Ephesians 3:14-21

A Prayer for the Ephesians

This week I would encourage you to read and even re-read the passage during your group. There are some beautiful avenues of prayer contained in these verses. Many of our groups struggle to make prayer a meaningful and progressing aspect of our time together. Let this passage catalyze prayer in your group this week.

Here are some ideas:

• Divide the verses (or even phrases) of this passage between the members of your group and ask everyone to pray those words back to God - expanding and personalizing the prayer.
• If the above would be too intimidating at first, spend some time discussing each verse/phrase before praying. Help one another to let this passage shape our prayers.
• The word, "power" is used three times in these verses. Ask the group how Paul uses this word, what he means, and how we are to tap into God's power.
• What does Paul say about "love" in these verses?
• According to Ephesians chapters 1-3, how specifically would the church bring glory to Christ (not individuals, but the collective of Christ-followers called the Church)?
• Spend some time asking God to do in Cornerstone Church that which would go far beyond anything we could ask for or even imagine.

Ephesians 3:1-13

Paul the Preacher to the Gentiles

Paul started this section by acknowledging himself as "the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles." What does this title mean? How was he a prisoner of Christ? What does his attitude teach us about service to God?

In vs 2, Paul mentioned that it was likely that the church of Ephesus had heard about the "administration of God's Grace" in the life of Paul.

-What are some of the things that they would have heard?

-If you were in the original audience and heard these things about Paul, how would it influence your relationship with God?

Review vs 3-9

Paul referred to a mystery that was revealed to him that involved the Gentiles. He also noted it was a gift of God's grace...

-Why did Paul care about the Gentiles? Why did it matter to him if they were members of the body of Christ or not?

-Paul had developed a reputation of teaching that Gentiles had the same equal access to God that the Jews did. Why would this create division in the Jewish community?

-If it would have been easier for Paul to side with the Jewish sentiment at the time, why didn't he?

-If Paul felt that he was "less than the least of all God's people," why didn't he use this as an excuse to NOT preach God's message?

-Despite the persecution that he received, he felt that his mission was a gift of God's grace. Do we view evangelism as "gifts of grace" or do we view them as burdens from which we shrink away?

Lets break down vs 10...

Paul stated in vs 10 that through the church, "the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms."

-According to a dictionary search, it appears that "manifold" means: of many kinds- being numerous and varied; having different parts, elements and features. Paul noted that God's wisdom has a manifold nature. In what ways?

-He noted that it was "through the church" that the manifold wisdom of God would be known. How? Through preaching? Through its very existence? Why is the Church in this privileged position?

-Who are the "rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms" that Paul was referring to? Was he referring to a spiritual dimension? If so, discuss the role that the church would play in this...

He closed this section with the hope that the audience would not be discouraged because of his sufferings.

-In what ways would they be discouraged? For instance, would people feel that God is less capable of victory than they had previously assumed?

-Would they have felt that God should have protected Paul, as he was an apostle on God's behalf?

-In Paul's plea, we see that there are some things that are more important than worldly comfort. Would you have seen this persecution in the same way?

Teacher: Jeff Dodge

Ephesians 3:1-13

Ephesians 2: 11-22

One in Christ

Review vs 11-13 as a group.

Paul asked the church in Ephesus to remember the important things that have been discussed so far- and specifically what he mentioned in vs 1-1o

Although your group may have done this last week, discuss what your life looked like before you came to Christ.

1. What was your life style?

- How did sin influence your thoughts and actions?

- Did you ever feel that you were separate from Christ? Did you know Christ at all?

2. What is a Gentile?

- Paul used the terms "uncircumcised" and "the circumcision." Other than the obvious surgical procedure, what was he referring to? Did the circumcision indicate that you had a right relationship with God?

- What did these terms have to do with "citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise?" What promise? What covenants?

3. In vs 13, Paul proclaimed that though you were once "far away," you have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

-What evidence can be seen in your life regarding the transformation from spiritually dead to alive?

Review vs 14-22

Through the death and resurrection of Christ we are reconciled to God. That said, Paul noted that there are other benefits. In verses 14-22 these benefits are addressed.

As a group discuss some of these benefits:

-How was the law and its commandments and regulations abolished by the death and resurrection of Christ?

-How is our life different now that we have access to the Father by one Spirit?

-What are the benefits of being in God's household?

-You are being built to become a dwelling for God to live in by His spirit. Explain what this looks like and how we are to live because of it.

Teacher: Paul Sabino

Ephesians 2: 11-22

Ephesians 2:1-10

Made Alive in Christ

Paul outlined out that all of us at one time were dead in our 

transgressions.

Review vs 1-4 as a group

While you were living in sin- following the ways of the world- did 

you feel that you were "dead?"

- Would you have ever admitted to being under the influence of a 

"spirit" that is at work in those that are disobedient? Would you 

have admitted to being disobedient, in the first place?

- Would you have seen yourself as an "object of wrath?"

Review vs 4 and 5

What is the normal way we respond to those that are "objects of our wrath?" What does it say about God's Love that He had His Son die for those that didn't deserve it?

Paul mentioned Grace in verse 5. Lets address this and the remainder of the chapter.

- What is Grace? How is it different than love?

- When he mentioned that it was by this Grace that you were saved- through faith- what does this mean?

- Is the fact that it took no work on your part to save you from death hard to comprehend?

- What would you tell someone that doesn't believe that faith alone would get you into the Heaven? If they believe that it is the things that you do on this earth that get you into heaven- how would you respond?

Teacher: Peter Matthews

Ephesians 2:1-10

Ephesians 1:15-23

Thanksgiving and Prayer

Review vs 15 and 16

1. Paul discussed the faith and love of the believers that lived in Ephesus.

-Do these qualities provide evidence of anything?

2. Paul gave thanks, not for their love of God, but for their love of all the saints.

-Explain the difference.

-Do we sometimes claim love for God but not evidence this love by loving those around us?

Review vs 17

Paul mentioned that He prayed for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation be given to the believers.

-How would it benefit the believers to know God better?

-If you were given full clarity of what God wants and desires, would that change the way you live? Has He already made these desires clear?

Review vs 18

-What are the "eyes of your heart?"

-He mentioned that he wanted these "eyes" to be enlightened- so that they would know the hope to which we are called and to have an understanding of the inheritance of the saints. How important to your relationship with God is it that you have this understanding?

Review vs 19 and 20

-How significant is it that the power that raised Jesus from the dead, is also at work in us?

-What is the benefit of this great power to a believer? How should it affect how we look at the trials of our lives?

Review vs 21-23

God's great power not only raised Christ from the dead, it placed Christ in a position of authority above all that can be named- including the church.

-Why is this significant? How does this benefit believers?

-How should this authority be seen by those that choose to live in defiance of it?

Teacher: Jeff Dodge

Ephesians 1:15-23

Ephesians 1: 11-14

If your group didn't get a chance to discuss the topics that were raised in last week's teaching session- make sure you address it. Paul referenced "predestination" in this section, as well.

Review vs 11

-Do you believe that God has control over everything AND that these things work out in conformity to His Will?

-Do the day-to-day tasks of your life: washing the dishes, taking the kids to the park...play any significance in His will? What does this say about His involvement in your life?

-If we were "chosen" and "predestined," how should our lives look?

Review vs 12 and 13

-Why did God reveal the mystery of His will to common man? How do most people respond to this Truth?

Paul wrote that there there is a promised gift to all the children of God: The seal of the Holy Spirit

-What is this seal? Is it something that can been seen? Does it have some influence in our lives?

Do you get the seal immediately after believing the word of Truth? Does it protect you in some way?

Review vs 14

-What is the "inheritance" that Paul was referring to? What value does it have? Are we supposed to live our lives in the pursuit of it?

-Paul mentioned that this inheritance would be guaranteed "until the redemption of those who are in God's possession." When will this be?

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Ephesians 1: 11-14

Ephesians 1:3-10

Sorry for the delay folks- with the open house and all, its been crazy around here!

Spiritual blessings in Christ

Review vs 3

-Discuss what spiritual blessings we have in Christ.

Verses 4 and 5 address a hot-button topic in some churches. Let's take some time with these passages.

Vs 4

-What does it mean when Paul says that Jesus chose us?

-How do we know that we are chosen?

-Why did he choose us? Was it necessary that it had to be done before the creation of the world? What are the ramifications of this?

-How do we know if those around us are not chosen? Does it matter?

Vs 5

-What does "predestined" mean?

-Is it loving that some are "predestined" and some may not be?

-Why would God will that some are "predestined" and others are not?

Vs 6-8

-Review the gifts of God's grace that we see in these verses- for instance, what is the difference

between redemption and forgiveness of sin.

-What wisdom and understanding is Paul referring to? Is this something that is quantifiable?

Vs 9 and 10

-Paul mentioned that the mystery of God's will would be revealed according to His good pleasure and when times have reached their fulfillment. Why? Why is it important that we should be let in on God's will?

-What will it look like when all things in heaven and earth under Christ?

Bonus Question: Imagine that someone in your group has been praying for his or her sister for sometime. After listening to the teaching of the weekend and after reviewing these verses, your friend asks you if his or her sister is "predestined?" What if they say, "How does my praying or talking to her about Christ matter if she isn't "predestined?"

Teacher: Jeff Dodge

Ephesians 1: 3-10

Ephesians 1: 1-2

As we are only covering 2 verses on the weekend of the opening celebration, my questions will be basic back ground questions:

Review Ephesians 1: 1-2

1. Who was Paul?

-What is an apostle?

2. Who was the audience of the letter?

-Where was Ephesus?

-Who were the "saints," the "faithful?"

-Why would Paul write these people?

3. What is the significance of offering God's Grace and Peace to the audience of this letter?

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt and Jeff Dodge

Ephesians 1: 1-2

Opening Celebration!

3 years.

That's the amount of time between the "Your Move" Kick-off in the big tent- remember that?- and the weekend of Oct 25th.

After 3 years, we are going to have the opening celebration for the new auditorium and D6 Family area that God has blessed us with!

Join us for 2 amazing services on the weekend of October 25th- 9 and 11 am. As it is likely that nearly 2000 people will be in attendance- come early...

God is going to be praised in a mighty way that weekend!

JV

Mathew 28: 16-20

The Great Commission

The King has risen. The eleven disciples went to Galilee, specifically to the mountain where Jesus told them to go.

Review vs 16 and 17

- These disciples have witnessed many amazing events during the ministry of Jesus on this earth. However, it appears that some continued to doubt when they saw Jesus. Why?

Review vs 18

-Discuss the claim made by Jesus in this verse. What did He mean? What is the significance of this verse? When was this authority given to Him?

Let's take a few minutes and break down the Great Commission.

Review vs 19

-At the time that Jesus gave this commission to the disciples, what did the mission field look like?

-Would this command be difficult? What level of persecution were they facing?

-What level of instruction did Jesus give HIS disciples in terms of making new disciples?

-Why did Jesus command the disciples to baptize these new disciples?

In verse 19, Jesus also alluded to the doctrine of Trinity.

-When Jesus presented that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are each equal and fully God, how would the disciples have responded?

-Was this something that they would have deduced on their own during His time with them? Cite references.

Review the first half of vs 20

-How difficult is it to teach some one to obey everything that Jesus commands them? As a disciple, would this have seemed a daunting task?

-If the disciples were to instruct others about Jesus and the entirety of His truth, what would it say about their own faith level? For instance, could they profess Christ as Savior and Lord, while rejecting some of His teachings?

Review the last half of vs 20

-Why did Jesus add this last sentence?

-After hearing these commands from Jesus, why would this last point bring comfort to the disciples?

Bonus Questions:

1. Why should we assume that this commission applies to us as Christ followers and not only to the eleven disciples?

2. What does our mission field look like? Does it have to be oversees?

3. Is the Great Commission harder to follow in 2009 than it was when it was first presented by Jesus?

4. Does the last half of vs 20 bring you comfort when it comes to stepping out in faith and spreading the Good News? If so, why are we not more aggressive about the pursuit of those around us that continue to live in darkness?

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Matthew 28: 16-20

Thanks!

Good Afternoon, Leaders!

Hope all is well.

I just wanted to extend a warm thanks to all of you for your kind comments regarding the birth our son, Luca! I enjoy partnering with each and every one of you.

Also, thanks for giving me some time to help Jamie over the last week. The newest blog entry will be posted for this weekend's message today.

Take care,

Jacob Varghese

Matthew 27:32-56

The Crucifixion

Discuss the punishment of Crucifixion with your group.

-Who were usually punished in this way?

-Was it painful?

-Would it be seen as an embarrassment to be crucified?

1. In the Garden of Gethsamane, when Jesus asked God for "this cup to be taken away from Him," was He referring to only the pain of the cross or was there something else He wanted to avoid?

2. Review vs 39-44

-Why didn't Jesus come down from the cross? Why would He put himself through the pain and the embarrassment associated with this punishment?

The Death of Jesus

Review vs 45

1. Why does Jesus feel that His Father has forsaken him?

-Has He experienced this before?

Review vs 51

-Why did Matthew add this into the narrative? How does it benefit us?

As a group discuss the prophecies that have been fulfilled by the death of Christ on the Cross.

For instance, are there prophecies that indicate:

-that the Messiah would be forsaken by His disciples

-accused by false witnesses

-spat on and struck

-that He would be crucified with criminals

-that His body would be pierced but not broken

-that soldiers would gamble for His garments?

Any others?

The quick answer... yes. Now find them!

- Let me know if you need a hint or two... : )

** If time permits, consider scheduling a private viewing of "The Passion of the Christ" or similar movie with your connection group.

**Also, perhaps consider taking Communion as a group also.

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Matthew 27: 32-56

Matthew 27:11-32

Jesus Before Pilate

After the false accusations are made against Jesus by the chief priests and elders, He was brought before Pontius Pilate- the Roman governor of Judea at that time.

1. Review vs 11

-Why would Pilate ask this question?

-Discuss the significance of Jesus' response.

-By claiming He was a king, wouldn't this have been seen as a challenge against Rome?

2. As the accusations continued, Jesus remained silent. This amazed Pilate.

-Discuss as a group what may have been going on in Pilate's mind during this illegal trial.

-Why would he have been amazed at Jesus' reluctance to answer the accusations made against him?

3.Review vs 15-24

As a custom during the Passover, a prisoner chosen by the crowd was released to them by the Roman governor. Pilate presented Barabbas... a notorious criminal... and, Jesus- the sinless Son of God, to the crowd.

After being persuaded by the chief priests and elders, the crowd chose Barabbas.

-What does the choice of Barabbas say about the crowd's view of Jesus? Why didn't it bother them that Barabbas was a notorious criminal that could very likely commit grievous crimes again?

-What do you think the priests and elders told the crowd?

4. Review vs 24

After attempting to reason with the crowd, Pilate washed his hands of the responsibility of crucifying Jesus.

-If Pilate had the authority to release Jesus- why didn't he?

-Pilate did not believe that Jesus committed a crime- however, Jesus mentioned earlier that He is the King of the Jews- an openly defiant position against the nation of Rome. Why would Pilate still view him as innocent?

-Is Pilate's act of washing his hands of Jesus' blood the same as asking for forgiveness?

-Do you feel that Pilate was forced into making this decision against Christ?

5. Review vs 25

-What does this verse mean?

6. Before being crucified, Jesus was flogged and mocked by the guards.

-What is flogging? If Jesus was going to be crucified, why was he also flogged?

- Why did the governor's soldiers act in this way?

Bonus Question: Between Pilate, the cruel guards, the false accusations of the chief priests, the crowd that demanded that Jesus be crucified- and the sin of your own life- who holds the most responsibility for Jesus' death?

** If time permits, consider scheduling a private viewing of "The Passion of the Christ" or similar movie with your connection group.

Teacher: Jeff Dodge

Matthew 27: 11-44

Matthew 26:69-27:10

Peter Disowns Jesus

Peter sat outside the courtyard and was approached by various people regarding his relationship with the King.

1. Review vs 69

-Why did the servant girl point this out? Did Peter think it was for a different reason?

2. Review vs 71

-Apparently, the motivation of this girl is a bit more clear...

-What would people in the crowd stand to gain by pointing out the followers of Christ? Did they become "enemies" when Jesus was arrested? Do you think they were in the crowd that gathered for the Triumphal Entry noted in Matthew 21: 1-11? Do you think they were followers then?

3. The story continues with yet another denial of Christ by Peter.

Consider this sequence of denials.

-Discuss why Peter responded in such dramatic ways when he was questioned.

-If you were Peter, how would you have responded to this questioning?

-Additional question: Is there a scenario in which you could see yourself denying Christ? What would the level of persecution have to look like?

Matthew 27

Judas saw that Jesus, an innocent- sinless- man was being condemned by priests as a result of an unfair trial. He recognized his sin and approached the priests and the elders.

As a group, discuss the betrayal of Christ by Judas.

-What was his motivation?

-Did Judas not see Jesus as innocent before committing to betray Him?

After sensing the gravity of his choices, Judas went away and hanged himself.

-Was this a response of guilt? Remorse? Some other feeling?

-Do you think that Judas felt that betraying Jesus was beyond forgiveness? If he had been in the company of Jesus over the last few years of His life, why would he think this?

-Is there a sin in your life that you feel is beyond forgiveness? Considering the heart of our Gracious King, why would you still feel that He wouldn't forgive you?

Final question: What do you feel the difference is between Peter and Judas and how they approached the choices listed above?

-What did their individual responses say about their relationship with Christ?

Teacher: Paul Sabino

Matthew 26:69- 27:10

Matthew 26:57-68

Before the Sanhedrin

Jesus has been arrested and He was facing the teachers of the law and the chief priests.

Imagine a court case in which the jury has already decided that you will receive the death penalty.

-What would the trial look like?

-Would it become fairly obvious that the jury was against you from the beginning?

-When you did start to realize that the jury was not going to give you a fair chance, how would you respond?

1. Review vs 58

Peter apparently followed the crowd from a distance. The verse indicates that he did so to "see the outcome."

-Over the last few weeks of Jesus' life, he mentioned over and over again that He would soon lay down his life. Did Peter expect some other outcome?

2. Review vs 59 and 60

The chief priests began to search for false evidence so that Jesus could be put to death.

Discuss what this court scene would have looked like.

-Would the sentiment have been many voices against Jesus? A few?

-Would "the few" have spoken up against "the many?"

-What would compel "many" false witnesses to come forward against Christ? What did they stand to gain?

3. Review vs 61-63

-As further accusations were being made, Jesus remained silent. Why?

-If the roles were reversed and false accusations were being made against you, what would your reaction have been?

4. Review vs 64

Discuss the significance of this verse.

-Of all the things that Jesus could have said, why did He say this?

xref: Daniel 7:13

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Matthew 26: 57-68

Cornerstone Connection Group Ministry Kick-off

Good evening, Leaders!

Welcome back!

Hope your summer went well.

Tomorrow is the big day. After a short summer break, our Connection Group Ministry will be kicking off again. Through out this weekend, I will be extending invitations to those that are currently not connected. I am excited to tell them all about the fantastic job that you are all doing!

As it appears to be a resource for many of you, I will continue to post questions on this blog site. Also, as some of you go over the teaching series BEFORE the teaching itself, I will try to have the questions posted one week before the actual teaching. For this reason, I will post the questions today for this week's teaching, as well as next week's.

Have a good weekend and thanks for all that you do.

In Him,

JV

Take the summer off!!!!!

Leaders,

As we discussed in the last Connection Group Leader's Training, this will be the last blog entry for discussion questions this season. Please review the blog page through the summer, as I will continue to post important information for you to know.

Also, if you haven't already, please consider my advice to take the summer off. Use this time to recharge and relax. I want you all to be ready for a new year in August!

Thanks for your service.

Sincerely,

Jacob Varghese

Regional Ministry Director

Cornerstone Church of Ames

Matthew 19:16-30

The Rich Young Man

1. Review vs 16

-What is the motive behind the young man's question?

-Discuss the wording of the question itself- "what good thing must I DO to GET" eternal life. What are some good things that you can do to GET eternal life? Trick question...

2. Jesus advised the man that if he wants eternal life, obey the commandments. Review vs 18-20.

-Which ones were left out by Jesus? (Xref Exodus 20)

-Why?

-How likely is it that the young man has "kept" all of the commandments that Jesus mentioned?

3. Review Jesus advice to the young man in vs 21.

-Is Jesus asking all of us to sell all of our possessions?

-Why did he ask the ruler to do this?

4. Vs 22 indicates that the young man went away sad. Review Jesus' note to the disciples in vs 23 and 24.

-What does Jesus mean? Does this mean that rich people can't get into heaven?

Further discussion questions:

-What are some idols in your lives? What are some things that stand in the way of your relationship with Christ that you find hard to walk away from?

Teacher: Jeff Dodge

Matthew 19:16-30

 

Matthew 19: 1-15

Divorce

The Pharisees approach Jesus to test Him again...

1. Review the discussion between the Pharisees and Jesus in vs 3-7 

-In your opinion, what motivated the Pharisees to ask this question?

-

2. How does the world view marriage and divorce? Does the world really see the union of marriage as two people becoming one flesh? 

3. Do people get divorced for "any and every reason" in 2009? Why does man try to separate what God has joined together?

Review vs 8 and 9

1. What did Jesus mean when He said that Moses permitted divorce because of hard hearts? What does the condition of one's heart have to do with divorce?

2. Why did Jesus allow marital unfaithfulness as a reason for divorce? If your partner was to commit adultery, would you HAVE to divorce him or her? Could you choose to stay with the person after they have sinned against you?

Have some members in your group gone through a divorce? Was marital unfaithfulness a reason for the divorce? Would they be ok with never marrying again? 

The Little Children and Jesus

Review vs 13-15

 Why did Jesus always take time to meet with children?

-When Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven is made up for people like this...what did He mean?

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Matthew 19: 1-15

Matthew 18:15-35

A Brother Who Sins Against You

1. Review vs 5

-What are some sins that people commit against each other?

-Is the method that Jesus discussed in this verse the way people usually bring up the fault of others?

-How do people generally respond when you bring their fault to their attention?

-What did Jesus mean when He said, "you have won him over?" Won him over from what?

2. Read Deuteronomy 19:15 as a group. Then, review v 16

-What would cause someone to not listen to your concern?

-Why did Jesus' advice include bringing two or three witnesses?

-How would you discuss the issue with these witnesses before hand? When would it become gossip?

-Would it be expected that the witnesses are silent during the encounter or should they have some input?

-Do you think that the one guilty of the sin would feel that he/she is being "backed into a corner" by the presence of these two or three other people that are unrelated to the transgression?

3. Review v 17

 Jesus stated that if the one that sinned against you refuses to listen to you in the presence of two or three witnesses, then the matter should be brought up to the church.

-Do you think this is an extreme response? 

-Is this a fairly common practice? If not, why not? 

-When would be the appropriate time for this discussion with the whole church? Why would the sin against you be any of their business?

Jesus continued by saying that if the sinner refused to listen to the whole church, treat him as you would a pagan.

-What does Jesus mean? 

-What would compel someone to ignore the counsel of so many people?

4. Review v 18

-What did Jesus mean by "binding" and "loosing?"

-How does spiritual discipline relate to this verse?

5. Review vs 19-20

-Was Jesus specifically talking about spiritual accountability when he said these verses?

-What are some other applications in which you have heard these verses used? Are they being used in the correct context?

The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

1. Review vs 21 and 22

-What was the motive behind Peter's question?

-Do you have someone in your life that you find yourself always forgiving?

-Is it easier to forgive someone that is repentant? 

-What if it didn't bother them that they hurt you so many times? Would you still forgive them?

-In today's society, is it likely that you would give someone seven chances to hurt you? 

-Is Jesus' response unrealistic? Are you capable of forgiving someone 77 times?

-From a legalistic sense, after the 78th time, are you off the hook? Can you start holding anger in your heart for them then? 

-When you would you begin to question how much of a "brother" they are to you?

2. Review Jesus parable in vs 23-35

-Why was this servant called "unmerciful?"

-Have there been times in your life where you have held a transgression against someone for an extended amount of time? Why?

-Despite the level of sin that Christ has forgiven us for, are we sometimes guilty of the sin shown by this unmerciful servant?

Teacher: Jeff Dodge

Matthew 18: 15-35

Matthew 18:1-14

Hey folks, thanks for giving me some time away with my family over Easter! Here is the next blog entry!

The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven

1. Review vs 1

-Why would the disciples ask Jesus this question? What was their motivation?

2. Review Jesus' response in verses 2-5.

-What does this look like?

-Why did Jesus address pride in his response to the disciples?

-Is pride a problem for you? Do you think that it would be difficult for you to humble yourself in the manner that Jesus suggests?

3. Review verses 5-8.

-As we look at our culture, what are some of the things that "cause people to sin?"

-Is this the motivation of the companies that produce or sell these items?

-Should they be held accountable or are they just making a living like you and I?

4. Review vs 8 and 9

-Is this teaching section difficult? Why?

-Is Jesus literally asking us to cut off body parts to help us deal with sin? If not, what is the point he is trying to make?

-Are there sin areas in your life that need to be addressed in an aggressive manner?

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

1. Review vs 12-14

-If a shepherd did have 100 sheep, do you think he would really care if one of them disappeared? Would he notice that one of them had wandered off? 

As most of us are not shepherds, let me present another way of looking at this section:

If you had 3 children and one of them wandered off, imagine the grief and worry that you would feel. It is likely that you would put off everything in your life to look for this child...

-With this in mind, discuss how it grieves our Father in Heaven when one of his children wander away from him.

Teacher: Paul Sabino

Matthew 18: 1-14

Easter Weekend

April 10, 11 and 12

Celebrate Christ's death and resurrection this weekend as we present "Ragman," a musical adapted from the short story by Walter Wangerin, Jr.

Set in modern day, urban America, "Ragman" is the story of five people and how their lives were transformed by a man who exchanged their dirty rags for clean rags. 

Join us for one of five identical Easter Weekend Services.

Friday: 7:30pm

Saturday: 5:30 and 7:30 pm

Sunday: 9 and 11:00 am

Childcare is provided for infants through Kindergarten at all services. (First and second graders should attend the service with their families.) Children ages three and under will not be permitted in the auditorium during any of the five services.

Speaker: Paul Sabino

Matthew 17:14-27

The Healing of a Boy with a Demon

(xref Mark 9: 14-33)

A man approached Jesus and indicated that his son had seizures and was suffering greatly. He noted that the boy often fell into the fire or the water. In the corresponding section in Mark, it is identified that the child was struggling with demon possession. 

 The father brought the son to the disciples for their help. However, the disciples could not heal him.

1. If this was your child, discuss how you would respond to his struggles. 

-Would you take him to all of the available doctors? 

-Would you try all of the available homeopathic options? 

-When would prayer be used as an option? At the beginning? Through out the ordeal? As a last option?

 The disciples were not able to cast out the demon, but Jesus does it immediately. Review the discussion between Jesus and His disciples in verses 17-22.

1. Jesus explained that they were not able to cast the demons out due to a lack of faith. 

-If you were one of the disciples- one that was given the authority to cast out demons, (xref Matthew 10:1,) what would YOU have thought was the reason you were not able to cast out the demon?

-Would you have agreed w/ Jesus' analysis of the situation or would you have blamed HIM for not giving you sufficient means to address the issue?

2. He mentioned that if their faith was even as big as a mustard seed- the smallest seed known to the people of Israel at the time this was communicated- they could tell a mountain to move and it would.

-Gauge your level of faith- do you have faith as big as a mustard seed? More? Less? What is the evidence of this faith level?

-If it is a high faith level, how did it get to that point? If it is low, why does it stay that way?

3. Do you believe that anything is possible with faith? 

-What role does God's Will play in this? For instance, does HE want the mountain to be moved?

The Temple Tax

(xref Exodus 30: 11-16)

The question of temple tax was brought up to Jesus. 

1. What is the temple tax? 

2. Jesus asked Peter about a tax that is imposed by a king. What does this have to do w/ the temple tax?

3. Peter correctly notes that the king's sons are exempt in verse 16. 

-What is the significance of this point?

4. Review vs 27. 

-Why did Jesus use a miracle to obtain this coin? 

5. What are some of your thoughts regarding this story?

-Is it more disappointing that The King was not acknowledged as such and was forced to pay the temple tax or that He took the form of a meager carpenter that did not have money to pay it in the first place?

As a side note, Matthew the former tax collector, is the only one that notes this story in the Gospels.

-Apart from this point about his former occupation, can you think of any other reason he would feel compelled to add this incident to his narrative?

Teacher: Jeff Dodge

Matthew 17:14-27

Matthew 16:13-17:13

Peter's Confession of Christ

1. Review vs 13 of chapter 16

-Why would Jesus ask this? As the Son of God, wouldn't He already know this information?

2. In verse 14, the disciples tell Jesus that He was referred to as John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.

-Why didn't the disciples note any of the negative things that people called Jesus?

-How about in 2009? What do people claim Jesus to be? A prophet? A teacher? A good man?

-How about some of the negative things? 

Jesus then asked Peter who he thought Jesus was. Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." 

3. Review Jesus' response starting with verse 17

-Jesus advised Peter that this correct assessment was revealed to him by God. In what way?

-If you call Jesus, the Son of God, do you believe that this was revealed to you by God Himself? Why isn't He revealing this to everyone else in the world? Or, is He?

4. Review vs 19

-What does this mean?

-Was Peter the only person with this gift?

Jesus predicts His death

Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He would have to suffer a painful death and would raise again to life on the third day.

1. Review Peter's comments in verse 22 and Jesus' response in vs 23

-What was the sentiment behind Peter's comments?

-Why did Jesus refer to Peter in the way that He did in verse 23? Don't these comments contrast the ones spoken in verses 17 and 18?

2. Review vs 24- 28

-Do people really consider this cost when they decide to follow Christ?

Chapter 17

The Transfiguration

After six days, Jesus went up to a high mountain and He was transfigured before His Peter, James, and John. At that same time, Moses and Elijah appeared and started talking with Jesus.

1. What does "transfigured" mean? Can anybody do that?

2. Is there any significance behind why Jesus transfigured before these specific disciples? 

-Why not the entire group of 12? Or, everyone that followed Him, for that matter?

3. What role do Moses and Elijah play in these events?  

-Why not any two other men noted in the Bible- like Noah or Joshua, for instance?

-Is there any significance that these two men showed up during the transfiguration? 

4. Review vs 5

-Why did God say this? Was it for Jesus' benefit? For the disciples?

-Hadn't these disciples already determined that Jesus was worth listening to?

5. In verse 9, Jesus instructed the men not to tell anyone until after Jesus rose from the dead.

-Imagine you were one of the disciples on that mountain? Would you be able to keep these events to yourself?

-How would it affect your future ministry? How did it affect theirs?

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Matthew 16:13- 17:13

Matthew 16: 1-12

Editor's note:

(Last week, per request, I added an outline to the Talksheet. Don't know if it was helpful or not. If it was helpful, let me know. Otherwise, I will go back to the more familiar method... jv)

************

The Demand for a Sign

1. Review vs 1

-Why did the Pharisees and the Sadducees wish to test Jesus? What was their goal?

2. Review Jesus' response to their request for a sign from heaven in vs 2 and 3

-What were the "signs of the times" when this was spoken by Jesus?

-Why were they not able to interpret these things? Was this due to their ignorance? Arrogance? Lack of faith? All of the above?

-What about the crowds that followed Jesus? Were they able to interpret these things? If they were not able to interpret them, why not?

-What about 2009? What stands in the way of people being able to interpret these matters today?

3. Review vs 4

-What is the sign of Jonah? Why was this sign given to the wicked and adulterous generation of the time of Jesus?

-How would people interpret it today?

The Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees

Jesus warns the disciples against the yeast of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. 

Review the dialogue between the disciples and Jesus in verses 7-12

1. If Jesus had advised you to "be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the Sadducees," what would your reaction have been?

-Would you have taken it as a reprimand or as a warning? Something else?

2. After the disciples mistakenly interpret Jesus' warning, He points out their lack of faith. He then reminds them of His miracles of feeding many thousands of people.

-Why did He bring up these miracles? Why did he not reference His miraculous healing of the blind or making the lame walk?

-Why would the disciples be concerned about a lack of bread, especially after Jesus was miraculously able to provide bread twice?

-Why did the disciples so quickly forget these two miracles?

3. The disciples finally interpret Jesus' statements as a warning against the teaching of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.

-What was so bad about their teaching? Was Jesus referencing something else? Their cynical attitudes, maybe? Their lack of faith? Their hypocrisy?

4. In Matthew 13,  Jesus told His audience that the "Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast that once mixed into flour, it eventually worked through out the dough." 

-Was the "yeast" of the Pharisees and the Sadducees capable of spreading in the same fashion?

-If it was so dangerous, why didn't Jesus just plainly say that?

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Matthew 16: 1-12

Matthew 15: 21-39

Outline

I. Matthew 15: 21-28

A. A Canaanite woman from the region of Tyre and Sidon approached Jesus

1. The woman indicated that her daughter is suffering from demon possession.

2. At first, Jesus did not respond.

 

B. The disciples ask Jesus to send the Canaanite woman away.

1. The disciples were frustrated that the woman kept requesting Jesus' help.

 

C. Jesus advised the woman that He was sent to the lost sheep of Isreal.

1. He indicated that it is not right to take the bread meant for children and instead toss it to their dogs. 

D. The woman pointed out that the dogs sometimes eat crumbs that fall from their master's table.

  

E. Jesus commended the woman's faith and healed her daughter.

II. Matthew 15: 29-39

A. Jesus left this area and went to a mountainside where He continued to heal those that came to Him.

1. The lame, the blind, those that were crippled and many others sought Jesus' healing.

2. The crowds were amazed at Jesus' miraculous healing.

3. They, in turn, praised the God of Israel.

B. Jesus continues to have compassion on the people and wanted them to be fed for they were following Jesus for 3 days.

1. The disciples questioned if there could be enough bread to feed the multitude of people.

C. With seven loaves and a few fish, Jesus fed the crowd of people.

1. Afterward, the disciples were able to pick up seven basketfuls of broken pieces.

2. Besides woman and children, there were four thousand people that were fed.

Discussion questions

1. Review vs 21-23

-Matthew pointed out that this woman was a Canaanite. Why did he add this information?

-Why did Jesus not answer her when she first called Him?

-Why were the disciples frustrated by her pleading for help?

-Why did the disciples feel that the woman was calling out for them?

2. Review vs 24.

-Who are the lost sheep of Israel?

-How did they come to be lost?

-Did they know they were lost?

-Why would God send Jesus to these people first? What about the rest of the lost?

3. Review vs 26

-Did Jesus' statement seem out of character? Is this a racist comment? 

-Why would Jesus compare the woman to a dog?

-Why did Jesus say this to her, but not to any other Gentile that approached Him? This woman was not the only Gentile that Jesus healed or helped- (xref the Roman Centurion in Matthew 8...) 

4. Let's take a second and breakdown the woman's response in verse 27

-Why did the lady not retreat into the crowd after this comment from Jesus? 

-Why did she acknowledge that she was in low standing versus trying to defend herself?

-What are the crumbs that she referred to?

-Would you have felt defeated? Would you have just turned around and left?

5. Review Jesus response in v 28

-How did the woman's response show "great faith?"

-Why did Jesus change His course of action? Were the lost sheep of Israel no longer His chief concern?

Jesus Feeds the four thousand

In Matthew 14, Jesus healed 5 thousand people and faced a similar situation near the Sea of Galilee in Chapter 15.

1. After the people of the crowd were healed, vs 31 indicated that the crowd "praised the God of Israel."

-Was this a crowd of people that were not Israelites?

2. Why did Jesus bring the hunger of the crowd to the attention of the disciples?

-If the disciples had been with this crowd for 3 days, why hadn't they noticed that people hadn't eaten.

3. Review vs 33

-What led the disciples to forget that Jesus was able to feed this large group of people?

-Are the disciples just pointing out a fact or is this a lack of faith?

***

How are these stories related to the "clean and unclean" section at the beginning of Matthew 15?

***

Additional questions:

1. In reference to the story of the Canaanite woman, do you think that sometimes people don't approach Jesus because of the level of sin in their life? Do you think they view themselves as "dogs?"

2. Facing 4 thousand hungry men, women and children, the disciples question if there is enough food to feed them all. That said, they have witnessed Jesus feed more than these and even greater miracles.

-When we face trials in our life, why do we forget that God has taken us through even bigger trials in our past?

Teacher: Jeff Dodge

Matthew 15: 21-39

2009 Vision Update- March 7 and 8th

Hopefully, your group has been able to go over Cornerstone's 2009 Vision Report....

 In the book of Galatians, God tells us to carry our own load and carry each other's burdens. This next weekend, Pastors Troy and Jeff will go over this report during the services of March 7th and 8th. Discover how we should apply this teaching during our current economic situation.

Galatians 6: 2-5

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone things he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. 

***

If you haven't led your group through the report, please contact Jacob Varghese or your region's Shepherding Elder.

Thank you.

Matthew 15: 1-20

Clean and Unclean

Looking to find fault in Jesus and His disciples, some Pharisees and teachers of the law criticized the disciples for not washing their hands before eating.

1. Review Jesus' response to the criticism in vs 3-10
-What would compel the teachers of the law to modify the word of God?

-What are some traditions that are part of the current church that are not found in the Bible? Why are these in place?

2. Review vs 7-9

-What are ways in which we honor Christ with our lips- but, this devotion is not seen in our hearts?

-As we look at our lives or the lives of others, do we get swayed by external appearances?

-Is your relationship with God more of an "external appearance" relationship or is it a relationship where He has your heart also?

Jesus explained in v 10 and again in vs 16-20 that it isn't what goes into one's mouth that makes him unclean, it is what comes out that makes him unclean.

1. What are some of your thoughts regarding these verses?

-Pornography and drug use are examples of things that come into a person that make them unclean. So, does this contradict what Jesus said in this verse?

2. Who are some of the people that society notes as "clean" versus "unclean?" How did these social rules develop?

3. What are some of the unclean things that have come from your heart?

-Generally, are you more concerned with what others think of you or are you more concerned with what Christ thinks of your heart?

-What would Christ say about your relationship with Him?

Teacher: Paul Sabino

Matthew 15: 1-20

Matthew 13:53- 14:36

A Prophet without honor

 After Jesus finished His parables He went to His home town of Nazareth. The people were amazed and took offense that He displayed such great wisdom and could perform miracles.

1. Imagine Jesus grew up in your home town. 

-How would the citizens of the community receive Him?

-Would they be able to look past His earthly connections?

2. In verse 57, Jesus said, "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor."

-Why?

CHAPTER 14

John the Baptist beheaded

Apparently, a government official named Herod was in an adulterous affair with his brother's wife, Herodias. In line with his character, John the Baptist attempted to hold Herod accountable for this sin. Herod's response was to throw John in prison.

1. Is it easy for you to hold someone accountable to a sin issue in their life?

-If it is difficult, what are some of your reservations?

-Is it easier if it is someone closer to you? A friend or relative, perhaps?

2. If you knew your consequence would be as severe as being thrown into prison, would you still bring the sin up?

Later, on Herod's birthday, Herodias' daughter danced for Herod. Motivated by lust, he promised the daughter whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she asked for the head of John the Baptist. Herod then had John the Baptist beheaded.

1. What kind of character has Herod displayed through out this narrative?

-Was beheading John in line with this character?

2. Were you surprised that this was how John the Baptist's life ended?

-When he was in prison and/or facing execution, discuss what you feel was going through John's mind and heart. Do you think he regretted saying what he said to Herod? 

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

A large crowd started to gather- to be near Jesus. As it got later into the evening, Jesus' disciples asked Him to send the crowd away so they could go to another area and buy food for themselves. 

Review Jesus' response in verse 16

-If you were a disciple of Jesus and saw 5000 people standing around you, what would be going through your mind when He gave you the task of feeding them all?

-Would your faith have given you clarity at that moment that this would be a minor miracle in comparison to some of the things that you had already witnessed? Or, would you have seen this as a monumental task that could not be accomplished?

It was brought to Jesus' attention that there were 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish in the crowd. With these, Jesus gave thanks to His Father and fed all of the people in attendance AND had 12 basketfuls left over.

-If you were in the crowd and witnessed these events, what would be going on in your mind and heart?

-Would this miracle have drawn you closer to Jesus or would you have just marveled at the phenomenon from the side?

Additional question:

-If Jesus ultimately fed the crowd Himself, why did He first present the task to the disciples?

Jesus Walks on Water

After a short time alone, Jesus returned to His disciples that were in a boat off the coast. The King then walked on water to meet His disciples.

1. Describe how you would have responded if you witnessed this.

-Would you have shared the response of the disciples and been terrified?

-would Jesus' statement in verse 27 have confused you more or would it have brought you comfort?

2. Review verses 27-29

-What compelled Peter to get out of the boat and try to reach Jesus? 

-It appears that for a short time, Peter walked on the water also. What do you think would have been some of his thoughts while doing this?

That said, he became aware of the wind and became afraid. When he began to sink, he cried out to God.

-Does this sound familiar? Have there been times in your life where you wanted to move forward in faith and you became aware of the pressures of this world? 

-Did you sink or did you keep walking?

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Matthew 13:53- 14:36

Matthew 13: 24-52

Note from Jeff Dodge:

As we talked about at our last meeting, we are encouraging our church family to spend the season of Lent in prayerful anticipation of celebrating the resurrection of Christ. I think it could be a remarkable and life changing journey for us.

This weekend I will be talking to the Cornerstone family about this and I will encourage them to make it a discussion in their Connection Group. I want you to take a look at the blog that we have created as a guide. It includes a lot of helpful information on what Lent is, how we are seeking to celebrate it, and also some helpful ideas for how to make it personal. Here is the address for the blot: 

http://agladsurrender.blogspot.com/

Encourage the people in your group to use Lent as a time to pray and fast in a way that perhaps will be brand new to them. Help them talk about ways that will make it meaningful. Encourage one another and do this together- a great way to spur one another toward Christ. 

And, finally, I want to encourage you and the people in your group to add comments to some of the daily blogs- so that others can share your joy and so that we can learn from one another.

Thanks for shepherding God's People!

Jeff

***

Teaching: February 14th/15th

The Parable of the Weeds

Review vs 24-31 and 36-43

1. Jesus explained that He is the one that sowed the good seed and the field is the world.

-That said, who are the people that are sleeping in vs 25?

-Should they have been on the lookout for the enemy?

2. Jesus explained that the weeds are the sons of the evil one.

-What would one of these sons look like?

-Why would the enemy sow weeds among the wheat?

3. Do you agree with the farmer's decision to wait until the harvest to deal with the weeds?

4. Why would Jesus say that the "Kingdom of Heaven" is comparable to this parable?

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

Review vs 31- 33

How is the Kingdom of Heaven comparable to a small seed that becomes bigger over time?

-Why didn't the Kingdom of Heaven start big and continue to get bigger?

The Parable of the Yeast

Review vs 33

1. What is the dough of this parable? How about the flour?

2. Is the Kingdom of Heaven "working all through the dough" right now?

 

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

Review vs 44-47

1. How or why is the Kingdom of Heaven hidden in the first place?

2. Why would someone that finds it, hide it again?

3. Is the reaction of everyone that finds this treasure the same? 

-Why would some "sell everything they have" for it and others wouldn't?

4. What was your reaction when you discovered the "pearl of great value?"

-Did you feel it was worth selling everything of importance to you to hold onto it?

The Parable of the Net

Review vs 47-52

1. Who are the fishermen in this parable? 

-What are "bad fish?"

2. Why would the angels wait until the end of the age to separate the wicked from the righteous? Why not do it now?

Additional question:

 Jesus began all of these parables with the phrase, "the Kingdom of Heaven is like..." Why did Jesus portray the Kingdom of Heaven in so many ways?

Teacher: Jeff Dodge

Matthew 13: 24-52

Matthew 13: 1-23

The Parable of the Sower

Jesus often used parables to communicate important information to those that were willing to listen. One of these was the Parable of the Sower.

As a group, review v 3-10. 

1. Why would Jesus use this illustration from human life to share His Message? 

-If you were a farmer in that time, would you have felt sympathetic to the loss of crop that the farmer in the parable experienced?

-Do you think that the farmer was careless in how he scattered his seed? Or, would you have thought the farmer to be wise in that he was scattering his seed in all possible soils to obtain the most possible yields?

2. Review vs 10 and 11

Jesus' disciples wonder aloud why Jesus spoke to the people in parables.

-Why did He? Would it not have been easier to just say what was on His mind?

-Why was the knowledge of the Kingdom of Heaven given to only a few? Does this seem fair?

3. Review vs 13-14

-How does one see without seeing? Or, hear without understanding?

-Is this something that people do on purpose? Does it happen over time?

-Do you know people that suffer from this problem? Are you one of them?

4. Review v 15

-How does a person's heart become calloused? Is this a life-long problem? Will their hearts ever be receptive to the Message that they are struggling to see or understand?

-Would you know if you have a calloused heart? 

Review Jesus' interpretation of the Parable of the Sower in verses 18-23

1. Who is the farmer? What is the seed? 

2. The seed that falls along the path and is eaten by the birds is comparable to a person that hears the Message, doesn't understand it, and the evil one snatches away what was sown.

-What does this look like? Does this happen often?

-If this person is someone in your life, what should our responsibility be in this scenario?

3. The seed that fell on rocky places did not have a secure root and the plants were scorched by the sun. Jesus compared this seed to a person that hears the Message with much joy in the beginning, but because there is no root, trouble or persecution in his life leads them away.

-Do you know someone like this? 

-Do you recall the joy that they had when they first heard the Message and accepted Christ in their life? 

-In their enthusiasm, did they think that troubles would cease because of their new relationship with Christ? Were they surprised that they were persecuted because of their new relation with Christ?

-Is there anyway to determine if the Message hasn't taken root?

-What should our responsibility be in this scenario?

4. Some seed fell among thorns and these thorns choked the plants. Jesus compared this to the one that heard the Message, but worries of this life and the things of this world made him unfruitful.

-Do you know someone like this?

-Was this an immediate loss or did the "thorns" choke the person over time?

-What should our responsibility be in this scenario?

5. Finally, Jesus noted that some seed fell on good soil and created a bountiful crop. He compared this to a person that hears the Message and understands it.

-What is the "good soil" of this parable? Is there anyway to create a lot of it? 

-Why didn't the sower put all of the seed in "good soil?"

-How do we know if the person that has received the Message has seen it and understood it?

-What should our responsibility be in this scenario?

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Matthew 13: 1-23

Matthew 12: 38-50

The Sign of Jonah

In response to their request for a miraculous sign, Jesus calls the Pharisees and teachers of the law wicked and adulterous.

1. Review vs 38 and 39

-Why was it so important for the Pharisees and the teachers of the law to see a miraculous sign from Jesus?

-What kind of sign would they have considered a miracle? Why didn't they consider the healing of all diseases and sicknesses, a "miraculous sign?"

-In your opinion, was it really due to a lack of evidence that they did not place their faith in Christ?

-If you were unwilling to submit your life to the King, would it matter what sign you were given?

2. Jesus reminded the Pharisees that the people of Nineveh heard Jonah's message and repented of their sin. He added that the Pharisees were in the presence of someone greater than Jonah and they did not repent.

  He also noted that the Queen of the South listened to the wisdom of Solomon. Jesus added that the Pharisees were in the presence of someone greater than Solomon and they did not listen.

-How would you have responded upon hearing this?

-Will our generation be condemned by those that heard the Message and repented? Will our generation be condemned for not listening to the Message?

(Related reading: Jonah 3:4-10 and 1 Kings 10:1-10, 13)

3. Review vs 43-46

The generation of people that first heard Jesus' message showed much interest in His teachings. However, they chose not to enter the Kingdom of God and their "final condition was worse than the first."

-As we study the message of the King, what has your response been?

-If your response has been to be excited about His miracles and encouraged by His message- but you hardened your heart and haven't invited Him in to occupy it- what will your final condition be?

Jesus Mother and Brothers

Jesus, again, distances Himself from those that appear holy and righteous on the outside. He refers to his true followers as His family- those that are doing the will of our Father.

1. Are you in His family?

2. Or, are you on the outside looking in? Will you be shocked at the day of judgement to see God's true family...from a distance?

Teacher: Paul Sabino

Matthew 12: 38-50

Matthew 12:22-37

Jesus and Beelzebub

The Pharisees witnessed Christ healing a demon-possessed man and felt that it was due to the prince of demons that Jesus was able to drive the demons out...

1. Review vs 24
-Who or what is Beelzebub?
-Why would the Pharisees allege that the devil gave Jesus authority to cast out demons?

2. In verses 25-30, Jesus questioned why someone who controls a kingdom would support someone else dividing it? He then presented an example of a strong man that has control over his home- the only way that the house would be burglarized, would be if the strong man was tied up.
-Is the world divided into God's Kingdom and the Devil's Kingdom? Why would the devil support someone dividing his kingdom?
-Who is the strong man in this example?
-If Jesus is casting out demons, what has he done to the strong man?

3. Review vs 30
-Who is being "gathered" or "scattered" in Jesus' statement?
-Are you a "gatherer" or a "scatterer?"

4. In verses 31- 33, Jesus discussed blaspheming the Holy Spirit and it being an unforgivable sin. Let's take a few moments and discuss this...

A. What is blaspheming?
-How were the Pharisees blaspheming against the Holy Spirit?

B. As a group, read: 1 John 1: 9
-Does this verse somehow contrast what Jesus is saying?

C. Why would blaspheming against the Holy Spirit be unforgivable?
-When a person sees clear evidence provided by the Holy Spirit, (in this case a real miracle,) yet is so against it that he rejects it, is he blaspheming the Holy Spirit?
-Is it unforgivable, because the person who would blatantly say these things would also not seek forgiveness?

5. In verses 33-38, Jesus explained that a fruit tree can be seen as alive and healthy by the fruit it bears. He used this example to illustrate that someone who has a sinful heart will yield fruit in the same manner.
-Do you think this is valid?
-Can your actions and words give a reasonable image of what your heart looks like?
-If someone was to inspect the "fruit" of your life, what would they say? What comes from the overflow of your heart?

Teacher: Jeff Dodge
Matthew 12: 22-37

Matthew 12: 1-21

The Lord of the Sabbath

When the Commandments were given to the Israelites, God said that the Sabbath, or the Seventh day, was to be kept holy. He advised them that no work should be done on the seventh day, even during the harvest season. 

The Pharisees saw that the disciples were picking some heads of grain- perhaps, technically, this was a form of harvesting- and they questioned Jesus, accordingly. 

1. Why did God want the Sabbath to be holy?

-So, if YOU have to work on Sunday- are you not keeping the Sabbath holy?

-Can you not work on Sunday and still not keep the Sabbath holy?

(Suggested reading: Exodus 20: 8-12, 34:21)

2. Review vs 2.

-What do you think is the motivation behind the Pharisees criticism of the disciples? Is it because of their "reverence" for God and His Commandments?

3. Review Jesus' response in vs 3-6

-Why was Jesus reminding the Pharisees of these events? 

(Suggested reading: 1 Samuel 21: 3-6)

4. Review v 7

-What does "I desire mercy, not sacrifice," mean?

-Why would Jesus say this to the Pharisees? Was their version of God's Law unmerciful?

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Matthew 12: 1-21