Jesus once told a parable to explain this to people who thought highly of their own righteousness- or their own good works. Jesus’ story is about two men who go the temple to pray— a pharisee and a despised tax collector (Luke 18:10).
Join us to discover what the two meanings are of this parable!
Discussion
1. Read the parable of the pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14). What is the overall theme that Jesus is trying to teach the reader?
2. Who in this parable do you relate to and in what ways? Be specific.
3. Do you find yourself putting on a show- to deflect people in your life to portray your character differently than you actually are? For example with your parents, families, teachers, and friends etc? How & why?
4. Why is pride so sinful? What does a pure and humble heart look like?
Pharisee & Tax Collector
September 29, 2021 • Michael Fitzgerald • Luke 18
10 Talents
November 10, 2021 • Michael Fitzgerald
he Talents By Family Ministry Team, Nov 14, 2021 Matthew 25 starts with the parable of the ten bridesmaids where Jesus teaches us to live ready for his return. Directly following it is the parable of the talents, which teaches us how we should spend the time we do have until we meet Jesus face to face. In Jesus’ story, a man leaving on a long trip entrusts his money to his servants to manage while he’s away. Matthew 25:15 | He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. Knowing each servant well, the master gave each one an amount that fit with their ability. Matthew 25:19 | After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant with five bags of silver wisely invested the money and earned five more. He greets the master with the ten bags. Matthew 25:21 | The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ The servant given two bags of silver worked hard and earned two more. He shows the master the four bags and again the master praises him and plans to trust him with greater responsibility in the future. But the third servant, dug a hole and buried his bag of silver. When the master returned, the servant immediately begins making excuses. He blames the master and his own fear for the reason he didn’t do anything with the money. The excuses don’t mean anything to the master. He calls the servant wicked and lazy. He takes the servant’s bag of silver away and gives it to the servant with ten bags and the lazy servant is thrown out into the darkness. The master in this story is Jesus and the trip represents Jesus’ ascent into Heaven and pending return. Just like the servants in the story, we have been entrusted with various things according to our ability. God has given each of His followers talents, spiritual gifts, and treasures with which we need to be faithful. As Jesus says in this parable, Matthew 25:29 | To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. Are you being faithful with the talents, gifts, and treasures entrusted to you? You do this by using the things entrusted to you to build God’s kingdom and to point others to Him. When you meet Jesus face to face, will he greet you with “Well done, my good and faithful servant?” Be faithful with the time, talents, and treasures God has given you.
Rock or Sand?
November 10, 2021 • Michael Fitzgerald • Matthew 7
How do you handle the storms of life? Everyone endures storms: temptations, trials, hardships. Join us to discover how to make it through the difficult times in life. DISCUSSION 1. Looking at your life and the identity you have what would you say your foundation is constructed of/built on? Where do you spend the majority of your time? 2. What does your life look like when you are not reading the Bible/applying it to your life, in prayer, serving etc.? How do you respond when things get hard? Be Honest. 3. What does a life look like that has its foundation built on a rock solid relationship with Jesus? Be specific 4. Colossians 2:6-7 says to let our lives be built on Jesus then we will grow strong in the truth (Bible) we are taught. What plan can you put into action right now to make Jesus the solid foundation in your life? How can we as your parents or leaders help you make this happen?
Wheat & Tares
October 31, 2021 • Matthew 13
As we’ve examined Jesus’ parables, we’ve dug deep to understand the earthly and spiritual meanings. Hopefully, you’ve also worked to live out what you’ve learned. Like our theme verse says— Matthew 11:15 | Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! The truth is, some people don’t have “ears to hear.” They sat under Jesus’ teaching, long ago or sit under it in churches today, and they don’t listen or understand. Our next parable explains how this is possible.