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Welcome back! This week I’m writing about my answers to Question 1 and 2 in this study. Remember, if you also answered these questions and your work differs from mine, it’s not a problem! If we’re working with the Spirit and sticking closely to the actual text of the passage, we’re on the right track. Later we’ll have a chance to interpret these verses, but right now we’re just seeing what Matthew wrote—what’s there in print and nothing more.

Last Week’s Work

Question 1 (What’s the Passage About?)

Here’s my summary:

In your study, I hope you found some things you want to dig more deeply into. Above, I marked details I want to research (double-underlined in red). I felt the Spirit moving me to learn more about them as this study unfolds. I’m interested in the location (Capernaum) and the miracle requestor (a centurion). I also want to examine the words translated marveled (not something I’ve seen Jesus do a lot in Scripture!) and outer darkness; as well as the statement Many will come from east and west to dine with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.

I also believe the Spirit has more to reveal to me about

• Jesus’s willingness to go to the ailing servant (v7)
  
• the centurion’s statement of faith in Jesus (v8)
  
• Jesus’ observation that no one in Israel had such faith (v10)
  
• Jesus’ statement, “let it be done… as you have believed” (v13)
  

I’m really looking forward to this dig into Scripture!

Question 2 (Types of Writing?)

True to the other studies in this series, the overall writing type here is also biographical narrative. I also found what I think is prophecy in vv11-12, since it’s set in the future and talks about what sounds like punishment to me… More to come on that for sure!

Dig In Challenges

This week, let’s examine the next three questions. Don’t forget to pray first, and then

1. Answer Question 3 Who’s mentioned most in the text? by marking all references to the passage’s main characters on your study sheet.
   
2. Next, respond to Question 4 Where does the action happen? by triple-underlining the location(s) with a brown pen, pencil, or crayon on your Scripture-study sheets.
   
3. And finally, consider Question 5 When does the action happen? and record these answers on your study sheets by marking phrases indicating time, date, sequence, or circumstances with a light brown clockface and underline.
   

I can’t wait to share my findings—I hope you’ll check back in with me next week!

GO TO WEEK 3 >