A2 Going Deeper
Gospel of Matthew | ONE
Use these scripture passages and discussion questions to engage God’s Word together.
Week 1
What is the main theme of Matthew 6:1-8? What is Jesus saying about giving to the needy, prayer, and fasting? Why is that important?
In Matthew 6:19-34, Jesus teaches about treasures and worries. How does he contrast earthly treasures with heavenly treasures? What does that tell us about anxiety and trust in God?
What does Jesus mean by "Judge not, that you be not judged" in Matthew 7:1-5? How does this relate to humility and self-awareness?
What does 7:7-12 say about God’s character? Is this a model for our own behavior? How so?
Week 2
In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus presents the imagery of the narrow and wide gates. What do these gates represent, and why does Jesus describe the way to life as narrow and the way to destruction as broad? How does this challenge you?
Jesus talks about false prophets in Matthew 7:15-20. What are the "fruits" by which we recognize them? How can we apply this principle of spiritual discernment today?
In the parable of the wise and foolish builders, how do the foundations on which each builder constructs their house reflect their response to Jesus' teachings? How do we go about building our lives wisely and intelligently based on this principle? What would be different for you if you did?
In Matthew 8:5-13, Jesus heals the centurion's servant from a distance. What about the centurion's faith impressed Jesus? Why is it significant that this man was a Roman and not a Jew?
Reflect on the storm on the Sea of Galilee in Matthew 8:23-27. What does this event reveal about the disciples' faith and Jesus' power over nature? At this point, what did the disciples believe about Jesus’ identity? Why does Jesus rebuke them?
Week 3
In Matthew 10:1-4, Jesus names the twelve disciples and gives them authority. What is the significance of this act? How does it demonstrate his preparation for his followers?
From verses 10:5-15, why does Jesus tell them to focus on the "lost sheep of Israel"? What do his instructions about traveling light and relying on hospitality teach us about priorities and trust in God's faithfulness?
Matthew 10:16-31 contains warnings and encouragements for the disciples. What does Jesus mean by asking them to be "shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves"? How do his assurances about God's care alleviate their fears? How can this apply to our lives today?
Explore Jesus' words about taking up one's cross in Matthew 10:32-39. What does it mean to acknowledge Jesus before others, even in the face of opposition? How does Jesus challenge our ideas about family and loyalty?
What is the overall message of Matthew 10? What are the challenges that followers of Jesus might face? How is Jesus instructing us to live out our faith today?
Week 4
In Matthew 12:1-8, Jesus and his disciples are accused of breaking the Sabbath by picking grain. How does Jesus respond? What does this say about the Sabbath and its purpose?
Discuss the healing of the man with the withered hand in Matthew 12:9-14. How do the Pharisees' react? What does Jesus' statement about doing good on the Sabbath reveal about religious rules and compassion? Why do the Pharisees begin to plot to kill Jesus?
Jesus' casting out of a demon leads to accusations by the Pharisees in Matthew 12:22-32. According to Jesus, what is the "unforgivable sin?” The Holy Spirit is also known as “the Spirit of Truth,” that is, the one who reveals the truth. So, if one rejects the Holy Spirit, how is that unforgivable? Why is Jesus so strong on this point?
In Matthew 12:46-50, Jesus challenges family ties. What is the spiritual bond between his followers and himself? How does is this challenge the way we view our own families and our church families?
What are the main themes of this chapter? How does it illustrate Jesus' authority, his teachings on the heart, and the nature of his relationship with his followers?
Week 5
In the parable of the wheat and the weeds (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43), what does Jesus teach us about the coexistence of good and evil in the world? How does Jesus clarify the meaning of the story?
Explore the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast (Matthew 13:31-35). What do these parables illustrate about the growth and impact of the Kingdom of God? How would you describe that impact in human history? How does that impact you?
Consider the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value (Matthew 13:44-46). What messages do these parables convey about the worth and value of the Kingdom of God? Why is it so valuable? How can we pursue this treasure in our lives? What would be the outcome if we did this?
In Matthew 13:51-52, how do these verses emphasize the role of both the old and new in the Kingdom of God? What is Jesus referring to? How does this impact the way you read scripture?
Summarize the main teachings and lessons from Matthew 13:24-58. How do these parables illustrate different aspects of the Kingdom of God and the responses of people to Jesus' message?
Week 6
Matthew 18:1, the disciples ask, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" How does Jesus respond, and what does his teaching reveal about the values of the Kingdom of God?
Explore the concept of causing others to stumble in Matthew 18:6-9. How does Jesus emphasize the seriousness of this? Who are the “little ones?” Why is this so serious
Discuss the process of addressing offenses and seeking reconciliation outlined in Matthew 18:15-20. How does this instruct our approach to conflict resolution within the community of believers?
Peter asks a question about forgiveness in Matthew 18:21-22. How does the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:23-35) underscore the importance of forgiveness in the Kingdom of God? What is ironic about the man refusing to forgive the debt? According to Jesus, why is this so important?
From Matthew 18, how do these teachings about humility, forgiveness, and community shape our understanding of the Kingdom of God? How does it inform our relationships with one another? What needs to change?