Matthew

Matthew 20:29-21:17

April 13, 2025 • Kevin Maloney • Matthew 21:1–22, Matthew 20:29

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the final days before Christ's death and resurrection. To commemorate, we are skipping ahead in our Matthew series to look at Matthew 20:29-21:17 and the depiction of Jesus' famous entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey. What is the significance of this event in the life of Christ? What do Jesus' next actions in the passage tell us about His character and heart? How does this passage speak to our religious activity today? Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. Why do you think all four Gospels include the story of Palm Sunday? What does that tell us about its importance? 2. The crowd called Jesus “Son of David” and shouted “Hosanna.” What did they get right about Jesus—and what did they misunderstand? 3. Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey instead of a war horse. What does that choice reveal about the kind of king He is? 4. Why do you think Jesus wept over the city, even while the crowd was celebrating Him? 5. How do we sometimes misidentify our biggest problems, like the people in Jerusalem did? 6. What are some signs that we might be settling for religious activity instead of true worship and surrender to Jesus? 7. How does knowing that Jesus came to bring peace through His cross change the way you see your own need and His grace?

Palm Sunday

April 13, 2025 • Kevin Maloney

Matthew 19:1-12

April 6, 2025 • Cody Wilbanks • Matthew 19:1–12

This week, Cody Wilbanks unpacks Jesus' words about marriage and divorce in Matthew 19:1-12. SERMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1, In what ways does the cultural view of marriage contrast with the biblical view of marriage? 2. In what ways does the religious view of marriage at times contrast with the biblical view of marriage? 3. How can we best minister to our brothers and sisters in Christ who have experienced or are going through a divorce? 4. How can imperfect marriages still reflect the gospel? 5. “Jesus will never write a certificate of divorce for his bride.” How should that shape your relationship with him? With others? With your spouse?

Matthew 18:21–35

March 30, 2025 • Kevin Maloney • Matthew 18:21–35

This week, Kevin concluded our three-part deep dive in Matthew 18, exploring what the life lived in Christian community should look like for believers. In the final verses of Matthew 18, Jesus teaches about forgiveness through the parable of the unmerciful servant. Are Christians required to forgive? How can we grow to forgive those who have wronged us? Small Group Discussion Questions: 1. Why do you think it’s often difficult to forgive others, even when we have been forgiven much by God? 2. How does Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross shape our understanding of forgiveness? 3. What are some practical ways we can extend mercy to those who have wronged us? 4. Have you ever experienced the freedom that comes with forgiving someone? What was that like? 5. What are some common excuses we make for holding on to bitterness or resentment? 6. How can the Holy Spirit help us forgive when we don’t feel like it? 7. How does unforgiveness impact our relationships with others and with God? 8. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? How can this group support you in taking that step?

Matthew 18:12-20

March 23, 2025 • Kevin Maloney • Matthew 18:15–20

Our deep dive into Matthew 18 continues this week with a look at verses 12-20. This passage begins anchored in Jesus' self-description as the Good Shepherd of the sheep: as He shepherds us, so should we strive to be like him in shepherding each other with concern and care. As Jesus is eager to restore and reconcile sinners, so should we be eager to restore and reconcile with one another. How does scripture say we should pursue each other in this manner? Join us as we examine what Jesus desires life in the Christian community to look like. Questions for Small Group Discussion: 1. How does Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, demonstrate love and grace in pursuing us? 2. What does true repentance look like, and how can we cultivate a heart that seeks reconciliation? 3. How does knowing that God completely forgives and restores us impact the way we forgive others? 4. How can we, as a small group and a church, grow in bearing one another’s burdens and rejoicing when the lost are found? 5. Do you regularly seek to “reason frankly” with a straying brother or sister in Christ, particularly one who has sinned against you? 6. Have you seen Matthew 18:15-17 go well before? If you can do so, describe the situation.

Matthew 18:1-14

March 16, 2025 • Kevin Maloney • Matthew 18:1–14

This week, we begin a three-week deep dive into Matthew 18, examining what life in Christian community looks like. Jesus' words in Matthew 18 are full of challenges to the defenses and expectations we bring to our interactions with others. Yet love calls us to be vulnerable, even as vulnerable as little children. How does humility drive us into the arms of Jesus? How does His relentless compassion for us fuel our intentionality toward others? Sermon Discussion Questions: 1) Why do you think Jesus used a child as an example of greatness in the kingdom of heaven? What does it mean for us to “become like children” in our faith? 2) What are some ways pride and the desire for status show up in Christian community today? How can we actively cultivate humility? 3) Jesus calls us to welcome and care for the "little ones"—especially those who are weak or overlooked. Who might these “little ones” be in our church, and how can we better welcome them? 4) Why is Christian community both beautiful and difficult? What are some challenges you’ve faced in building deep, lasting relationships with other believers? 5) How does our sin affect not just ourselves but also those around us in the Christian community? How does this change the way we view personal holiness? 6) Jesus warns against causing others to stumble. What are some ways we might unintentionally do this? How can we instead encourage one another in faith? 7) What does the parable of the lost sheep (Matthew 18:12-14) teach us about God’s heart for His people? How can we reflect this heart in how we care for others? 8) In what ways do you struggle with isolation or a consumer mindset in church? How can you take steps to be more engaged in meaningful Christian community?

Matthew 17:24-27

March 9, 2025 • Kevin Maloney • Matthew 17:24–27

Sermon Discussion Questions: 1) In Matthew 17:24-27, why does Jesus say that He is free from paying the temple tax? What does this teach us about His identity? 2) Even though Jesus was not obligated to pay the tax, He did so anyway. What does this reveal about His character and how we should relate to others? 3) How does Jesus providing the temple tax for both Himself and Peter foreshadow His work on the cross? 4) What does 2 Corinthians 8:9 teach us about Jesus’ generosity? How does His generosity change the way we think about our own giving? 5) What are some common attitudes people have toward money and giving? How does the gospel reshape our view of wealth and generosity? 6) Paul encourages cheerful, willing giving (2 Corinthians 9:7). How can we cultivate joy in generosity rather than seeing it as an obligation? 7) Beyond financial giving, what are some other ways we can live generously in our daily lives?

Matthew 17:14-23

March 2, 2025 • Kevin Maloney • Matthew 17:14–23

In Matthew 17:14-23, Jesus makes a surprising promise to his disciples: faith in God has real power. How do we get the kind of faith? Is it something we muster up, or is it simply an empty hand ready to receive? Kevin walks us through the three-fold dimensions of faith: knowledge, trust, and ascent. Sermon Discussion Questions: 1) In what ways do we, like the disciples, sometimes place our faith in a false version of Jesus—one of our own making? How can we guard against this? 2) The sermon mentioned that faith is not about controlling God but trusting in Christ. Have you ever struggled with treating faith as a way to get what you want from God? How does this change our understanding of prayer? 3) Jesus says that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains (Matthew 17:20). How does this challenge the idea that we need "more" faith rather than properly placed faith? 4) Jesus tells the disciples that the kind of faith needed to cast out the demon comes through prayer (Mark 9:29). What does this teach us about the relationship between faith, prayer, and humility? How can we grow in this area?

Matthew 17:1-13

February 23, 2025 • Cody Wilbanks • Matthew 17:1–13

This week, Cody Wilbanks walks us through the significance of the Transfiguration, a unique event in the life of Jesus. In Matthew 17:1-13, Jesus takes his disciples up a mountain and is transformed before them in the presence of God. What do the reactions of the disciples, especially Peter, show us about our own engagement with this event? How does the Transfiguration point us to the promise of Christ's return prophesied by the apostle John in Revelation? How are we, too, to become transformed unto the likeness of Jesus? Join us as we unpack these meanings found in Matthew 17:1-13. SERMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Why were the disciples’ and Moses’ visions of God’s glory temporary? 2. What does Jesus’ dual nature (truly God and truly man) teach us about Jesus in the Transfiguration scene? 3. How can you and I behold the glory of Jesus today? 4. In what ways (good or bad) do we become what/who we behold? 5. The Transfiguration is an incredible scene we probably won’t fully grasp. So, what lingering questions do you still have about this moment in the life of Jesus?

Matthew 16:21-28

February 16, 2025 • Kevin Maloney • Matthew 16:21–28

This week, Kevin takes us through Jesus' call for his followers to take up their cross and follow Him in Matthew 16:21-28. Like Peter, we are all challenged by the centrality of the cross. From church movements that decentralize the gospel to our own lack of trust in it, we often look to other things to be our main power source. Jesus' death on the cross is not only sufficient for us, but it empowers us to take up our own cross each day and live in the light of His resurrection. Small Group Discussion Questions: 1. Why do you think Peter initially rejected the idea of Jesus suffering and dying? 2. What are some ways we might unknowingly resist the call to take up our own cross and follow Jesus? 3. What is one practical way you can embrace the way of the cross in your daily life this week? 4. How does the cross reshape our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus? 5. In what areas of your life do you struggle to surrender to God’s will, like Peter did? 6. What does it mean to “set your mind on the things of God” rather than “the things of man” (Matthew 16:23)? 7. How can we encourage one another to faithfully carry our crosses and follow Jesus in our daily lives?

Matthew 16:13-20

February 9, 2025 • Kevin Maloney

Small Group Discussion Questions: 1) In what ways does the truth of Jesus being the Christ change the way we view His authority in our lives? 2) How does understanding that the Church is built on the foundation of Jesus’ identity as the Christ shape how we think about the Church? 3) Why do you think Jesus chose Peter to make the bold confession about Him? What does this say about how God uses ordinary people for His extraordinary purposes? 4) How does the promise that “the gates of hell will not prevail against [the Church]” encourage you in your walk of faith? 5 What does it mean for you personally to be part of the Church Jesus is building? How does this influence your role in the body of Christ?

Matthew 16:5-12

February 2, 2025 • Kevin Maloney • Matthew 16:1–12

This week, Kevin walks us through Jesus' warning to his disciples not to eat the leaven of the Pharisees. Kevin examines the significance of the prior miracles Jesus chooses to reference in this passage, and then looks at pharisaical "leaven" we consume instead of the Gospel today. Jesus, our bread of life, is much greater than the substitutes we consume instead. Sermon Discussion Questions: 1) Jesus warned against the 'leaven' of the Pharisees and Sadducees. What are some modern examples of false teachings that can subtly influence our faith away from Jesus? 2) The Pharisees and Sadducees had different beliefs but were united in their opposition to Jesus. What are some ways that people today—even with opposing worldviews—join together in rejecting Christ? 3) Why do you think false teaching spreads so easily, like leaven? What makes it attractive, and how can we discern and resist it? 4)The sermon mentioned three types of distorted teaching: 'Jesus if,' 'Jesus plus,' and 'Jesus minus.' Which of these have you encountered the most, and how can we guard against them? 5) How can we ensure that our pursuit of doctrine doesn’t become cold intellectualism but instead deepens our love for Christ and others? 6) What practical steps can we take to remain satisfied in Jesus as the true Bread of Life and resist looking for 'something more' outside of Him?

Matthew 15:21–39

January 19, 2025 • Kevin Maloney • Matthew 15:21–39

In this sermon, "Great Faith," Kevin walks us through Jesus' unique interaction with the Canaanite woman. As she cries out for healing for her daughter, Jesus' responds in surprising ways, ultimately deeming her faith 'great.' What can the Canaanite woman's faith teach us? How does Jesus' compassion invite us to set aside our feelings of our unworthiness? Join us this week as we unpack Matthew 15:21-39. Small Group Discussion Questions: 1) Why do you think Jesus initially responded to the Canaanite woman the way He did? How can this deepen our understanding of His mission? Of how we relate to Him? 2) What aspects of the Canaanite woman’s faith stand out to you? How can her persistence and humility shape your own approach to prayer? 3) What is significant about Jesus performing the feeding of the 4000 in Gentile territory? How does essentially repeating what He did in Jewish territory a chapter earlier speak to Jesus’s mission? 4)In what ways do we sometimes feel unworthy to approach Jesus? How can this passage encourage us to come to Him despite our unworthiness? 5) In what ways do we avoid approaching Jesus because we feel self-sufficient, like we’ve “got it?” 6) How can we extend the love of Jesus to those who feel like outsiders? What practical steps can we take this week?

Matthew 14:34-15:20

January 12, 2025 • Kevin Maloney • Matthew 14:34—15:20

In this sermon, Kevin Maloney examines Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees for using their traditions to avoid following God's law. Jesus tells us that sin comes from the heart, not from external sources. We need God to give us a new heart. Kevin breaks down the different fruits that come from sinful hearts and what they affect, and shows how the Gospel is the cure. Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. In Matthew 15:1-6, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for prioritizing their traditions over God's commands. What modern examples might parallel this? How can we ensure that our worship and obedience focus on God’s Word rather than man-made rules? 2. Jesus teaches that defilement comes from within, not from external sources (Matthew 15:10-11, 18-20). Why is it easier to focus on external behavior rather than addressing the heart? How can we practically cultivate heart-level transformation? 3. In Matthew 15:13-14, Jesus calls the Pharisees “blind guides.” What are the dangers of following spiritual leaders who elevate human traditions above Scripture? How can we discern between sound teaching and human-imposed standards? 4. Reflecting on Matthew 15:19, what do you think it means that evil actions originate in the heart? Share a time when you recognized the need to deal with sin at its root rather than addressing symptoms. 5. Many struggle with guilt over not meeting strict religious or personal standards. How can we balance striving for holiness with resting in God’s grace? How can we encourage one another in this balance?

Matthew 14:22-33

January 5, 2025 • Kevin Maloney • Matthew 14:22–33

Sermon Discussion Questions: 1) How can we cultivate courage? 2) How can you practice both proactive courage (stepping out in faith) and reactive courage (holding fast under pressure) in your daily walk with Christ? 3) How has God used past failures to grow your trust in Him? 4) How can prayer help you develop the courage to face life’s storms? Share an example of a time when prayer strengthened you during a difficult situation. 5) Who in your life needs encouragement to trust God in their own storm? How can you come alongside them, offering support and pointing them to Christ?

Grace Road Church

The Gospel of Matthew