First Things First

First Things First Handout

Objectives

• Students will realize that the spiritual food of Christ stands in sharp contrast to that of the world.
• Students will recognize that our first priority must be the spiritual.
• Students will see that there is never an excuse for abandoning the spiritual.

Introduction

• What are some of the best excuses you have seen?

• How many of these excuses really suffer from "I" trouble?

Main Body

Matthew 14:1-21 contains some sharp contrasts.

Herod's Meal and Christ's Meal

In Matthew 14:1-12 we see the narrative of the execution of John the Baptist. In this narrative we are provided a glimpse of Herod Antipas's lavish, degenerate feast contrasted with the Savior's simple compassionate feast.

• What observations can we make of Herod's feast in Matthew 14:6-12?
  • In Celebration of Herod's Birthday
  • Mark 6:21 tells us that it was attended by high officials.
  • A young (probably 14 year old) princess lasciviously dances before Herod. Herod's court was known for low morals. Don't underestimate what was going on here. This is a testament to the decadence of the feast.
  • In what was probably a drunken state Herod makes a rash oath.
  • John's head is brought on a platter. Don't forget we are in a banquet here. To put John's head on a platter is a hideous offense. Herod's court is truly depraved.

• What observations can we make of Christ's feast in Matthew 14:6-12?
  • Jesus did not intend to draw attention to Himself
  • Attended by the crowds
  • Marked not by people serving Jesus but Jesus serving people
  • Giving thanks to God is a central theme
  • The needs of others were met.

Self-indulgence or Selflessness

Herod's feast is marked by debauchery and self-indulgence. Christ's meal is marked by selfless care for the people.

• According to Matthew 14:13, what had Jesus intended to do?
  • Jesus was moving into a stage of ministry where his focus was not on proving he was the Messiah, but rather teaching His disciples. Jesus has just heard about the death of the forerunner and saught some private time with His disciples. Don't forget that John was a relative of Christ's and the forerunner to His ministry. Christ had every right to mourn and every right to pull Himself from the public eye. After all Herod Antipas could have gunned for Him next.

• According to Matthew 14:13, how much private time did the people give Jesus?

• When someone interrupts your private time (alone time, devotion time, relaxing time) what is your response?

• How did Jesus respond to the interruption?

Conclusion

It is easy to answer the following questions about someone else. My challenge to you is to answer them about yourself.

• In what ways can you better display selflessness?