST:
Your eyes are like a lamp since they enable you to see. If your eyes are working properly, then your whole body will benefit.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 6:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:23ULT:
But if your eye is evil, your whole body will be dark. Therefore, if the light in you is darkness, how great {is} the darkness!
UST:
However, if your eyes are not working properly, then your whole body does not benefit at all. So consider how bad it is when what you see as bright light is actually very dark!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 6:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:24ULT:
No one is able to serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and will love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and will despise the other. You are not able to serve God and wealth.
UST:
Servants cannot serve two different masters {at the same time}. {If they tried to do that,} they would hate one of them and love the other one, or they would be loyal to one of them and consider the other one to be unimportant. {In the same way,} you cannot devote your life to serving God if you are also devoting your life to acquiring money and other material possessions.
Which two masters must we choose between?
We must choose between God and wealth as our masters.
Matthew 6:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:25ULT:
Because of this I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you might eat or what you might drink,nor about your body, what you might wear. Is not life more than food, and the body, {than} clothing?
UST:
So then, here is what I want to tell you: do not worry about whether you will have enough to eat or drink to stay alive. Do not worry about whether you will have enough clothes to wear to stay warm. After all, your life is more important than the food you eat, and your body is more important than the clothes you put on it.
Why should we not worry about food, drink, and clothes? (6:25-26)
We should not worry about food, drink, and clothes because the Father even takes care of the birds, and we are of much more value than they.
Matthew 6:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:26ULT:
Look at the birds of the sky, that they do not sow nor reap nor gather into barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. {Are} you not more valuable than they?
UST:
Think about the birds {that fly} in the sky. They do not plant seeds, and they do not harvest crops. They do not store crops, but God your Father, who rules from heaven, provides food for them. You are certainly much more important than they are{, so you can be sure that God will give you what you need}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 6:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:27ULT:
But which of you, being anxious, is able to add one cubit to his lifespan?
UST:
You cannot add even a minute to your life by worrying about it!
What does Jesus remind us we cannot do by being anxious?
Jesus reminds us that we cannot add one cubit to our lifespan by being anxious.
Matthew 6:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:28ULT:
And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field—how they grow. They do not labor, neither do they spin.
UST:
So, you should not worry about whether you will have enough clothes to wear. Observe the way that flowers grow in a field. They do not work {to earn money}, and they do not make their own clothes.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 6:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:29ULT:
But I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.
UST:
However, here is what I want to tell you: King Solomon, who {lived long ago and} wore glorious clothes, never dressed as beautifully as a single flower.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 6:30
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:30ULT:
But if God thus clothes the grass of the field, existing today and tomorrow being thrown into an oven, {will he} not much more you, ones of little faith?
UST:
God makes plants beautiful, even though they grow for only a short time. Then people {cut them down and} throw them into the fire. {But you are very precious to God.} He will care for you even more than he cares for the plants. You should trust God more than you do!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 6:31
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:31ULT:
Therefore, you should not be anxious, saying, ‘What might we eat?’ or, ‘What might we drink?’ or, ‘What might we wear?’
UST:
So then, do not worry by asking about whether you have anything to eat or drink, or whether you have clothes to wear.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 6:32
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:32ULT:
For the Gentiles seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all of these things.
UST:
The people who do not know God worry about such things. {However, you should not worry about such things} because God your Father, who rules from heaven, knows that you need them all.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 6:33
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:33ULT:
But seek first the kingdomand his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
UST:
You should concentrate primarily on what you can do for God’s kingdom and on doing what God considers to be right. When you do those things, {you can trust God} to provide everything you need.
What must we seek first, and all our earthly needs will then be provided?
We must seek first the kingdom and the Father’s righteousness, and then all our earthly needs will be provided.
Matthew 6:34
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 6:34ULT:
Therefore, you should not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day {is} its evil.
UST:
So then, do not worry about {what will happen} tomorrow. You can worry tomorrow about what will happen during that day. Enough bad things happen each day {that you should not worry about bad things that might happen tomorrow}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 7
Matthew 7:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:1ULT:
Do not judge, so that you will not be judged.
UST:
Do not harshly criticize {other people}. That way, God will not harshly criticize you.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 7:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:2ULT:
For with the judgment by which you judge, you will be judged, and with the measure by which you measure, it will be measured to you.
UST:
{I say that} because God will harshly criticize you in the same way that you harshly criticize others. In fact, God will treat you in the same way that you treat others.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 7:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:3ULT:
Now why do you look at the speck of wood that {is} in the eye of your brother, but you do not notice the log in your eye?
UST:
{None of you should concentrate on the small faults of another person. You should concentrate on your own serious faults.} Otherwise, that would be like noticing a speck in the eye of that person while not noticing a huge wooden plank in your own eye.
What must we do first before we can clearly see to help our brother? (7:3-5)
We must first judge ourselves and remove the log from our own eye before we can help our brother.
Matthew 7:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:4ULT:
Or how will you say to your brother, ‘Let me take out the speck of wood from your eye,’ while behold, the log {is} in your eye?
UST:
You should not tell another believer, ‘Let me help you correct your faults,’ while you have not yet dealt with your own faults.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 7:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:5ULT:
You hypocrite! First take out the log from your eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck of wood from the eye of your brother.
UST:
If you do that, you are a hypocrite! You should first {stop committing your own sins. That will be like} removing a large plank from your own eye. Then, as a result, you will have the spiritual insight you need to help others get rid of the {smaller faults that are like} little specks in their eyes.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 7:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:6ULT:
You should neither give the holy to the dogs nor should you throw your pearls in front of the pigs. Otherwise, they will trample them under their feet, and having turned, they will tear you to pieces.
UST:
{Apply this saying to how you live:} do not present sacred things to dogs, and do not put valuable things in front of pigs. {I say that} because the pigs will crush your valuable things, and the dogs will destroy the sacred things and then attack you.
What may happen if you give what is holy to the dogs?
If you give what is holy to the dogs, they may trample it and then turn and tear you to pieces.
Matthew 7:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:7ULT:
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
UST:
Keep asking {God for the things you need}, and he will give them to you. Keep seeking {those things from God}, and you will receive them. Ask God to make things possible for you, and he will act on your behalf.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 7:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:8ULT:
For everyone asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking, it will be opened.
UST:
{You should do those things} because everyone who keeps asking {God for the things they need} will receive them. Everyone who seeks {those things from God} will receive them. If people ask God to make things possible for them, God will act on their behalf.
What must we do to receive from the Father?
We must ask, seek, and knock in order to receive from the Father.
Matthew 7:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:9ULT:
Or what man is there from among you, of whom his son will ask for bread—he will not give him a stone, will he?
UST:
Suppose one of you had a child who asked you for bread {to eat}. You certainly would not give your child a rock {to eat}!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 7:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:10ULT:
Or he will also ask for a fish—he will not give him a snake, will he?
UST:
Similarly, suppose that your child asked you for a fish {to eat}. You certainly would not give your child a poisonous snake {to eat}!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 7:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:11ULT:
Therefore, if you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in the heavens give good things to the ones asking him?
UST:
So, even though you people are sinful, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. Therefore, it is even more certain that God your Father, who rules from heaven, will give good things to those who ask him.
What does the Father give to those who ask him?
The Father gives good things to those who ask him.
Matthew 7:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:12ULT:
Therefore, all things in as much as you desire that men do to you, in this manner also, you do to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
UST:
In conclusion, in whatever way you want others to act toward you, that is the way you should act toward them. Then, you will be doing what it says in all the parts of the Scriptures.
What do the law and the prophets teach us about how to treat others?
The law and prophets teach us to do to others what we want people to do to us.
Matthew 7:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:13ULT:
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide {is} the gate and broad {is} the road that is leading to destruction, and there are many entering through it.
UST:
{When you choose how to live, you are like a traveler choosing which path to take.} There is an easy path and a large gate, and many people go that way. However, if you go that way, God will punish you. There is also a hard path and a small gate, and only a few people go that way. You should use that small gate, because that is how you will truly live.
(vv13-14)
To what does the broad way lead?
The broad way leads to destruction.
Matthew 7:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:14ULT:
For the gate {is} narrow and the road has been made narrowthat is leading to life, and there are few finding it.
UST:
{When you choose how to live, you are like a traveler choosing which path to take.} There is an easy path and a large gate, and many people go that way. However, if you go that way, God will punish you. There is also a hard path and a small gate, and only a few people go that way. You should use that small gate, because that is how you will truly live.
(vv13-14)
To what does the narrow way lead?
The narrow way leads to life.
Matthew 7:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:15ULT:
Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
UST:
Watch out for people who lie when they claim to speak messages from God. They may look like they are part of God’s people, but really they want to hurt God’s people.
How can we recognize false prophets? (7:15-16)
We can recognize false prophets by the fruit of their lives.
Matthew 7:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:16ULT:
By their fruits you will recognize them. They do not gather grapes from a thornbush or figs from thistles, do they?
UST:
You can tell what people are really like by the things that they do. So, people are like plants in this way. A bush with thorns does not produce grapes. A thorny plant does not produce figs.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 7:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:17ULT:
In the same way, every good tree produces good fruits, but the rotten tree produces bad fruits.
UST:
Similarly, all healthy fruit trees produce fruit that is good to eat. All unhealthy fruit trees produce fruit that is bad to eat.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 7:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:18ULT:
A good tree is not able to produce bad fruits, nor a rotten tree to produce good fruits.
UST:
Healthy fruit trees cannot produce fruit that is bad to eat. Unhealthy fruit trees cannot produce fruit that is good to eat.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 7:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:19ULT:
Every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into a fire.
UST:
People chop down every tree that does not produce fruit that is good to eat. Then, they burn those trees {for fuel}. {In the same way, God will punish everyone who does not do what is right.}
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 7:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:20ULT:
So then, by their fruits you will recognize them.
UST:
Therefore, you can tell if a plant is healthy or unhealthy by what kind of fruit it produces. In the same way, you can tell what people are really like by the things that they do.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 7:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:21ULT:
Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father in the heavens.
UST:
Just calling me your Lord is not enough for you to participate in God’s heavenly kingdom. Rather, you need to do what God my Father, who rules from heaven, wants {you to do}.
Who will enter into the kingdom of heaven?
Those who do the will of the Father will enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 7:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:22ULT:
Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty deeds?’
UST:
On the day when God will judge everyone, many people will tell me, ‘Our Lord, we represented you when we proclaimed what God says! We represented you when we drove evil spiritual beings out of people! We represented you when we did many powerful things!’
What will Jesus say to many who have prophesied, driven out demons, and done miracles in Jesus’ name? (7:22-23)
Jesus will say to them, “I never knew you! Get away from me, you evil-doers”!
Matthew 7:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:23ULT:
And then I will publicly declare to them, ‘I never knew you! Go away from me, the ones practicing lawlessness!’
UST:
I will then respond to them, ‘You were never part of my people. You do what is wrong. Leave me!’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 7:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:24ULT:
Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be compared to a wise man who built his house upon the rock.
UST:
So, all people who hear my teachings and obey them are acting as wise people who construct their homes on top of solid rock.
Who is like the wise man in Jesus’ parable of the two houses?
One who hears Jesus’ words and obeys them is like the wise man.
Matthew 7:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:25ULT:
And the rain came down, and the floods came, and the winds blew and struck against that house, but it did not fall down, for it had been founded on the rock.
UST:
There may be heavy rain, and there may be floods, and there may be strong winds that buffet those homes. However, they will not collapse. That is because the wise people constructed them on top of solid rock.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 7:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:26ULT:
But everyone hearing these words of mine and not doing them will be compared to a foolish man who built his house upon the sand.
UST:
However, all people who hear my teachings and do not obey them are like foolish people who construct their homes on top of shifting sand.
Who is like the foolish man in Jesus’ parable of the two houses?
One who hears Jesus’ words and does not obey them is like the foolish man.
Matthew 7:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:27ULT:
And the rain came down, and the floods came, and the winds blew and struck against that house, and it fell, and its destruction was great.”
UST:
There may be heavy rain, and there may be floods, and there may be strong winds that buffet those homes. Then, they will collapse completely.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 7:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:28ULT:
And it happened that when Jesus finished speaking these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching,
UST:
When Jesus finished teaching, the large groups of people {who had listened to him} felt amazed at the way he taught.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 7:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 7:29ULT:
for he was teaching them as having authority, and not as their scribes.
UST:
{They felt amazed} because he did not teach as the teachers of the Jewish law did. Rather, he taught them like someone whom God had authorized to do so.
How did Jesus teach the people compared to how the scribes taught?
Jesus taught the people as one who had authority, not as the scribes taught.
Matthew 8
Matthew 8:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:1ULT:
Now {when} he had come down from the mountain, large crowds followed him.
UST:
When Jesus went down from the hill, large groups of people went wherever he went.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 8:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:2ULT:
And behold, a leper, having approached, bowed before him, saying, “Lord, if you are willing, you are able to make me clean.”
UST:
Then, a man who had a skin disease came and knelt before Jesus. He said to Jesus, “Lord, {please heal me!} I know that you are able to heal me if you are willing!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 8:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:3ULT:
And having reached out his hand, he touched him, saying, “I am willing. Be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
UST:
Then Jesus stretched out his hand and touched the man. He said, “I am willing {to heal you}, and I heal you now!” At that time, Jesus healed the man from his skin disease.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 8:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:4ULT:
And Jesus says to him, “See that you tell no one, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.”
UST:
Then Jesus told him, “Do not tell anyone what just happened. Instead, go and show yourself to a priest {so that he can examine you and see that you no longer have the skin disease}. Also, present the offering that Moses required {for people whom God has healed from skin disease}. This will prove to the community {that you no longer have the skin disease}.”
Why did Jesus say the healed leper should go to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded?
Jesus told the healed leper to go to the priest for a testimony to them.
Matthew 8:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:5ULT:
Now {when} he had entered into Capernaum, a centurion came to him, begging him
UST:
While Jesus was visiting the city of Capernaum, an important Roman officer came to him. He urged Jesus {to help him}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 8:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:6ULT:
and saying, “Lord, my servant has been lying in the house paralyzed, being tormented terribly.”
UST:
He said, “Lord, one of my servants is lying in bed at my home because he cannot move. He is suffering very much. {Please help him.}”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 8:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:7ULT:
And he says to him, “I, {when} I have come, will heal him.”
UST:
Jesus answered, “I will go {to your home} and cure him.”
What did Jesus say he would do when the centurion told him about his paralyzed servant?
Jesus said he would go to the centurion’s house and heal the servant.
Matthew 8:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:8ULT:
And answering, the centurion said, “Lord, I am not worthy that you might enter under my roof, but only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.
UST:
The important officer responded, “Lord, I am not important enough for you to come into my house. Instead {of going to my house}, you can cure my servant just by speaking a command.
Why did the centurion say that Jesus did not need to come to his house?
The centurion said that he was not worthy to have Jesus in his house, and that Jesus could just say the word and heal the servant.
Matthew 8:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:9ULT:
For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me, and I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another one, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does {it}.”
UST:
{I know that you can do this} because I myself am a man who must obey the orders of my superiors. I also have soldiers who must obey my orders. When I say to one of them, ‘Go there!’ he goes there. When I say to another one, ‘Come here!’ he comes {to me}. When I say to my slave, ‘Perform this task!’ he does it.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 8:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:10ULT:
But having heard this, Jesus was amazed and said to the ones following him, “Truly I say to you, I have found such great faith from no one in Israel.
UST:
What the officer said impressed Jesus. Jesus declared to the people who were with him, “I have not met any Israelite who trusts me as much as this man does! What I have said is true.
What compliment did Jesus give the centurion?
Jesus said that not even in Israel had he found anyone with so much faith as the centurion.
Matthew 8:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:11ULT:
But I tell you that many will come from east and west, and they will recline to eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of the heavens.
UST:
So, here is what I want to tell you: many people from every part of the world{, including many non-Jewish people,} will arrive in God’s heavenly kingdom. They will feast along with {our Jewish ancestors,} Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Who did Jesus say would come and recline at table in the kingdom of heaven?
Jesus said that many would come from the east and the west and recline at table in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 8:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:12ULT:
But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown out into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and grinding of the teeth.”
UST:
However, God will cast out many people who think that they will participate in his kingdom. He will punish them in a dark place, where they will cry and sorrowfully grind their teeth.”
Who did Jesus say would be thrown into outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth?
Jesus said that the sons of the kingdom would be thrown into outer darkness.
Matthew 8:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:13ULT:
And Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! As you believed, let it be done for you.” And the servant was healed at that hour.
UST:
Then, Jesus told the important officer, “Return home. I will do for you what you have trusted me to do.” Jesus healed the servant at that exact time.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 8:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:14ULT:
And {when} Jesus had come into the house of Peter, he saw his mother-in-law having been laid down and being sick with a fever.
UST:
After that, Jesus went to Peter’s home. There, he saw that Peter’s mother-in-law was lying in bed because she had a fever.
Who did Jesus heal when he entered Peter’s house? (8:14-15)
Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law when he entered Peter’s house.
Matthew 8:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:15ULT:
And he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve him.
UST:
He touched her hand, and she recovered from the fever. Then she stood up and offered Jesus some food.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 8:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:16ULT:
Now evening having come, they brought to him many being possessed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all the ones having sickness,
UST:
When it was evening, people brought to Jesus many men and women whom evil spiritual beings controlled. Jesus drove these evil spiritual beings out of those men and women just by speaking words. Also, he cured everyone who was sick.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 8:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:17ULT:
so that might be fulfilled that which had been spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “He himself took our sicknesses and bore our diseases.”
UST:
So, what God said by speaking through the prophet Isaiah came true: “When we were sick, he helped us. When we were ill, he cured us.”
What prophecy from Isaiah was fulfilled as Jesus healed all who were demon-possessed and sick?
Isaiah’s prophecy, “He himself took our sickness and bore our diseases,” was fulfilled.
Matthew 8:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:18ULT:
Now Jesus, having seen a crowdaround him, commanded to depart to the other side.
UST:
When Jesus saw that there was a large group of people around him, he told his apprentices to take him {by boat} to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 8:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:19ULT:
And having approached, a scribe said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
UST:
{Before they got into the boat}, a teacher of the Jewish law came up to Jesus and said to him, “My instructor, I want to go with you and be your apprentice.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 8:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:20ULT:
And Jesus says to him, “The foxes have dens, and the birds of the sky, nests, but the Son of Man does not have {a place} where he might lay his head.”
UST:
Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes in the ground to live in, and birds have nests to live in, but I, the Son of Man, do not have a home to sleep in!”
What did Jesus say about the way he lived when the scribe asked to follow him?
Jesus said that he had no permanent home.
Matthew 8:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:21ULT:
Now another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, permit me first to go away and to bury my father.”
UST:
A different person who was one of Jesus’ apprentices said to him, “Lord, let me first go home and stay there until I bury my father. {Then I will go with you}.”
When a disciple asked to go bury his father before following Jesus, what did Jesus say? (8:21-22)
Jesus told the disciple to follow him, and to leave the dead to bury their own dead.
Matthew 8:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:22ULT:
But Jesus says to him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”
UST:
Jesus responded, “Come with me and be my apprentice {now}. You cannot help anyone who has died.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 8:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:23ULT:
And {when} he had gotten into a boat, his disciples followed him.
UST:
After that, Jesus got on the boat, and his apprentices went with him. {They started sailing to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.}
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 8:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:24ULT:
And behold, a great storm happened on the sea, so that the boat was covered by the waves. But he was sleeping.
UST:
{As they were sailing} a strong windstorm developed over the Sea of Galilee! Very high waves were splashing into the boat and filling it, but Jesus was asleep.
What was Jesus doing in the boat when the great storm arose on the sea?
Jesus was sleeping when the great storm arose on the sea.
Matthew 8:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:25ULT:
And having approached, they woke him, saying, “Lord, save us; we are perishing!”
UST:
So Jesus’ apprentices came over to wake him up. They said to him, “Lord, please help us! We are all going to die!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 8:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:26ULT:
And he says to them, “Why are you cowardly, you of little faith?” Then, having gotten up, he rebuked the winds and the sea, and a great calm happened.
UST:
Jesus answered, “You should not be so afraid. You should trust God more than you do!” Then he stood up. He scolded the wind and the water, and everything became calm.
When the disciples woke Jesus up because they were afraid of dying, what did Jesus say to them?
Jesus said to the disciples, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?”
Matthew 8:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:27ULT:
But the men marveled, saying, “What sort of {man} is he, that even the winds and the sea obey him?”
UST:
{What happened} impressed the apprentices. They wondered, “What kind of person is Jesus? The wind and the water do what he says!”
Why were the disciples marveling at Jesus after there was calm?
The disciples marveled at Jesus because the winds and the sea obeyed him.
Matthew 8:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:28ULT:
And {when} he had come to the other side, to the region of the Gadarenes, two men met him, being possessed by demons, coming out of the tombs, very violent, so that no one was strong enough to pass through that road.
UST:
After that, they arrived on the other side {of the Sea of Galilee}, in the region where the Gadarene people lived. {When they landed}, two men whom demons controlled came up to Jesus. They came from the burial caves. They were strong and dangerous. Because of them, no one could travel on the road {that went near the burial caves}.
What kind of men met Jesus when he came to the country of the Gadarenes?
Jesus met two demon-possessed men who were very violent.
Matthew 8:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:29ULT:
And behold, they cried out, saying, “What to us and to you, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the set time?”
UST:
They shouted to Jesus, “Leave us alone, you who are God’s Son! You should not arrive to punish us before it is the time {that God has appointed}.”
What was the concern of the demons speaking through the men to Jesus?
The demons were concerned that Jesus had come to torment them before the set time.
Matthew 8:30
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:30ULT:
Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at a distance from them.
UST:
Now there was a large herd of pigs grazing relatively far away from them.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 8:31
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:31ULT:
But the demons were begging him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of the pigs.”
UST:
The demons pleaded with Jesus, “When you drive us out {of these two men}, please allow us to control that herd of pigs!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 8:32
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:32ULT:
And he said to them, “Go!” And they, having come out, went away into the pigs; and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep slope into the sea, and they died in the water.
UST:
Jesus answered, “I will allow that!” So, the demons left the men and began to control the pigs. Then, the whole herd of pigs rushed down the steep bank into the Sea of Galilee! They died there in the sea.
What happened when Jesus cast out the demons?
When Jesus cast out the demons, they entered a herd of pigs and the pigs rushed into the sea and perished.
Matthew 8:33
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:33ULT:
Now the ones feeding them ran away and, having gone away to the city, they reported everything, and the {things concerning} the ones possessed by demons.
UST:
Then those who were taking care of the pigs ran away. They went to the nearby town, where they told people about everything that had happened, including what had happened to the men whom the demons had controlled.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 8:34
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 8:34ULT:
And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And having seen him, they begged him that he would depart from their region.
UST:
Then many people who lived in that town went to see Jesus! When they met him, they pleaded with him to leave their area.
What did the people beg Jesus to do when they came out of the city to meet him?
The people begged Jesus to leave their region.
Matthew 9
Matthew 9:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:1ULT:
And having gotten into a boat, he crossed over and came to his own city.
UST:
After that, Jesus and his apprentices got into a boat. They sailed across the Sea of Galilee and arrived back in the city of Capernaum, where Jesus was living.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:2ULT:
And behold, they were bringing to him a paralytic lying on a mat. And Jesus, having seen their faith, said to the paralytic, “Child, have courage. Your sins are forgiven.”
UST:
Some people brought to Jesus a man who could not move! He was lying on a sleeping pad. Jesus perceived that these people believed {that he could heal the man}. So, he said to the man who could not move, “Do not worry, young man. I forgive you for your sins!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:3ULT:
And behold, some of the scribes said among themselves, “This one blasphemes.”
UST:
Some teachers of the Jewish law thought to themselves, “He is insulting God!”
Why did some of the scribes think that Jesus was blaspheming God? (9:3-5)
Some of the scribes thought that Jesus was blaspheming God because Jesus told the paralyzed man that his sins were forgiven.
Matthew 9:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:4ULT:
And Jesus, having seen their thoughts, said, “For what reason do you think evil in your hearts?
UST:
Jesus realized what they were thinking. He said, “You should not be thinking what is wrong!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:5ULT:
For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins have been forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?
UST:
You may think that it is easy to claim to forgive other people for their sins{, since it is difficult to prove whether this has happened}. Similarly, you may think that it is difficult to tell {someone who cannot move} to stand up and walk around{, since it is easy to prove whether this has happened}.
Why did Jesus say he had told the paralytic that his sins were forgiven, instead of telling him to get up and walk? (9:5-6)
Jesus had told the paralytic that his sins were forgiven to demonstrate that he had authority on earth to forgive sins.
Matthew 9:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:6ULT:
But in order that you might know that the Son of Man has authority on the earth to forgive sins,”—he then says to the paralytic—“Getting up, pick up your mat, and go to your house.”
UST:
However, I want you to know that God has authorized me, the Son of Man, to forgive people on earth for their sins.” So, he said to the man who could not move, “Stand up, carry your sleeping pad, and go home!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:7ULT:
And having gotten up, he went away to his house.
UST:
Then, the man stood up and went home.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:8ULT:
Now {when} the crowds had seen this, they were afraidand glorified God, having given such authority to men.
UST:
Once the large groups of people {who were near Jesus} saw what had happened, they felt afraid. Also, they praised God for enabling people to do such amazing things.
Why did the people praise God when they saw the paralytic man’s sins forgiven and his body healed?
They were overawed and praised God, who had given such authority to men.
Matthew 9:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:9ULT:
And Jesus, passing on from there, saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s office, and he says to him, “Follow me.” And having gotten up, he followed him.
UST:
As Jesus was walking away from that place, he noticed a man whom people called Matthew. Matthew was sitting in the booth {where the people came to pay him the taxes that the government required}. Jesus said to him, “Come with me and be my apprentice!” So Matthew stood up and went with him as his apprentice.
What was Matthew’s occupation before he followed Jesus?
Matthew was a tax collector before he followed Jesus.
Matthew 9:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:10ULT:
And it happened that he was reclining to eat in the house, and behold, many tax collectors and sinners, having come, were dining with Jesus and his disciples.
UST:
Later, Jesus was feasting in Matthew’s home. Many people who collected taxes and other sinful people arrived! They feasted with Jesus and his apprentices.
With whom did Jesus and his disciples eat?
Jesus and his disciples ate with tax collectors and sinful people.
Matthew 9:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:11ULT:
And the Pharisees, having seen this, were saying to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
UST:
When the Pharisees saw {what Jesus was doing}, they told Jesus’ apprentices, “Your instructor should not be feasting with people who collect taxes and other sinful people.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:12ULT:
But he, having heard this, said, “The ones being healthy do not have need of a physician, but the ones having sickness.
UST:
Jesus learned what they said. He answered, “People who are well do not need a doctor. Rather, people who are sick need a doctor.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:13ULT:
But having gone, learn what this is: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
UST:
You should study and learn from what God has said in the Scriptures: ‘What I most want is that people treat each other mercifully, not that people present offerings to me.’ Much like that, I am here not to invite those who think they are righteous to come to me. Rather, {I invite} those who know that they have sinned {to come to me}.”
Who did Jesus say he came to call to repentance?
Jesus said he came to call sinners to repentance.
Matthew 9:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:14ULT:
Then the disciples of John come to him, saying, “For what reason do we and the Pharisees often fast, but your disciples do not fast?”
UST:
Sometime later, the apprentices of John the Baptizer visited Jesus. They asked him, “We and the Pharisees frequently do not eat in order to please God. However, your apprentices do not do so. Why not?”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:15ULT:
And Jesus said to them, “The sons of the bridal chamber are not able to mourn while the bridegroom is still with them, are they? But days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.
UST:
Jesus answered, “The friends of the bridegroom do not grieve while the wedding celebration is still going on. However, someday the bridegroom will no longer be with his friends. Then they will not eat.
Why did Jesus say his disciples were not fasting?
Jesus said his disciples were not fasting because he was still with them.
When did Jesus say his disciples would fast?
Jesus said his disciples would fast when he was taken away from them.
Matthew 9:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:16ULT:
Now no one puts a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for its patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear happens.
UST:
People do not place a piece of unshrunken cloth on old clothing in order to mend a hole. {That is} because{, when they washed the garment,} the new piece of cloth would shrink and completely rip out of the clothing. As a result, the hole would become even bigger!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:17ULT:
Neither do they put new wine into old wineskins. But if not, the skins are burst, and the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are destroyed. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
UST:
Similarly, people do not put fresh wine into old skin bags {to store it}. If they did that, the skin bags would tear open {because they would not stretch when the fresh wine fermented and expanded}. That would ruin the skin bags, and the wine would spill out. On the contrary, people put fresh wine into new skin bags. That way, they do not ruin the wine and the bags.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:18ULT:
{While} he was saying these things to them, behold, a certain official, having approached, bowed down to him, saying, “My daughter has just now died, but, having come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.”
UST:
As Jesus was speaking to John’s apprentices, an important man arrived! He knelt before Jesus and said, “My daughter just died. Please come with me and touch her. That way, she will live {again}.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:19ULT:
And having gotten up, Jesus and his disciples followed him.
UST:
Jesus and his apprentices stood up, and they went with the man.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:20ULT:
And behold, a woman suffering from a discharge of blood for 12 years, having approached from behind, touched the edge of his cloak,
UST:
Now there was a woman who had been suffering for 12 years from a disease that caused continual bleeding. She thought, “Just touching Jesus’ robe will cure me.” So, she approached Jesus from behind, and she touched the hem of his robe.
(vv20-21)
What did the woman with severe bleeding do, and why? (9:20-21)
The woman with severe bleeding touched the edge of Jesus’ garment thinking that if she only touched his garment, she would be made well.
Matthew 9:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:21ULT:
for she was saying in herself, “If only I touch his cloak, I will be saved.”
UST:
Now there was a woman who had been suffering for 12 years from a disease that caused continual bleeding. She thought, “Just touching Jesus’ robe will cure me.” So, she approached Jesus from behind, and she touched the hem of his robe.
(vv20-21)
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:22ULT:
But Jesus, having turned and having seen her, said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has saved you.” And the woman was saved from that hour.
UST:
{After the woman touched Jesus’ robe}, Jesus turned around and looked at her. He said to her, “Do not worry, young woman. Because you believed {that I could heal you}, you are now well.” At that very moment, the woman became well.
What did Jesus say had made the woman with severe bleeding well?
Jesus said that the woman with severe bleeding had been made well by her faith.
Matthew 9:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:23ULT:
And Jesus, having come to the house of the official and having seen the flute players and the crowd being disturbed,
UST:
After that, Jesus arrived at the important man’s home. He saw {people grieving there}. Some people were playing instruments, and many people were making a lot of noise.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:24ULT:
said, “Go away, for the girl has not died, but sleeps.” And they were laughing at him.
UST:
He said to these people, “Leave! The young woman is not dead! She is only sleeping.” Then, the people made fun of him {for saying that}.
Why did the people laugh at Jesus when he entered the Jewish official’s house?
The people laughed at Jesus because Jesus said that the girl was not dead, but sleeping.
Matthew 9:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:25ULT:
But when the crowd had been put outside, having entered, he took her hand, and the girl was raised up.
UST:
After those people left, Jesus went {to where the girl was}. He took hold of her hand, and she {became alive again and} stood up.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:26ULT:
And this report went out into all that region.
UST:
After that, people throughout that whole area heard about what Jesus had done.
What happened after Jesus raised the girl from the dead?
News about Jesus raising the girl from the dead spread into all that region.
Matthew 9:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:27ULT:
And {as} Jesus was departing from there, two blind men followed him, crying out and saying, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”
UST:
When Jesus left the important man’s house, two men who were blind went with him. They were shouting, “You who are a descendant of King David, help us!”
What did the two blind men keep shouting at Jesus?
The two blind men kept shouting, “Have mercy on us, Son of David”!
Matthew 9:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:28ULT:
Now {when} he had come into the house, the blind men came to him and Jesus says to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
They say to him, “Yes, Lord.”
UST:
After Jesus entered the house {where he was staying}, the blind men approached him. Jesus asked them, “Do you believe that I can heal you?”
They answered, “Yes, Lord, we do!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:29ULT:
Then he touched their eyes, saying, “Let it be done to you according to your faith.”
UST:
After {they said that,} he touched their eyes. He declared, “I will do for you what you have trusted me to do.”
Jesus healed the two blind men according to what?
Jesus healed the two blind men according to their faith.
Matthew 9:30
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:30ULT:
And their eyes were opened, and Jesus warned them, saying, “See that you let no one know {about this}.”
UST:
Then, they could see. Jesus sternly told them, “Do not tell anyone about what just happened!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:31
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:31ULT:
But they, having gone out, reported it in all that region.
UST:
However, after the two men left, they told people throughout that whole area about what Jesus had done.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:32
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:32ULT:
Now {as} they were going away, behold, they brought to him a mute, demon-possessed man.
UST:
While the two men were leaving, some people brought a man to Jesus! A demon was controlling him and keeping him from speaking.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:33
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:33ULT:
And the demon having been cast out, the mute {man} spoke, and the crowds marveled, saying, “Such as this has never been seen in Israel!”
UST:
Jesus drove the demon out of the man, and he was able to speak. What Jesus had done impressed the large groups of people {who were nearby}. They declared, “We have not seen anything like this before in our country Israel!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:34
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:34ULT:
But the Pharisees were saying, “By the ruler of the demons he casts out the demons.”
UST:
However, the Pharisees declared, “It is the leader of the demons who enables this man to drive out demons!”
After Jesus healed the mute man, what accusation did the Pharisees make against him?
The Pharisees accused Jesus of driving out demons by the ruler of demons.
Matthew 9:35
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:35ULT:
And Jesus was going around all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness.
UST:
Jesus traveled to many of the cities and towns {in that area}. He instructed people {when they gathered} in the Jewish meeting places. He proclaimed the good news about God’s kingdom. He cured people who were sick in any way.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:36
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:36ULT:
Now, having seen the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were troubled and discouraged, like sheep not having a shepherd.
UST:
Jesus observed that the large groups of people {who traveled wherever he went} seemed upset and confused. They were like sheep who did not have a sheepherder {to lead them and to take care of them}. So, Jesus pitied them.
Why did Jesus have compassion on the crowds?
Jesus had compassion on the crowds because they were worried and confused, and were like sheep without a shepherd.
Matthew 9:37
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:37ULT:
Then he says to his disciples, “Indeed, the harvest {is} plentiful, but the laborers {are} few.
UST:
So he told his apprentices, “Many people are ready to believe in me, but there are only a few people whom I can send out to help them.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 9:38
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 9:38ULT:
Therefore, earnestly ask the Lord of the harvest, so that he might send out laborers into his harvest.”
UST:
So pray to God{, who wants all of those people to believe,} and plead with him for more people who can go and help them.”
For what did Jesus tell his disciples to pray urgently?
Jesus told his disciples to pray urgently that the Lord of the harvest send out laborers into his harvest.
Matthew 10
Matthew 10:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:1ULT:
And having summoned his 12 disciples, he gave them authority over unclean spirits, so as to cast them out and to heal every disease and every sickness.
UST:
Then, Jesus told his 12 apprentices to come to him. He authorized them to drive demons out of people and to cure people who were sick in any way.
What authority did Jesus give his twelve disciples?
Jesus gave his twelve disciples authority to drive out unclean spirits, and to heal all kinds of diseases.
Matthew 10:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:2ULT:
Now the names of the 12 apostles are these: first, Simon (called Peter), and Andrew his brother; and James the {son} of Zebedee, and John his brother;
UST:
Here is a list of the names of the 12 men whom Jesus chose to represent him: Simon, whom people also call Peter; Andrew, Peter’s {younger} brother; James, Zebedee’s son; John, James’ {younger} brother;
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:3ULT:
Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the {son} of Alphaeus and Thaddaeus;
UST:
Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew, a man who collected taxes; James, Alphaeus’ son; Thaddaeus;
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:4ULT:
Simon the Cananaios, and Judas Iscariot, the {one} having also handed him over.
UST:
Simon the Zealot; and Judas Iscariot, who eventually helped to arrest Jesus.
What is the name of the disciple who would betray Jesus?
The name of the disciple who would betray Jesus was Judas Iscariot.
Matthew 10:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:5ULT:
These 12 Jesus sent out, having instructed them, saying, “Do not go on the way {to the} Gentiles, and do not enter into a city of the Samaritans.
UST:
Jesus sent those 12 men {to represent him}. {Before they went}, he told them, “Do not travel to places where non-Jews live. Do not visit Samaritan towns.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:6ULT:
But go instead to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
UST:
Instead, go to your fellow Israelites. They are like sheep who have wandered off {and need help}.
Where did Jesus send his disciples at this time?
Jesus sent his disciples only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Matthew 10:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:7ULT:
Now {as} you are going, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of the heavens has come near.’
UST:
While you are traveling, proclaim {to people}, ‘God is about to establish his heavenly kingdom here.’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:8ULT:
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, {and} cast out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
UST:
Cure people who are sick. Make people who have died alive again. Heal people with skin diseases. Drive demons out of people. I have not charged you money as I enable you to do these things. So, you should not charge other people money to do these things for them.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:9ULT:
Do not acquire gold or silver or copper in your belts,
UST:
Do not pack any money to take with you.
Were the disciples to carry any money or extra clothes with them? (10:9-10)
No, the disciples were not to carry any money or extra clothes with them.
Matthew 10:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:10ULT:
nor a bag for the road nor two tunics nor sandals nor a staff, for the laborer {is} worthy of his food.
UST:
Do not pack a traveler’s bag, or an extra shirt, or sandals, or a walking stick. {I tell you not to bring these things} because people who work deserve their food. {So, the people whom you help will give you what you need}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:11ULT:
But whatever city or village you enter into, find someone who is worthy in it and stay there until you go out.
UST:
When you visit a city or town, look for someone who lives there who welcomes you. {When you find such a person}, stay in that person’s home until you leave that area.
Where were the disciples to stay when they went from village to village?
The disciples were to find someone worthy in the village and stay there until they left.
Matthew 10:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:12ULT:
Now entering into the house, greet it.
UST:
When you go into that person’s home, say hello to the people who live there {and pray that God will make them peaceful}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:13ULT:
And if indeed the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace be returned to you.
UST:
Suppose that the people who live in that house really do welcome you. Then, God will make them peaceful, as you prayed. However, suppose that the people who live in that house do not welcome you. Then, God will not make them peaceful.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:14ULT:
And whoever does not receive you nor listen to your words, departing from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.
UST:
Whenever people do not welcome you or listen to what you say, you should leave that home or city. As you are going, shake the dust from that place off your feet {to show that you reject those people}.
What would be the judgment on the cities that did not receive the disciples or listen to their words? (10:14-15)
The judgment on the cities that did not receive the disciples or listen to their words would be worse than the judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah.
Matthew 10:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:15ULT:
Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.
UST:
{God will judge and punish} any people who reject you more severely than he will judge and punish the {wicked} people who lived in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. What I have said is true.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:16ULT:
Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so become wise as the serpents and harmless as the doves.
UST:
I am sending you out {to represent me} to people who will be hostile to you, so you will be like sheep among wolves. Therefore, you need to be as clever as snakes are. You also need to be as innocent as small birds are.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:17ULT:
But beware of the men, for they will hand you over to councils, and they will whip you in their synagogues;
UST:
Watch out for certain people. They will arrest you and accuse you in front of groups of important people. They will beat you in the Jewish meeting places.
What did Jesus say people would do to the disciples? (10:17-18)
Jesus said that people would deliver the disciples up to councils, whip them, and bring them before governors and kings.
Matthew 10:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:18ULT:
and you will be brought also before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
UST:
Because you are my apprentices, people will accuse you before local rulers and kings. That way, you will tell those rulers and the rest of the non-Jews {about me}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:19ULT:
But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you will speak, for what you will say will be given to you in that hour.
UST:
Whenever people arrest you and accuse you, do not worry about how you will respond. At that time, God will reveal to you what you should say.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:20ULT:
For you are not the one speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
UST:
{You can be sure of that} because the Holy Spirit, whom God your Father sends, will reveal to you what to say. You will not speak for yourself.
Who would speak through the disciples when they were delivered up?
The Spirit of the Father would speak through the disciples when they were delivered up.
Matthew 10:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:21ULT:
Now brother will hand over brother to death, and a father, his child, and children will rise up against parents and put them to death.
UST:
Men will have someone arrest their own brothers, and they will ask the judge to execute them. Fathers {will do the same thing} to their own children. Children will rebel against their parents and cause them to die.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:22ULT:
And you will be hated by all because of my name, but the one having endured to the end, this one will be saved.
UST:
Because you are my apprentices, many people will be hostile to you. However, if you persevere {in being my apprentices} while people harm you, God will rescue you.
Who did Jesus say would be saved in the end?
Jesus said that those who endure to the end will be saved.
Matthew 10:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:23ULT:
But whenever they persecute you in this city, flee to the next, for truly I say to you, you will certainly not finish the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
UST:
When people in one city try to harm you, you should quickly travel to another city. {You should do that} because I, the Son of Man, will return before you have proclaimed the good news in every town in Israel. What I have said is true.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:24ULT:
A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master.
UST:
Apprentices are not greater than their teacher. Similarly, servants are not greater than their master.
How would those who hated Jesus treat Jesus’ disciples? (10:24-25)
Those who hated Jesus would also hate his disciples.
Matthew 10:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:25ULT:
It is enough for the disciple that he might be like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much worse the members of his household!
UST:
Those apprentices should be content when they become like their teacher. Similarly, those servants {should be content when they become} like their master. Since people called the person who leads the family Satan, they will also call the people who are part of the family {bad names}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:26ULT:
Therefore, do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, and hidden, that will not be made known.
UST:
So then, do not be afraid of those people. {I say that} because someday God will let everyone know everything people are trying to hide.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:27ULT:
What I tell you in the darkness, say in the light, and what you hear in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops.
UST:
You should declare publicly everything I have said to you privately. You should shout for everyone to hear what you have heard me say quietly.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:28ULT:
And do not be afraid of the ones killing the body but not being able to kill the soul. But instead, fear the one being able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.
UST:
Do not be afraid of people. They can kill you physically, but they cannot kill you spiritually. Instead, you should be afraid of God. He can destroy you both spiritually and physically in hell.
Who did Jesus say we are not to fear?
We are not to fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul.
Who did Jesus say we are to fear?
We are to fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matthew 10:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:29ULT:
Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.
UST:
Think about the sparrows. {They have so little value that} you can buy two of them for only one small coin. However, God your Father knows about it whenever one sparrow dies.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:30
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:30ULT:
But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.
UST:
God even knows how many hairs there are on your head.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:31
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:31ULT:
Therefore, do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.
UST:
So, do not be afraid, because you are more precious {to God} than many sparrows.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:32
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:32ULT:
Therefore, everyone who will confess about me before men, I will also confess about him before my Father in the heavens.
UST:
If people tell others that they are my apprentices, then I will say to God my Father, who rules from heaven, that those people are my apprentices.
What will Jesus do for everyone who confesses him before men?
Jesus will confess him before the Father in heaven.
Matthew 10:33
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:33ULT:
But whoever denies me before men, I will also deny him before my Father in the heavens.
UST:
However, if they tell others that they are not my apprentices, then I will say to God my Father, who rules from heaven, that those people are not my apprentices.
What will Jesus do for everyone who denies him before men?
Jesus will deny him before the Father in heaven.
Matthew 10:34
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:34ULT:
Do not think that I came to bring peace upon the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
UST:
You should not think that I am here so that people will live together peacefully. Indeed, I am here so that people quarrel, not so that they live peacefully.
What kind of divisions did Jesus say he came to bring? (10:34-36)
Jesus said that he came to bring divisions even within households.
Matthew 10:35
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:35ULT:
For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
UST:
In fact, I am here so that {family members} oppose each other. A man will oppose his father. A woman will oppose her mother. A woman who married {a man} will oppose her husband’s mother.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:36
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:36ULT:
and the enemies of a man {will be} the ones of his household.
UST:
People who are part of a person’s family will be those who oppose that person.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:37
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:37ULT:
The one loving father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and the one loving son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
UST:
People who care for their fathers or mothers more than they care for me are not behaving as my apprentices should. People who care for their sons or daughters more than they care for me are not behaving as my apprentices should.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:38
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:38ULT:
And whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.
UST:
People who are not willing to suffer or die, as if they were carrying their own crosses, when they come with me as my apprentices are not behaving as my apprentices should.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:39
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:39ULT:
The one having found his life will lose it, and the one having lost his life for my sake will find it.
UST:
People who do anything to stay alive will not truly live. However, people who are willing to die because they are my apprentices will truly live.
What will someone find who loses his life for Jesus’ sake?
Someone who loses his life for Jesus’ sake will find his life.
Matthew 10:40
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:40ULT:
The one receiving you receives me, and the one receiving me receives the one having sent me.
UST:
When people welcome you, it is the same as welcoming me. When people welcome me, it is the same as welcoming {God the Father}, who sent me here.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:41
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:41ULT:
The one receiving a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a reward of a prophet, and the one receiving a righteous {man} in the name of a righteous {man} will receive a reward of a righteous {man}.
UST:
As for those who welcome someone because they know that person speaks for God, God will reward them in the same way that he rewards people who speak for him. As for those who welcome someone because they know that person does what is right, God will reward them in the same way that he rewards people who do what is right.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 10:42
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 10:42ULT:
And whoever gives to one of these little ones a cup of cold water to drink only in the name of a disciple, truly I say to you, he will certainly not lose his reward.”
UST:
As for those who offer an unimportant person cold water to drink just because they know that person is my apprentice, God will most certainly reward them. What I have said is true.”
What will someone receive who gives even a cup of cold water to an unimportant disciple?
Someone who gives even a cup of cold water to an unimportant disciple will receive his reward.
Matthew 11
Matthew 11:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:1ULT:
And it happened that when Jesus had finished giving orders to his 12 disciples, he departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities.
UST:
So, Jesus completed instructing his 12 apprentices {about what they should do}. Then, he left that place in order to proclaim {the good news to people} in the towns throughout the area.
What did Jesus finish before he departed to teach and preach in the cities?
Jesus finished instructing his 12 disciples before he departed.
Matthew 11:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:2ULT:
Now John, having heard in the prison about the deeds of Christ, having sent through his disciples,
UST:
Meanwhile, John the Baptizer was in jail. People told him about what {Jesus} the Messiah was doing. So, he sent some of his apprentices
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 11:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:3ULT:
said to him, “Are you the one coming, or should we expect another?”
UST:
to ask Jesus, “Are you the one whom {God promised} would come, or should we be waiting for someone else?”
What was the message John the Baptist sent to Jesus?
John the Baptist sent the message, “Are you the Coming One, or is there another person we should be looking for?”
Matthew 11:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:4ULT:
And answering, Jesus said to them, “Having gone, report to John what you hear and see.
UST:
So Jesus answered John’s apprentices, “Go back and tell John what you have heard and seen.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 11:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:5ULT:
The blind see again, and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised, and the poor are being told the gospel.
UST:
People who were blind are now seeing. People who could not walk are now walking. People who had skin diseases no longer have them. People who were deaf can now hear. People who were dead are alive again. I am proclaiming good news to poor people.
What did Jesus say was happening as evidence that he was the Coming One?
Jesus said the sick were being healed, the dead were being raised, and the needy were being told the good news.
Matthew 11:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:6ULT:
And blessed is whoever is not caused to stumble on me.”
UST:
God will bless anyone who {sees what I do and hears what I teach and} continues to believe in me.”
What did Jesus promise for those who found no occasion of stumbling in him?
Jesus promised a blessing for those who found no occasion of stumbling in him.
Matthew 11:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:7ULT:
Now, {as} these were going on their way, Jesus began to say to the crowds concerning John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
UST:
When John’s apprentices left, Jesus started to talk to the large groups of people about John. He said, “Surely you did not travel to John in the desolate area to see someone who often changed his mind, who was like the thin stalk of a plant that the wind shakes.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 11:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:8ULT:
But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, the ones wearing soft clothing are in the houses of the kings.
UST:
Surely you did not travel {to the desolate area} to see someone who wore fancy clothes. You know very well that the people who wear fancy clothes live in palaces{, not in desolate areas}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 11:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:9ULT:
But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.
UST:
Surely you traveled {to the desolate area} to see a man who spoke for God. Yes{, that is who John is}! But I want to tell you that John is more significant than other people who speak for God.
What did Jesus say was the role John the Baptist played in his life? (11:9-10)
Jesus said that John the Baptist was the prophesied messenger who would prepare the way before the Coming One.
Matthew 11:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:10ULT:
This is he concerning whom it is written, ‘Behold, I am sending my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’
UST:
He is the one about whom a prophet wrote in the Scriptures: ‘Listen, I am sending my messenger ahead of you. He will make things ready for when you come.’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 11:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:11ULT:
Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen one greater than John the Baptist, but the least in the kingdom of the heavens is greater than he.
UST:
Of all the people who have ever lived, there has been no one more important than John the Baptizer. However, the most insignificant people who participate in God’s heavenly kingdom are more important than John. What I have said is true.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 11:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:12ULT:
But from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of the heavens suffers violence, and violent men take it by force.
UST:
From the time when John the Baptizer began to preach publicly until this time, people have attacked God’s heavenly kingdom. Indeed, violent people try to conquer it.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 11:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:13ULT:
For all the Prophets and the Law have prophesied until John;
UST:
Further, before John {began to preach}, the laws that God gave Moses and the things that the prophets wrote predicted {what is now happening}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 11:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:14ULT:
and if you are willing to accept {it}, he is Elijah, the one being about to come.
UST:
In fact, if you trust what I say, you can know that John is the one {whom God promised} would come, {the one who is like} the prophet Elijah.
Who did Jesus say that John the Baptist was?
Jesus said that John the Baptist was Elijah.
Matthew 11:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:15ULT:
The one having ears to hear, let him hear.
UST:
You should think carefully about what you just heard me say!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 11:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:16ULT:
Now to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplace, who are calling out to the others,
UST:
{I will tell you} what {you people who live in} this time period are like. You are like children playing games in an open area. They call out to their friends,
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 11:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:17ULT:
saying, ‘We played a flute for you, and you did not dance. We sang a funeral song, and you did not mourn.’
UST:
‘We played happy music for you on the flute, but you did not dance! Then we sang sad funeral songs for you, but you did not grieve!’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 11:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:18ULT:
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’
UST:
Similarly, when John came to you and often did not eat or drink, people {rejected him and} said, ‘A demon is controlling him!’
What did that generation say about John the Baptist who came not eating bread or drinking wine?
That generation said that John the Baptist had a demon.
Matthew 11:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:19ULT:
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold a man, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom has been justified by her children.”
UST:
But when I, the Son of Man, came to you and I enjoyed food and drink, people {rejected me and} said, ‘Look! This man eats too much food and drinks too much wine, and he associates with people who collect taxes and other sinful people!’ But those who are wise themselves recognize that what John and I do is also wise.”
What did that generation say about Jesus who came eating and drinking?
That generation said that Jesus was a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and sinners.
Matthew 11:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:20ULT:
Then he began to rebuke the cities in which most of his miracles were done, because they had not repented.
UST:
Now people who lived in the towns where Jesus had done many powerful things did not stop doing what was wrong. So, Jesus began to scold them:
What did Jesus declare regarding the cities where his great deeds were done, yet they had not repented?
Jesus rebuked the cities where his great deeds were, yet they had not repented.
Matthew 11:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:21ULT:
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had happened in Tyre and Sidon which happened in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
UST:
“How terrible it will be for you people who live in the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida! I say this because I did powerful things while I was in your cities. If I had done those same powerful things in {the ancient cities of} Tyre and Sidon, the {wicked} people who lived there would have stopped doing what was wrong. They would have shown how sorry they were by wearing coarse clothing and putting ashes on their heads.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 11:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:22ULT:
Nevertheless, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you.
UST:
So I want to tell you that when God judges everyone, he will punish you more severely than {the wicked people who lived in} Tyre and Sidon.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 11:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:23ULT:
And you, Capernaum, you will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will be brought down as far as Hades.For if the miracles that happened in you had happened in Sodom, it would have remained until today.
UST:
I also have something to say to you people who live in the town of Capernaum. You may think that God is going to give you great rewards. No, God is not going to reward you at all! I say this because I did powerful things while I was in your town. If I had done those same powerful things in {the city of} Sodom, the {wicked} people who lived there {would have stopped doing what was wrong, and} God would not have destroyed them.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 11:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:24ULT:
Nevertheless, I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.”
UST:
So I want to tell you that when God judges everyone, he will punish you more severely than {the wicked people who lived in} the region of Sodom.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 11:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:25ULT:
At that time, answering, Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you concealed these things from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to little children.
UST:
Then Jesus responded by praying, “God my Father, you are Lord over everything you have made. I praise you that you have prevented people who think they are smart from understanding things. Instead, you have revealed them to people who accept {what you say} as readily as little children do.
Jesus praised the Father for concealing the kingdom of heaven from whom?
Jesus praised the Father for concealing the kingdom of heaven from the wise and understanding.
Jesus praised the Father for revealing the kingdom of heaven to whom?
Jesus praised the Father for revealing the kingdom of heaven to those who were untaught, like little children.
Matthew 11:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:26ULT:
Yes, Father, for thus it was well-pleasing before you.
UST:
That is true, my Father, and you have done that because it pleased you to do so.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 11:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:27ULT:
All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son, and to whomever the Son desires to reveal him.
UST:
{Then Jesus told the people who were there,} “God, my Father, has given everything to me. Only my Father really knows me, his Son. And only I, his Son, really know my Father. But I do choose to show some people who he is.
Who did Jesus say knows the Father?
Jesus said that he knows the Father, and anyone to whom he desires to reveal him.
Matthew 11:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:28ULT:
Come to me, all the ones laboring and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.
UST:
Many of you feel tired and are struggling. Become my apprentices! I will enable you to rest.
To whom did Jesus promise rest?
Jesus promised rest to all who labor and are heavy burdened.
Matthew 11:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:29ULT:
Take my yoke on you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
UST:
I am not forceful or proud, and I will help you to rest. So, do what I command and listen to what I teach.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 11:30
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 11:30ULT:
For my yoke {is} easy and my burden is light.”
UST:
{I say that} because you can easily do what I command. Indeed, you can easily do what I ask you to do.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12
Matthew 12:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:1ULT:
At that time, Jesus went on the Sabbaths through the grainfields, but his disciples were hungry and began to pick heads of grain and to eat {them}.
UST:
Some time later, Jesus {and his apprentices} were walking through grain fields during one of the Jewish days of rest. His apprentices became hungry, so they started to pick some grain and eat it.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:2ULT:
But the Pharisees, having seen this, said to him, “Behold, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on a Sabbath.”
UST:
Some Pharisees saw {the apprentices picking grain}. They said to Jesus, “Look! Your apprentices are working on the Jewish day of rest. Our law forbids us to do that.”
What were Jesus’ disciples doing that the Pharisees complained about to him?
The Pharisees complained that Jesus’ disciples were plucking heads of grain and eating them, which they believed was unlawful to do on the Sabbath.
Matthew 12:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:3ULT:
But he said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and the ones with him—
UST:
Jesus replied, “Consider the story in the Scriptures about what King David did when he and the men who were with him became very hungry.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:4ULT:
how he went into the house of God and ate the loaves of the Presence, which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for the ones with him, except only for the priests?
UST:
As you know, David entered the sacred tent. He ate some of the bread that had been on display before God, even though the law prohibited him and the men who were with him from doing that. Only priests could eat that bread.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:5ULT:
Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbaths the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, but are innocent?
UST:
Likewise, consider the laws in the Scriptures that permit priests to work during the Jewish days of rest because they are serving in the Jewish sanctuary.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:6ULT:
But I say to you that something greater than the temple is here.
UST:
However, I want you to know that there is now something even more important than the Jewish sanctuary.
Who did Jesus say was greater than the temple?
Jesus said that he was greater than the temple.
Matthew 12:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:7ULT:
But if you had known what this is, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.
UST:
Suppose that you truly understood what God has said in the Scriptures: ‘What I most want is that people treat each other mercifully, not that people present offerings to me.’ Then, you would not have declared {my apprentices} guilty when they have actually not disobeyed {the laws about the Jewish day of rest}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:8ULT:
For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
UST:
{I say those things} because I, the Son of Man, can decide {what is right for people to do} during the Jewish day of rest!”
What authority does the Son of Man, Jesus, have?
The Son of Man, Jesus, is Lord of the Sabbath.
Matthew 12:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:9ULT:
And having departed from there, he went into their synagogue.
UST:
Then Jesus left the grain fields and visited one of the Jewish meeting places.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:10ULT:
And behold, a man having a withered hand, and they questioned him, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbaths?” so that they might accuse him.
UST:
Now there was a man there who could not move his hand. The Pharisees wanted to accuse Jesus {of disobeying the laws about not working on the Sabbath}. So, they asked Jesus, “Does our law allow us to cure {people from their diseases} during Jewish days of rest?”
What question did the Pharisees ask Jesus in the synagogue in front of the man with the dried up hand?
The Pharisees asked Jesus, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”
Matthew 12:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:11ULT:
But he said to them, “What man will there be among you who will have one sheep, and if it might fall into a pit on the Sabbaths, will not grasp hold of it and lift {it} out?
UST:
Jesus replied, “Suppose that one of you had a single sheep. Also suppose that this sheep fell into a deep hole on a Jewish day of rest. You would certainly pull it out of the hole{, even though this would be doing work on the Jewish day of rest}!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:12ULT:
How much more valuable, then, {is} a man than a sheep? Therefore, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbaths.”
UST:
Therefore, {since} people are more important than sheep{, you should help others even more than you help sheep on Jewish days of rest}. So then, the laws that God gave Moses allow people to do what is good on Jewish days of rest.”
What did Jesus say it was lawful to do on the Sabbath?
Jesus said it was lawful to do good on the Sabbath.
Matthew 12:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:13ULT:
Then he says to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched {it} out, and it was restored to health, just like the other.
UST:
After {saying that}, Jesus commanded the man, “Extend the hand {that you cannot move}!” The man extended his hand, and he could move it just as well as his other hand.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:14ULT:
But having gone out, the Pharisees took counsel against him so that they might destroy him.
UST:
Then the Pharisees left {the Jewish meeting place}. They started planning how they could kill Jesus.
When the Pharisees saw Jesus heal the man with the dried up hand, what did they do?
The Pharisees went out and plotted against him and seeking how they might destroy him.
Matthew 12:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:15ULT:
But Jesus, having perceived this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all,
UST:
Jesus knew {that the Pharisees were planning to kill him}. So, he left that area. Many people went with him, and he cured all of them {who were sick}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:16ULT:
and he rebuked them so that they might not make him known,
UST:
Jesus commanded them strongly that they should not tell other people about him.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:17ULT:
so that it might be fulfilled what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,
UST:
So, what God said by speaking through the prophet Isaiah came true:
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:18ULT:
“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul was well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will announce justice to the Gentiles.
UST:
“Consider the one who serves me, whom I selected. I love him, and what he does pleases me. I will empower him with the Holy Spirit. He will declare to the non-Jews that I do what is right.
In Isaiah’s prophecy about Jesus, who would hear God’s judgment and have confidence in Jesus?
The Gentiles would hear God’s judgment and have confidence in Jesus.
Matthew 12:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:19ULT:
He will not strive nor cry aloud; neither will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
UST:
He will not quarrel with people. He will not shout loudly. He will not speak to many people in public areas.
In Isaiah’s prophecy about Jesus, what would Jesus not do? (12:19-20)
Jesus would not strive, cry aloud, break a bruised reed, or quench smoking flax.
Matthew 12:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:20ULT:
He will not break a bruised reed; and he will not quench a smoking flax, until he casts out justice to victory,
UST:
He will be gentle with weak people. He will be kind to feeble people. {He will do those things} until he successfully completes doing what is right.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:21ULT:
and in his name Gentiles will hope.”
UST:
Non-Jewish people will confidently trust in him.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:22ULT:
Then one being demon-possessed was brought to him, blind and mute, and he healed him, so that the mute one spoke and saw.
UST:
After that, some people brought a man to Jesus. A demon was controlling him and keeping him from seeing or speaking. Jesus cured the man, and he was able to speak and see.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:23ULT:
And all the crowds were amazed and were saying, “Is this not the Son of David?”
UST:
What Jesus had done impressed all the large groups of people {who were nearby}. They declared {to each other}, “Perhaps this man is the special descendant of King David.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:24ULT:
But the Pharisees, having heard this, said, “He does not cast out demons except by Beelzebul, ruler of the demons.”
UST:
However, the Pharisees heard {them saying that}. They responded, “This man forces out demons only because Beelzebul, who rules the demons, enables him to do so.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:25ULT:
But having known their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is made desolate, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.
UST:
Jesus realized what they were thinking. So he said to them, “When the people in one nation fight against each other, they will destroy their nation. When people who live in the same town or household fight against each other, that town or household will not last.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:26ULT:
And if Satan casts out Satan, he has been divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?
UST:
Suppose that Satan enabled people to force out his own demons. In that case, he would be fighting against himself. So, he would soon cease to rule over the demons!
How did Jesus respond to the accusation that he cast out demons by Beelzebub?
Jesus said that if Satan drives out Satan, then how will Satan’s kingdom stand.
Matthew 12:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:27ULT:
And if I cast out the demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Because of this they will be your judges.
UST:
Further, suppose that Beelzebul is enabling me to force out demons. Then, it must also be true that he is enabling your apprentices to force out demons. {But you know that is not true.} So your own apprentices prove that you are wrong.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:28ULT:
But if I cast out the demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
UST:
Actually, the Holy Spirit enables me to force out demons. That means that God is establishing his kingdom among you.
What did Jesus say was happening if he was driving out demons by the Spirit of God?
Jesus said that the kingdom of God had come upon them if he was driving out demons by the Spirit of God.
Matthew 12:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:29ULT:
Or how is anyone able to enter into the house of the strong man and steal his possessions if he has not first bound the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.
UST:
Before thieves can break into the home of a strong man and take his belongings, they must first tie up the strong man. After that, they can take the belongings from his home.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:30
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:30ULT:
The one not being with me is against me, and the one not gathering with me scatters.
UST:
Anyone who is not supporting me is opposing me. Anyone who is not bringing people to me is sending them away from me.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:31
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:31ULT:
For this reason I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy of the Spirit will not be forgiven.
UST:
So then, here is what I want to tell you: God will forgive many people who sin in many ways or say bad things {about God or others}. However, God will not forgive people who say bad things about the Holy Spirit.
Which sin did Jesus say will not be forgiven?
Jesus said that blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.
Matthew 12:32
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:32ULT:
And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, neither in this age, nor in the one coming.
UST:
Further, God will forgive people who say bad things about me, the Son of Man. However, God will not forgive people who say bad things about the Holy Spirit. {He will} not {forgive them} right now or at any later time.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:33
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:33ULT:
Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree rotten and its fruit rotten, for the tree is known by its fruit.
UST:
You must decide either that both a tree and its fruit are healthy or that both a tree and its fruit are unhealthy. {I say that} because you can tell if a tree is healthy or unhealthy by what kind of fruit it produces. Similarly, you can tell what people are really like by the things that they do.
By what is a tree known?
A tree is known by its fruit.
Matthew 12:34
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:34ULT:
You offspring of vipers, being evil, how are you able to say good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
UST:
You people are sneaky and dangerous like poisonous snakes! Because you are wicked, you cannot say anything good. {I say that} because people speak based on what they are thinking about.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:35
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:35ULT:
The good man from his good treasure brings forth good things, and the evil man from his evil treasure brings forth evil things.
UST:
Good people say good things because they think good things. Evil people say evil things because they think evil things.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:36
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:36ULT:
But I say to you that every careless word that men will speak, they will give an account concerning it in the day of judgment.
UST:
Here is what I want you to know: when God judges everyone, he will hold people responsible for all the useless things that they have said.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:37
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:37ULT:
For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
UST:
In fact, God will declare that you are either innocent or guilty based on what you have said.”
By what did Jesus say the Pharisees would be justified and condemned?
Jesus said that the Pharisees would be justified and condemned by their words.
Matthew 12:38
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:38ULT:
Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.”
UST:
After {Jesus said those things}, some teachers of the Jewish law and some Pharisees responded, “Instructor, we want to see you perform a miracle {that proves that God sent you}.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:39
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:39ULT:
But answering, he said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign, but a sign will not be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet.
UST:
Then Jesus replied to them, “You people who are alive right now are wicked and faithless. You want me to do a miracle {that proves that God sent me}. However, the only miracle you will see is a miracle like the one that happened to the prophet Jonah.
What sign did Jesus say he would give his generation? (12:39-40)
Jesus said he would give his generation the sign of Jonah, being in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.
Matthew 12:40
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:40ULT:
For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the big fish, in this manner the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
UST:
{A huge fish swallowed Jonah, and} he was inside this fish for three whole days. {Then, God had the fish spit him out.} Similarly, people will bury me, the Son of Man, and I will be in a tomb for three whole days. {Then, I will live again.}
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:41
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:41ULT:
The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah {is} here.
UST:
The people who lived in the ancient city of Nineveh stopped sinning when Jonah preached to them. And now there is something even more important than {the prophet} Jonah. {However, you have not stopped sinning.} Therefore, when God judges everyone, the people who lived in Nineveh will stand up and condemn the people who are alive right now.
Who did Jesus say was greater than Jonah?
Jesus said that he was greater than Jonah.
Why will the men of Nineveh condemn the people of Jesus’ generation?
The men of Nineveh will condemn Jesus’ generation because they listened to God’s word through Jonah, but Jesus’ generation did not even listen to the Son of Man, who is greater than Jonah.
Matthew 12:42
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:42ULT:
The Queen of the South will stand up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon {is} here.
UST:
Long ago the Queen of Sheba traveled a great distance to listen to the wise things that King Solomon said. And now there is something even more important than Solomon. {However, you have not really listened to what I say.} Therefore, when God judges everyone, she will stand up and condemn the people who are alive right now.
Who did Jesus say was greater than Solomon?
Jesus said that he was greater than Solomon.
Matthew 12:43
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:43ULT:
Now when the unclean spirit has gone out from the man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and it does not find any.
UST:
Listen to this story: an evil spirit leaves someone and wanders around in desolate areas looking for someone else to live in. However, it does not find anyone there.
How will Jesus’ generation be like a man who has an unclean spirit go away from him? (12:43-45)
Jesus’ generation will be like a man who has an unclean spirit go away from him, because the unclean spirit returns with seven other spirits and the final condition of the man becomes worse than the first.
Matthew 12:44
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:44ULT:
Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came out.’ And having come, it finds {it} being empty, having been swept out and put in order.
UST:
After that, it says {to itself}, ‘I am going to go back to the person I used to live in!’ So it goes back and finds that the person is like a house that someone has cleaned and organized, but no one is living in it.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:45
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:45ULT:
Then it goes and takes along with itself seven other spirits more evil than itself and they having entered, it resides there. And the last things of that man become worse than the first things. Thus it will be also with this evil generation.”
UST:
Then this evil spirit goes and gets seven other spirits that are even more evil than it is. They all enter that person and begin living in him. That person experienced bad things before, but now he will experience worse things. Something like that is what you wicked people who are alive right now will experience.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:46
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:46ULT:
{While} he was still speaking to the crowds, behold, his mother and brothers had stood outside, seeking to speak to him.
UST:
As Jesus was saying those things to the large groups of people, his mother and his {younger} brothers {arrived and} waited outside {where he was}. They wanted to talk with him.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:47
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:47ULT:
Now someone said to him, “Behold, your mother and your brothers have stood outside, seeking to speak to you.”
UST:
A person told him, “Your mother and your {younger} brothers are waiting outside. They want to talk with you.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:48
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:48ULT:
But answering, he said to the one speaking to him, “Who is my mother and who are my brothers?”
UST:
Jesus replied, “I will tell you whom I consider to be my mother and my brothers.”
Who did Jesus say are his brother, sister, and mother? (12:48-50)
Jesus said that those who do the will of the Father are his brother, sister, and mother.
Matthew 12:49
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:49ULT:
And having stretched out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Behold, my mother and my brothers!
UST:
He pointed to his apprentices and said, “These are the people whom I consider to be my mother and my brothers!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 12:50
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 12:50ULT:
For whoever does the will of my Father in the heavens, he is my brother and sister and mother.”
UST:
In fact, when a person does what God my Father, who rules from heaven, wants, I consider that person to be my brother or sister or mother.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13
Matthew 13:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:1ULT:
On that day, Jesus, having gone out of the house, was sitting beside the sea.
UST:
That same day, Jesus left the house {where he had been teaching}. He {walked to the Sea of Galilee and} sat down {to teach} next to it.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:2ULT:
And large crowds were gathered to him. As a result, having gotten into a boat, he sat down, and the whole crowd stood on the beach.
UST:
Then large groups of people came to where Jesus was. Because {there were so many people}, he got into a boat and sat down there {to teach}. All the people stood on the shore {of the Sea of Galilee to listen to him}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:3ULT:
And he spoke many things to them in parables, saying, “Behold, the sower went out to sow.
UST:
Jesus began to use stories to instruct them about many things. He said, “Listen to this: a farmer began to plant some grain seeds.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:4ULT:
And as he sowed, some fell beside the road, and the birds came and devoured them.
UST:
As he was scattering them over the soil, some of the seeds fell on the path. Then some birds flew down and ate those seeds up.
In Jesus’ parable of the sower, what happened to the seed that fell on the wayside?
The seed that fell on the wayside was devoured by the birds.
Matthew 13:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:5ULT:
But others fell on the rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, because it did not have deep soil.
UST:
Other seeds fell on shallow soil on top of a layer of rocks. Because they were growing in shallow soil, the seeds sprouted very quickly.
In Jesus’ parable of the sower, what happened to the seed that fell on rocky ground? (13:5-6)
The seed that fell on rocky ground immediately sprang up quickly, but was scorched by the sun and withered away.
Matthew 13:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:6ULT:
But {when} the sun had risen, it was scorched, and because it had no root, it withered.
UST:
However, the sun shone on the new plants and dried them up. Then, because they did not have good roots, the plants died.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:7ULT:
But others fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.
UST:
Other seeds fell onto an area full of thorny plants. These thorny plants grew quickly and crowded out the grain plants.
In Jesus’ parable of the sower, what happened to the seed that fell among the thorn plants?
The seed that fell among the thorn plants was choked by the thorn plants.
Matthew 13:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:8ULT:
But others fell on good soil and were giving fruit, some 100, and some 60, and some 30.
UST:
Finally, other seeds fell on fertile soil. {They sprouted,} and the plants produced a crop. Some plants produced 100 {grains of wheat each}, others produced 60 {grains each}, and others produced 30 {grains each}.
In Jesus’ parable of the sower, what happened to the seed that fell on good soil?
The seed that fell on good soil produced grain, some 100 times as much, some 60, and some 30.
Matthew 13:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:9ULT:
The one having ears, let him hear.”
UST:
You should think carefully about what you just heard me say!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:10ULT:
And having approached, the disciples said to him, “For what reason do you speak to them in parables?”
UST:
Then, the apprentices came to Jesus and asked him, “Why do you use stories to instruct these people?”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:11ULT:
But he, answering, said to them, “To you has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens, but to those it has not been given.
UST:
Jesus replied, “God has revealed to you hidden things about his heavenly kingdom. However, he has not revealed {those things} to these people.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:12ULT:
For whoever has, it will be given to him, and he will have an abundance. But whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
UST:
{I say that} because God will reveal even more to people who already know some things {about God’s heavenly kingdom}. They will know many things. In contrast, God will cause people who know very little {about God’s heavenly kingdom} to know nothing about it at all.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:13ULT:
For this reason I speak to them in parables; because seeing, they do not see; and hearing, they do not hear nor understand.
UST:
I use stories to instruct these people because they can look at things, but they do not really see them. They can hear what people say, but they do not really listen to it or learn from it.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:14ULT:
And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, ‘In hearing you will hear, but you will certainly not understand; and seeing, you will see, but you will certainly not perceive.
UST:
What God said by speaking through the prophet Isaiah has come true for them: ‘You will hear things, but you will not learn from them. You will look at things, but you will not really see them.
Isaiah’s prophecy said that the people would hear and see, but not what?
Isaiah’s prophecy said that the people would hear, but would not understand; they would see, but in no way perceive.
Matthew 13:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:15ULT:
For the heart of this people has been thickened, and with {their} ears they have hardly heard, and they have shut their eyes, lest they might see with {their} eyes, and they might hear with {their} ears, and they might understand with {their} heart and turn back, and I would heal them.’
UST:
{These people do not understand} because they have become stubborn; their ears are almost deaf; and they have closed their eyes because they do not want to see. They do not want to listen or try to understand, for then they would come back to me, and I would welcome and forgive them.’
What was wrong with the people who heard Jesus but did not understand?
The people who heard Jesus but did not understand had dull hearts, were heavy of hearing, and had closed their eyes.
Matthew 13:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:16ULT:
But blessed {are} your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear.
UST:
However, it is very good for you, because you really see. {It is very good} for you, because you really listen.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:17ULT:
For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous ones longed to see what you see, and did not see, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear.
UST:
Indeed, many people who spoke for God and other people who did what was right would have wanted to see the things that you are seeing me do. But they did not get to see them{, because they lived long ago}. They would have wanted to hear the things that I have said to you. But they did not get to hear them{, because they lived long ago}. What I have said is true.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:18ULT:
You, therefore, listen to the parable of the sower.
UST:
So then, listen to {me explain} the story about the farmer who planted grain seeds.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:19ULT:
Everyone hearing the word of the kingdom and not understanding, the evil one comes and snatches away {what} had been sown in his heart. This is {what} was sown beside the road.
UST:
Some people hear the message about God’s kingdom, but they do not learn from it. Then Satan comes and takes the message they heard away from their minds. These people are like the seeds that fell on the path.
In the parable of the sower, what kind of person is the seed sown on the wayside?
The seed sown on the wayside is the person who hears the word of the kingdom but does not understand it; then the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart.
Matthew 13:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:20ULT:
Now the one having been sown on the rocky ground, this is the one hearing the word and immediately receiving it with joy;
UST:
Other people are like the seeds that fell on shallow soil on top of a layer of rocks. When they hear the message {about God’s kingdom}, they rejoice and quickly believe it.
In the parable of the sower, what kind of person is the seed sown on the rocky ground? (13:20-21)
The seed sown on the rocky ground is the person who hears the word and receives it with joy immediately, but stumbles immediately when persecution arises.
Matthew 13:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:21ULT:
but he has no root in himself but is temporary; and tribulation or persecution having happened because of the word, immediately he is caused to stumble.
UST:
However, they are like plants without good roots, which do not live very long. In fact, when bad things happen or when people hurt them because they accepted the message {about God’s kingdom}, they quickly stop believing it.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:22ULT:
Now the one having been sown among the thorns, this is the one hearing the word, but the worry of this age and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
UST:
Other people are like the seeds that fell onto an area full of thorny plants. After they hear the message {about God’s kingdom}, they continue to focus on things in this world and on becoming rich, even though being rich is not as helpful as they think it will be. Focusing on these things makes the message ineffective, just as thorny plants crowd out the good plants and keep them from producing a crop.
In the parable of the sower, what kind of person is the seed sown among the thorn plants?
The seed sown among the thorn plants is the person who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word.
Matthew 13:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:23ULT:
Now the one having been sown on the good soil, this is the one hearing the word and understanding {it}, who indeed bears fruit and yields, some 100, and some 60, and some 30.”
UST:
Other people are like the seeds that fell on fertile soil. When they hear the message {about God’s kingdom}, they learn from it. They are like the plants that produced a crop. Some plants produced 100 {grains of wheat each}, others produced 60 {grains each}, and others produced 30 {grains each}.”
In the parable of the sower, what kind of person is the seed sown on the good soil?
The seed sown on the good soil is the person who hears the word and understands it, and then produces fruit.
Matthew 13:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:24ULT:
He set before them another parable, saying, “The kingdom of the heavens is compared to a man having sown good seed in his field.
UST:
Then Jesus told the people another story. He said, “Here is what God’s heavenly kingdom is like: a farmer planted some fertile grain seeds in his field.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:25ULT:
But while the men slept, his enemy came and sowed darnel among the wheat and went away.
UST:
However, as the farmer and his workers were asleep, someone who hated the farmer went into the field and planted weed seeds among the grain seeds. Then, he left {before the farmer and his workers woke up}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:26ULT:
Now when the blades sprouted and produced a crop, then the darnel became visible also.
UST:
Some time later, the wheat plants sprouted and began to produce grain. At the same time, the weed plants also {sprouted, and the workers} noticed them.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:27ULT:
Now the servants of the master of the house, having approached, said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? From where then does it have darnel?’
UST:
So, the workers reported this to the farmer. They said, ‘Sir, we know that you planted fertile seeds in your field. However, weed plants are growing there!’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:28ULT:
But he was saying to them, ‘A hostile man did this.’
But the servants say to him, ‘Do you therefore desire that, having gone out, we would gather them?’
UST:
The farmer replied, ‘A person who hates me planted these weed plants.’
Then his servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go {to the field} and remove all the weeds plants?’
In the parable of the weeds, who sowed the weeds in the field?
An enemy sowed the weeds in the field.
Matthew 13:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:29ULT:
But he says, ‘Certainly not, lest gathering the darnel, you might uproot the wheat along with them.
UST:
He answered, ‘Do not do that. If you did, you might remove some of the wheat plants while you were removing the weed plants, since they are growing together.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:30
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:30ULT:
Permit both to grow together until the harvest, and at the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather the darnel and tie them in bundles to burn them up but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”
UST:
Allow the wheat and weed plants to grow in the field together until we begin to harvest them. Then, I will command the people who are harvesting, “Pull up the weed plants first. Collect them in groups and burn them. After that, harvest the wheat plants and store the grain in my storehouse.”’”
What instructions did the landowner give the servants about the weeds and the wheat?
The landowner told the servants to let both grow together until the harvest, and then to gather the weeds to be burned, and the wheat into the barn.
Matthew 13:31
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:31ULT:
He set before them another parable, saying, “The kingdom of the heavens is like a mustard seed which, having taken, a man sowed in his field;
UST:
Then Jesus told the people another story. He said, “Here is what God’s heavenly kingdom is like: a man plants a tiny mustard seed in his field.
In Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed, what happens to the tiny mustard seed? (13:31-32)
The mustard seed becomes a tree greater than the garden plants so that the birds nest in its branches.
Matthew 13:32
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:32ULT:
which is indeed the smallest of all the seeds, but when it grows, it is greater than the vegetable plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and nest in its branches.”
UST:
This kind of seed is smaller than other kinds of seeds. However, after it sprouts, the plant becomes a tree that is bigger than other plants that people grow. In fact, birds land on its branches and make nests there.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:33
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:33ULT:
He spoke to them another parable: “The kingdom of the heavens is like yeast that a woman, having taken, mixed with three seahs of flour until it was all leavened.”
UST:
Then Jesus told the people another story. {He said,} “Here is what God’s heavenly kingdom is like: a woman measured out some yeast and mixed it with about 25 kilograms of flour. The yeast made the whole batch of dough swell up.”
How did Jesus say the kingdom of heaven was like yeast?
Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven was like yeast which was mixed with three measures of flour until it rose.
Matthew 13:34
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:34ULT:
All these things Jesus spoke in parables to the crowds, and he was speaking nothing to them without a parable,
UST:
Jesus used stories to teach all these things to the large groups of people {who were standing on the shore of the sea}. In fact, he taught them by using stories only.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:35
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:35ULT:
so that {what} had been said through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, “I will open my mouth in parables. I will declare {what} has been hidden from the foundation of the world.”
UST:
So, what God said by speaking through one of the prophets came true: “I will speak by using stories. I will reveal things that have been secret since {God} created everything.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:36
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:36ULT:
Then, having left the crowds, he went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the darnel of the field.”
UST:
After {speaking these stories}, Jesus departed from the large groups of people and entered the house {where he was staying}. His apprentices went to him and asked, “Please teach us what the story about the weed plants in the field means.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:37
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:37ULT:
Now answering, he said, “The one sowing the good seed is the Son of Man,
UST:
Jesus replied, “The farmer who planted some fertile grain seeds is like me, the Son of Man.
In the parable of the weeds, who sows the good seed, what is the field, who is the good seed, who are the weeds, and who sowed the weeds? (13:37-39)
The sower of the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world; the good seed are the sons of the kingdom; the weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the sower of the weeds is the devil.
Matthew 13:38
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:38ULT:
and the field is the world, and the good seed—these are the sons of the kingdom. And the darnel are the sons of the evil one,
UST:
The field is like the world. The fertile grain seeds are like people who participate in God’s kingdom. The weed plants are like people who obey Satan.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:39
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:39ULT:
and the enemy having sowed them is the devil. And the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels.
UST:
The person who hated the farmer and planted the weed seeds is like the devil. The time when the workers begin to harvest {the grain} is like when this time period will end. The people who are harvesting are like angels.
In the parable of the weeds, who are the reapers and what does the harvest represent?
The reapers are the angels, and the harvest is the end of the world.
Matthew 13:40
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:40ULT:
Therefore, just as the darnel are gathered and burned with fire, thus it will be at the end of the age.
UST:
The workers collect the weed plants and burn them. That is like what will happen when this time period ends.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:41
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:41ULT:
The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather from his kingdom all the stumbling blocks and the ones doing lawlessness.
UST:
I, the Son of Man, will have my angels collect everything that causes people to sin and everyone who does what is wrong. They will remove those things and people from my kingdom.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:42
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:42ULT:
And they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and grinding of the teeth.
UST:
Then, the angels will cast those things and people into hell, which is like a burning oven. There people will cry and sorrowfully grind their teeth.
What happens at the end of the world to those who commit iniquity?
At the end of the world, those who commit iniquity are thrown into the furnace of fire.
Matthew 13:43
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:43ULT:
Then the righteous will shine as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. The one having ears, let him hear.
UST:
After that, the people who did what was right will live in God their Father’s kingdom. They will be as glorious as the sun when it shines. You should think carefully about what you just heard me say!
What happens at the end of the world to those who are righteous?
At the end of the world, the righteous shine forth like the sun.
Matthew 13:44
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:44ULT:
The kingdom of the heavens is like a treasure hidden in a field, which, having found, a man hid. And from his joy, he goes and sells everything, as much as he has, and buys that field.
UST:
Here is what God’s heavenly kingdom is like: A man discovered a secret treasure in a field. He was very happy, but he put the treasure back into its secret place. He went home and sold everything that he owned. Then, he bought the field {so that he could have the treasure in it}.
In Jesus’ parable, what does the man do who finds in a field the treasure, which represents the kingdom of heaven?
The man who finds the treasure sells everything he possesses and buys the field.
Matthew 13:45
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:45ULT:
Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like a man, a merchant, seeking fine pearls.
UST:
Here is what God’s heavenly kingdom is also like: a trader wanted some valuable pearls.
In Jesus’ parable, what does the man do who finds the one pearl of great value, which represents the kingdom of heaven? (13:45-46)
The man who finds the one pearl of great value sells everything that he possesses and buys it.
Matthew 13:46
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:46ULT:
And having found one very valuable pearl, having gone away, he sold everything, as much as he had, and bought it.
UST:
Eventually, he saw a very expensive pearl. He went home and sold everything that he owned. Then, he bought that pearl.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:47
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:47ULT:
Again, the kingdom of the heavens is like a net having been cast into the sea, and having gathered from every kind,
UST:
Here is what God’s heavenly kingdom is also like: people used a net to catch fish in a lake. They caught many kinds of fish.
How is the parable of the fishing net like what will happen at the end of the world? (13:47-48)
Just as the worthless things from the net were separated from the good and thrown away, at the end of the world the wicked will be separated from the righteous and thrown into the furnace.
Matthew 13:48
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:48ULT:
which, when it was filled, having dragged onto the beach, and having sat down, they gathered the good things into containers, but the rotten things they threw out.
UST:
When the net was full {of fish}, the people pulled it onto the shore. They sat down {to sort through the fish that they had caught}. They put the edible fish into buckets and threw away the useless fish.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:49
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:49ULT:
Thus it will be at the end of the age: The angels will go out and will separate the wicked from among the righteous,
UST:
That is like what will happen when this time period ends. Angels will come, and they will divide people who do what is wrong from people who do what is right.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:50
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:50ULT:
and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and grinding of the teeth.
UST:
Then, the angels will cast the people who do what is wrong into hell, which is like a burning oven. There they will cry and sorrowfully grind their teeth.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:51
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:51ULT:
Have you understood all these things?”
They say to him, “Yes.”
UST:
Do you know what all these things {that I have taught you} mean?”
The apprentices answered, “Yes{, we know what they mean}.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:52
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:52ULT:
Now he said to them, “For this reason, every scribe having been discipled for the kingdom of the heavens is like a man, the master of the house, who brings forth new and old from his treasure.”
UST:
Jesus responded, “So then, consider teachers whose leader has trained them to participate in God’s heavenly kingdom. They are like people who manage households. {That is because} both the teachers and the people who manage households offer old and new things that are valuable.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:53
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:53ULT:
And it happened that when Jesus finished these parables, he departed from there.
UST:
So, Jesus completed telling these stories. Then, he left that place.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:54
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:54ULT:
And having come to his hometown, he was teaching them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “From where to this one {is} this wisdom and these miracles?
UST:
Then Jesus traveled to {the city of Nazareth,} where he had grown up. He instructed the people there when they gathered in the Jewish meeting place. What he said impressed them, and they said {to each other}, “We do not know how this man became so wise and powerful.
What question did the people from his own region ask about Jesus when they heard Jesus teach?
The people asked, “Where does this man get his wisdom from, and these miracles?”
Matthew 13:55
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:55ULT:
Is not this the son of the carpenter? Is not his mother called Mary, and his brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?
UST:
He is just the woodworker’s son. His mother’s name is Mary, and his {younger} brothers are James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:56
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:56ULT:
And are not all his sisters with us? From where, therefore, to this one {are} all these things?”
UST:
All his sisters live here in our town. So, we do not know how this man learned to do these things.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 13:57
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:57ULT:
And they were being caused to stumble on him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his house.”
UST:
These people rejected Jesus. So, Jesus told them, “The only ones who do not respect people who speak for God are those from where they grew up and their own families.”
What did Jesus say happens to a prophet in his own country?
Jesus said that a prophet is without honor in his own country.
Matthew 13:58
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 13:58ULT:
And he did not do many miracles there, because of their unbelief.
UST:
Since the people did not trust in him, Jesus did very few powerful things in that place.
What happened in Jesus’ own region because of the people’s unbelief?
Because of the people’s unbelief, Jesus did not do many miracles in his own region.
Matthew 14
Matthew 14:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:1ULT:
At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard the news about Jesus.
UST:
While Jesus was teaching and doing powerful things, King Herod Antipas{, the ruler over the region of Galilee,} learned what he was doing.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 14:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:2ULT:
And he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead, and because of this the powers work in him.”
UST:
He told his attendants, “This man must be John the Baptizer. God has made him alive again, and that is why he does these powerful things.”
Who did Herod think Jesus was?
Herod thought Jesus was John the Baptist risen from the dead.
Matthew 14:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:3ULT:
For Herod, having seized John, bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip.
UST:
{Herod said that because John had already died.} Here is how that happened: Herod married Herodias, who had previously been the wife of Herod’s brother Philip. John the Baptizer told Herod, “Our law forbids you to marry Herodias{, your sister-in-law}.” So, Herod told his soldiers to arrest John. They tied him up and put him in jail. (vv3-4)
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 14:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:4ULT:
For John was saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”
UST:
{Herod said that because John had already died.} Here is how that happened: Herod married Herodias, who had previously been the wife of Herod’s brother Philip. John the Baptizer told Herod, “Our law forbids you to marry Herodias{, your sister-in-law}.” So, Herod told his soldiers to arrest John. They tied him up and put him in jail. (vv3-4)
What had Herod done unlawfully, about which John the Baptist told him?
Herod had married his brother’s wife.
Matthew 14:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:5ULT:
And wanting to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they were regarding him as a prophet.
UST:
However, Herod was afraid of the large group of people who believed that John spoke for God. So, even though he wanted to have his soldiers execute John{, he did not do that}.
Why did Herod not immediately put John the Baptist to death?
Herod did not immediately put John the Baptist to death because he feared the people, who regarded John as a prophet.
Matthew 14:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:6ULT:
But the birthday of Herod having come, the daughter of Herodias danced in the midst and pleased Herod,
UST:
Sometime later, during Herod’s birthday party, Herodias’ daughter danced {for him and his guests}. Herod greatly enjoyed her dancing.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 14:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:7ULT:
because of which he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked.
UST:
So, he solemnly promised that he would give her whatever she wanted.
What did Herod do after the daughter of Herodias danced for him on his birthday?
Herod promised with an oath to give the daughter of Herodias whatever she should ask.
Matthew 14:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:8ULT:
Now she, having been urged beforehand by her mother, said, “Give me here, on a platter, the head of John the Baptist.”
UST:
Her mother, Herodias, had already told her what to ask for. So, she said to Herod, “I want you to cut off John the Baptizer’s head and bring it to me here on a plate!”
For what did the daughter of Herodias ask?
To please her mother, she asked for the head of John the Baptist upon a platter.
Matthew 14:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:9ULT:
And the king was grieved, {but} because of the oaths and the ones reclining to eat with him, he commanded {it} to be given.
UST:
King Herod was sad {about what she asked for}. However, because he had solemnly promised in front of all his guests {to give her what she asked for}, he told one of his men to do what she asked.
Why did Herod give the daughter of Herodias her request?
Herod gave the girl her request because of his oath and because of all the people at dinner with him.
Matthew 14:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:10ULT:
And having sent, he beheaded John in the prison.
UST:
He had the man go to the jail and cut off John’s head there.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 14:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:11ULT:
And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought {it} to her mother.
UST:
Then, the man put John’s head on a plate and gave it to Herodias’ daughter. She gave it to her mother.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 14:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:12ULT:
And having approached, his disciples took away the corpse and buried him. And having come, they reported {this} to Jesus.
UST:
Later, John’s apprentices went to the jail. They took John’s dead body and buried it. Then, they went to Jesus and told him what had happened.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 14:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:13ULT:
Now, having heard, Jesus withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. And having heard, the crowds followed him on foot from the cities.
UST:
After Jesus heard {that John was dead}, he sailed {with his apprentices} in a boat on the Sea of Galilee to a place where no one lived. Then, the large groups of people learned {that he had traveled there}. They left their towns and walked around the Sea of Galilee to join him.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 14:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:14ULT:
And having come out, he saw a large crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
UST:
When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw a large group of people. He pitied them, and he cured those who were sick.
What was Jesus’ reaction when he saw the large crowd following him?
Jesus had compassion on them and healed their sick.
Matthew 14:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:15ULT:
Now evening having come, the disciples came to him, saying, “This place is desolate, and the hour has already passed by. Send the crowds away so that, having gone away to the villages, they might buy food for themselves.”
UST:
When it was evening, the apprentices approached Jesus. They said to him, “This is a place where no one lives, and it is very late in the day. So, please tell the large groups of people to walk to the small towns that are nearby, where they can buy food to eat.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 14:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:16ULT:
But Jesus said to them, “They have no need to go away. You give them to eat.”
UST:
Jesus replied, “They do not need to leave {to buy food}. I want you to provide them with food to eat!”
What did Jesus challenge his disciples to do for the crowd?
Jesus challenged his disciples to give the crowd something to eat.
Matthew 14:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:17ULT:
But they say to him, “We have nothing here except five loaves and two fish.”
UST:
The apprentices replied, “We have very little food! We only have five loaves of bread and two fish.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 14:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:18ULT:
But he said, “Bring them here to me.”
UST:
Then Jesus said, “Bring those things to me.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 14:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:19ULT:
And having commanded the crowds to recline on the grass, having taken the five loaves and the two fish, having looked up to heaven, he blessed, and having broken {them}, he gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples to the crowds.
UST:
Jesus told the large groups of people to sit down on the ground. He picked up the five loaves of bread and the two fish. Then he thanked God for the food. After that, he tore the bread into pieces and gave the pieces to his apprentices. They distributed them to the large groups of people.
What did Jesus do with the five loaves and the two fish the disciples brought to him?
Jesus looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to give to the crowd.
Matthew 14:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:20ULT:
And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up the remaining of the broken pieces—12 baskets full.
UST:
Everyone ate {the bread}, and they all had enough to eat. Then the apprentices gathered the food that was left. They filled 12 large containers with the leftovers!
How many people ate, and how much food was left over? (14:20-21)
About five thousand men ate plus women and children, and there were twelve baskets left over.
Matthew 14:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:21ULT:
Now the ones eating were about 5,000 men, besides women and children.
UST:
About 5, 000 men ate {the bread}, and there were women and children there too!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 14:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:22ULT:
And immediately he compelled the disciples to get into the boat and to go before him to the other side, while he sent the crowds away.
UST:
As soon as {everyone was done eating}, Jesus had his apprentices get into a boat and sail across {the Sea of Galilee} without him. He stayed behind to tell the large groups of people to go home.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 14:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:23ULT:
And having sent the crowds away, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Now, evening having come, he was there alone.
UST:
After he told the large groups of people to go home, he climbed to the top of a hill to pray {to God} by himself. When it became dark, he was on top of the hill by himself.
What did Jesus do after he sent the crowd away?
Jesus went up on the mountain to pray by himself.
Matthew 14:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:24ULT:
But the boat was already in the middle of the sea, being tormented by the waves, for the wind was against {it}.
UST:
Meanwhile, the apprentices were on the boat in the middle of the Sea of Galilee. The wind was blowing from where they wanted to go, so many waves were striking the boat.
What was happening with the disciples in the midst of the sea?
The disciples’ boat was almost uncontrollable because of the wind and waves.
Matthew 14:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:25ULT:
Now in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.
UST:
Later, soon before morning, Jesus joined them. He was walking on top of the Sea of Galilee!
How did Jesus go to the disciples?
Jesus went to the disciples by walking on the water.
Matthew 14:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:26ULT:
But the disciples, having seen him walking on the sea, were greatly troubled, saying, “It is a ghost,” and they cried out from fear.
UST:
When the apprentices saw Jesus walking on top of the Sea of Galilee, it disturbed them. {They did not know that it was Jesus, so} they said {to each other} that he must be a dangerous spiritual being. They were so afraid that they shouted loudly.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 14:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:27ULT:
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.”
UST:
As soon as {they shouted loudly}, Jesus said to them, “Do not worry! I am {Jesus}. Stop being afraid!”
What did Jesus tell the disciples when they saw him?
Jesus told his disciples to be brave and to not be afraid.
Matthew 14:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:28ULT:
But, answering him, Peter said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
UST:
Peter replied, “My Lord, please show me that it is really you. I ask that you tell me to walk on top of the water to you!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 14:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:29ULT:
And he said, “Come.”
And Peter, having gotten out from the boat, walked on the water to go to Jesus.
UST:
Jesus said {to Peter}, “Walk to me!”
So, Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on top of the water toward Jesus.
What did Jesus tell Peter to come and do?
Jesus told Peter to come and walk on the water.
Matthew 14:30
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:30ULT:
But, seeing the strong wind, he became afraid, and having begun to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
UST:
However, Peter realized how powerful the storm was, and he was afraid. Then he started to sink into the water. He shouted {to Jesus}, “My Lord, please rescue me!”
Why did Peter begin to sink into the water?
Peter began to sink into the water when he became afraid.
Matthew 14:31
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:31ULT:
But immediately, Jesus, having stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and says to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
UST:
As soon as {Peter shouted}, Jesus reached out and lifted Peter up out of the water. Then he said to Peter, “You should not have been unsure {that I could make you walk on top of the water}. You should trust God more than you do!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 14:32
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:32ULT:
And {when} they had gotten into the boat, the wind ceased.
UST:
Then Jesus and Peter climbed into the boat. At that moment, the wind stopped blowing.
What happened when Jesus and Peter went into the boat?
When Peter and Jesus went into the boat, the wind ceased blowing.
Matthew 14:33
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:33ULT:
And the ones in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
UST:
Then the apprentices who were in the boat worshiped Jesus. They declared, “You really are God’s Son!”
What did the disciples do when they saw this?
When the disciples saw this, they worshiped Jesus and said that he was the Son of God.
Matthew 14:34
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:34ULT:
And having crossed over, they came to the land at Gennesaret.
UST:
After they finished sailing across the Sea of Galilee, they landed on the shore in the region of Gennesaret.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 14:35
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:35ULT:
And having recognized him, the men of that place sent into all that surrounding area, and they brought to him all the ones having sickness.
UST:
The men in that region recognized Jesus. So they sent people to the nearby areas {to say that Jesus had arrived}. Then people {from those areas} brought to Jesus many others who were sick.
What did the people do when Jesus and the disciples got to the other side of the sea?
When Jesus and the disciples got to the other side of the sea, the people brought to Jesus all who were sick.
Matthew 14:36
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 14:36ULT:
And they were begging him so that they might only touch the edge of his garment, and as many as touched {it} were healed.
UST:
Those who were sick asked Jesus to allow them just to touch the hem of his robe. Everyone who did so became healthy.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15
Matthew 15:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:1ULT:
Then Pharisees and scribes come to Jesus from Jerusalem, saying,
UST:
After that, some Pharisees and teachers of the Jewish law who were from the city of Jerusalem visited Jesus. They told him,
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:2ULT:
“Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.”
UST:
“Your apprentices do not cleanse their hands before they eat. So, they are disobeying the teachings we received from our ancestors. They should not do that!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:3ULT:
But he, answering, said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?
UST:
Jesus replied, “Sometimes you use the teachings that you received to disobey the laws that God gave us. You should not do that!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:4ULT:
For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and ‘The one speaking evil of his father or mother, let him end in death.’
UST:
For example, God gave this law: ‘Treat your parents respectfully.’ {He} also {gave this law}: ‘Execute anyone who insults his or her parents.’
What example did Jesus give of how did the Pharisees made void the word of God by their traditions? (15:4-6)
The Pharisees prevented children from helping their parents by taking the money as a “gift given to God.”
Matthew 15:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:5ULT:
But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever you might have benefited from me {is} a gift,”
UST:
However, you tell people that they can say to their parents, ‘I have given to God everything that I could have used to provide for you.’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:6ULT:
he will certainly not honor his father.’ And you have set aside the wordof God because of your tradition.
UST:
Then, you tell these people that they cannot treat their parents respectfully {by providing for them}. In that way, you use the teachings that you received to ignore what God commanded.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:7ULT:
Hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied well about you, saying,
UST:
You say that you obey God, but you really do not! Isaiah {the prophet} was right when God spoke through him about you,
What did Isaiah prophecy about the Pharisees’ lips and hearts? (15:7-8)
Isaiah prophesied that the Pharisees would honor God with their lips, but their heart would be far from God.
Matthew 15:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:8ULT:
‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far away from me.
UST:
‘You people treat me respectfully when you talk, but you do not really care about me.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:9ULT:
But they worship me in vain, teaching as doctrines commandments of men.’”
UST:
When you worship me, it is useless. {That is because} you use only what humans have commanded to instruct others.’”
Instead of teaching the word of God, what were the Pharisees teaching as doctrine?
The Pharisees were teaching as doctrines the commands of people.
Matthew 15:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:10ULT:
And having summoned the crowd, he said to them, “Listen and understand:
UST:
Then Jesus told the large group of people to come to him. He told them, “Listen {to what I am about to say} and learn {from it}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:11ULT:
What enters into the mouth does not defile the man, but what comes out from the mouth, this defiles the man.”
UST:
Whatever people eat cannot make them unclean. Rather, it is what people say that makes them unclean.”
What did Jesus say does not defile a person?
Jesus said that what a person eats does not defile a person.
What did Jesus say does defile a person?
Jesus said that what comes out of a person’s mouth defiles a person.
Matthew 15:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:12ULT:
Then, having approached, the disciples said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees, having heard this word, were caused to stumble?”
UST:
Later, his apprentices went to him and asked him, “We want you to know that the Pharisees heard what you said and became very upset.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:13ULT:
But he, answering, said, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.
UST:
Jesus replied, “{Those Pharisees are like} plants that God my Father, who rules from heaven, did not plant. {He will punish them in the same way that} he would tear up such plants.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:14ULT:
Leave them! They are blind guides. But if a blind one guides a blind one, both will fall into a pit.”
UST:
Do not listen to them. They do not know what they should be teaching. They are like blind people who guide other blind people right into a hole in the ground.”
What did Jesus call the Pharisees, and what did he say would happen to them?
Jesus called the Pharisees blind guides and said that they would fall into a pit.
Matthew 15:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:15ULT:
But answering, Peter said to him, “Explain the parable to us.”
UST:
Peter replied, “Please tell us what that story means.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:16ULT:
But he said, “Are you also still without understanding?
UST:
Jesus answered, “You too have not yet learned what I mean.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:17ULT:
Do you not yet understand that everything that enters into the mouth passes into the stomach and is passed out into the latrine?
UST:
I want you to realize that everything that people eat simply goes into their stomachs. Eventually, their bodies expel what they ate into toilets.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:18ULT:
But the things coming out from the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man.
UST:
What actually makes people unclean is what they say, which shows what they think and care about.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:19ULT:
For from the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immoralities, thefts, false testimonies, blasphemies.
UST:
In fact, it is because of what people think and care about that they think evil things, kill others, are sexually unfaithful to their spouses, have improper sex, steal things, speak what is untrue, and say bad things {about God or others}.
What kinds of things proceed from the heart, which defile a person?
From the heart proceeds evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, and insults.
Matthew 15:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:20ULT:
These are the things defiling the man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man.”
UST:
It is doing those things that makes people unclean. However, when people do not cleanse their hands before they eat, that does not make them unclean.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:21ULT:
And having come out from there, Jesus withdrew into the regions of Tyre and Sidon.
UST:
After that, Jesus {and his apprentices} left the region of Gennesaret. They traveled to the areas near the cities of Tyre and Sidon.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:22ULT:
And behold, a Canaanite woman, having come out from those regions, was crying out, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”
UST:
Then, a non-Jewish woman who was from those areas visited Jesus. She called out to him, “My Lord, you who are a descendant of King David, help me! A demon is controlling my daughter and making her suffer.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:23ULT:
But he did not answer her a word. And having approached, his disciples were begging him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.”
UST:
However, Jesus did not say anything to her. Then his apprentices came to him and said, “This woman is {bothering us by} following us and calling out to you. Please tell her to go home.”
What did Jesus do at first when the Canaanite woman shouted out to him for mercy?
Jesus answered her not a word.
Matthew 15:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:24ULT:
But he, answering, said, “I was not sent, except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
UST:
Jesus answered them, “God told me to go only to my fellow Israelites. They are like sheep who have wandered off {and need help}.”
What was Jesus’ explanation of why he was not helping the Canaanite woman?
Jesus explained that he had been sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Matthew 15:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:25ULT:
But she, having come, bowed down to him, saying, “Lord, help me.”
UST:
Then the woman approached Jesus. She knelt down in front of him and pled, “My Lord, please help me!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:26ULT:
Now he, answering, said, “It is not good to take the bread of the children and to throw {it} to the little dogs.”
UST:
Jesus replied, “Suppose that someone takes food for children and gives it to dogs instead. That is not appropriate! {That is why I am not helping you.}”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:27ULT:
But she said, “Yes, Lord, for also the little dogs eat from the crumbs falling from the table of their masters.”
UST:
The woman replied, “My Lord, what you say is correct. In fact, though, dogs do eat leftovers that their owners spill on the ground. {What I am asking you to do is like those leftovers.}”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:28ULT:
Then answering, Jesus said to her, “O woman, great {is} your faith; let it be done for you just as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.
UST:
When {he heard that,} Jesus told her, “You have impressed me because you trust me very much! I will do for you what you want me to do.” At that very moment, Jesus cured her daughter.
When the Canaanite woman humbled herself, what did Jesus say to her and do for her?
Jesus said that the woman had great faith, and he granted her her request.
Matthew 15:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:29ULT:
And having left from there, Jesus went along the Sea of Galilee, and having gone up on a mountain, he was sitting there.
UST:
After that, Jesus {and his apprentices} left {the areas near the cities of Tyre and Sidon}. They traveled to the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Then Jesus went up on a hill and sat down.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:30
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:30ULT:
And large crowds approached him, having with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others. And they laid them at his feet, and he healed them,
UST:
Large groups of people came to him. They brought people who could not walk, people who could not see, people who could not use their hands normally, people who could not speak, and people who were sick in many other ways. They set these people down in front of Jesus. Then, Jesus cured these people.
What did Jesus do for the large crowds that came to him in Galilee? (15:30-31)
Jesus healed the mute, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.
Matthew 15:31
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:31ULT:
so that the crowd marveled, seeing the mute speaking, the crippled healthy, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing, and they glorified the God of Israel.
UST:
The large group of people saw {what Jesus had done}. People who could not talk were now speaking. People who could not use their hands normally were now able to do so. People who could not walk were now walking. People who could not see were now seeing. What Jesus had done impressed the large group of people. They praised the God whom the Israelites worship.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:32
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:32ULT:
But Jesus, having summoned his disciples, said, “I have compassion on the crowd, because they are remaining with me already three days and do not have anything {that} they might eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they might faint on the way.”
UST:
After that, Jesus told his apprentices to come to him. He said to them, “I pity the large group of people. They have already spent three days with me, and they do not have any food to eat. Further, I do not want to tell them to go home while they are hungry, because then they might pass out while they are walking home.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:33
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:33ULT:
And the disciples say to him, “From where {would be} to us in a desolate place so many loaves so as to satisfy so large a crowd?”
UST:
The apprentices replied, “In this place where no one lives, we certainly do not have enough food for this large group of people to have enough to eat!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:34
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:34ULT:
And Jesus says to them, “How many loaves do you have?”
And they said, “Seven, and a few small fish.”
UST:
Jesus asked them, “How many loaves of bread do you have with you?”
They replied, “We have with us seven loaves of bread and a few little fish.”
How many loaves and fish did the disciples have to feed the crowd?
The disciples had seven loaves, and a few small fish.
Matthew 15:35
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:35ULT:
And having commanded the crowd to recline on the ground,
UST:
Then Jesus told the large group of people to sit down on the ground.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 15:36
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:36ULT:
he took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks, he broke {them} and was giving {them} to the disciples, and the disciples to the crowds.
UST:
He picked up the seven loaves of bread and the fish. Then he thanked God for the food. After that, he tore the bread into pieces and gave the pieces to his apprentices. They distributed them to the large group of people.
What did Jesus do with the loaves and fish?
Jesus took the loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves and gave them to his disciples.
Matthew 15:37
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:37ULT:
And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up the remaining of the broken pieces—seven baskets full.
UST:
Everyone ate {the bread}, and they all had enough to eat. Then the apprentices gathered the food that was left. They filled seven large containers with the leftovers!
How much food was left over after everyone ate?
There were seven baskets full remaining after everyone ate.
Matthew 15:38
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:38ULT:
But those eating were 4,000 men, besides women and children.
UST:
{About} 4, 000 men ate {the bread}, and there were women and children there too!
How many people ate and were satisfied from the loaves and fish?
There were 4,000 men, plus women and children, who ate and were satisfied.
Matthew 15:39
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 15:39ULT:
And having sent away the crowds, he got into the boat and went into the regions of Magadan.
UST:
After he told the large group of people to go home, Jesus climbed into a boat. He {and his apprentices} sailed to the areas near the town of Magadan.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 16
Matthew 16:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:1ULT:
And the Pharisees and Sadducees, having approached, testing {him}, asked him to show them a sign from heaven.
UST:
Some Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus in order to investigate him. They said to him, “We want you to perform a miracle that shows that God sent you.”
What did the Pharisees and Sadducees want to see from Jesus as a test?
The Pharisees and Sadducees wanted to see a sign from heaven from Jesus.
Matthew 16:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:2ULT:
But he answering said to them, “[Evening having come, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’
UST:
He answered them, “[When it is evening and the sky looks red, you know that there will be good weather {the next day}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 16:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:3ULT:
And in early morning, ‘Today will be stormy, for the sky is red, being overcast.’ You know to interpret the face of the sky, but the signs of the times you are not able.]
UST:
When it is morning and the sky looks red and cloudy, {you know that} there will be storms that day. So, you realize what it means when the sky looks a certain way. However, you do not {realize} what God is doing right now.]
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 16:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:4ULT:
An evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign, but a sign will not be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” And having left them, he went away.
UST:
You people who are alive right now are wicked and faithless. You want me to do a miracle {that proves that God sent me}. However, the only miracle you will see is a miracle like the one that happened to {the prophet} Jonah.” Then Jesus {and his apprentices} departed from the Pharisees and Sadducees.
What did Jesus say he would give the Pharisees and Sadducees?
Jesus said he would give the Pharisees and Sadducees the sign of Jonah.
Matthew 16:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:5ULT:
And the disciples, having come to the other side, forgot to take loaves.
UST:
They sailed to the other side {of the Sea of Galilee}. Then, the apprentices realized that they had not remembered to take any bread with them.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 16:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:6ULT:
Now Jesus said to them, “See and guard from the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
UST:
At that point, Jesus said to them, “Be alert and watch out for the yeast that the Pharisees and Sadducees use.”
Of what did Jesus tell his disciples to beware?
Jesus told his disciples to beware the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Matthew 16:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:7ULT:
But they were reasoning among themselves, saying, “{It is} because we did not take loaves.”
UST:
Then the apprentices told each other, “{He must have said that} because we did not take any bread with us.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 16:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:8ULT:
But, having known this, Jesus said, “You of little faith, why are you reasoning among yourselves that you do not have loaves?
UST:
Jesus realized {what they were saying to each other}. He told them, “You should not be telling each other that you do not have bread. You should trust God more than you do!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 16:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:9ULT:
Do you not yet perceive nor remember the five loaves of the 5,000, and how many baskets you received?
UST:
You should already remember and understand how I fed 5, 000 men with just five loaves of bread. Then you gathered the food that was left into {12} large containers.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 16:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:10ULT:
Nor the seven loaves of the 4,000, and how many baskets you received?
UST:
{You should also remember and understand} how I fed 4, 000 men with just seven loaves of bread. Then you gathered the food that was left into {seven} large containers.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 16:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:11ULT:
How do you not perceive that I did not speak to you about loaves? But guard from the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
UST:
I want you to understand that I am speaking about bread in a figurative way. So {I say again}, watch out for the yeast that the Pharisees and Sadducees use.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 16:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:12ULT:
Then they understood that he had not told them to guard from the yeast of loaves, but from the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
UST:
After {Jesus said that}, the apprentices realized that {he was telling them to watch out for} what the Pharisees and Sadducees were teaching. He was not telling them to watch out for the yeast that people use to make bread.
About what was Jesus actually talking when he told his disciples to beware?
Jesus was telling his disciples to beware of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Matthew 16:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:13ULT:
Now Jesus, having come to the regions of Caesarea Philippi, asked his disciples, saying, “Who do men say the Son of Man is?”
UST:
Sometime later, Jesus {and his apprentices} arrived in the area near the city of Caesarea Philippi. Then Jesus asked his apprentices, “Who do people say that I, the Son of Man, really am?”
What question did Jesus ask his disciples when they came to Caesarea Philippi?
Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
Matthew 16:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:14ULT:
And they said, “Some, John the Baptist; and some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”
UST:
The apprentices replied, “People say that you are one of the prophets {who has come back to life}. {More specifically,} some people say that you are John the Baptizer. Other people say that you are the prophet Elijah. Other people say that you are the prophet Jeremiah.”
Who did some people think that Jesus was?
Some people thought that Jesus was John the Baptist, or Elijah, or Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.
Matthew 16:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:15ULT:
He says to them, “But who do you say I am?”
UST:
Jesus asked, “As for you, who do you say that I really am?”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 16:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:16ULT:
And answering, Simon Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
UST:
Simon Peter replied, “You are the Messiah! You are the Son of the only real God.”
What answer did Peter give to Jesus’ question?
Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”
Matthew 16:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:17ULT:
Now answering, Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in the heavens.
UST:
Jesus responded, “Simon, descendant of Jonah, God my Father, who rules from heaven, has blessed you. He has made known to you what you said. In fact, no human could have made it known to you.
How did Peter know the answer to Jesus’ question?
Peter knew the answer to Jesus’ question because the Father had revealed it to him.
Matthew 16:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:18ULT:
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
UST:
I also want you to know that I will make you become like your name, Peter, which means ‘rock.’ I will make you like a foundation stone on which I will construct a building, which represents everyone who believes in me. Even when those people die, that will not destroy them.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 16:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:19ULT:
I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of the heavens, and whatever you bind on the earth will have been bound in the heavens, and whatever you loose on the earth will have been loosed in the heavens.”
UST:
I will commission you to oversee God’s heavenly kingdom. When you confirm something here on earth, God will confirm it in heaven. When you nullify something here on earth, God will nullify it in heaven.”
What authority did Jesus give to Peter on earth?
Jesus gave to Peter the keys of the kingdom, so that he could bind and loose on earth and it would be bound or loosed in heaven.
Matthew 16:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:20ULT:
Then he commanded the disciples that they tell no one that he is the Christ.
UST:
After that, Jesus ordered the apprentices not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 16:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:21ULT:
From that time Jesus Christ began to show to his disciples that it is necessary for him to go to Jerusalem and to suffer much from the elders and chief priests and scribes and to be killed and to be raised on the third day.
UST:
From then on, Jesus the Messiah began to teach his apprentices that he had to travel to the city of Jerusalem. There, the Jewish leaders, the ruling priests, and the teachers of the Jewish law would hurt him very much and have people kill him. During the third day after he died, God would make him alive again.
At this time, what did Jesus begin to tell his disciples plainly?
Jesus began to tell his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, suffer many things, be killed, and be raised on the third day.
Matthew 16:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:22ULT:
And having taken him aside, Peter began to rebuke him, saying, “Merciful to you, Lord; this will certainly not be to you.”
UST:
Then Peter spoke to Jesus privately. He began to scold Jesus, “My Lord, do not say those things! What you have spoken about will never happen to you.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 16:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:23ULT:
But he, having turned, said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, because you are not considering the things of God, but the things of men.”
UST:
Then Jesus faced Peter. He said, “Do not try to stop me. You are behaving as Satan does! You are thinking about what humans care about instead of thinking about what God cares about. Because of that, you are trying to make me do what is wrong.”
What did Jesus tell Peter when Peter objected to what Jesus was describing would happen to him?
Jesus said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan”!
Matthew 16:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:24ULT:
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
UST:
Next, Jesus said to all his apprentices, “People who want to come with me and be my apprentices must refuse to do what they want to do. They must be willing to suffer or die, as if they were carrying their own crosses, when they come with me as my apprentices.
What must anyone do who wants to follow Jesus?
Anyone who wants to follow Jesus must deny himself, and take up his cross.
Matthew 16:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:25ULT:
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
UST:
{That is} because people who are willing to do anything to stay alive will not truly live. However, people who are willing to die because they are my apprentices will truly live.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 16:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:26ULT:
For what will a man benefit if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?
UST:
Suppose that some people acquire everything they could possibly want. However, they can no longer truly live. That is not worth it! People cannot acquire anything that is as valuable as truly living.
What did Jesus say does not profit a man?
Jesus said that it does not profit a man to gain the whole world, but to forfeit his life.
Matthew 16:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:27ULT:
For the Son of Man is about to come in the glory of his Father with his angels. And then he will repay each one according to his action.
UST:
{That is important} because I, the Son of Man, will soon return with my angels. I will be as glorious as God my Father. At that time, I will {justly} reward or punish people for whatever they have done.
How did Jesus say the Son of Man will come?
Jesus said the Son of Man would come in the glory of his Father with his angels.
How will the Son of Man reward every person when he comes?
The Son of Man will reward every person according to his deeds when he comes.
Matthew 16:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 16:28ULT:
Truly I say to you that there are some of the ones standing here who will certainly not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
UST:
Some of you who are here with me will definitely see me, the Son of Man, ruling over my kingdom before you die. What I have said is true.”
Who did Jesus say would see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom?
Jesus said that some standing there with him would see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.
Matthew 17
Matthew 17:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:1ULT:
And after six days, Jesus takes along Peter, and James, and John his brother, and brings them up onto a high mountain by themselves.
UST:
Six days later, Jesus climbed up a tall mountain. He had Peter, James, and James’ {younger} brother John go with him. No one else was with them.
Who went with Jesus up on a high mountain?
Peter, James, and John went with Jesus up on a high mountain.
Matthew 17:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:2ULT:
And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone as the sun, and his garments became white as the light.
UST:
Then, the three apprentices saw Jesus change how he appeared. His face became as radiant as the sun. His clothes became bright white.
What happened to Jesus’ appearance on the mountain?
Jesus was transfigured so that his face shone like the sun, and his garments were as brilliant as the light.
Matthew 17:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:3ULT:
And behold, Moses and Elijah were seen by them, talking with him.
UST:
After that, Moses and Elijah{, who were prophets from long ago,} appeared to the three apprentices! These prophets were speaking to Jesus.
Who appeared and talked with Jesus?
Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus.
Matthew 17:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:4ULT:
And answering, Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will makehere three tents, one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
UST:
Peter responded by saying to Jesus, “My Lord, it is appropriate for all of us to be here. If you want me to, I will build three shelters. You, Moses, and Elijah can each use one.”
What did Peter offer to do?
Peter offered to make three tents for the three men.
Matthew 17:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:5ULT:
{While} he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice from the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”
UST:
As Peter was talking, a radiant cloud covered all of them! Then God spoke from the cloud! He declared, “This man is my Son, the one whom I love dearly. What he does pleases me. Do what he says.”
What did the voice out of the cloud say?
The voice out of the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”
Matthew 17:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:6ULT:
And having heard, the disciples fell on their face and were very afraid.
UST:
After the three apprentices heard that, they became extremely afraid. They kneeled down to worship God.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 17:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:7ULT:
And Jesus approached and having touched them, said, “Get up and do not be afraid.”
UST:
Then Jesus came close to them. He touched them and told them, “Stand up! Stop being afraid!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 17:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:8ULT:
But, having lifted up their eyes, they saw no one except only Jesus himself.
UST:
When they looked up, the only person whom they saw was Jesus.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 17:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:9ULT:
And {as} they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man might have risen from the dead.”
UST:
While they were walking down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Do not tell anyone about what you just saw until I, the Son of Man, live again.”
What did Jesus command the disciples as they were coming down the mountain?
Jesus commanded the disciples to report their vision to no one until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
Matthew 17:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:10ULT:
And his disciples questioned him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that it is necessary for Elijah to come first?”
UST:
Then, those three apprentices asked Jesus, “The teachers of the Jewish law tell us that the prophet Elijah has to be here before {the Messiah gets here}. Are they right about that? {We ask because we just saw the prophet Elijah}.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 17:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:11ULT:
But he, answering, said, “Elijah indeed comes and will restore all things.
UST:
Jesus replied, “{They are right} that the prophet Elijah has to be here and that he will make everything as it should be.
What did Jesus say about the teaching of the scribes that Elijah must come first?
Jesus said that Elijah will indeed come and restore all things.
Matthew 17:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:12ULT:
But I say to you that Elijah already came, and they did not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they wanted. In the same way also, the Son of Man is about to suffer by them.”
UST:
Now here is what I want you to know: the prophet Elijah has been here already. However, people did not realize that it was Elijah. Instead, they treated him badly. Further, they are about to hurt me, the Son of Man, in similar ways.”
Who did Jesus say was the Elijah who had already come, and what had been done to him? (17:12-13)
Jesus said John the Baptist was the Elijah who had already come, and they had done whatever they wanted to him.
Matthew 17:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:13ULT:
Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them about John the Baptist.
UST:
After that, the three apprentices realized that Jesus was telling them {that the person he called Elijah was} John the Baptizer.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 17:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:14ULT:
And having come to the crowd, a man approached him, kneeling before him
UST:
When the four of them returned to the large group of people, a man came up to Jesus and bowed down in front of him.
What had the disciples been able to do for the epileptic boy? (17:14-16)
The disciples had not been able to cure the epileptic boy.
Matthew 17:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:15ULT:
and saying, “Lord, have mercy on my son, because he is epileptic and has sickness, for he often falls into the fire and often into the water.
UST:
He said {to Jesus}, “My lord, please help my son! He is very sick and has seizures. He frequently falls into fires or bodies of water.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 17:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:16ULT:
And I brought him to your disciples, and they were not able to heal him.”
UST:
I took him {here} to your apprentices {in order that they might cure him}. However, they were not able to do so.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 17:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:17ULT:
But answering, Jesus said, “O unbelieving and perverted generation, until when will I be with you? Until when will I bear with you? Bring him here to me.”
UST:
Jesus responded, “You people who are alive right now do not believe or think properly. It is hard for me to live here with you. It is difficult for me to be patient with you.” {Then he said to them,} “Bring the man’s son here to me!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 17:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:18ULT:
And Jesus rebuked it, and the demon came out from him, and the boy was healed from that hour.
UST:
Then, Jesus commanded the demon {who was controlling the man’s son} to stop {doing so}. The demon obeyed and left him. At that very moment, Jesus cured the man’s son.
What did Jesus do for the epileptic boy?
Jesus rebuked the demon, and the boy was cured from that hour.
Matthew 17:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:19ULT:
Then the disciples, having approached Jesus privately, said, “For what reason were we not able to cast it out?”
UST:
Later, the apprentices came to Jesus when they were alone. They asked him, “Why could we not drive out that demon?”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 17:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:20ULT:
And he says to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly I say to you, if you had faith like a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.
UST:
He answered, “{You could not drive it out} because you trust in God so little. Suppose that you trusted God even a little bit, as little as a tiny mustard seed. Then, you could tell the mountain {we just walked down} to go from one place to another, and it would do so. You could do anything! What I have said is true.
Why were the disciples not able to cure the epileptic boy?
Jesus said that because of their small faith they could not cure the epileptic boy.
Matthew 17:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:21ULT:
[But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.]”
UST:
[Now you can only drive out this type of demon by praying and by not eating in order to please God.]”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 17:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:22ULT:
Now they being gathered together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be handed over into the hands of men,
UST:
Sometime later, the apprentices met together in the region of Galilee. Jesus told them, “Soon somebody will help my enemies arrest me, the Son of Man.
What did Jesus tell his disciples that made them very sad? (17:22-23)
Jesus told his disciples that he would be delivered into the hands of people who would kill him, and that he would be raised up on the third day.
Matthew 17:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:23ULT:
and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised up.” And they were very grieved.
UST:
They will have people kill me. Then, during the third day after I died, God will make me alive again.” {When they heard that, the apprentices} became very sad.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 17:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:24ULT:
Now {when} they had come to Capernaum, the ones collecting the two-drachma tax approached Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay the two-drachma tax?”
UST:
Later, Jesus and his apprentices went to the city of Capernaum. Some people who collected taxes for the temple came up to Peter. They asked him, “Your instructor pays the tax for the temple, right?”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 17:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:25ULT:
He says, “Yes.”
And having entered into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? The kings of the earth—from whom do they receive taxes or tolls? From their sons or from strangers?”
UST:
Peter answered, “Yes, he does pay it.”
Then Peter went into the house {where Jesus was staying}. Before Peter could say anything, Jesus said to him, “Simon, tell me what you think. Who has to pay taxes to the kings who rule in this world? Do their own children have to pay taxes? Or do people whom the kings do not know have to pay taxes?”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 17:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:26ULT:
But having said, “From strangers,”
Jesus said to him, “Therefore, the sons are free.
UST:
Peter replied, “People whom the kings do not know {have to pay taxes}.”
Then Jesus said to him, “So then, the children of kings do not have to pay anything. {That means that we do not have to pay anything either.}
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 17:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 17:27ULT:
But in order that we might not cause them to stumble, having gone to the sea, throw in a fishhook, and draw in the first fish having come up. And having opened its mouth, you will find a shekel. Having taken that, give {it} to them on behalf of me and you.”
UST:
However, we do not want to upset the people who collect taxes. So, go to the Sea of Galilee and prepare your fishing tools. Pick up the first fish that you capture. Look in its mouth, and you will see a silver coin {that is worth about twice the tax}. Take the coin to the people who collect taxes to pay for my tax and your tax.”
How did Peter and Jesus pay the half-shekel tax?
Jesus told Peter to go to the sea, throw in a hook, and draw in the fish that comes up first, which would have a shekel in its mouth for the tax.
Matthew 18
Matthew 18:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:1ULT:
At that hour the disciples approached Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of the heavens?”
UST:
Immediately after that, the apprentices came to Jesus. They asked him, “So then, who will be the most important people in God’s heavenly kingdom?”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 18:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:2ULT:
And having summoned a little child, he set him in the midst of them
UST:
Jesus told a young child to come to him. He had the young child stand among them.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 18:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:3ULT:
and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like little children, you will certainly not enter into the kingdom of the heavens.
UST:
Then he told them, “You need to change so that you are like young children. That is the only way to participate in God’s heavenly kingdom. What I have said is true.
What did Jesus say we must do to enter the kingdom of heaven?
Jesus said we must repent and become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:4ULT:
Therefore, whoever will humble himself like this little child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of the heavens.
UST:
So then, consider people who make themselves less important, so that they are as unimportant as this young child. It is those people who are the most important in God’s heavenly kingdom.
Who did Jesus say is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
Jesus said that whoever humbles himself like a little child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:5ULT:
And whoever receives a little child like this in my name receives me.
UST:
Further, when people, because they are my apprentices, welcome a young child such as this one here, it is the same as welcoming me.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 18:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:6ULT:
But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it is better for him that a millstone of a donkey would have been hung around his neck and he would have been sunk into the depth of the sea.
UST:
On the other hand, suppose that an insignificant person who trusts me sinned because of certain people. {God will punish those people so severely that} they would prefer to have someone tie a heavy stone around their necks and drop them into the middle of the ocean.
What happens to whoever causes a little one who believes in Jesus to sin?
Whoever causes a little one who believes in Jesus to sin would be better off if a millstone had been hung about his neck and he had been sunk into the sea.
Matthew 18:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:7ULT:
Woe to the world because of the stumbling blocks! For it is necessary that the stumbling blocks come, but woe to the man through whom the stumbling block comes!
UST:
How terrible it will be for people in this world because of the things that cause them to sin! Now those things have to exist. However, how terrible it will be for the people who cause those things to exist!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 18:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:8ULT:
Now if your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw {it} away from you. It is better for you to enter into life crippled or lame than, having two hands or two feet, to be thrown into the eternal fire.
UST:
Suppose that you sinned because you touched something or went somewhere. You should never do that again, even if you have to chop off your hands or your feet to make sure of it! {You should respond that drastically because} it is better for you to truly live without hands or feet than to have both hands and feet but end up in hell.
What did Jesus say we must do with anything that causes us to stumble?
Jesus said we must throw away anything that causes us to stumble.
Matthew 18:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:9ULT:
And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw {it} away from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye than, having two eyes, to be thrown into the Gehenna of fire.
UST:
Suppose that you sinned because you looked at something. You should never do that again, even if you have to remove your eyes to make sure of it! {You should respond that drastically because} it is better for you to truly live with only one eye than to have both eyes but end up in hell.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 18:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:10ULT:
See that you would not despise one of these little ones. For I say to you that in heaven their angels always look on the face of my Father in the heavens.
UST:
Do not consider even one insignificant person {who trusts me} to be unimportant. In fact, I want you to know that the angels that protect them are in heaven. They are continually with God my Father, who rules from heaven.
Why did Jesus say we must not despise the little ones?
We must not despise the little ones, because their angels always look on the face of the Father.
Matthew 18:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:11ULT:
[For the Son of Man came to save the one that has been lost.]
UST:
[I, the Son of Man, am here to rescue people who do not worship and obey God.]
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 18:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:12ULT:
What do you think? If a certain man has 100 sheep, and one of them goes astray, having left the 99 on the mountains and having gone, does he not seek the one having gone astray?
UST:
Think about this situation: A man owns 100 sheep, but one of them wanders away. The man will most certainly leave the 99 other sheep on the side of a hill by themselves and search for the one sheep that wandered away!
How is the person who seeks the one lost sheep like the Father in heaven? (18:12-14)
It is also not the will of the Father that one of the little ones should perish.
Matthew 18:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:13ULT:
And if he happens to find it, truly I say to you that he rejoices over it more than over the 99 that have not gone astray.
UST:
Now suppose that he found the one sheep that wandered away. He would be much happier about this one sheep than about the 99 other sheep that did not wander away. What I have said is true!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 18:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:14ULT:
In the same way, it is not the will before your Fatherin the heavens that one of these little ones would perish.
UST:
God your Father, who rules from heaven, is like that man. He does not want even one unsignificant person {who trusts me} to end up in hell.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 18:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:15ULT:
But if your brother sins against you, go, reprove him between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
UST:
Suppose that fellow believers sin against you. You should visit them and privately tell them what they did wrong. Suppose that they accept what you say. In that case, you have made things right with your fellow believers.
If your brother sins against you, what is the first thing you should do?
First, you should go and show him his fault between you and him alone.
Matthew 18:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:16ULT:
But if he does not listen, take with you yet one or two {others}, so that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word might be verified.’
UST:
However, suppose that those fellow believers do not accept what you say. In that case, bring one or two other believers with you {when you visit them again to tell them what they did wrong}. That way, {you are doing what Moses wrote in the law, that} two or three people must confirm what someone says.
If your brother does not listen, what is the second thing you should do?
Second, you should take with you one or two more brothers as witnesses.
Matthew 18:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:17ULT:
But if he refuses to listen to them, speak to the church. But if he also refuses to listen to the church, let him be to you even as the Gentile and the tax collector.
UST:
Suppose that those fellow believers reject what the people you brought with you say. In that case, tell the whole group of believers {about what happened}. Finally, suppose that those fellow believers reject what the group of believers says. In that case, treat those fellow believers as if they were {unbelieving} non-Jews or people who collect taxes. {Do not treat them as fellow believers any longer.}
If your brother still does not listen, what is the third thing you should do?
Third, you should tell the matter to the church.
If your brother still will not listen, what should be done?
Finally, if he will not listen to the church, he should be treated as a Gentile and a tax collector.
Matthew 18:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:18ULT:
Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on the earth will be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on the earth will be loosed in heaven.
UST:
When you confirm anything here on earth, God will confirm it in heaven. When you nullify anything here on earth, God will nullify it in heaven. What I have said is true!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 18:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:19ULT:
Again, truly I say to you that if two of you agree together on the earth about any matter, whatever they might ask, it will be done for them by my Father in the heavens.
UST:
Also, when at least two of you here on earth together request the same thing, God my Father, who rules from heaven, will do whatever it is that you request. What I have said is true!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 18:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:20ULT:
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst.”
UST:
{God will do that} because I am spiritually present whenever at least two or three of you come together as my apprentices.”
What did Jesus promise where two or three are gathered in his name?
Jesus promised to be in the midst of two or three gathered in his name.
Matthew 18:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:21ULT:
Then, having approached, Peter said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me and I will forgive him? Until seven times?”
UST:
After that, Peter came to Jesus and asked, “My Lord, how many times do I need to forgive fellow believers when they keep sinning against me? {Do I need to forgive them} as many as seven times?”
How many times did Jesus say we should forgive our brother? (18:21-22)
Jesus said we should forgive our brother 70 times 7 times.
Matthew 18:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:22ULT:
Jesus says to him, “I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to 77 times.
UST:
Jesus replied, “I tell you that you must forgive others 77 times {and more}, not just seven times.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 18:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:23ULT:
For this reason, the kingdom of the heavens is compared to a man, a king, who wanted to take up a word together with his slaves.
UST:
Given what I have told you, here is what God’s heavenly kingdom is like: a king wished to have his servants pay him what they owed him.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 18:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:24ULT:
Now {when} he had begun to take up together, one debtor of 10,000 talents was brought to him.
UST:
So, the king began to find out {what his servants owed him}. Someone led in a servant who owed the king an extremely large sum of money.
What did the servant owe his master, and could he repay his master? (18:24-25)
The servant owed his master 10,000 talents, which he could not repay.
Matthew 18:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:25ULT:
But, he not being able to repay, the master commanded him to be sold, together with his wife and children and everything, as much as he had, and repayment to be made.
UST:
However, the servant did not have enough money to pay what he owed. So, the king told his men, ‘Sell as slaves the servant, the servant’s wife, and the servant’s children. Also, sell anything that the servant owns. Then, give me the money that you received.’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 18:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:26ULT:
So, having fallen down, the slave was bowing down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will repay you everything.’
UST:
After he heard that, the servant knelt down in front of the king. He begged him, ‘My lord, please wait patiently. I will eventually pay all the money that I owe.’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 18:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:27ULT:
Now, having had compassion, the master of that slave released him and forgave him the debt.
UST:
The king pitied his servant. So, he did not require the servant to pay what he owed, and he let him go.
Why did the master forgive the servant his debt?
The master was moved with compassion and forgave the servant his debt.
Matthew 18:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:28ULT:
But having gone out, that slave found one of his fellow slaves, who owed him 100 denarii, and having seized him, he choked {him}, saying, ‘Repay whatever you owe.’
UST:
When the servant left the king, he noticed another servant who owed him only 100 small coins. He grabbed that servant {around the throat} and began to squeeze it. He demanded, ‘Pay me the money that you owe!’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 18:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:29ULT:
So, having fallen down, his fellow slave begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you.’
UST:
After he heard that, the other servant knelt down {before him}. He begged him, ‘Please wait patiently. I will eventually pay {the money that I owe}.’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 18:30
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:30ULT:
But he was not willing. Instead, having gone away, he threw him into prison until he might repay {what} is owed.
UST:
However, that servant did not want {to wait}. When he left that place, he had someone put the other servant in jail and keep him there until he paid the money that he owed.
What did the servant do with his fellow-servant who owed him one hundred denarii?
The servant refused to be patient and threw the fellow-servant into prison.
Matthew 18:31
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:31ULT:
Therefore, his fellow slaves, having seen {what} had happened, were very grieved. And having come, they explained to their master everything that had happened.
UST:
When the rest of the servants learned what that servant had done, they became very sad. They went to the king and told him about everything that the servant had done.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 18:32
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:32ULT:
Then, having summoned him, his master says to him, ‘Wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you begged me.
UST:
After that, the king told that servant to come to him. The king told him, ‘You are an evil servant! Since you asked me {to wait patiently}, I did not require you to pay any of what you owed.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 18:33
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:33ULT:
Was it not necessary for you also to have had mercy on your fellow slave, just as I also had mercy on you?’
UST:
I helped you. So, you should have helped the other servant.’
What did the master tell the servant he should have done with the fellow-servant?
The master told the servant he should have had mercy on the fellow-servant.
Matthew 18:34
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:34ULT:
And having become angry, his master handed him over to the torturers until he would repay all that is owed.
UST:
Then the king was angry. He had his men arrest and torture that servant until he paid all the money that he owed.
What did the master then do to the servant?
The master handed the servant over to the torturers until he would pay all that was owed.
Matthew 18:35
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 18:35ULT:
Thus also my heavenly Father will do to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother out of your hearts.”
UST:
Whenever any of you do not completely forgive a fellow believer, God my Father, who rules from heaven, will do to you what {that king did to his servant}.”
What did Jesus say the Father will do if we do not forgive our brother from the heart?
Jesus said the Father will do to us like the master did to the servant if we do not forgive our brother from the heart.
Matthew 19
Matthew 19:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:1ULT:
And it happened that when Jesus had finished these words, he departed from Galilee and came to the regions of Judea beyond the Jordan.
UST:
So, Jesus completed saying those things. Then, he {and his apprentices} left the region of Galilee. They traveled to the region of Judea on the other side of the Jordan River.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 19:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:2ULT:
And great crowds followed him, and he healed them there.
UST:
Large groups of people went with him, and in that place, he cured those {who were sick}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 19:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:3ULT:
And Pharisees approached him, testing him, and saying whether it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason.
UST:
Some Pharisees came to Jesus in order to investigate him. They asked, “Does our law allow a husband to divorce his wife whenever he wants to?”
What question did the Pharisees ask Jesus to test him?
The Pharisees asked Jesus, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?”
Matthew 19:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:4ULT:
But he, answering, said, “Have you not read that the one having made {them} from the beginning ‘made them male and female,’
UST:
Jesus replied, “You have read {in the Law that God gave Moses} that when God first created everything, he created people to be male and female.
What did Jesus say had been true from the beginning of creation?
Jesus said that from the beginning of creation, God had made them male and female.
Matthew 19:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:5ULT:
and said, ‘Because of this, a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife, and the two will be one flesh’?
UST:
Then God said, ‘That is why men{, when they marry,} no longer live with their parents and instead live with their wives. Each husband and wife together become like one person.’
Because of the way God had made them male and female, what did Jesus say a man should do?
Jesus said that a man should leave his father and mother and join to his wife.
What did Jesus say happens when the husband joins to his wife? (19:5-6)
Jesus said that when a husband joins to his wife, the two become one flesh.
Matthew 19:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:6ULT:
So then, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God joined together, let man not separate.”
UST:
Consequently, each husband and wife are not like two different people any longer. Rather, they are like one person. Since that is true, no one should divide people whom God has united.”
What did Jesus say man should not do with what God has joined together?
Jesus said that man should not tear apart what God has joined together.
Matthew 19:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:7ULT:
They say to him, “Why then did Moses command {us} to give a certificate of divorce and to divorce her?”
UST:
The Pharisees responded, “If that is true, why {did Moses instruct us in our law about how to divorce wives}? He required each husband to present his wife with a document that states that he is divorcing her. Then, he can divorce her.”
Why did Jesus say Moses had commanded certificates of divorce? (19:7-8)
Jesus said that Moses had commanded certificates of divorce because of the hardness of the Jews’ hearts.
Matthew 19:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:8ULT:
He says to them, “Because of your hardness of heart, Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not that way.
UST:
Jesus answered, “Moses knew that you were unwilling to obey. That is why {in the Law} he permitted you to divorce your wives. However, when God first created everything, that is not what he intended.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 19:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:9ULT:
But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and the one having married one that has been divorced commits adultery.”
UST:
Now here is what I want to tell you: a man may divorce his wife only if she has had improper sex. When a man divorces his wife for any other reason and marries another woman, he disobeys what God commanded about being sexually faithful to one’s spouse. Further, any man who marries a woman whose husband has divorced her also disobeys what God commanded about being sexually faithful to one’s spouse.”
Who did Jesus say commits adultery?
Jesus said that whoever divorces his wife, except for fornication, and marries another commits adultery, and that a man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Matthew 19:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:10ULT:
The disciples say to him, “If thus is the reason of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.”
UST:
Jesus’ apprentices responded, “If that is the only basis on which a husband can divorce his wife, it is not beneficial to get married!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 19:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:11ULT:
But he said to them, “Not all receive this word, but to whom it has been given.
UST:
Jesus replied, “Many people do not accept what you have said. Only people whom God enables {to accept it can do so}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 19:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:12ULT:
For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs because of the kingdom of the heavens. The one being able to receive {this}, let him receive {it}.”
UST:
Here is what I mean: Some men are impotent because they were already like that when their mothers gave birth to them. Other men are impotent because people castrated them. Other men are impotent because they chose to live that way in order to serve in God’s heavenly kingdom. Anyone who can accept {what I am saying} should accept it.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 19:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:13ULT:
Then little children were brought to him so that he would lay his hands on them and would pray, but the disciples rebuked them.
UST:
After that, some people took young children to Jesus. They wanted him to bless them by touching them and to pray {for them}. However, the apprentices told them to stop.
What did the disciples do when some little children were brought to Jesus?
When some little children were brought to Jesus, the disciples rebuked them.
Matthew 19:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:14ULT:
But Jesus said, “Permit the little children, and do not forbid them to come to me, for of the ones such as these is the kingdom of the heavens.”
UST:
However, Jesus told {the apprentices}, “Allow the young children to come here. Do not stop them! {I say that because} they and people like them are part of God’s heavenly kingdom.”
What did Jesus say when he saw the little children?
Jesus said to permit the little children to come, for to such ones belongs the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 19:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:15ULT:
And having laid his hands on them, he went from there.
UST:
{After saying that,} Jesus blessed the young children by touching them. Then, he left that place.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 19:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:16ULT:
And behold, one, having approached him, said, “Teacher, what good thing should I do in order that I might have eternal life?”
UST:
After that, a person came to Jesus! He asked, “Instructor, what is a good thing I can do so that I will live with God forever?”
What did Jesus tell the young man he must do to enter into eternal life? (19:16-17)
Jesus told the man to keep the commandments to enter into eternal life.
Matthew 19:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:17ULT:
But he said to him, “Why do you ask me about {what is} good? One is good, but if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
UST:
Jesus replied, “You should not ask me about what would be a good {thing to do}. God is the only one who is good. Now {to answer your question}, since you desire to truly live, you should do what God has commanded.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 19:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:18ULT:
He says to him, “Which ones?”
And Jesus said, “Do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not testify falsely,
UST:
The man replied, “Which {things that God has commanded do you mean}?”
Jesus answered him, “Here are the ones I mean: Do not murder others. Do not be sexually unfaithful to your spouse. Do not steal things. Do not say what is untrue.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 19:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:19ULT:
honor your father and your mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.”
UST:
Treat your parents respectfully. Care for people you know as much as you care for yourself.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 19:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:20ULT:
The young man says to him, “All these things I have kept. What do I still lack?”
UST:
The young man replied, “I have done each of these things {that God commanded}. What more do I need to do {to truly live}?”
When the young man said he had kept the commandments, what did Jesus tell him to do? (19:20-21)
When the young man said he had kept the commandments, Jesus told him to sell what he had and give it to the poor.
Matthew 19:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:21ULT:
Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in the heavens; and come, follow me.”
UST:
Jesus answered, “Since you desire to complete {doing what is good}, go {home} and sell what you own. Give {that money} to poor people. {If you do that,} God will reward you in heaven. Then, come with me as my apprentice.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 19:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:22ULT:
But the young man, having heard the word, went away being grieved, for he was having many possessions.
UST:
After the young man listened to what Jesus said, he felt very sad and left. {He was very sad} because he was rich {and did not want to lose what he owned}.
How did the young man respond to Jesus’ command to sell what he had?
The young man went away sorrowful because he had great possessions.
Matthew 19:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:23ULT:
Now Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I say to you, a rich {person} will enter difficultly into the kingdom of the heavens.
UST:
After that, Jesus told his apprentices, “It is hard for rich people to participate in God’s heavenly kingdom. What I have said is true.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 19:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:24ULT:
And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through an eye of a needle than for a rich {person} to enter into the kingdom of God.”
UST:
I want you to understand that, so I will repeat it. Large animals like camels cannot fit into very small spaces. However, it is even harder for rich people to participate in God’s kingdom.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 19:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:25ULT:
Now, having heard this, the disciples were very astonished, saying, “Then who is able to be saved?”
UST:
What Jesus said greatly surprised the apprentices. They said, “So then, it must be that God does not actually rescue anyone!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 19:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:26ULT:
But Jesus, having looked at {them}, said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
UST:
Jesus looked directly at his apprentices. He said, “People cannot rescue themselves. However, God can do anything!”
What did Jesus say about the possibility of a rich man entering the kingdom of heaven?
Jesus said that with people it is impossible, but that with God all things are possible.
Matthew 19:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:27ULT:
Then answering, Peter said to him, “Behold, we left everything and followed you. What then will there be for us?”
UST:
After {Jesus said} that, Peter replied, “We left behind everything we had and went with you as your apprentices! So then, how will God reward us?”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 19:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:28ULT:
And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you that in the renewal when the Son of Man sits on his throne of glory, you, the ones having followed me, you also will sit upon 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel.
UST:
Jesus replied, “Someday God will renew everything that he has made, and I, the Son of Man, will sit down {to rule} from my great throne. When that happens, you too, since you have come with me as my apprentices, will sit down {to rule} from 12 thrones{, one for each of you}. You will decide whether people from the 12 Israelite clans are guilty or innocent. What I have said is true.
What reward did Jesus promise his disciples who had followed him?
Jesus promised his disciples that in the new birth, they would sit upon 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel.
Matthew 19:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:29ULT:
And everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or a father, or a mother, or a wife,or children, or lands for the sake of my name, will receive 100 times {as much} and will inherit eternal life.
UST:
Some people leave behind houses, siblings, parents, wives, children, or fields. They do that because they want to be my apprentices. God will give those people many times {what they left behind}. Further, he will enable them to live with him forever.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 19:30
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 19:30ULT:
But many first will be last, and last, first.
UST:
{At that time,} many people who are important right now will become unimportant. Many people who are unimportant right now will become important.
What did Jesus say about those who are first now and those who are last now?
Jesus said that those who are first now will be last, and that those who are last now will be first.
Matthew 20
Matthew 20:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:1ULT:
For the kingdom of the heavens is like a man, the master of the house, who went out with the morning to hire workers for his vineyard.
UST:
In fact, here is what God’s heavenly kingdom is like: a man who managed a household left his house in the morning {to go to the town’s open area}. He wanted to hire people to take care of his grape vines.
How much did the landowner agree to pay the workers whom he hired early in the morning? (20:1-2)
The landowner agreed to pay the workers hired early in the morning one denarius a day.
Matthew 20:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:2ULT:
Now, having agreed with the workers for a denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard.
UST:
He found some people who agreed to work that day for one coin. Then, he told them to take care of his grape vines.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:3ULT:
And having gone out about the third hour, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace.
UST:
At about nine o’clock in the morning, the man arrived in the town’s open area again. He noticed more people there who wanted to work.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:4ULT:
And to them he said, ‘You also, go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’
UST:
He told them, ‘Join the other people who are taking care of my grape vines. I will pay you a fair wage.’
How much did the landowner say he would pay the workers whom he hired the third hour?
The landowner said he would pay them whatever is right.
Matthew 20:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:5ULT:
So they went out. Having gone out again about the sixth and ninth hour, he did likewise.
UST:
They agreed to do so. At about noon and at about three o’clock in the afternoon, the man again arrived {in the town’s open area}. He said the same thing {to the people he found there, and they too agreed to take care of his grape vines}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:6ULT:
Now, having gone out about the eleventh {hour}, he found others standing, and he says to them, ‘Why have you stood here idle the whole day?’
UST:
At about five o’clock in the afternoon, the man again arrived {in the town’s open area}. He noticed that there were still people there who wanted to work. He asked them, ‘Why have you been here waiting all day to work?’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:7ULT:
They say to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’
He says to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’
UST:
They replied, ‘{We are waiting here} because nobody has hired us.’
Then the man said, ‘Join the other people who are taking care of my grape vines.’ {They agreed to do so.}
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:8ULT:
And evening having come, the owner of the vineyard says to his manager, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, having begun from the last to the first.’
UST:
When it was evening, the man who managed the household spoke to the man who supervised the workers. He said, ‘Tell the people who worked today to come here. Starting with the people that I hired latest in the day and ending with the people that I hired earliest in the day, pay them what they earned.’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:9ULT:
And having come, the ones about the eleventh hour each received a denarius.
UST:
Then the people who started working at about five o’clock in the afternoon came forward. The supervisor paid one coin to each of them.
How much did the workers receive who were hired the eleventh hour?
The workers hired the eleventh hour received one denarius.
Matthew 20:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:10ULT:
But having come, the first thought that they will receive more, but they also received a denarius each.
UST:
Then the people who started working first came forward. They expected that the supervisor would pay them more {than that}. However, he paid one coin to each of them also.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:11ULT:
But, having received {it}, they were murmuring against the master of the house,
UST:
After these workers took their money, they complained about how the man who managed the household was behaving.
What complaint did the workers have who were hired early in the morning? (20:11-12)
They complained that they had worked the whole day, but had received the same pay as those who worked one hour.
Matthew 20:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:12ULT:
saying, ‘These last ones have done one hour, but you made them equal to us, the ones having borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’
UST:
They said to him, ‘These people who started working last worked for just one hour. However, you are treating them as if they worked as much as we have! We worked the most and during the hottest parts of the day.’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:13ULT:
But he, answering, said to one of them, ‘Friend, I am not wronging you. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?
UST:
The man who managed the household spoke to one of the workers who was complaining, ‘My friend, I am not treating you unfairly. You agreed {to take care of my grape vines} for one coin.
How did the landowner respond to the workers’ complaint? (20:13-14)
The landowner said he had done the workers no wrong and had paid them what belonged to them.
Matthew 20:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:14ULT:
Take {what is} yours and go away. But I desire to give to this last as also to you.
UST:
I want to pay those who started working last as much as I pay you {who started working first}. So, take what I have paid you and go {home}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:15ULT:
Or is it not lawful for me to do what I desire with {what is} mine? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’
UST:
Our law allows me to do what I like with what I own. You should not be jealous because I am being generous!’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:16ULT:
In the same way, the last will be first, and the first last.”
UST:
Similarly, people who are unimportant right now will become important. People who are important right now will become unimportant.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:17ULT:
And Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the 12 disciples aside by themselves, and on the way he said to them,
UST:
Sometime later, Jesus was walking toward the city of Jerusalem. He had his 12 apprentices come with him. No one else was with them. While they were walking, he told them,
What events did Jesus tell his disciples about in advance as they were going up to Jerusalem? (20:17-19)
Jesus told his disciples that he would be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, condemned to death, crucified, and on the third day raised up.
Matthew 20:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:18ULT:
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death
UST:
“We are walking toward the city of Jerusalem! There, somebody will help the ruling priests and the teachers of the Jewish law arrest me, the Son of Man. They will decide that I am guilty and that someone should kill me.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:19ULT:
and hand him over to the Gentiles for them to mock and to whip and to crucify him. But on the third day he will be raised up.”
UST:
They will bring me to the non-Jewish authorities. Those people will make fun of me, beat me, and kill me by nailing me to a cross. Then, during the third day after I died, God will make me alive again.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:20ULT:
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached him with her sons, bowing down and asking for something from him.
UST:
After that, Zebedee’s wife came to Jesus with her two sons, James and John. She knelt before Jesus and asked him to do something {for her}.
What request did the mother of the sons of Zebedee have for Jesus? (20:20-21)
She wanted Jesus to command that her two sons sit at his right and left hand in his kingdom.
Matthew 20:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:21ULT:
And he said to her, “What do you desire?”
She says to him, “Say that these two sons of mine might sit, one at your right hand and one at your left hand, in your kingdom.”
UST:
Jesus replied, “What do you want {me to do for you}?”
She said, “Please promise me that, when you rule, you will greatly honor my two sons by having one of them sit at your right side and the other one sit at your left side.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:22ULT:
But answering, Jesus said, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?”
They say to him, “We are able.”
UST:
Then Jesus responded by speaking {to her two sons}, “You do not realize what you have actually requested. Are you willing to suffer as I will soon suffer?”
{Her two sons, James and John,} replied, “Yes, we are willing {to suffer}.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:23ULT:
He says to them, “My cup you will drink. But to sit at my right hand and at my left hand is not mine to give, but for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”
UST:
Then Jesus said to them, “You will certainly suffer as I will soon suffer. However, I am not the one who chooses whom to honor by having them sit at my right side and at my left side. Rather, God my Father has already chosen who {will sit in those places}.”
Who did Jesus say determined who it was who would sit at his right and left hand in his kingdom?
Jesus said that the Father prepared those places for whom he chose.
Matthew 20:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:24ULT:
And having heard this, the ten were very angry with the two brothers.
UST:
When the ten other apprentices learned {what James and John had requested}, they were very upset with them.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:25ULT:
But Jesus, having summoned them, said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones exercise authority over them.
UST:
So, Jesus told his apprentices to come to him. He said to them, “You understand that the people who govern the non-Jews dominate them. Further, important people among them control everyone else.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:26ULT:
It is not this way among you. Instead, whoever desires to become great among you will be your servant,
UST:
You must not behave like that. Rather, when one of you wants to be important, that person must serve the others.
How did Jesus say that one could be great among his disciples?
Jesus said that whoever wishes to become great must be a servant.
Matthew 20:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:27ULT:
and whoever desires to be first among you will be your slave,
UST:
Likewise, when one of you wants to be most important, that person must work for the others.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:28ULT:
just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many.”
UST:
{You should be} like me, the Son of Man. I am here to serve other people. I am not here so that other people will serve me. Indeed, I am going to die in order to free many people {from their sins}.”
Why did Jesus say that he came?
Jesus said that he came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Matthew 20:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:29ULT:
And {as} they were going out from Jericho, a great crowd followed him.
UST:
After that, Jesus and his apprentices left the city of Jericho{, which they had been visiting}. A large group of people went with them.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:30
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:30ULT:
And behold, two blind men, sitting beside the road, having heard that Jesus is passing by, cried out, saying, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David.”
UST:
Now two men who were blind were sitting down next to the path! Someone told them, “Jesus is walking by.”
So, they were shouting, “Our Lord, you who are a descendant of King David, please help us!”
What did the two blind men do who were sitting by the road when Jesus passed by?
The two blind men shouted out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us.”
Matthew 20:31
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:31ULT:
Now the crowd rebuked them, so that they would be silent, but they cried out even more, saying, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David.”
UST:
Some people from the large group of people scolded them to keep them quiet. However, the men who were blind yelled even louder, “Our Lord, you who are a descendant of King David, please help us!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:32
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:32ULT:
And having stood still, Jesus called them and said, “What do you desire {that} I might do for you?”
UST:
Then, Jesus stopped walking. He spoke to the two men who were blind. He asked, “How would you like me to help you?”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:33
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:33ULT:
They say to him, “Lord, that our eyes might be opened.”
UST:
They replied, “Our Lord, we want to be able to see!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 20:34
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 20:34ULT:
Now, having had compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. And immediately they saw again, and they followed him.
UST:
Jesus pitied them. He touched their eyes. As soon as he did that, they could see. Then, they went with Jesus as his apprentices.
Why did Jesus heal the two blind men?
Jesus healed the two blind men because he was moved with compassion.
Matthew 21
Matthew 21:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:1ULT:
And when they came near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
UST:
After that, Jesus and his apprentices continued to walk toward the city of Jerusalem, and they were getting closer. They were near the Mount of Olives, just outside the village of Bethphage. Then, Jesus told two of his apprentices to go {ahead of them}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:2ULT:
saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied up, and a colt with her. Having untied {them}, bring {them} to me.
UST:
He commanded them, “Enter the village of Bethphage, which you see ahead of you. As soon as you enter it, you will see a female donkey that someone has tethered. Her colt will be next to her. Remove the tether {from the female donkey} and lead her and her colt to me here.
What did Jesus say his two disciples would find in the village opposite them?
Jesus said they would find a donkey tied up, and a colt with her.
Matthew 21:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:3ULT:
And if anyone says anything to you, you will say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.”
UST:
People might ask you about what you are doing. In that case, tell them, ‘The Lord needs this donkey and colt.’ As soon as you say that, those people will let you have the donkey and colt.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:4ULT:
Now this happened so that {what} was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying,
UST:
When he said those things, what God said by speaking through one of the prophets came true:
What had a prophet predicted about this event? (21:4-5)
A prophet predicted that the King would come on a donkey, and on a colt.
Matthew 21:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:5ULT:
“Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, humble and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, a son of a beast of burden.’”
UST:
“Say to the people who live in the city of Jerusalem, ‘Your king will soon be with you! He is gentle. He sits on a donkey, on a colt, {which is} a donkey’s offspring.’”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:6ULT:
Now the disciples, having gone and having done just as Jesus had directed them,
UST:
The two apprentices went {to the village} and did what Jesus had told them to do.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:7ULT:
brought the donkey and the colt and put their cloaks on them, and he sat upon them.
UST:
They led the donkey and her colt to Jesus. They spread their coats on the animals, and Jesus sat on the coats.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:8ULT:
Now the largest crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and were spreading {them} on the road.
UST:
Then, {to honor Jesus,} a very large group of people laid their coats down on the path {in front of Jesus}. Other people cut small branches down from trees and laid them down on the path too.
What did the crowd do to the road into Jerusalem that Jesus traveled?
The most of the crowd spread their outer garments onto the road, and others spread tree branches onto the road.
Matthew 21:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:9ULT:
Now the crowds going before him and following were crying out, saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one coming in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
UST:
Large groups of people walked in front of Jesus and behind him. They were shouting, “Praise this descendant of King David! May God bless him who is here to represent the Lord! May everything in heaven praise him!”
What did the crowd shout as Jesus went?
The crowd shouted, “Hosanna to the son of David, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, hosanna in the highest.”
Matthew 21:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:10ULT:
And {when} he had entered into Jerusalem, the whole city was shaken, saying, “Who is this?”
UST:
{How people welcomed Jesus} when he went into the city of Jerusalem unsettled many people who lived there. They asked, “Who is this man?”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:11ULT:
And the crowds were saying, “This is Jesus the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”
UST:
The large groups of people answered, “He is Jesus, from the town of Nazareth, which is in Galilee. He is a man who speaks for God.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:12ULT:
And Jesus entered into the temple and cast out all the ones selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of the ones selling the doves.
UST:
Later, Jesus visited the temple area. Some people were selling and buying things there. He forced them to leave. Other people were exchanging {regular} money {for special temple money}, and other people were selling small birds {for people to sacrifice}. Jesus flipped over their tables and chairs.
What did Jesus do when he entered the temple of God in Jerusalem?
Jesus cast out all who bought and sold in the temple, and turned over the tables of the money-changers and seats of those who sold pigeons.
Matthew 21:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:13ULT:
And he says to them, “It has been written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a ‘den of robbers.’”
UST:
Then Jesus told those people, “The prophets wrote in the Scriptures, ‘People should say that my temple is a place where people pray.’ However, you have turned it into ‘a hideout for thieves’!”
What did Jesus say the merchants had made the temple of God?
Jesus said that the merchants had made the temple of God a den of robbers.
Matthew 21:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:14ULT:
And the blind and the lame approached him in the temple, and he healed them.
UST:
Later, people who could not see and people who could not walk came to Jesus while he was in the temple area. Jesus cured them.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:15ULT:
But the chief priests and the scribes, having seen the marvelous things that he did and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” became very angry.
UST:
The ruling priests and the teachers of the Jewish law saw the amazing things that Jesus did. {They heard} young children in the temple area shouting, “Praise this descendant of King David!” {When they saw and heard those things}, they were very upset.
When the chief priests and scribes objected to what the children were shouting about Jesus, what did Jesus say to them? (21:15-16)
Jesus quoted the prophet who said that out of the mouths of babes and nursing infants God had perfected praise.
Matthew 21:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:16ULT:
And they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?”
But Jesus says to them, “Yes! Have you never read, ‘From the mouths of little children and nursing infants you have prepared praise’?”
UST:
They asked him, “Do you realize what those young children are saying {about you}?”
Jesus replied, “Yes, {I realize it}! {What they are doing fits with what} you have read {in the Scriptures}: ‘You have appointed young children and little babies to honor you.’”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:17ULT:
And having left them, he went out from the city to Bethany and spent the night there.
UST:
Then Jesus {and his apprentices} went away from the ruling priests and the teachers of the Jewish law. They left the city of Jerusalem and stayed overnight in the village of Bethany.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:18ULT:
Now, in the morning, returning to the city, he was hungry.
UST:
Early the next morning, when Jesus and his apprentices were going back to the city of Jerusalem, Jesus became hungry.
What did Jesus do to the fig tree, and why? (21:18-19)
Jesus caused the fig tree to dry up because it had no fruit on it.
Matthew 21:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:19ULT:
And having seen one fig tree along the road, he went to it and found nothing on it except leaves only. And he says to it, “May there no longer be fruit from you to eternity,” and immediately the fig tree withered.
UST:
He noticed a fig tree near the path. So, he went over to it {to pick some figs to eat}. However, the tree only had leaves. Then Jesus spoke to the fig tree, “May you never again produce figs!” As soon as he said that, the fig tree died.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:20ULT:
And having seen this, the disciples marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree immediately wither?”
UST:
What the apprentices had just seen impressed them. They asked, “How did the fig tree die as soon as you spoke to it?”
What did Jesus teach his disciples about prayer from the drying up of the fig tree? (21:20-22)
Jesus taught his disciples that if they asked in prayer while believing, they would receive.
Matthew 21:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:21ULT:
But, answering, Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do {what was} of the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and be thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.
UST:
Jesus replied, “Suppose that you trusted {God} and were not unsure {about what he can do}. Then, you could do what I did to the fig tree. Even more, you could tell the hill we are near to leave {this place} and fall into the ocean, and it would happen. What I have said is true.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:22ULT:
And everything, as much as you request in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
UST:
Further, suppose that you trust God to do whatever you ask when you are praying. Then, he will do it for you.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:23ULT:
And {when} he had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him teaching, saying, “By what authority do you do these things, and who gave you this authority?”
UST:
Then Jesus visited the temple area, and he was instructing people there. The ruling priests and the Jewish leaders came to him. They asked, “In what way did someone authorize you to do what you have done? Who was it that authorized you {to do these things}?”
While Jesus was teaching, about what did the chief priests and elders question him?
The chief priests and elders wanted to know by what authority Jesus did these things.
Matthew 21:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:24ULT:
But answering, Jesus said to them, “I also will ask you one word, which if you tell me, I also will tell you by what authority I do these things.
UST:
Jesus replied, “I too will ask you a question. When you answer it, I too will answer your question about the way in which someone authorized me to do what I have done.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:25ULT:
The baptism of John—from where was it? From heaven or from men?”
But they were reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘For what {reason} then did you not believe him?’
UST:
Who authorized John the Baptizer to baptize people? Did God {authorize him} from heaven, or did people {authorize him}?”
Then the ruling priests and the Jewish leaders told each other, “Suppose that we answer that {God authorized John} from heaven. Then, he will tell us that we should have listened to John.
What question did Jesus ask the chief priests and elders in return?
Jesus asked them if they thought John the Baptist’s baptism was from heaven or from men.
Why did the chief priests and scribes not want to answer that John’s baptism was from heaven?
They knew that Jesus would then ask them why they did not believe John.
Matthew 21:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:26ULT:
But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet.”
UST:
On the other hand, suppose that we answer that people {authorized John}. Then, since the large group of people believe that John spoke for God, we are afraid of how they would react.”
Why did the chief priests and scribes not want to answer that John’s baptism was from men?
They feared the crowd, who held John to be a prophet.
Matthew 21:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:27ULT:
And answering Jesus, they said, “We do not know.”
He also said to them, “Nor do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
UST:
So, they answered Jesus, “We do not know {who authorized John}.”
Jesus responded, “Because you did not answer my question, I will not tell you in what way someone authorized me to do what I have done.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:28ULT:
But what do you think? A man had two children, and having approached the first, he said, ‘Child, go, work today in the vineyard.’
UST:
Think about this situation: There was a man with two children. He went to the older one and told him, ‘My child, go {to where my grape vines are} and take care of them today.’
In Jesus’ story of the two sons, what did the first son do when told to work in the vineyard? (21:28-29)
The first son said he would not go, but changed his mind and went.
Matthew 21:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:29ULT:
But he, answering, said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward, having changed his mind, he went.
UST:
His child replied, ‘I will not {do that}!’ However, later he regretted {what he had said}. He took care of the grape vines after all.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:30
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:30ULT:
But, having approached the other, he said likewise.
And he, answering, said, ‘I will, lord,’ but he did not go.
UST:
After {speaking with the older child}, the man went to the younger child and told him to take care of his grape vines.
His child replied, ‘I will {do that}, my father!’ However, he did not take care of the grape vines.
What did the second son do when told to work in the vineyard?
The second son said he would go, but then did not go.
Matthew 21:31
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:31ULT:
Which of the two did the will of his father?”
They say, “The first.”
Jesus says to them, “Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and the prostitutes enter into the kingdom of God before you.
UST:
Which of these two children did what their father wanted?”
The ruling priests and the Jewish leaders answered, “The older one.”
Jesus replied, “Prostitutes and people who collect taxes are participating in God’s kingdom before you are. What I have said is true.
Which of the two sons did the father’s will?
The first son.
Why did Jesus say that tax collectors and prostitutes were entering the kingdom of God before the chief priests and scribes? (21:31-32)
Jesus said they were entering the kingdom because they believed John, but the chief priests and scribes did not believe John.
Matthew 21:32
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:32ULT:
For John came to you in the way of righteousness, but you did not believe him. But the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. But you, having seen this, did not change your minds afterward to believe in him.
UST:
{I say that} because, when John the Baptizer was with you, he did what was right. However, you did not trust him. In contrast, prostitutes and people who collect taxes did trust him. When you realized {that even they trusted John}, you did not regret how you were acting and trust him after all.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:33
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:33ULT:
Listen to another parable. There was a man, a master of a house, who planted a vineyard and put a hedge around it and dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower and rented it out to farmers and went abroad.
UST:
I will tell you another story. A man who managed a household planted a vineyard. He built a fence around it {in order to protect it}. He made a stone tank {to collect the grape juice that they would press out of the grapes}. He also built a tower {for someone to sit in to guard his vineyard}. He rented the vineyard to some people who would take care of it, and he left to travel to a different country.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:34
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:34ULT:
Now, when the time of the fruits came near, he sent his servants to the farmers to receive his fruits.
UST:
When it was almost time to harvest the grapes, the man told some of his servants to go to the people who were taking care of the vineyard. He wanted them to give him his share of the grapes {that the vineyard had produced}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:35
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:35ULT:
But the farmers, having seized his servants, beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
UST:
However, the people who were taking care of the vineyard grabbed the man’s servants. They beat up some servants. They executed other servants. They {killed} other servants by throwing stones at them.
What did the vine growers do to the servants that the owner sent to get his grapes? (21:35-36)
The vine growers beat, killed, and stoned the servants.
Matthew 21:36
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:36ULT:
Again, he sent other servants, more than the first, but they did to them likewise.
UST:
After that, the man told an even greater number of his servants to go {to the people who were taking care of the vineyard}. However, those people treated these servants just as they had treated the other servants.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:37
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:37ULT:
But afterward, he sent to them his son, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’
UST:
Finally, the man told his own son to go to them. He thought that they would treat his son well {and give him his share of the grapes}.
Who did the owner finally send to the vine growers?
The owner finally sent his own son.
Matthew 21:38
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:38ULT:
But the farmers, having seen the son, said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’
UST:
However, when the people who were taking care of the vineyard saw the man’s son arriving, they told each other, ‘This man is the one who will inherit the vineyard. We should kill him, and then we can take the vineyard for ourselves.’
What did the vine growers do to the person that the owner sent last? (21:38-39)
The vine growers killed the owner’s son.
Matthew 21:39
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:39ULT:
And having seized him, they threw him out of the vineyard and killed {him}.
UST:
So, they grabbed the man’s son and dragged him outside the vineyard. Then, they killed him.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:40
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:40ULT:
Therefore, when the lord of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those farmers?”
UST:
After that, the man who owned the vineyard came back. How do you think he treated the people who were taking care of the vineyard?”
What did the people say the owner should then do? (21:40-41)
The people said that the owner should destroy the first vine growers and then rent to other vine growers who would pay.
Matthew 21:41
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:41ULT:
They say to him, “He will severely destroy those evil ones, and he will rent out the vineyard to other farmers who will repay him the fruits in their times.”
UST:
The ruling priests and the Jewish leaders replied, “He would kill those evil people! Then, he would rent the vineyard to other people who would give him his share of the grapes when it was time to harvest them.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:42
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:42ULT:
Jesus says to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘A stone that the builders rejected, this has become the head of the corner. This came about from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?
UST:
Jesus responded, “{What I have said fits with what} you have read in the Scriptures: ‘The people who were constructing a building refused to use a certain stone. However, that stone is now the most important one in the building. The Lord {God} did that, and we think it is amazing.’
In the scriptures that Jesus then quoted, what happens to the stone which the builders reject?
The stone which the builders reject is made the cornerstone.
Matthew 21:43
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:43ULT:
For this reason I say to you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and will be given to a nation producing its fruits.
UST:
So then, here is what I want to tell you: God will stop you from participating in his kingdom. He will have a different group of people participate in his kingdom. They will do what he wants those in his kingdom to do.
Based on the scripture Jesus quoted, what did he say would happen?
Jesus said that the kingdom of God would be taken away from the chief priests and Pharisees, and would be given to a nation that brings forth its fruits.
Matthew 21:44
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:44ULT:
And the one having fallen on this stone will be broken to pieces, but on whomever it falls, it will crush him.”
UST:
Any people who trip over the stone {that is now the most important one} will injure themselves. Further, that stone will squash anyone on whom it drops.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:45
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:45ULT:
And the chief priests and the Pharisees, having heard his parables, knew that he is speaking about them.
UST:
The ruling priests and the Pharisees listened to the stories that Jesus told. They realized that Jesus was telling {the stories} about them.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 21:46
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 21:46ULT:
And seeking to seize him, they feared the crowds, because they were regarding him as a prophet.
UST:
They wanted to arrest Jesus. However, since the large groups of people believed that Jesus spoke for God, they were afraid of how those people would react. {So, they did not arrest Jesus at that time.}
Why did the chief priests and Pharisees not immediately lay hands on Jesus?
They were afraid of the crowd, because the people regarded Jesus as a prophet.
Matthew 22
Matthew 22:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:1ULT:
And answering, Jesus again spoke to them in parables, saying,
UST:
Then Jesus used more stories to teach the chief priests and the Jewish leaders. He said,
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:2ULT:
“The kingdom of the heavens is compared to a man, a king, who made a wedding feast for his son.
UST:
“Here is what God’s heavenly kingdom is like: a king prepared a banquet to celebrate his son, who was getting married.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:3ULT:
And he sent out his servants to call the ones having been invited to the wedding feast, and they were not willing to come.
UST:
{When it was time for the banquet,} the king told his servants to summon the people that he had asked to attend the banquet. However, those people refused to attend {the banquet}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:4ULT:
Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Say to the ones having been invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner. My bulls and fattened calves have been killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding feast.”’
UST:
So, the king told different servants to summon again the people he had asked to attend {the banquet}. He instructed them to say that the meal was ready, that his servants had prepared special cows to eat and everything else, and that they should attend the banquet.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:5ULT:
But they, having paid no attention, went away, one to his own field and one to his business.
UST:
However, the people {that the king had asked to attend the banquet} ignored his servants. Instead, some of them left for other places, like their farms or workplaces.
What did those invited to the marriage feast of the king’s son do when the king’s servants brought the invitation? (22:5-6)
Some did not take the invitation seriously and went about their own business, and others laid hands on the king’s servants and killed them.
Matthew 22:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:6ULT:
But the rest, having seized his servants, mistreated and killed {them}.
UST:
Other {people that the king had asked to attend the banquet} grabbed his servants. They abused some of them, and they killed some of them.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:7ULT:
But the king became angry, and having sent his soldiers, he destroyed those murderers and burned their city.
UST:
So, the king was very upset. He told his soldiers to kill the people who killed his servants and to burn down their town.
What did the king do to those first invited to the marriage feast?
The king sent his armies, killed those murderers, and burned their city.
Matthew 22:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:8ULT:
Then he says to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but the ones having been invited were not worthy.
UST:
After that, the king told his servants that, although the feast for his son’s wedding was ready, the people he had asked to attend did not deserve to be there.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:9ULT:
Therefore, go to the crossings of the roads and invite as many as you find to the wedding feast.’
UST:
So, {he told his servants} to walk to the intersections of the main roads and to tell the people they encountered to attend the feast for his son’s wedding.
Who did the king then invite to the marriage feast? (22:9-10)
The king then invited as many people as his servants could find, both bad and good.
Matthew 22:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:10ULT:
And those servants, having gone out to the roads, gathered together all whom they found, both evil and good, and the wedding was filled {with those} reclining to eat.
UST:
So, his servants walked to {the intersections of} the roads. They brought all the people they encountered, whether those people did what was right or did what was wrong. Then, the wedding hall was full of people who were feasting.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:11ULT:
But the king, having come in to look at the ones reclining to eat, saw there a man not wearing wedding clothes.
UST:
The king went into the hall to see the people who were feasting. {While he was} there, he noticed that one person did not have on the proper clothing for a wedding.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:12ULT:
And he says to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here, not having wedding clothes?’ But he was silent.
UST:
The king called him friend and told him that he should not have attended without having on the proper clothing for a wedding. The person had nothing to say in response.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:13ULT:
Then the king said to the servants, ‘Having bound his feet and hands, throw him out into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and grinding of the teeth.’
UST:
After that, the king told his servants to tie the person up and cast him out {of the wedding hall}. {He told them to punish him} in a dark place, where people will cry and sorrowfully grind their teeth.
What did the king do to the man who came to the feast without a wedding garment?
The king had him bound and thrown into the outer darkness.
Matthew 22:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:14ULT:
For many are called, but few chosen.”
UST:
As that story illustrates, God summons many people {to participate in his kingdom}. However, he only chooses a few of them {to do so}.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:15ULT:
Then, having gone, the Pharisees took counsel how they might entrap him in word.
UST:
After {Jesus said those things}, the Pharisees left {that place}. They started to plan how they could cause him to make a mistake in what he said.
What were the Pharisees trying to do to Jesus?
The Pharisees were trying to entrap Jesus in his own talk.
Matthew 22:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:16ULT:
And they send to him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are truthful, and you teach the way of God in truth, and it is not a concern to you about anyone, for you do not look at the face of men.
UST:
So, the Pharisees told some of their apprentices and some people who supported King Herod to go to Jesus and say to him, “Our instructor, we realize that you say what is true. Further, you truthfully instruct people in what God wants them to do. You do not pay attention to how important or powerful people are. So, you do not care about what other people think.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:17ULT:
Therefore, tell us, what do you think? Is it lawful to give a poll tax to Caesar, or not?”
UST:
So, please tell us how you answer this question: Does our law allow us to pay taxes to the Roman government, or {does it} not {allow that}?”
What question did the Pharisees’ disciples ask Jesus?
They asked Jesus if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not.
Matthew 22:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:18ULT:
But Jesus, having known their wickedness, said, “Why are you testing me, hypocrites?
UST:
However, Jesus knew that they were trying to harm him. So, he replied, “You are trying to make me say something wrong. You pretend to respect me, but you really do not!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:19ULT:
Show me the coin of the poll tax.” And they brought a denarius to him.
UST:
Hand me one of the coins that you use to pay taxes.” Someone handed him a Roman coin.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:20ULT:
And he says to them, “Whose image and inscription {is} this?”
UST:
Then Jesus asked, “Whose picture and name are on this coin?”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:21ULT:
They say, “Caesar’s.”
Then he says to them, “Therefore, give back the things of Caesar to Caesar, and the things of God to God.”
UST:
They replied, “{It is} Caesar’s {picture and name}.”
Then Jesus said, “In that case, give to the Roman government what belongs to it, and give to God what belongs to him.”
How did Jesus answer the question from the Pharisees’ disciples?
Jesus said to give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.
Matthew 22:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:22ULT:
And having heard {it}, they marveled, and having left him, they went away.
UST:
What Jesus said impressed the Pharisees’ apprentices and the people who supported King Herod. They left where he was.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:23ULT:
On that day Sadducees, saying there is no resurrection, approached him and questioned him,
UST:
Later that day, some Sadducees came to Jesus. They are a Jewish group that does not believe that God will make people who have died alive again. They asked Jesus,
What belief did the Sadducees have about the resurrection?
The Sadducees believed that there was no resurrection.
Matthew 22:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:24ULT:
saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If someone dies, not having children, his brother will marry his wife and will raise up seed for his brother.’
UST:
“Our instructor, Moses wrote {in the Scriptures} about what should happen when a man with {a wife but} no children dies. When that happens, the man’s brother should marry the dead man’s wife. When they have a child, they should consider it to be the child of the dead man.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:25ULT:
But there were among us seven brothers, and the first, having married, died. And not having seed, he left his wife to his brother.
UST:
So, {consider this situation}: seven brothers lived here. One brother got married, but then he died before he had children. So, one of his brothers married his widow.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:26ULT:
Likewise also, the second and the third, until the seven.
UST:
The same thing happened to the second brother, the third brother, and the other four brothers. {They each married the widow but died before they had children.}
In the Sadducees’ story, how many husbands did the wife have? (22:26-27)
The woman had seven husbands.
Matthew 22:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:27ULT:
And last of all, the woman died.
UST:
Finally, the widow died.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:28ULT:
Therefore, in the resurrection, of which of the seven will she be a wife? For they all had her.”
UST:
So then, of those seven brothers, whose wife will she be when God makes people alive again? {We ask} because she got married to all seven of them {at different times}.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:29ULT:
But answering, Jesus said to them, “You are being led astray, not knowing the Scriptures or the power of God.
UST:
Jesus replied, “You do not realize what the Scriptures mean or how powerful God is. So, you believe what is wrong.
What two things did Jesus say the Sadducees did not know?
Jesus said the Sadducees did not know the scriptures nor the power of God.
Matthew 22:30
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:30ULT:
For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but they are like angels in heaven.
UST:
Here is what I mean: after God makes people alive again, they will not get married. Instead, they will be like angels who dwell in heaven {and do not get married}.
What did Jesus say about marriage in the resurrection?
Jesus said that in the resurrection, there is no marriage.
Matthew 22:31
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:31ULT:
But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read {what} was spoken to you by God, saying,
UST:
Now I will speak about whether God makes people who have died alive again. You have read in the Scriptures that God said to you,
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:32
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:32ULT:
‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not a God of the dead, but of the living.”
UST:
‘I am the God whom Abraham worships, the God whom Isaac worships, and the God whom Jacob worships.’ It is living people who worship God, not dead people. {So, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who all have died, must be alive again!}”
How did Jesus show from the scriptures that there is a resurrection?
Jesus quoted the scriptures where God says that he is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - the God of the living.
Matthew 22:33
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:33ULT:
And having heard this, the crowds were astonished at his teaching.
UST:
The things that Jesus taught impressed the large groups of people.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:34
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:34ULT:
But the Pharisees, having heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, gathered together at the same place.
UST:
The Pharisees heard that Jesus answered so well that the Sadducees could not respond. So, the Pharisees met together {and went to where Jesus was}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:35
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:35ULT:
And one of them, a lawyer, questioned {him}, testing him—
UST:
Then, one of the Pharisees, who was an expert in the Jewish law, decided to investigate Jesus. He asked him,
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:36
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:36ULT:
“Teacher, which {is} the great commandment in the law?”
UST:
“Instructor, which of the laws that God gave us is the most important?”
What question did the Pharisee lawyer ask Jesus?
The lawyer asked Jesus which is the greatest commandment in the law.
Matthew 22:37
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:37ULT:
But he said to him, “You will love the Lord your God with your whole heart, and with your whole soul, and with your whole mind.
UST:
Jesus replied: “We must love the Lord, the God whom we worship, with everything that we desire, everything that we do, and everything that we think.
What did Jesus say was the great and first commandment? (22:37-38)
Jesus said that to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind was the great and first commandment.
Matthew 22:38
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:38ULT:
This is the great and first commandment.
UST:
That is the most important law.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:39
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:39ULT:
Now a second {is} like it—‘You will love your neighbor as yourself.’
UST:
The next most important law is similar. It is that we must care for people we know as much as we care for ourselves.
What did Jesus say was the second commandment?
Jesus said that to love your neighbor as yourself was the second commandment.
Matthew 22:40
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:40ULT:
On these two commandments are hung the whole Law and the Prophets.”
UST:
All the parts of the Scriptures depend upon these two laws.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:41
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:41ULT:
Now the Pharisees having been gathered together, Jesus questioned them,
UST:
While those Pharisees were still all together {near Jesus}, he asked them,
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:42
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:42ULT:
saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?”
They say to him, “David’s.”
UST:
“I want you to answer a question about the Messiah. Who is his ancestor?”
They replied, “His ancestor is King David.”
What question did Jesus ask the Pharisees?
Jesus asked them whose son is the Christ.
What answer did the Pharisees give Jesus?
The Pharisees said that the Christ was the son of David.
Matthew 22:43
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:43ULT:
He says to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call him ‘Lord,’ saying,
UST:
Jesus replied, “In that case, why did the Holy Spirit cause King David to write that the Messiah was his Lord? {People do not describe their descendants as their lords. However,} King David wrote
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:44
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:44ULT:
‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet”’?
UST:
that the Lord God said to David’s Lord, ‘Rule with me while I defeat all of your enemies!’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 22:45
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:45ULT:
If David therefore calls him ‘Lord,’ how is he his son?”
UST:
So then, since King David wrote that the Messiah was his Lord, how is it possible for King David to be his ancestor?”
What second question did Jesus then ask the Pharisees?
Jesus then asked them how David could call his son, the Christ, Lord.
Matthew 22:46
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 22:46ULT:
And no one was able to answer him a word, nor did anyone dare from that day to question him any longer.
UST:
The people who were there could not answer his question. In fact, after that nobody was bold enough to ask him more questions.
What answer did the Pharisees give Jesus?
The Pharisees were not able to answer Jesus a word.
Matthew 23
Matthew 23:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:1ULT:
Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples,
UST:
After that, Jesus said to the large groups of people and to his apprentices,
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 23:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:2ULT:
saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sat in the seat of Moses.
UST:
“The Pharisees and the teachers of the Jewish law instruct you as Moses did.
Since the scribes and Pharisees sat in Moses’ seat, what did Jesus tell the people to do with their teaching? (23:2-3)
Jesus told the people to do and observe the things the scribes and Pharisees taught from Moses’ seat.
Matthew 23:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:3ULT:
Therefore, everything, as much as they say to you, do and keep. But do not do according to their works, for they say and do not do.
UST:
So then, you should do whatever they tell you {to do}. However, they themselves do not do what they tell {you to do}. So, do not act as they do.
Why did Jesus say the people should not imitate the scribes and Pharisees’ deeds?
Jesus said they should not imitate their deeds because they say things but then do not do them.
Matthew 23:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:4ULT:
And they tie up loads, heavy and difficult to carry, and they put {them} on the shoulders of men, but they themselves are not willing with their finger to move them.
UST:
They tell people to do many things that are difficult. However, they do not do anything to help those people.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 23:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:5ULT:
But they do all their deeds to be seen by men. For they broaden their phylacteries and they lengthen their tassels.
UST:
Whenever they do anything, they do it so that people praise them for it. For example, when they tie boxes containing Scripture on their foreheads and arms, they make sure the boxes are large. They make the hems on their robes very long.
For what purpose did the scribes and Pharisees do all their deeds?
The scribes and Pharisees did all their deeds to be seen by people.
Matthew 23:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:6ULT:
And they love the first places at the banquets and the first seats in the synagogues,
UST:
They greatly enjoy sitting in the places for important people when they attend feasts or go to the Jewish meeting places.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 23:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:7ULT:
and the greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by men.
UST:
{They greatly enjoy it when} people greet them {respectfully} in the open areas of towns and speak to them as important teachers.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 23:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:8ULT:
But you should not be called ‘Rabbi,’ for one is your teacher, and you are all brothers.
UST:
However, you have only one teacher, me. Also, you are all fellow believers. So then, you should not allow people to speak to you as important teachers.
Who did Jesus say is our one Father, and our one teacher? (23:8-10)
Jesus said that our one Father is him who is in heaven, and our one teacher is the Christ.
Matthew 23:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:9ULT:
And you should not call {anyone} on the earth your father, for one is your heavenly Father.
UST:
Further, you have one Father, the one who rules from heaven. So, you should not honor people here on earth by using the title ‘my father’ for them.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 23:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:10ULT:
And you should not be called ‘teacher,’ for your teacher is one, the Christ.
UST:
You have one instructor, I, who am the Messiah. So, you should not allow people to speak to you as their instructors.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 23:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:11ULT:
But the greatest among you will be your servant.
UST:
The most important person in your group must serve the others.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 23:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:12ULT:
But whoever will exalt himself will be humbled, and whoever will humble himself will be exalted.
UST:
God will cause people who think they are important to be unimportant. God will cause people who think they are unimportant to be important.
What will God do to the one who exalts himself, and to the one who humbles himself?
God will humble the one who exalts himself, and will exalt the one who humbles himself.
Matthew 23:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:13ULT:
But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of the heavens in front of men. For you do not enter in, nor do you permit the ones entering to enter.
UST:
You Pharisees and teachers of the Jewish law say that you obey God, but you really do not! You keep people from participating in God’s heavenly kingdom. In fact, you yourselves do not participate in the kingdom. Further, you prevent people who want to participate in it from doing so. How terrible it will be for you!
What name did Jesus repeatedly call the scribes and Pharisees which described their behavior? (23:13-15)
Jesus repeatedly called the scribes and Pharisees hypocrites.
Matthew 23:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:14ULT:
[But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour the houses of widows, also for a pretext praying at length. For this reason, you will receive greater judgment.]
UST:
[You Pharisees and teachers of the Jewish law say that you obey God, but you really do not! You steal the property of women whose husbands have died. To make other people think that you are righteous, you pray for a long time. How terrible it will be for you! God will punish you very severely.]
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 23:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:15ULT:
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you go around the sea and the dry land to make one proselyte, and when he becomes {one}, you make him twice as much a son of Gehenna as you.
UST:
You Pharisees and teachers of the Jewish law say that you obey God, but you really do not! You travel to many places to convert even one person to the Jewish religion. However, once you have done that, you cause that person to deserve to end up in hell as much as you do. How terrible it will be for you!
When the scribes and Pharisees made a new convert, whose son was he?
When the scribes and Pharisees made a new convert, he was twice a son of hell as they were.
Matthew 23:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:16ULT:
Woe to you, blind guides, the ones saying, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing. But whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obligated.’
UST:
You do not know what you should be teaching. You say that when people have the temple guarantee what they promise, they do not need to do what they promised. However, you say that when they have the precious metal in the temple guarantee what they promise, they must do what they promised. How terrible it will be for you!
Regarding being bound by oaths, what did Jesus say about the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees? (23:16-17)
Jesus said that the scribes and Pharisees were blind guides and blind fools.
Matthew 23:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:17ULT:
Foolish and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple having sanctified the gold?
UST:
You do not understand what is true! You should realize that the precious metal {in the temple} is less important than the temple itself. It is the temple that makes the precious metal holy.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 23:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:18ULT:
And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing. But whoever swears by the gift on top of it, he is obligated.’
UST:
Similarly, {you say that} when people have the altar guarantee what they promise, they do not need to do what they promised. However, you say that when they have the sacrifice on the altar guarantee what they promise, they must do what they promised.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 23:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:19ULT:
Foolish and blind! For which {is} greater, the gift or the altar sanctifying the gift?
UST:
You do not understand what is true! You should realize that the sacrifice {on the altar} is less important than the altar itself. It is the altar that makes the sacrifice holy.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 23:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:20ULT:
Therefore, the one having sworn by the altar swears by it and by everything {that is} on top of it.
UST:
So, when people have the altar guarantee what they promise, they are having both it and every sacrifice on it guarantee what they promise.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 23:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:21ULT:
And the one having sworn by the temple swears by it and by the one inhabiting it.
UST:
Further, when people have the temple guarantee what they promise, they are having both it and God, who dwells there, guarantee what they promise.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 23:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:22ULT:
And the one having sworn by heaven swears by the throne of God and by the one sitting on it.
UST:
When people have heaven guarantee what they promise, they are also having God’s throne and God himself, who rules from that throne, guarantee what they promise.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 23:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:23ULT:
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe the mint and the dill and the cumin, but you have neglected the weightier {things} of the law—justice and mercy and faith. But it was necessary to do these and those not to neglect.
UST:
You Pharisees and teachers of the Jewish law say that you obey God, but you really do not! You give one tenth of even your herbs and spices to God. However, you fail to obey the more important commands that God gave: to do what is right, to be merciful to others, and to be faithful to God. You should do these things as well as giving a tenth of everything to God. How terrible it will be for you!
Even though they had tithed their mint, dill, and cumin, what had the scribes and Pharisees failed to do?
The scribes and Pharisees had failed to do the weightier matters of the law - justice, mercy, and faith.
Matthew 23:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:24ULT:
Blind guides, the ones straining out the gnat but swallowing the camel!
UST:
You do not know what you should be teaching. You are like people who filter small flies out of their drinks without noticing large animals like camels in the same drinks!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 23:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:25ULT:
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and lack of self-control.
UST:
You Pharisees and teachers of the Jewish law say that you obey God, but you really do not! You seem to do what is right, just like dishes that you have washed on the outside. However, really you want what other people have and do not control yourselves, just like dishes that are still dirty on the inside. How terrible it will be for you!
What had the scribes and Pharisees failed to clean? (23:25-26)
The scribes and Pharisees had failed to clean the inside of their cup, so the outside could be clean also.
Matthew 23:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:26ULT:
Blind Pharisee! Clean first the inside of the cup and of the plate, so that the outside of them might become clean also.
UST:
You Pharisees do not understand what is true! You should focus on doing what is right. Once you do that, you will also seem to do what is right, just like dishes that are clean on both the inside and the outside.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 23:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:27ULT:
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside appear beautiful, but on the inside are full of bones of the dead and all uncleanness.
UST:
You Pharisees and teachers of the Jewish law say that you obey God, but you really do not! I compare you to graves that people have painted white. They look good, but they are dirty and have many corpses in them. How terrible it will be for you!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 23:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:28ULT:
In the same way, you also on the outside appear righteous to men, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
UST:
Similarly, you seem to do what is right, but really you usually do what is wrong while pretending to do what is right.
Of what were the scribes and Pharisees full on the inside?
The scribes and Pharisees were full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
Matthew 23:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:29ULT:
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the tombs of the righteous.
UST:
You Pharisees and teachers of the Jewish law say that you obey God, but you really do not! How terrible it will be for you! You construct monuments to honor the people who spoke for God long ago. You decorate the graves of people who did what was right.
What had the fathers of the scribes and Pharisees done to God’s prophets? (23:29-31)
The fathers of the scribes and Pharisees had killed God’s prophets.
Matthew 23:30
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:30ULT:
And you say, ‘If we were in the days of our fathers, we would not have been sharers with them in the blood of the prophets.’
UST:
You declare that, had you been alive when your ancestors were, you would not have helped them murder the people who spoke for God.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 23:31
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:31ULT:
Therefore you testify against yourselves that you are sons of the ones having killed the prophets.
UST:
When you declare that, you admit that you are descendants of and similar to the people who did murder those who spoke for God.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 23:32
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:32ULT:
And you, fill up the measure of your fathers!
UST:
As for you, think about what will happen if you do what your ancestors did.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 23:33
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:33ULT:
Serpents, offspring of vipers, how might you escape from the judgment of Gehenna?
UST:
You are sneaky and dangerous like poisonous snakes! You will not avoid God punishing you in hell.
What judgment were the scribes and Pharisees going to face?
The scribes and Pharisees were going to face the judgment of hell.
Matthew 23:34
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:34ULT:
For this reason, behold, I am sending to you prophets and wise {ones} and scribes. From them you will kill and crucify, and from them you will whip in your synagogues and pursue from city to city,
UST:
Since you are like that, I will have people who speak for God, people who are wise, and teachers of the Jewish law go to you! You will murder some of them and kill some of them by nailing them to crosses. You will beat some of them in your meeting places. You will chase them from one town to another.
What did Jesus say the scribes and Pharisees would do to the prophets, wise men, and scribes he would send them?
Jesus said they would kill and crucify some, whip some, and chase some from city to city.
Matthew 23:35
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:35ULT:
so that might come upon you all the righteous blood being shed on the earth, from the blood of Abel the righteous to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you killed between the temple and the altar.
UST:
So, God will consider you to be guilty for murdering everyone who did what was right here on earth but whom someone murdered. I am referring to {Adam’s son} Abel, who did what was right, and Barachiah’s son Zechariah, whom your ancestors murdered in the temple area, and everyone in between.
As a result of their behavior, what guilt would come upon the scribes and Pharisees?
The guilt of all the righteous blood shed on the earth would come upon the scribes and Pharisees.
Matthew 23:36
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:36ULT:
Truly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.
UST:
God will consider {you people who live in} this time period to be guilty of all those murders. What I have said is true.
To which generation did Jesus say all these things would happen?
Jesus said that to this generation all these things would happen.
Matthew 23:37
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:37ULT:
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one killing the prophets and stoning the ones having been sent to her! How often I desired to gather your children the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing!
UST:
Oh, people of Jerusalem! You killed the people who spoke for God long ago. Then you killed others whom God sent to you. You killed them by throwing stones at them. Many times I have wanted to bring you together {to protect you}, as a chicken brings her offspring together under her wings. However, you did not want me to do that.
What desire did Jesus have for the children of Jerusalem, and why was it not fulfilled?
Jesus desired to gather the children of Jerusalem together, but they would not agree.
Matthew 23:38
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:38ULT:
Behold, your house is left to you desolate.
UST:
Your city will become a place where no one lives!
How would Jerusalem’s house now be left?
Jerusalem’s house would now be left abandoned.
Matthew 23:39
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 23:39ULT:
For I say to you, you will certainly not see me from now until you say, ‘Blessed is the one coming in the name of the Lord!’”
UST:
In fact, here is what I want to tell you: the next time you see me, you will be saying, ‘May God bless him who is here to represent the Lord!’”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24
Matthew 24:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:1ULT:
And Jesus, having gone out from the temple, was going away. And his disciples approached {him} to show him the buildings of the temple.
UST:
After that, Jesus left the temple area. As he was walking, his apprentices came to him and pointed out the impressive structures that were in the temple area.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:2ULT:
But he, answering, said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, a stone upon a stone will certainly not be left here, which will not be torn down.”
UST:
He responded, “Look at all these structures! Enemies will completely destroy them. They will not leave anything standing. What I have said is true.”
What did Jesus prophesy concerning the temple in Jerusalem?
Jesus prophesied that not one stone of the temple would be left on another which would not be torn down.
Matthew 24:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:3ULT:
Now {as} he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached him by themselves, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what {is} the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
UST:
Later, Jesus sat down on top of the Mount of Olives. His apprentices came to him. No one else was with them. They asked him, “Please explain to us when what you have described will happen. Also, {please explain to us} how we can tell when you are going to return {to this world} and when this current time period will end.”
After hearing the prophesy about the temple, what did the disciples ask Jesus?
The disciples asked Jesus when these things would happen, and what would be the sign of his coming and the end of the world.
Matthew 24:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:4ULT:
And answering, Jesus said to them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray.
UST:
Jesus replied, “Make sure that nobody deceives you!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:5ULT:
For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.
UST:
{I say that} because many people will meet you and say that God has authorized them as he has authorized me. They will say that they are the Messiah. {By doing that,} they will deceive many people.
What action of people did Jesus say would lead many astray?
Jesus said many would come saying they are the Christ, leading many astray.
Matthew 24:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:6ULT:
And you are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled, for it is necessary {for this} to happen, but the end is not yet.
UST:
Whenever people tell you about wars that are happening and about wars that could happen, make sure that you are not afraid. Things like that have to happen. However, the current time period will not yet end.
What events did Jesus say would be the beginning of birth pains? (24:6-8)
Jesus said that wars, famines, and earthquakes would be the beginning of birth pains.
Matthew 24:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:7ULT:
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be faminesand earthquakes in various places.
UST:
Further, groups of people will attack each other. Many people will not have enough food to eat, and earthquakes will happen in many places.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:8ULT:
But all these things {are} the beginning of birth pains.
UST:
Those events are like the first pains a pregnant woman feels when she is going to birth. They are bad, but many more bad things will still happen after them.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:9ULT:
Then they will hand you over to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all the nations because of my name.
UST:
While those things are happening, people will hurt you and kill you. Indeed, because you are my apprentices, many groups of people will be hostile to you.
What did Jesus say would happen among the believers at this time? (24:9-10)
Jesus said that the believers would suffer tribulation and be hated by the nations for the sake of his name.
Matthew 24:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:10ULT:
And then many will be caused to stumble and will hand one another over and will hate one another.
UST:
Also while those things are happening, many people will stop believing {in me}. They will have people arrest their fellow believers. They will be hostile to each other.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:11ULT:
And many false prophets will be raised up and will lead many astray.
UST:
There will be many people who lie when they claim to speak for God. They will deceive many people.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:12ULT:
And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
UST:
Since more and more people will do what is wrong, many people will stop caring {for each other}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:13ULT:
But the one having endured to the end, this one will be saved.
UST:
However, if you persevere {in being my apprentices} while people harm you, God will rescue you.
Who did Jesus say would be saved?
Jesus said that the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 24:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:14ULT:
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.
UST:
You, my apprentices, will proclaim the good news about God’s kingdom throughout this world. That way, you will tell every group of people {about me}. After that, the current time period will end.
What will happen with the gospel before the end comes?
The gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world before the end comes.
Matthew 24:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:15ULT:
Therefore, when you see the abomination of desolation having been spoken of by Daniel the prophet standing in the holy place” (let the one reading understand),
UST:
At some point, you will realize that the detestable thing that destroys is in the temple building. Daniel, who spoke for God, already referred to this detestable thing.” (So, anyone who has read what Daniel wrote should know what Jesus meant.)
What did Jesus say the believers should do when they see the abomination of desolation standing in the holy place? (24:15-16)
Jesus said the believers should flee to the mountains.
Matthew 24:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:16ULT:
“then let the ones in Judea flee to the mountains,
UST:
“When you realize that, those of you who are in the region of Judea should escape to the hilly areas nearby.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:17ULT:
let the one on the housetop not go down to take anything from his house,
UST:
Those of you who are outside your homes should not go back into your homes to get anything.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:18ULT:
and let the one in the field not turn back to take his cloak.
UST:
Those of you who are working in fields should not go back home to get your coats.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:19ULT:
But woe to the ones having in the womb and to the ones nursing in those days!
UST:
When what I have described happens, how terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:20ULT:
But pray that your flight might not happen in winter nor on a Sabbath.
UST:
Ask God to keep you from having to escape during the winter season or on the Jewish day of rest{, when it is difficult to travel}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:21ULT:
For then will be great tribulation, such as has not happened from the beginning of the world until now, nor will ever happen.
UST:
{I say that} because people will suffer very severely when what I have described happens. People have not suffered that severely since God created the world up to now, and no one will ever suffer that severely again.
How great will the tribulation be in those days?
In those days, the tribulation will be great, greater than any from the beginning of the world.
Matthew 24:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:22ULT:
And if those days had not been shortened, no flesh would be saved. But because of the elect, those days will be shortened.
UST:
Suppose that God were to allow what I have described to continue. In that case, nobody would survive. However, because of the people whom he has chosen {to belong to him}, God will not allow what I have described to continue.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:23ULT:
Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here {is} the Christ!’ or, ‘Here!’ you should not believe {it};
UST:
While those things are happening, there will be people who lie when they claim to be the Messiah or to speak for God. They will perform amazing miracles. They will try to deceive the people whom God has chosen {to belong to him}, and they will almost succeed in doing so. Therefore, when people tell you that the Messiah is here or there, do not trust {what they say}. (vv23-24)
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:24ULT:
for false Christs and false prophets will be raised up and will give great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
UST:
While those things are happening, there will be people who lie when they claim to be the Messiah or to speak for God. They will perform amazing miracles. They will try to deceive the people whom God has chosen {to belong to him}, and they will almost succeed in doing so. Therefore, when people tell you that the Messiah is here or there, do not trust {what they say}. (vv23-24)
How will the false Christs and false prophets lead many astray?
The false Christs and false prophets will show great signs and wonders to lead many astray.
Matthew 24:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:25ULT:
Behold, I have told you beforehand.
UST:
I have warned you about this before it happens!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:26ULT:
Therefore, if they say to you, ‘Behold, he is in the wilderness,’ you should not go out; ‘Behold, in the inner chambers,’ you should not believe {it}.
UST:
So, suppose someone says to you that the Messiah is in a place where no one lives. Do not go there. {Similarly, suppose that someone says to you that the Messiah} is in some private rooms. Do not trust what that person says.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:27ULT:
For, just as the lightning comes out from the east and shines as far as the west, thus will be the coming of the Son of Man.
UST:
Here is why I say that: lightning lights up the sky from one side to the other{, and everyone can see it}. Similarly, when I, the Son of Man, return {to this world}, {everyone will see it}.
What will the coming of the Son of Man look like?
The coming of the Son of Man will look like lightning shining from east to west.
Matthew 24:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:28ULT:
Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will be gathered.
UST:
Carrion birds assemble wherever there is a dead body.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:29ULT:
But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
UST:
Once people suffer in the ways I have described, immediately God will cause the sun to become dark. The moon will not shine. Stars will drop down from the sky. God will disrupt the angels in heaven.
What will happen to the sun, moon, and stars after the tribulation of those days?
The sun and moon will be darkened, and the stars will fall from the sky.
Matthew 24:30
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:30ULT:
And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and much glory.
UST:
After that, people will see something in the sky that shows that I, the Son of Man, {am about to act}. In response, many groups of people here on earth will grieve. They will see me, the Son of Man, arriving by means of clouds. I will be powerful and very great.
What will the tribes of the earth do when they see the Son of Man coming in power and great glory?
The tribes of the earth will mourn.
Matthew 24:31
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:31ULT:
And he will send his angels with a great trumpet, and they will gather together his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the heavens to the ends of them.
UST:
I will {have an angel} sound a loud trumpet. I will tell my angels to collect the people whom I have chosen. They will collect them from every place that exists.
What sound will be heard as the Son of Man sends his angels to gather the elect?
The great sound of a trumpet will be heard when the angels gather the elect.
Matthew 24:32
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:32ULT:
Now learn the parable from the fig tree: When its branch already becomes tender and it puts out leaves, you know that the summer {is} near.
UST:
Listen to this story about how fig trees grow. Whenever they begin to produce new branches and leaves, you can tell that it is almost the summer season.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:33
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:33ULT:
Thus also you, when you see all these things, know that it is near, at the doors.
UST:
Similarly, whenever you realize that what I have described is happening, you can tell that I will act very soon.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:34
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:34ULT:
Truly I say to you that this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things happen.
UST:
Most of the people who are alive right now will still be alive when what I have described happens. What I have said is true.
What did Jesus say would not pass away until all these things have occurred?
Jesus said that this generation will not pass away until all these things have occurred.
Matthew 24:35
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:35ULT:
The heaven and the earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.
UST:
Everything that God has created will eventually change or disappear. However, what I have said will never change or disappear.
What did Jesus say would pass away, and what would never pass away?
Jesus said that heaven and earth will pass away, but that his words will never pass away.
Matthew 24:36
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:36ULT:
But concerning that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of the heavens, nor the Son,except the Father only.
UST:
However, as for when this current time period will end, no human being knows that. The angels who dwell in heaven do not know that. Even I, the Son, do not know that. In fact, only God my Father knows that.
Who knows when these events will occur?
Only the Father knows when these events will occur.
Matthew 24:37
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:37ULT:
For just as the days of Noah, thus will be the coming of the Son of Man.
UST:
So, when I, the Son of Man, return {to this world}, it will be like what happened when Noah was alive {long ago}.
How will the coming of the Son of Man be like the days of Noah before the Flood? (24:37-39)
The people will be eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, knowing nothing of the coming judgment that will take them away.
Matthew 24:38
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:38ULT:
For as in the days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until that day Noah entered into the ark,
UST:
Here is what I mean: at the time before God flooded the whole world, people did not realize what was going to happen. They did {normal things, like} eating, drinking, and getting married. They did those things right up to the moment when Noah went into the big boat {that he had built}. Then, God flooded the whole world and destroyed everyone {who was not in the boat}. That is what it will be like when I, the Son of Man, return {to this world}.
(vv38-39)
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:39
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:39ULT:
and they did not know until the flood came and took {them} all away, thus also will be the coming of the Son of Man.
UST:
Here is what I mean: at the time before God flooded the whole world, people did not realize what was going to happen. They did {normal things, like} eating, drinking, and getting married. They did those things right up to the moment when Noah went into the big boat {that he had built}. Then, God flooded the whole world and destroyed everyone {who was not in the boat}. That is what it will be like when I, the Son of Man, return {to this world}.
(vv38-39)
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:40
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:40ULT:
Then two will be in the field—one is taken, and one is left.
UST:
Consider what will happen to two men working on a farm when I return. God will bring one man {to be with him}. He will leave the other man behind {to punish him}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:41
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:41ULT:
Two grinding with the mill—one is taken, and one is left.
UST:
Consider what will happen to two women using a stone to prepare grain. God will bring one woman {to be with him}. He will leave the other woman behind {to punish her}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:42
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:42ULT:
Therefore, be alert, for you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
UST:
So then, you cannot know at what moment I, your Lord, will return {to this world}. Because of that, you need to be ready {at all times}.
What attitude did Jesus say his believers must maintain regarding his coming, and why?
Jesus said that his believers must always be ready, because they do not know what day the Lord will come.
Matthew 24:43
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:43ULT:
But know this, that if the master of the house had known in which watch the thief comes, he would have been alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.
UST:
Now learn from this situation: Suppose that a man who managed a household learned at what time a robber was going to steal from the house. In that case, he would be ready for the robber. He would prevent him from stealing from the house.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:44
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:44ULT:
For this reason you also be ready, because in that hour you do not think, the Son of Man comes.
UST:
So then, since I, the Son of Man, will return {to this world} when you do not expect me, you too need to be ready.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:45
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:45ULT:
Who then is the faithful and wise slave whom the master has appointed over his household to give them their food in time?
UST:
To further understand what I am saying, consider an important servant. His master has put him in charge of all the other servants, and he needs to feed them at the proper times. He should be trustworthy and act wisely.
What does a faithful and wise servant do while the master is away? (24:45-46)
A faithful and wise servant takes care of the master’s household while the master is away.
Matthew 24:46
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:46ULT:
Blessed {is} that slave whom his master, having come, will find doing thus.
UST:
When his master returns, it will be very good for that servant if his master learns that he has done what he put him in charge to do.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:47
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:47ULT:
Truly I say to you that he will appoint him over all his possessions.
UST:
The master will put that servant in charge of everything that he owns. What I have said is true.
What does the master do for the faithful and wise servant when he returns?
When he returns, the master sets the faithful and wise servant over everything that he owns.
Matthew 24:48
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:48ULT:
But if that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master delays,’
UST:
However, suppose that the servant were wicked. Then, he would think that his master was staying away for a long time.
What does an evil servant do while the master is away? (24:48-49)
An evil servant beats his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards while the master is away.
Matthew 24:49
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:49ULT:
and he begins to beat his fellow slaves and eats and drinks with the ones being drunk,
UST:
So, he would start hitting the other servants. He would feast with drunk people.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:50
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:50ULT:
the master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect and at an hour that he does not know,
UST:
However, then his master would return at a time when the servant does not expect him.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 24:51
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 24:51ULT:
and he will cut him in two and appoint his place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and grinding of the teeth.
UST:
The master will punish that servant severely. He will send him where he punishes people who pretend to obey but really do not. There, people will cry and sorrowfully grind their teeth.
What does the master do with the evil servant when he returns?
When he returns, the master cuts the evil servant in pieces and sends him to where there is weeping and grinding of teeth.
Matthew 25
Matthew 25:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:1ULT:
Then the kingdom of the heavens will be compared to ten virgins who, having taken their lamps, went out to a meeting of the bridegroom.
UST:
Here is what God’s heavenly kingdom will be like at that time: Ten young women each took an oil lamp and prepared to escort a bridegroom {to his wedding celebration}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:2ULT:
Now five of them were foolish and five wise.
UST:
As for those young women, five of them were foolish, and the other five of them were wise.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:3ULT:
For the foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them.
UST:
Here is how five of them were foolish: they each took an oil lamp, but they did not take any extra oil {for their lamps}.
What did the foolish virgins not do when they went to meet the bridegroom?
The foolish virgins did not take any oil with them along with their lamps.
Matthew 25:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:4ULT:
But the wise took oil in the containers with their lamps.
UST:
In contrast, here is how five of them were wise: they each took an oil lamp and also some extra oil {for their lamps}.
What did the wise virgins do when they went to meet the bridegroom?
The wise virgins took containers of oil along with their lamps.
Matthew 25:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:5ULT:
But the bridegroom delaying, they all became sleepy and were sleeping.
UST:
Now the bridegroom did not arrive for a long time. So, all the young women became drowsy and then fell asleep.
When did the bridegroom come, and was this the expected time? (25:5-6)
The bridegroom came at midnight, which was later than the expected time.
Matthew 25:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:6ULT:
But in the middle of the night there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Go out to the meeting.’
UST:
Later, sometime during the night, someone shouted, ‘The bridegroom is almost here! You must escort him {to his wedding celebration}!’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:7ULT:
Then all those virgins got up and put their lamps in order.
UST:
When they heard that, all the young women woke up and prepared their oil lamps.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:8ULT:
Now the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us from your oil, because our lamps are going out.’
UST:
The foolish young women said to the wise young women, ‘Our oil lamps no longer shine brightly. So, please share your oil with us.’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:9ULT:
But the wise answered, saying, ‘Lest there not be enough for us and for you, go instead to the ones selling, and buy for yourselves.’
UST:
The wise young women replied, ‘{We will not share our oil, because} there is not enough for all of us. You should find someone from whom to buy oil for yourselves.’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:10ULT:
But, they going away to buy, the bridegroom came, and the prepared entered with him into the wedding feast, and the door was shut.
UST:
So, the foolish young women left to buy oil. While they were gone, the bridegroom arrived. The wise young women, who were ready {to escort him}, went with him to the wedding hall. Then, people closed its doors.
What happened to the wise virgins when the bridegroom came?
The wise virgins went with the bridegroom to the marriage feast.
What happened to the foolish virgins when the bridegroom came? (25:10-12)
The foolish virgins had to go buy oil, and when they returned the door to the feast was shut for them.
Matthew 25:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:11ULT:
But afterward also the rest of the virgins come, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open for us!’
UST:
Later, the other young women also arrived {at the wedding hall}. They asked {the bridegroom}, ‘Sir, please open the door so that we can come in!’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:12ULT:
But he, answering, said, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’
UST:
The bridegroom replied, ‘{I will not open the door, because} I do not recognize you. What I have said is true!’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:13ULT:
Therefore, be alert, for you do not know the day nor the hour.
UST:
So then, you cannot know at what moment {I will return to this world}. Because of that, you need to be ready {at all times}.
What did Jesus say he wanted the believers to learn from the parable of the virgins?
Jesus said that the believers should watch, for they do not know the day or the hour.
Matthew 25:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:14ULT:
For {it is} as if a man, going abroad, called his own slaves and handed over to them his possessions.
UST:
Even further, {here is what God’s heavenly kingdom} is like: a man decided to travel to a different country. So, he summoned his servants and put them in charge of what he owned.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:15ULT:
And to one he gave five talents, and to one, two, and to one, one—to each according to his own ability. And immediately he went abroad.
UST:
He gave as much money to each servant as each one could manage. He gave five bags of money to one servant. He gave two bags of money to another servant. He gave one bag of money to another servant. As soon as he did that, he traveled to a different country.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:16ULT:
Having gone, the one having received the five talents traded with them and gained another five talents.
UST:
Then, the servant who had five bags of money went to invest the money. He made five more bags of money.
What did the servants with five and two talents do with their talents when their master went on his journey? (25:16-17)
The servant with five talents made another five talents, and the one with two talents made another two.
Matthew 25:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:17ULT:
Likewise, the one with the two also gained another two.
UST:
Similarly, the servant who had two bags of money {invested the money}. He made two more bags of money.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:18ULT:
But the one having received the one, having gone away, dug in the ground and hid the money of his master.
UST:
However, the servant who had one bag of money went to bury it in the ground {to keep it safe}.
What did the servant with one talent do with the talent when his master went on his journey?
The servant with one talent dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
Matthew 25:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:19ULT:
Now after a long time, the master of those slaves comes and takes up a word together with them.
UST:
Much later, the servants’ master returned. He wanted to know what they had done with the bags of money.
How long was the master away on his journey?
The master was away for a long time.
Matthew 25:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:20ULT:
And having approached, the one having received the five talents brought another five talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; behold, I gained another five talents.’
UST:
So, the servant who had five bags of money went to him. He brought {them and} the five more bags of money {that he had made}. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of money. I have made five more bags of money!’
When he returned, what did the master do for the servants who had been given five and two talents? (25:20-21)
The master said, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” and put them in charge of many things.
Matthew 25:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:21ULT:
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things. I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’
UST:
His master replied, ‘I approve of what you have done. You are a trustworthy servant who does what is right! You were trustworthy when I put you in charge of only some money. Now I will put you in charge of many important things. Enjoy what I have with me!’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:22ULT:
Having approached, also the one with the two talents said, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; behold, I gained another two talents.’
UST:
Then, the servant who had two bags of money went to him too. He said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of money. I have made two more bags of money!’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:23ULT:
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things. I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’
UST:
His master replied, ‘I approve of what you have done. You are a trustworthy servant who does what is right! You were trustworthy when I put you in charge of only some money. Now I will put you in charge of many important things. Enjoy what I have with me!’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:24ULT:
But having approached, also the one having received the one talent said, ‘Master, I knew you, that you are a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter.
UST:
Then, the servant who had one bag of money went to him too. He said, ‘Master, I realized that you are a demanding person. You are like a farmer who harvests crops that he did not plant.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:25ULT:
And having become afraid, having gone away, I hid your talent in the ground. Behold, you have {what is} yours.’
UST:
So, because I feared you, I went to bury your bag of money in the ground {to keep it safe}. Now I am giving you back your money!’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:26ULT:
But answering, his master said to him, ‘Wicked and lazy slave! Did you know that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter?
UST:
His master replied, ‘You are an evil servant who refuses to work! You claim that you realized that I am like a farmer who harvests crops that he did not plant.
When he returned, what did the master do to the servant who had been given one talent? (25:26-30)
The master said, “You wicked and lazy servant,” took the one talent away from him, and threw him into the outer darkness.
Matthew 25:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:27ULT:
Therefore, it was necessary for you to have put my money with the bankers, and having come, I would have received back {what is} mine with interest.
UST:
If that were true about me, you should have given the bag of money to people who lend money. Then, when I returned, I would have gotten it back plus the interest it earned.’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:28ULT:
Therefore, take away the talent from him and give it to the one having the ten talents.
UST:
So {the master said to his other servants,} ‘Take the bag of money from him! Give it to the servant who has ten bags of money.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:29ULT:
For to everyone having, it will be given and it will abound. But from the one not having, even what he has will be taken away from him.
UST:
{I command that} because people give more to those who already have something. They will have many things. In contrast, people take everything from those who already have very little.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:30
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:30ULT:
And throw the worthless slave out into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and grinding of the teeth.’
UST:
Now {to punish} this useless servant, cast him out into a dark place, where people will cry and sorrowfully grind their teeth.’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:31
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:31ULT:
Now, when the Son of Man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his throne of glory.
UST:
When I, the Son of Man, return {to this world} with all the angels, I will be very glorious. At that time, I will sit down {to rule} from my great throne.
What will the Son of Man do when he comes and sits on his glorious throne? (25:31-32)
The Son of Man will gather all the nations and separate the people one from another.
Matthew 25:32
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:32ULT:
And before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them from one another, just as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
UST:
Then all groups of people will assemble in front of me. I will divide them into two groups, as a sheepherder divides his animals into a group of sheep and a group of goats.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:33
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:33ULT:
And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on his left.
UST:
I will have some people, who are like sheep, go to the area to my right {to honor them}. I will have the other people, who are like goats, go to the area to my left {to shame them}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:34
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:34ULT:
Then the King will say to the ones on his right, ‘Come, the ones having been blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
UST:
After that, I, the king, will tell the people in the area to my right, ‘You are people whom God my Father has blessed. Come with me! God will enable you to participate in the kingdom that he set up for you when he created everything.
What will those on the King’s right hand receive?
Those on the King’s right hand receive the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world.
Matthew 25:35
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:35ULT:
For I was hungry, and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me to drink; I was a stranger, and you gathered together with me;
UST:
{You will do that} because you fed me when I was hungry. You gave me water when I was thirsty. You welcomed me when I arrived from a different place.
What did those on the King’s right hand do in their lives? (25:35-36)
Those on the King’s right hand gave food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, took in strangers, clothed the naked, cared for the sick, and visited the prisoners.
Matthew 25:36
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:36ULT:
{I was} naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you cared for me; I was in prison, and you came to me.’
UST:
You gave me clothes when I did not have enough to wear. You took care of me when I was ill. You visited me when I was in jail.’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:37
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:37ULT:
Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you being hungry and feed {you}? Or being thirsty and give {you} to drink?
UST:
After that, the people who did what was right will reply, ‘Lord, we do not remember feeding you when you were hungry. {We do not remember} giving you water when you were thirsty.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:38
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:38ULT:
And when did we see you a stranger and gather together with {you}? Or naked and clothe {you}?
UST:
We do not remember welcoming you even though you were from a different place. {We do not remember} giving you clothes when you did not have enough to wear.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:39
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:39ULT:
And when did we see you sick or in prison and come to you?’
UST:
We do not remember visiting you when you were ill or in jail.’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:40
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:40ULT:
And answering, the King will say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, as much as you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
UST:
I, the king, will respond, ‘Whenever you do something to help an insignificant fellow believer, it is as if you did it to help me. What I have said is true.’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:41
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:41ULT:
Then he will say also to the ones on his left, ‘Go from me, the ones having been cursed, into the eternal fire that has been prepared for the devil and his angels.
UST:
After that, I will tell the people in the area to my left, ‘You are people whom God has cursed. Leave me! {I send you} to hell, which God set up for Satan and his demons.
What will those on the King’s left hand receive?
Those on the King’s left hand receive the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Matthew 25:42
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:42ULT:
For I was hungry, and you did not give me to eat; I was thirsty, and you did not give me to drink;
UST:
{You will go there} because you did not feed me when I was hungry. You did not give me water when I was thirsty.
What did those on the King’s left hand not do in their lives? (25:42-43)
Those on the King’s left hand did not give food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, take in strangers, clothe the naked, care for the sick, or visit the prisoners.
Matthew 25:43
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:43ULT:
I was a stranger, and you did not gather together with me; {I was} naked, and you did not clothe me; {I was} sick and in prison, and you did not care for me.’
UST:
You did not welcome me when I arrived from a different place. You did not give me clothes when I did not have enough to wear. You did not take care of me when I was ill and in jail.’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:44
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:44ULT:
Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not serve you?’
UST:
After that, those people will reply, ‘Lord, we do not remember failing to help you when you were hungry or thirsty or came from a different place or did not have enough to wear or were ill or in jail.’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:45
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:45ULT:
Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly I say to you, as much as you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
UST:
He will reply, ‘I tell you truly that you did not do for me whatever you did not do for even the least important one among these people of mine.’
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 25:46
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 25:46ULT:
And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
UST:
As for those people {who did what was wrong}, God will punish them forever. In contrast, the people who did what was right will live with God forever.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26
Matthew 26:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:1ULT:
And it happened that when Jesus had finished all these words, he said to his disciples,
UST:
So, Jesus completed saying all those things. Then, he told his apprentices,
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:2ULT:
“You know that after two days the Passover happens, and the Son of Man is handed over to be crucified.”
UST:
“As you know, two days from now, the Passover festival will begin. At that time, somebody will help the authorities arrest me, the Son of Man. They will have people kill me by nailing me to a cross.”
What Jewish feast did Jesus say was coming in two days?
Jesus said that the Passover was coming in two days.
Matthew 26:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:3ULT:
Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the courtyard of the chief priest, the one called Caiaphas.
UST:
At that time, the ruling priests and the Jewish leaders assembled outside the house of the ruling priest whose name was Caiaphas.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:4ULT:
And they took counsel together in order that they might seize Jesus by deceit and kill him.
UST:
They started to plan a clever way to arrest Jesus and have others execute him.
What were the chief priests and elders plotting at the palace of the chief priest?
They were plotting to arrest Jesus stealthily and to kill him.
Matthew 26:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:5ULT:
But they were saying, “Not during the festival, so that a riot does not happen among the people.”
UST:
However, they agreed that they would not act during the Passover festival. Otherwise, the people who were there in Jerusalem might riot.
Of what were the chief priests and elders afraid?
They were afraid that if they killed Jesus during the feast, the people might riot.
Matthew 26:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:6ULT:
Now, Jesus being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper,
UST:
One time, Jesus {and his apprentices} were in the village of Bethany. They were in the home of Simon, who used to have a skin disease.
What was the disciples’ reaction when the woman poured the expensive ointment on Jesus’ head? (26:6-9)
The disciples were angry and wanted to know why the ointment was not sold and the money given to the poor.
Matthew 26:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:7ULT:
a woman approached him having an alabaster jar of very expensive perfumed oil, and she poured {it} upon his head, {he} reclining to eat.
UST:
While Jesus was feasting {there}, a woman came to him. She brought with her a stone jar that contained a valuable, fragrant ointment. She poured the ointment on Jesus’ head.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:8ULT:
Now, having seen this, the disciples became very angry, saying, “For what {is} this waste?
UST:
When the apprentices noticed {what the woman had done}, they were very upset. They declared, “She wasted {the valuable ointment}!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:9ULT:
For this was able to be sold for much and given to the poor.”
UST:
She could have sold it for a lot of money! Then, she could have given {that money} to poor people.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:10ULT:
But Jesus, knowing this, said to them, “Why are you causing trouble for the woman? For she did a good work for me.
UST:
However, Jesus realized {what they were saying}. He told them, “Do not bother this woman! {I say that} because what she did to me was right.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:11ULT:
For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.
UST:
There will always be poor people with you. {So, you can help them whenever you want to}. However, I will not always be with you.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:12ULT:
For she, putting this perfumed oil on my body, did {it} to prepare me for burial.
UST:
When she poured this ointment on me, she was getting me ready for when someone buries me.
Why did Jesus say the woman had poured the ointment on him?
Jesus said the woman had poured the ointment on him for his burial.
Matthew 26:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:13ULT:
Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, also what she did will be spoken in remembrance of her.”
UST:
In every place where my apprentices proclaim the good news, they will also tell what this woman just did. That way, people remember her. What I have said is true.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:14ULT:
Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, having gone to the chief priests,
UST:
After that, one of Jesus’ 12 representatives visited the ruling priests. This man’s name was Judas Iscariot.
What was Judas Iscariot paid to deliver Jesus into the hands of the chief priests? (26:14-15)
Judas was paid 30 pieces of silver to deliver Jesus into the hands of the chief priests.
Matthew 26:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:15ULT:
said, “What are you willing to give me, and I will hand him over to you?” And they weighed out 30 pieces of silver for him.
UST:
He said to them, “Suppose that I help you arrest Jesus. How much money would you pay me?” {In response,} they offered Judas 30 silver coins.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:16ULT:
And from then he was seeking an opportunity in order that he might hand him over.
UST:
From that moment on, Judas tried to find a good time to help {the ruling priests} arrest Jesus.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:17ULT:
Now on the first of the Festival of Unleavened Bread the disciples approached Jesus, saying, “Where do you want {that} we might prepare for you to eat the Passover?”
UST:
During the first day of the Celebration of Unleavened Bread, the apprentices came to Jesus. They asked him, “Where should we set up the meal for the Passover celebration?”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:18ULT:
And he said, “Go into the city to so-and-so and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is near. I with my disciples am doing the Passover with you.”’”
UST:
Jesus told them, “Enter the city of Jerusalem and find a certain man. Tell him, ‘Our instructor says that something important is about to happen to him. He wants to eat the meal for the Passover celebration with us, his apprentices, in your home.’”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:19ULT:
And the disciples did as Jesus directed them, and they prepared the Passover.
UST:
The apprentices did what Jesus told them to do. They {went to that man’s house and} set up the meal for the Passover celebration.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:20ULT:
Now evening having come, he was reclining to eat with the Twelve.
UST:
When it was evening, Jesus and his 12 representatives began to feast.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:21ULT:
And they eating, he said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will hand me over.”
UST:
As they ate, Jesus told them, “One of you is going to help {my enemies} arrest me. What I have said is true.”
What did Jesus say at the evening meal about one of his disciples?
Jesus said that one of his disciples would betray him.
Matthew 26:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:22ULT:
And being very grieved, each one began to say to him, “Surely not I, Lord?”
UST:
The apprentices became very sad. Every one of them told Jesus, “Lord, I will not do that!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:23ULT:
But he, answering, said, “The one having dipped his hand with me in the bowl, this one will hand me over.
UST:
Jesus replied, “The one who will help {my enemies} arrest me is eating food here with me.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:24ULT:
The Son of Man departs just as it has been written about him. But woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is handed over! It would have been good for him if that man had not been born.”
UST:
I, the Son of Man, will die. That is what you can read in the Scriptures about me. Nevertheless, how terrible it will be for the man who helps {my enemies} arrest me, the Son of Man. In fact, that man would be better off if he had never existed.”
What did Jesus say about the future of the one who would betray him?
Jesus said that it would be better for the man who betrays him if he had never been born.
Matthew 26:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:25ULT:
But answering, Judas, the one handing him over, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?”
He says to him, “You said {it}.”
UST:
Judas, the one who was going to help {his enemies} arrest him, replied, “Teacher, I will not do that!”
Jesus replied, “Yes you will.”
How did Jesus answer when Judas asked if he was the one who would betray Jesus?
Jesus answered, “You have said it yourself.”
Matthew 26:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:26ULT:
Now they eating, Jesus, having taken bread and having blessed, broke {it}. And having given {it} to the disciples, he said, “Take, eat. This is my body.”
UST:
As they ate, Jesus picked up a loaf of bread. He thanked God {for the loaf of bread}. Then, he tore it into pieces and handed the pieces to the apprentices {to eat}. He said, “This {bread} is my body. Receive it and eat it.”
What did Jesus say when he took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the disciples?
Jesus said, “Take, eat. This is my body.”
Matthew 26:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:27ULT:
And having taken a cup and having given thanks, he gave {it} to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.
UST:
Then Jesus picked up a cup {of wine}. He thanked God {for the wine}. Then, he handed {the cup of wine} to the apprentices. He said, “All of you must drink wine from this cup.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:28ULT:
For this is my blood of thecovenant that is being poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
UST:
This wine is my blood, which inaugurates the agreement {God is making with you}. My blood will flow from my body {when my enemies kill me}. That way, God will forgive the sins of many people.
What did Jesus say about the cup he then gave to the disciples?
Jesus said that the cup was his blood of the covenant that is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Matthew 26:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:29ULT:
But I say to you, I will certainly not drink from now from this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in the kingdom of my Father.”
UST:
Here is what I want to tell you: From this moment on, I will not drink any more wine until the time when I drink it again with you when we participate in God my Father’s kingdom.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:30
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:30ULT:
And having sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
UST:
After they sang a song praising God, Jesus and his apprentices walked to the Mount of Olives.
At the Mount of Olives, what did Jesus tell his disciples they would all do that night? (26:30-31)
Jesus told his disciples that they would all stumble that night because of him.
Matthew 26:31
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:31ULT:
Then Jesus says to them, “You all will be caused to stumble on me in this night, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
UST:
After that, Jesus told them, “{God had Zechariah} write in the Scriptures, ‘I will kill the one who is like a shepherd. Then, the people who are like sheep in his flock will flee.’
So, tonight all of you will reject me!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:32
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:32ULT:
But after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee.”
UST:
However, once God has made me alive again, I will go ahead of you to the region of Galilee {and meet you there}.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:33
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:33ULT:
But answering, Peter said to him, “If all will be caused to stumble on you, I never will be caused to stumble.”
UST:
Peter replied, “Suppose that everyone else rejects you. Despite that, I will never reject you!”
When Peter said he would never stumble, what did Jesus tell him he would do that night? (26:33-34)
Jesus said that Peter would deny Jesus three times that night before the rooster crows.
Matthew 26:34
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:34ULT:
Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you that in this night, before a rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”
UST:
Jesus replied, “Tonight before male chickens crow {at dawn}, you will say three times that you are not my apprentice! What I have said is true.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:35
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:35ULT:
Peter says to him, “Even if it were necessary for me to die with you, I will certainly not deny you.” All the disciples also said likewise.
UST:
Peter told him, “I will always say that I am your apprentice, even if I die with you because of that!” The rest of the apprentices said the same thing.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:36
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:36ULT:
Then Jesus comes with them to a place called Gethsemane and says to the disciples, “Sit here while, having gone away there, I pray.”
UST:
After that, Jesus and his apprentices walked to a place whose name was Gethsemane. He told the apprentices, “Stay here. I will walk over there and pray {to God}.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:37
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:37ULT:
And having taken along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be grieved and greatly troubled.
UST:
Jesus had Peter and Zebedee’s two sons{, James and John}, go with him. Then, Jesus started to become very sad and upset.
What did Jesus ask Peter and the two sons of Zebedee to do while he prayed? (26:37-38)
Jesus asked them to remain there and watch with him.
Matthew 26:38
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:38ULT:
Then he says to them, “My soul is very grieved—unto death. Remain here and be alert with me.”
UST:
He told those three apprentices, “I am so sad that I feel like I am dying. Stay here and stay awake with me!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:39
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:39ULT:
And having gone a little farther, he fell on his face, praying and saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me. Yet, not as I will, but as you.”
UST:
After saying that, Jesus walked a little further. Then, he kneeled down to pray. He said, “God my Father, if there is any way to do so, please prevent me from suffering terribly. However, please do what you want to do, not what I want you to do.”
What request did Jesus make to the Father in his prayer?
Jesus requested that if it were possible, to let this cup pass from him.
Matthew 26:40
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:40ULT:
And he comes to the disciples and finds them sleeping, and he says to Peter, “So, were you not able to be alert with me for one hour?
UST:
Then he returned to the three apprentices. He discovered that they were asleep. He {woke them up} and rebuked Peter, “It disappoints me that you {men} could not stay awake with me for just a short time!
What were the disciples doing when Jesus returned from praying?
The disciples were sleeping when Jesus returned from praying.
Matthew 26:41
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:41ULT:
Be alert and pray so that you do not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed {is} willing, but the flesh {is} weak.”
UST:
You want to do what I say, but you are not strong enough. Stay awake and pray! That way, nothing can convince you to sin.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:42
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:42ULT:
Again, having gone away a second time, he prayed, saying, “My Father, if this is not able to pass away unless I drink it, let your will be done.”
UST:
Then Jesus walked a short distance away a second time. He prayed, “God my Father, there may be no way to prevent me from suffering terribly. So, please do what you want to do!”
What did Jesus pray be done, no matter Jesus’ own will?
Jesus prayed that the Father’s will be done, no matter Jesus’ own will.
How many times did Jesus leave the disciples to go and pray? (26:42-44)
Jesus left the disciples three times to go and pray.
Matthew 26:43
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:43ULT:
And having come again, he found them sleeping, for their eyes were weighed down.
UST:
Then he returned a second time {to the three apprentices}. He discovered that they, because they were so sleepy, had fallen asleep again.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:44
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:44ULT:
And having left them again, having gone away, he prayed a third time, having said the same word again.
UST:
So, Jesus walked a short distance away a third time. He prayed again what he had prayed before.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:45
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:45ULT:
Then he comes to the disciples and says to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour has come near, and the Son of Man is handed over into the hands of sinners.
UST:
Then he returned to the three apprentices. He {woke them up and} rebuked them, “It disappoints me that you continue to sleep! The time {when I will suffer} is about to begin! Someone is about to help sinful people arrest me, the Son of Man.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:46
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:46ULT:
Get up, let us go. Behold, the one handing me over has come near.”
UST:
Stand up! We are going to leave {this place}. The person who is helping {my enemies} arrest me has arrived!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:47
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:47ULT:
And he still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the Twelve, came, and with him a large crowd with swords and clubs from the chief priests and elders of the people.
UST:
While Jesus was still talking {to the three apprentices}, Judas arrived. He was one of the 12 men whom Jesus had chosen to represent him. {He brought} with him a large group of people carrying swords and clubs. The ruling priests and the Jewish leaders had sent them {to arrest Jesus}.
What sign did Judas give the crowd to identify Jesus as the one to seize? (26:47-48)
Judas kissed Jesus as the sign to the crowd that Jesus was the one to seize.
Matthew 26:48
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:48ULT:
Now the one handing him over gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss is he. Seize him.”
UST:
Previously, Judas, who was helping {Jesus’ enemies} arrest him, told the group of people how they would know which man was Jesus. He instructed them, “The man you should arrest is the one whom I will greet affectionately.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:49
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:49ULT:
And immediately, having approached Jesus, he said, “Rejoice, Rabbi!” and he kissed him.
UST:
As soon as he arrived, Judas went to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Teacher!” Then he greeted Jesus affectionately.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:50
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:50ULT:
But Jesus said to him, “Friend, for what are you present?”
Then, having approached, they laid hands on Jesus and seized him.
UST:
Jesus told him, “My friend, I know why you are really here.”
After that, the large group of people arrested Jesus.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:51
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:51ULT:
And behold, one of the ones with Jesus, having stretched out his hand, drew his sword, and having struck the servant of the high priest, cut off his ear.
UST:
Then one of the men who were with Jesus pulled his sword {out of its sheath}! He attacked a man who served the ruling priest, but he {only} cut off that man’s ear.
What did one of Jesus’ disciples do when Jesus was seized?
One of Jesus’ disciples drew his sword and cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest.
Matthew 26:52
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:52ULT:
Then Jesus says to him, “Return your sword to its place, for all the ones having taken a sword will perish by a sword.
UST:
After that, Jesus told him, “Put your sword back in its sheath! {I say that} because someone will kill with a sword every person who tries to kill another person with a sword.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:53
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:53ULT:
Or do you think that I am not able to beg my Father, and he will provide me now with more than 12 legions of angels?
UST:
You should realize that I could ask God my Father to protect me, and he would immediately send more than 12 armies of angels to do so!
What did Jesus say he could do if he wished to defend himself?
Jesus said that he could call upon the Father, who would send 12 legions of angels.
Matthew 26:54
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:54ULT:
How then would the scriptures be fulfilled, that it is necessary to happen in this way?”
UST:
{However, if I did that,} then what people wrote in the Scriptures would not come true. They wrote that what is happening to me has to occur.”
What did Jesus say was being fulfilled by these events?
Jesus said that the Scriptures were being fulfilled by these events.
Matthew 26:55
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:55ULT:
At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “As against a robber have you come out with swords and clubs to seize me? Every day I was sitting in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me.
UST:
At that time, Jesus told the groups of people {who were arresting him}, “You did not need to treat me like a dangerous bandit by arming yourselves with swords and clubs to arrest me. Each day I was peacefully instructing people in the temple area. You did not arrest me then!
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:56
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:56ULT:
But all this has happened so that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples, having left him, fled.
UST:
However, as all these things have happened, what the prophets wrote has come true.” After that, all of Jesus’ apprentices deserted him and ran away.
What did all the disciples then do?
All the disciples then left him and fled.
Matthew 26:57
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:57ULT:
Now the ones having seized Jesus led {him} away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together.
UST:
The people who had arrested Jesus took him to {the house where} Caiaphas, the ruling priest{, lived}. The teachers of the Jewish law and the Jewish leaders had {already} assembled there.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:58
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:58ULT:
But Peter was following him from a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest. And having entered inside, he was sitting down with the officers to see the end.
UST:
Peter followed Jesus, but he stayed a safe distance away. He went into the area just outside {the house where} the ruling priest {lived}. He sat there with the servants. That way, he could see what was going to happen.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:59
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:59ULT:
Now the chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus so that they might put him to death.
UST:
The ruling priests and all {the rest of} the Jewish council tried to find {people who would say} what was untrue about Jesus. That way, they could have {the Roman authorities} execute him.
For what were the chief priests and the whole Council looking in order to put Jesus to death?
They were looking for false testimony against Jesus in order to put Jesus to death.
Matthew 26:60
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:60ULT:
And they did not find {any}, many false witnesses having approached. But later two, having approached,
UST:
However, even though many people said what was untrue about Jesus, the Jewish council did not find {anything that they could tell the Roman authorities about}. Finally, two people came forward.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:61
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:61ULT:
said, “This one said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild {it} in three days.’”
UST:
They said, “This man said that he could tear down God’s temple and construct it again within three days.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:62
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:62ULT:
And having stood up, the high priest said to him, “Do you answer nothing? What are these testifying against you?”
UST:
Then the ruling priest stood up. He asked Jesus, “Are you going to reply? How do you respond to what these people have said about you?”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:63
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:63ULT:
But Jesus was silent. And the high priest said to him, “I make you swear by the living God that you tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.”
UST:
Despite that, Jesus kept quiet. Then the ruling priest told him, “I want you to have the only real God guarantee that you will say truthfully whether you are the Messiah, God’s Son.”
What command did the high priest give Jesus by the living God?
The high priest commanded Jesus tell them whether or not he was the Christ, the Son of God.
Matthew 26:64
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:64ULT:
Jesus says to him, “You said {it}. But I say to you, from now you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
UST:
Jesus replied, “What you have called me is right. In fact, here is what I want to tell you: From this time on, you will see me, the Son of Man, ruling powerfully with God. {You will see me} arriving by means of clouds.”
What was Jesus’ response to the high priest’s command?
Jesus said, “You have said it yourself.”
What did Jesus say the high priest would see?
Jesus said the high priest would see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.
Matthew 26:65
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:65ULT:
Then the high priest tore his robes, saying, “He has blasphemed! Why do we still have need of witnesses? Behold, now you have heard the blasphemy.
UST:
When he heard that, the ruling priest was so upset that he ripped his outer garments. He said, “This man has insulted God! We certainly do not need anyone else to say anything about him. You all just heard him insult God!
What accusation did the high priest then make against Jesus?
The high priest accused Jesus of blasphemy.
Matthew 26:66
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:66ULT:
What do you think?”
And they, answering, said, “He is deserving of death.”
UST:
What should we decide to do?”
The Jewish council replied, “Someone should execute him because of what he has said!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:67
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:67ULT:
Then they spit in his face and beat him. And they slapped him,
UST:
After that, some of the people there spit in Jesus’ face {to insult him}. They struck him {with their fists}. They slapped him
What did they do to Jesus after they accused him?
They spat in Jesus’ face, beat him, and struck him with the palms of their hands.
Matthew 26:68
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:68ULT:
saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ. Who is the one having hit you?”
UST:
and demanded, “{You who claim to be the} Messiah, prove to us that you speak for God! Name the people who just struck you!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:69
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:69ULT:
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and one servant girl approached him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.”
UST:
Meanwhile, Peter was sitting down in the area just outside the {ruling priest’s} house. A female servant came up to him and said, “{I can tell that} you were an apprentice of Jesus, that man from the region of Galilee.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:70
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:70ULT:
But he denied {it} before all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.”
UST:
However, while everyone there was listening, he told them that he was not Jesus’ apprentice. He said, “I do not understand what you are talking about!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:71
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:71ULT:
But {he} having gone out to the gateway, another saw him and says to the ones there, “This one was with Jesus the Nazarene.”
UST:
Then Peter walked to the entrance {into the area just outside the house}. Another female servant noticed him there. She told the people who were standing nearby, “This man was an apprentice of Jesus, that man from the town of Nazareth.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:72
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:72ULT:
And again he denied {it} with an oath, “I do not know the man!”
UST:
Peter again said that he was not Jesus’ apprentice. He solemnly promised, “I have never met that man!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 26:73
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:73ULT:
But after a little {while} the ones standing {there}, having approached, said to Peter, “Truly you also are from them, for also your speech makes you evident.”
UST:
A little later, some people who were there came up to Peter. They told him, “When you talk, you sound like {you are from where Jesus is from}. So, you must really be one of his apprentices.”
What did Peter answer the three times that someone asked him if he was with Jesus? (26:73-75)
Peter answered that he did not know Jesus.
Matthew 26:74
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:74ULT:
Then he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed.
UST:
After they said that, Peter asked God to punish him if he was lying. Then he solemnly promised, “I have never met that man!” As soon as he said that, a male chicken crowed.
What happened as soon as Peter answered the third time?
As soon as Peter answered the third time, a rooster crowed.
Matthew 26:75
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 26:75ULT:
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus that he had said: “Before a rooster crows you will deny me three times.” And having gone outside, he wept bitterly.
UST:
Then Peter remembered what Jesus had told him. He had said, “Before male chickens crow {at dawn}, you will say three times that you are not my apprentice.” Peter left {the area just outside the ruling priest’s house} and cried very sorrowfully.
What did Peter remember after his third answer?
Peter remembered that Jesus had said that before the rooster crows, he would deny Jesus three times.
Matthew 27
Matthew 27:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:1ULT:
Now morning having come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus so as to put him to death.
UST:
When it was morning, all the ruling priests and the Jewish leaders planned how they could have someone execute Jesus.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:2ULT:
And having bound him, they led {him} away and handed {him} over to Pilate the governor.
UST:
They had their guards tie Jesus up and take him from there to Pilate, the {Roman} local ruler. They wanted Pilate to condemn him.
In the morning, where did the chief priests and elders take Jesus?
In the morning, they took him to Pilate the governor.
Matthew 27:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:3ULT:
Then Judas, the one handing him over, having seen that he was condemned, having repented, returned the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
UST:
After that, Judas, the man who had helped {Jesus’ enemies} arrest him, realized that the ruling priests and Jewish leaders had decided that Jesus was guilty. He regretted {what he had done}. So, he gave the 30 silver coins {that they had paid him} back to them.
What did Judas Iscariot do when he saw that Jesus was condemned? (27:3-5)
Judas repented of betraying innocent blood, returned the silver, went out, and hanged himself.
Matthew 27:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:4ULT:
saying, “I have sinned, having handed over innocent blood.”
But they said, “What {is that} to us? You will see.”
UST:
He told them, “I have done what is wrong by helping you arrest someone who is not guilty.”
They replied, “We do not care {what you think}! That is your problem.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:5ULT:
And having thrown the pieces of silver into the temple, he withdrew. And having gone out, he hanged himself.
UST:
So Judas took the silver coins {that they had paid him} and threw them into the temple. Then he left {the temple area}. After that, he hanged himself and died.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:6ULT:
Now the chief priests, having taken the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.”
UST:
Later, the ruling priests picked up the silver coins {that Judas had thrown}. They declared, “This is money that we paid so that a man would die. So, our laws prohibit us from adding these coins to the money for the temple.”
What did the chief priests do with the 30 pieces of silver? (27:6-7)
They bought the Potter’s Field, in which to bury strangers.
Matthew 27:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:7ULT:
But, having taken counsel, they bought with them the field of the potter for burial for strangers.
UST:
After planning what to do, they used the coins to buy some land that people called the Potter’s Field. That way, they could bury on that land people who came from a different place {but who died in Jerusalem}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:8ULT:
Therefore, that field has been called Field of Blood to this day.
UST:
That is why people now call that land Blood’s Field.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:9ULT:
Then was fulfilled {what} was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “And they took the 30 pieces of silver, the price of the one having been priced, whom they from the sons of Israel priced,
UST:
At that time, what God said by speaking through the prophet Jeremiah came true: “They took the 30 silver coins, which was what some of the Israelites had decided that he was worth.
Whose prophecy did these events fulfill? (27:9-10)
These events fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah.
Matthew 27:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:10ULT:
and they gave them for the field of the potter, just as the Lord directed me.”
UST:
Then, the Israelites did what the Lord {God} had commanded me {to do}. They used those coins to buy the Potter’s Field.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:11ULT:
Now Jesus was stood before the governor, and the governor questioned him, saying, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
But Jesus said to him, “You say {it}.”
UST:
As for Jesus, {the Jewish council} had him stand in front of {Pilate,} the {Roman} local ruler. Pilate asked him, “Do you claim to be king over the Jewish people?”
Jesus replied, “What you are calling me is right.”
What question did Pilate ask Jesus, and what was Jesus’ answer?
Pilate asked Jesus if he was the King of the Jews, and Jesus answered, “You say so.”
Matthew 27:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:12ULT:
And when he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he answered nothing.
UST:
Then the ruling priests and the {Jewish} leaders claimed that Jesus had done {many bad things}. However, Jesus did not respond.
What did Jesus answer to all the accusations of the chief priests and elders? (27:12-14)
Jesus did not answer even one word.
Matthew 27:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:13ULT:
Then Pilate says to him, “Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?”
UST:
After that, Pilate asked him, “Are you going to respond to anything that they have accused you of doing?”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:14ULT:
And he did not answer him, not even to one word, so as to amaze the governor very much.
UST:
However, Jesus did not respond to even one of the things that they accused him of doing. How Jesus was acting greatly impressed {Pilate,} the {Roman} local ruler.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:15ULT:
Now at the festival the governor had been accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner whom they were wishing.
UST:
It is important to know that whenever the Passover festival began, the {Roman} local ruler{, Pilate,} usually set free one person who was in jail. He allowed the group of people {who were in Jerusalem} to decide who it would be.
What did Pilate wish to do for Jesus, following the custom of the feast of Passover? (27:15-16)
Pilate wished to have Jesus released, following the custom of the feast.
Matthew 27:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:16ULT:
Now at that time they were holding a well-known prisoner named Barabbas.
UST:
It is also important to know that a famous man whose name was Barabbas was in jail.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:17ULT:
Therefore, they being gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want {that} I would release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, the one called Christ?”
UST:
So, when the people {who were in Jerusalem} assembled, Pilate told them, “I will set free one person who is in jail. Whom do you want it to be? {Do you want it to be} Barabbas? Or {do you want it to be} Jesus, whom people call the Messiah?”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:18ULT:
For he knew that they handed him over because of envy.
UST:
{Pilate asked that question} because he realized that the Jewish council had arrested Jesus and brought him to Pilate because they were jealous {of Jesus}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:19ULT:
Now, he sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Nothing to you and to that righteous one, for I suffered many {things} today because of him by means of a dream.”
UST:
While Pilate was sitting where he did when he was deciding whether people were guilty or innocent, his wife sent a message to him: “Today I dreamed about that man, and it upset me very much. So, do not do anything with that man. He is a man who does what is right!”
What message did Pilate’s wife send to him as he was sitting on the judgment-seat?
She told Pilate to have nothing to do with that innocent man.
Matthew 27:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:20ULT:
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds so that they would ask for Barabbas but would destroy Jesus.
UST:
However, the ruling priests and the {Jewish} leaders convinced the groups of people {who were there} to ask Pilate {to set} Barabbas {free}. Also, {they convinced the groups of people} to have Pilate execute Jesus.
Why was Barabbas, and not Jesus, released according to the custom of the feast?
The chief priests and elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released instead of Jesus.
Matthew 27:21
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:21ULT:
But answering, the governor said to them, “Whom from the two do you want {that} I would release to you?”
But they said, “Barabbas.”
UST:
Then the {Roman} local ruler{, Pilate,} told the groups of people {who were there}, “Choose one of these two men, and I will set that man free.”
They replied, “{We want you to set} Barabbas {free}!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:22
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:22ULT:
Pilate says to them, “What then should I do with Jesus, the one called Christ?”
They all say, “Let him be crucified.”
UST:
Pilate replied, “So what do you want me to do with Jesus, whom people call the Messiah?”
All the people {who were there} replied, “{Have your soldiers} kill him by nailing him to a cross!”
What did the crowd cry out that they wanted done with Jesus?
The crowd cried out that they wanted Jesus to be crucified.
Matthew 27:23
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:23ULT:
But he said, “For what evil did he do?”
But they were crying out even more, saying, “Let him be crucified.”
UST:
Pilate replied, “But he has not done anything wrong!”
But they shouted even louder, “{Have your soldiers} kill him by nailing him to a cross!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:24
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:24ULT:
But Pilate, having seen that he is benefiting nothing, but, instead, a riot is happening, having taken water, washed his hands opposite the crowd, saying, “I am innocent from the blood of this one. You will see.”
UST:
Then Pilate realized that he was not accomplishing anything {by asking those questions}. Rather, the group of people {who were there} were starting to riot. So, while they were watching, he washed his hands in water {to indicate that he was not guilty}. He declared, “I am not guilty of killing this man! That is your problem.”
When Pilate saw a riot was starting, what did he do?
Pilate washed his hands, said he was innocent of this innocent man’s blood, and gave Jesus over to the crowd.
Matthew 27:25
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:25ULT:
And answering, all the people said, “His blood {be} on us and on our children!”
UST:
All the people {who were there} replied, “We and our children will be responsible for killing this man!”
What did the people say when Pilate handed Jesus to them?
The people said, “May his blood be on us and our children.”
Matthew 27:26
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:26ULT:
Then he released Barabbas to them, but having flogged Jesus, he handed {him} over so that he might be crucified.
UST:
Then Pilate set Barabbas free. He had his soldiers whip Jesus and take him away to kill him by nailing him to a cross.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:27
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:27ULT:
Then the soldiers of the governor, having taken Jesus into the Praetorium, gathered together to him the whole cohort.
UST:
After that, the soldiers who served the {Roman} local ruler{, Pilate,} took Jesus into their headquarters. They assembled all the soldiers who were there.
What did the soldiers of the governor put on Jesus? (27:27-29)
The soldiers put a scarlet robe on him and a crown of thorns on his head.
Matthew 27:28
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:28ULT:
And having stripped him, they placed a scarlet cloak on him.
UST:
They pulled off his clothes and put a red robe on him{, the kind that kings wear}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:29
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:29ULT:
And having woven together a crown of thorns, they put {it} on his head and a reed in his right hand, and having knelt down before him, they mocked him, saying, “Rejoice, King of the Jews!”
UST:
They took some branches with thorns and laced them together to make a crown. They put it on Jesus’ head and had him hold a staff. Then they bowed down in front of him and made fun of him. They said, “Greetings, you who are king over the Jewish people!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:30
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:30ULT:
And having spat on him, they took the reed and were striking {him} on his head.
UST:
Then, they spat on Jesus {to insult him}. Also, they took the staff {from him} and kept hitting his head {with it}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:31
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:31ULT:
And when they had mocked him, they took the cloak off him and put his robes on him and led him away to crucify {him}.
UST:
After the soldiers made fun of Jesus, they pulled the robe off of him. They put his own clothes back on him. Then, they took him {from there to the place where} they were going to kill him by nailing him to a cross.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:32
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:32ULT:
Now coming out, they found a Cyrenean man, Simon by name. They pressed this one into service so that he would carry his cross.
UST:
As they were on their way, they passed a man who was from the city of Cyrene. His name was Simon. The soldiers forced this man to carry the cross for Jesus.
What was Simon of Cyrene forced to do?
Simon was forced to carry Jesus’ cross.
Matthew 27:33
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:33ULT:
And having come to a place called Golgotha, which is called Place of a Skull,
UST:
Then, they arrived at a place whose name is Golgotha. That name means “Skull Place.”
Where did they go to crucify Jesus?
They went to Golgotha, which means “The Place of a Skull.”
Matthew 27:34
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:34ULT:
they gave him wine mixed with gall to drink. And having tasted {it}, he was not willing to drink {it}.
UST:
The soldiers offered Jesus a drink that they had made out of wine and a bitter liquid. After he took a sip of it, Jesus refused to drink it.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:35
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:35ULT:
Now, having crucified him, they divided up his robes, casting a lot,
UST:
After nailing Jesus to the cross, the soldiers split up his clothes among them by gambling for them.
What did the soldiers do after they crucified Jesus? (27:35-36)
The soldiers cast lots to divide up Jesus’ garments and then sat and watched him.
Matthew 27:36
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:36ULT:
and sitting down, they were guarding him there.
UST:
Then, the soldiers stayed there to make sure that Jesus died.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:37
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:37ULT:
And they put above his head his charge, having been written, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”
UST:
They wrote on a sign why {they were executing Jesus}. On the sign were these words: “This man is Jesus. He was king over the Jewish people.” The soldiers placed the sign above Jesus’ head.
What writing did they put above Jesus’ head?
They wrote, “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
Matthew 27:38
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:38ULT:
Then two robbers are being crucified with him, one at his right and one at his left.
UST:
After that, the soldiers nailed two bandits to crosses near Jesus. They put one bandit on one side of Jesus. They put the other bandit on the other side of Jesus.
Who was crucified with Jesus?
Two robbers were crucified with Jesus, one on his right and one on his left.
Matthew 27:39
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:39ULT:
But the ones passing by were blaspheming him, wagging their heads
UST:
The people who walked past Jesus insulted him by shaking their heads {at him}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:40
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:40ULT:
and saying, “The one destroying the temple and in three days rebuilding {it}, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, also come down from the cross!”
UST:
They said {to him}, “You said that you could tear down God’s temple and construct it again within three days. So, rescue yourself! Show us that you really are God’s Son. Get down from that cross!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:41
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:41ULT:
Likewise also the chief priests, mocking {him} with the scribes and elders, were saying,
UST:
Similarly, the ruling priests, the teachers of the Jewish law, and the {Jewish} leaders made fun of Jesus. They declared,
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:42
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:42ULT:
“He saved others; he is not able to save himself. He is the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.
UST:
“He has rescued other people. However, he cannot rescue himself! He {says that he} is king over the people of Israel. So, he should get down now from that cross. Then we will trust him!
What did the people, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders challenge Jesus to do?
They all challenged Jesus to save himself and come down from the cross.
Matthew 27:43
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:43ULT:
He has trusted in God; let him deliver {him} now, if he wants him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”
UST:
He says that he is God’s Son and that he relies on God. However, if God really wanted to do so, he would protect him right now.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:44
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:44ULT:
But also the robbers having being crucified with him were reviling him the same.
UST:
The two bandits whom the soldiers had nailed to crosses near Jesus also insulted him in similar ways.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:45
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:45ULT:
Now from the sixth hour, darkness happened over all the land until the ninth hour.
UST:
At noon, it became dark in that whole area. {It stayed dark} until three o’clock in the afternoon.
What happened from the sixth to the ninth hour?
Darkness came over the whole land from the sixth to the ninth hour.
Matthew 27:46
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:46ULT:
But about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” This is, “My God, my God, why did you forsake me?”
UST:
At about three o’clock in the afternoon, Jesus shouted, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” That means, “My God, my God, why did you abandon me?”
What did Jesus cry out at the ninth hour?
Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Matthew 27:47
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:47ULT:
But some of the ones having stood there, having heard {it}, were saying, “This one calls Elijah.”
UST:
Some people who were there heard {what Jesus said and misunderstood it}. They said, “He is speaking to the prophet Elijah!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:48
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:48ULT:
And immediately one of them, having run and having taken a sponge, having both filled {it} with vinegar and put {it} around a reed, gave {it} to him to drink.
UST:
As soon as they said that, one person quickly went to get a sponge. He soaked it in sour wine and attached it to the top of a staff. Then, he held it up to Jesus so that Jesus could suck {the sour wine} from it.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:49
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:49ULT:
But the rest were saying, “Leave {him}! Let us see if Elijah comes, saving him.”
UST:
Then the other people there said, “Do not do anything else for him! We should wait to find out whether Elijah appears to rescue him.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:50
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:50ULT:
But Jesus, having cried out again with a loud voice, released his spirit.
UST:
After that, Jesus shouted loudly again. Then, he died.
What happened after Jesus cried out again with a loud voice?
Jesus gave up his spirit.
Matthew 27:51
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:51ULT:
And behold, the curtain of the temple was split in two from top to bottom, and the earth was shaken, and the rocks were split.
UST:
Then the drape hanging {in front of the Most Holy Place} in the temple ripped in half. It tore from the top down to the bottom. Also, the earth quaked, and rocks broke apart.
What happened in the temple after Jesus died?
The curtain of the temple was split in two from the top to the bottom after Jesus died.
Matthew 27:52
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:52ULT:
And the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints having fallen asleep were raised.
UST:
Also, graves opened, and God made many of his people who had died alive again.
What happened at the tombs after Jesus died? (27:52-53)
Many saints that had fallen asleep were raised and appeared to many after Jesus died.
Matthew 27:53
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:53ULT:
And having come out from the tombs after his resurrection, they entered into the holy city and appeared to many.
UST:
After God made Jesus alive again, those people left their graves. They went into {Jerusalem,} the sacred city. Many people saw them there.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:54
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:54ULT:
Now the centurion and the ones with him guarding Jesus, having seen the earthquake and the things having happened, were very afraid, saying, “Truly this was a Son of God.”
UST:
The Roman officer and his soldiers, who were making sure that Jesus died, saw the earth quaking and the other things that happened. They became extremely afraid. They declared, “This man really was God’s Son.”
Seeing all these events, what was the testimony of the centurion?
The centurion testified, “Truly this was the Son of God.”
Matthew 27:55
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:55ULT:
Now there were many women there, watching from a distance, who followed Jesus from Galilee, serving him.
UST:
{While all that was happening,} many women were there. They had come with Jesus from the region of Galilee. They were the ones who had taken care of him. These women observed {what was happening} from farther away.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:56
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:56ULT:
Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
UST:
These women included Mary from the town of Magdala, another Mary who was the mother of James and Joseph, and Zebedee’s wife.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:57
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:57ULT:
Now evening having come, a rich man from Arimathea came, Joseph by name, who also himself was discipled by Jesus.
UST:
When it was evening, a wealthy man arrived. His name was Joseph, and he was from the city of Arimathea. He too was one of Jesus’ apprentices.
After he was crucified, what happened to the body of Jesus? (27:57-58)
A rich disciple of Jesus, Joseph, asked Pilate for the body, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in his own new tomb.
Matthew 27:58
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:58ULT:
This one, having approached Pilate, asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded {it} to be given {to him}.
UST:
Joseph went to Pilate. He asked Pilate to allow him to take the body of Jesus {to bury it}. So, Pilate told {his soldiers} to give {him the body}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:59
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:59ULT:
And Joseph, having taken the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
UST:
So Joseph received Jesus’ body. He {prepared to bury it by} winding a fresh sheet of cloth around it.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:60
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:60ULT:
and put it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And having rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, he went away.
UST:
Then, Joseph put Jesus’ body into Joseph’s own fresh grave. Joseph’s workers had made it by digging into a rock cliff. After that, Joseph rolled a huge flat stone to block the entrance to the grave. Then he left.
What was placed across the door of the tomb where Jesus’ body was laid?
A large stone was placed across the door of the tomb where Jesus’ body was laid.
Matthew 27:61
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:61ULT:
Now Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.
UST:
{While Joseph was doing those things}, Mary from the town of Magdala and the other woman whose name was Mary were there in front of the grave.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:62
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:62ULT:
Now the next day, which is after the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered together to Pilate,
UST:
The next day was {the Jewish day of rest,} the day after Preparation Day. {On that day,} the ruling priests and the Pharisees assembled {to meet} with Pilate.
Why did the chief priests and the Pharisees gather with Pilate the next day? (27:62-64)
The chief priests and the Pharisees wanted to make sure that Jesus’ tomb was secure so that no one could steal the body.
Matthew 27:63
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:63ULT:
saying, “Lord, we remember that that deceiver said, still living, ‘After three days I am being raised up.’
UST:
They said, “Sir, we can recall something that {Jesus,} that man who deceived {others,} said while he was still alive. He claimed that during the third day {after he died}, God would make him alive again.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:64
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:64ULT:
Therefore, command the tomb to be secured until the third day, lest his disciples, having come, might steal him and say to the people, ‘He has been raised up from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.”
UST:
So, please tell your soldiers to protect Jesus’ grave for the next three days. That way, his apprentices cannot go there, remove his corpse, and tell people that God had made him alive again. If they succeed in deceiving people {in this way}, it will be more dangerous than how Jesus himself deceived people.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 27:65
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:65ULT:
And Pilate said to them, “You have a guard. Go, secure {it} as you know.”
UST:
Pilate told them, “Take with you some soldiers. Walk {to the grave and} protect it as well as you can.”
What did Pilate permit them to do at the tomb? (27:65-66)
Pilate permitted them to seal the stone and place a guard at the tomb.
Matthew 27:66
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 27:66ULT:
And they, having gone, secured the tomb, having sealed the stone, with the guard.
UST:
So, they went {to Jesus’ grave and} protected it. They marked the huge flat stone {that blocked the entrance. That way, they would know if anyone moved it}. Also, they left some soldiers there to make sure {that no one opened the grave}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 28
Matthew 28:1
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 28:1ULT:
Now after the Sabbath, at the dawning on the first of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to watch the tomb.
UST:
When the Sabbath ended, at dawn on Sunday morning, Mary from the town of Magdala and the other woman whose name was Mary went to observe Jesus’ tomb.
What day and time did Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to Jesus’ tomb?
As it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, they went to Jesus’ tomb.
Matthew 28:2
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 28:2ULT:
And behold, a great earthquake happened, for an angel of the Lord, having come down from heaven and having approached, rolled away the stone and was sitting on it.
UST:
Then the earth quaked violently! {That happened} because an angel from the Lord descended from heaven. He went to {Jesus’ grave}. He rolled the flat stone away {from the entrance to the grave}. Then, he sat down on the stone.
How was the stone rolled away from Jesus’ tomb?
An angel of the Lord descended and rolled away the stone.
Matthew 28:3
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 28:3ULT:
Now his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
UST:
This angel looked as bright as lightning. His garments were pure white.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 28:4
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 28:4ULT:
And the ones guarding were shaken from the fear of him and became as dead.
UST:
The soldiers who were protecting {the grave} trembled because they were afraid of the angel. {They were so afraid that} they looked like they had died.
What did the guards do when they saw the angel?
The guards shook with fear and became like dead men when they saw the angel.
Matthew 28:5
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 28:5ULT:
But answering, the angel said to the women, “You, do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, the one having been crucified.
UST:
The angel told the two women, “I realize that you are looking for Jesus, whom people killed by nailing him to a cross. So, you should stop being afraid!
What did the angel say to the two women about Jesus? (28:5-7)
The angel said that Jesus had risen and was going ahead of them to Galilee.
Matthew 28:6
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 28:6ULT:
He is not here, for he was raised up, just as he said. Come, see the place where he was lying.
UST:
God made him alive again, which is what he told you {would happen}. So, he is no longer in this place! If you walk with us, we will show you where his body was.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 28:7
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 28:7ULT:
And having gone quickly, say to his disciples, ‘He has been raised up from the dead. And behold, he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him.’ Behold, I have said {it} to you.”
UST:
Then, hurry to his apprentices and tell them that God has made Jesus alive again. {Tell them that} they should listen, and that Jesus is going ahead of them to the region of Galilee. {Tell them that} Jesus will meet them there. I have told you {what to say}!”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 28:8
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 28:8ULT:
And having quickly gone away from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to report {this} to his disciples.
UST:
So the two women hurried away from the grave. They were afraid and also very happy. They ran {to where Jesus’ apprentices were} to tell them {what had happened and what the angel had said}.
What happened to the two women on their way to tell the disciples? (28:8-9)
The women met Jesus, and they took hold of his feet and worshiped him.
Matthew 28:9
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 28:9ULT:
And behold,Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” But they, having approached, seized his feet and worshiped him.
UST:
{As they were running,} Jesus came up to them! He said, “Greetings!” The two women went to him and {bowed down to} hold his feet {to honor him}. Also, they worshiped him.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 28:10
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 28:10ULT:
Then Jesus says to them, “Do not be afraid. Go, report {this} to my brothers so that they might go away to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
UST:
After that, Jesus told them, “You should stop being afraid! Go to my apprentices and tell them to leave for the region of Galilee. I will meet them there.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 28:11
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 28:11ULT:
Now they going, behold, some of the guard, having come into the city, reported to the chief priests all the things having happened.
UST:
Then, the two women went to meet {Jesus’ apprentices}. Meanwhile, some of the soldiers {whom the Jewish leaders had told to make sure that no one opened Jesus’ grave} entered the city of Jerusalem. They told the ruling priests about everything that had happened {at Jesus’ grave}.
When the guards told the chief priests what had happened at the tomb, what did the chief priests do? (28:11-13)
The chief priests paid the soldiers a large amount of money and told them to say that Jesus’ disciples had stolen the body.
Matthew 28:12
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 28:12ULT:
And having been gathered together with the elders, and having taken counsel, they gave many pieces of silver to the soldiers,
UST:
So, the ruling priests and the {Jewish} leaders assembled and planned what to do. They paid those soldiers a large number of silver coins {to bribe them}.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 28:13
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 28:13ULT:
saying, “Say, ‘His disciples, having come at night, stole him, we sleeping.’
UST:
They instructed them, “Tell people that his apprentices arrived during the night while you were asleep and stole his body.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 28:14
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 28:14ULT:
And if this is heard by the governor, we will persuade and make you free from concern.”
UST:
Suppose that the {Roman} local ruler{, Pilate,} learns what you are telling people. In that case, we will convince {him to refrain from punishing you}. You will not have to worry about anything.”
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 28:15
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 28:15ULT:
And they, having taken the pieces of silver, did as they were taught. And this word has been reported among the Jews until today.
UST:
So, the soldiers accepted the silver coins. They told people what {the ruling priests and Jewish leaders} had instructed them {to say}. In fact, even now Jewish people continue to repeat the story that the soldiers told.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 28:16
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 28:16ULT:
Now the 11 disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them.
UST:
Meanwhile, Jesus’ 11 apprentices traveled to the region of Galilee. They went to the hill to which Jesus had told them to go.
(There are no questions for this verse)
Matthew 28:17
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 28:17ULT:
And having seen him, they worshiped, but they doubted.
UST:
When they met him {there}, they worshiped him. However, they were unsure {that it really was Jesus}.
What did the disciples do when they saw Jesus in Galilee?
The disciples worshiped Jesus, but some doubted.
Matthew 28:18
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 28:18ULT:
And having approached, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “All authority was given to me in heaven and on the earth.
UST:
Then Jesus came up to them and said, “God my Father has authorized me {to rule} over everything that God has created.
What authority did Jesus say had been given to him?
Jesus said that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to him.
Matthew 28:19
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 28:19ULT:
Having gone, therefore, disciple all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit;
UST:
So then, go {from here}. Help all groups of people become my apprentices. Baptize them so that they belong to {God} the Father, me his Son, and the Holy Spirit.
What did Jesus command his disciples to do?
Jesus commanded his disciples to go and make disciples, and to baptize them.
Into what name did Jesus tell his disciples to baptize?
Jesus told his disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:20
unfoldingWord® Translation Questions :: Matthew 28:20ULT:
teaching them to keep everything, as much as I commanded you. And behold, I am with you all the days, until the end of the age.”
UST:
Instruct them so that they do everything that I have told you {to do}. Finally, I will be with you at all times, even up to the point when this current time period ends.”
What did Jesus command his disciples to teach?
Jesus commanded his disciples to teach the nations to obey all the things he had commanded.
What final promise did Jesus give his disciples?
Jesus promised to be with them, even to the end of the age.