Matthew
Matthew: Week 55
November 18, 2012 • Dave Rhodes
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Read Matthew 28:16-20. In this commission Jesus tells his followers to "disciple all nations." What specific things does Jesus say "discipleship" involves? 2. "All nations" translates the Greek phrase "ta ethna" which means, "all ethnic groups." What "ethnic groups" do you encounter on a daily basis as you live and work here in Anchorage? Have you considered them as an opportunity to pursue the great commission? Why or why not? 3. Make a list of the people who you think God has used to "disciple" you. Now make a list of those you consider yourself to "be discipling." If you can't think of anyone you are discipling, pray that God will lead you to someone. If you have disciples on your list, pray for each one that they will understand the nature of God more fully and obey the teachings of Jesus more completely.
Matthew: Week 54
November 11, 2012 • Dan Jarrell
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Read Matthew 27:62-28:15. What evidence can you find in these verses that support the literal, historical resurrection of Jesus Christ? 2. What precautions did the religious leadership in Israel take to make sure the resurrection did not happen? Once it happened, how did they try to cover it up? Why do you think they were so threatened by the resurrection, what were the implications that they found threatening? 3. What are the implications of the resurrection for your life? Are any of those a little threatening? If so, why? Which of the implications give you the most courage and hope?
Matthew: Week 53
November 4, 2012 • Dan Jarrell
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Matthew 27:1-61 provide Matthew's record of the crucifixion of Jesus and the events surrounding that crucifixion. Read the account and list the "players in this passion play." Who is involved and how do they contribute to the story? 2. Can you separate the players into groups defined by their attitudes toward or behaviors surrounding who Jesus is? Make a list grouping them in as few groups as possible and clarifying what they have in common or what makes them distinct from one another. 3. Choose one player from each list and consider your own attitudes and behaviors in light of those two players. How are you like them? How are you different? What changes should you make in your attitude or behavior in light of what you have learned? Ask Jesus to work those changes in you as you move forward in faith.
Matthew: Week 52
October 28, 2012 • Dan Jarrell
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Read Jesus' experience before Caiaphas in Matthew 26:57-68 and Peter's experience outside in the courtyard in Matthew 26:69-75. What do they have in common? How are they different? 2. Now compare Jesus and Peter through Matthew 26:36-56. Make as many observations as you can about how they responded to the circumstances around them. What did they have in common and how were they different? 3. Consider your own perspective about what constitutes a godly response to trial and opportunity. Honestly appraise whether your perspective is closer to that of Jesus or that of Peter? What changes would you like to make in the way you think and how do you intend to pursue that sort of change?
Matthew: Week 48
September 16, 2012 • Scott Merriner
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. What motivated the Pharisees? (Verse 5) 2. In verses 1 - 12 we see examples of legalism and a performance based religion. Do you tend to be legalistic or bent towards performance? Explain. How do you desire to change? 3. Why did Jesus pronounce woes on the Scribes and Pharisees? (Verse 13-15, 23, 25)
Matthew: Week 47
September 9, 2012 • Jim Capaldo
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. From verses 23- 33: What informs your hope regarding life after death? What is your hope? 2. From verses 34-40: What does it look like for you both love God and "your neighbor" within your daily rhythm of life? 3. From verses 41-46: Who is the Christ? Explain why you believe this.
Matthew: Week 46
September 2, 2012 • Dan Jarrell
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. There are two different kinds of people who the parable describes as "unworthy" or "unacceptable" at the wedding feast. Describe those two kinds of people and what makes them unworthy. 2. One of the guests in this parable failed to wear a "wedding garment." What do you think the wedding garment is a reference to and why do you think that? 3. Consider the nature of your everyday life. Ho how are you responding to the invitation of God to his feast? Is there anything that you might put in higher priority if he were to call you today? If so, what do you intend to do about that?
Matthew: Week 45
August 26, 2012 • Dan Jarrell
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. The celebration around Jesus' triumphal entry did not apparently last long. Read 21:23-27. Why do you think these leaders are challenging Jesus and why do you think Jesus answers them the way he does? 2. Consider both the parable of the two sons and the parable of the tenants (21:289-46). What point does each parable make about the character of the religious leaders in Jerusalem? How does each parable contrast the character of those leaders with the purposes and character of Jesus? 3. How do you respond when the Spirit of God exposes inconsistencies in your character? Give a recent example of how this happened and how you have chosen to respond.
Matthew: Week 44
August 19, 2012 • Dan Jarrell
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. In Matthew 21:1-11 huge crowds came out of Jerusalem to welcome Jesus as he entered the city. What do you think they expected from him? 2. The cleansing of the temple and the cursing of the fig tree in 21:12-22 were certainly not what the people in Jerusalem expected. Look at each story, how does these stories confront the issue of religious hypocrisy? 3. If Jesus were to enter our city today, what hypocrisies would he confront in our community? In our church? In your life? What will you do to respond to this insight?
Matthew: Week 43
August 12, 2012 • Jim Capaldo
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. What is my next step for applying Jesus' suffering, death and resurrection to my own life? (Matt.20:17-19) 2. What sacrifice am I making to serve Christ? (Matt. 20:20-28) 3. What do I ultimately want Jesus to do for me? (Matt. 20:29-34).