7-week bible study for small groups |
From the Gospel of Matthew
upside down: living the kingdom life
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Table of Contents welcome 5 lent small group schedule 6 About This Study 7 upside down… WEEK ONE | Seeds of the Kingdom | Matthew 13:1–23 Home Study Group Study
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WEEK TWO | Toxic Religion | Matthew 23:1–33 Home Study Group Study
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WEEK THREE | The Costly Kingdom | Matthew 19:16–30 Home Study Group Study
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WEEK FOUR | A Savior for All | Matthew 15:21–28 Home Study Group Study
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WEEK FIVE | Suffering and Storms | Matthew 8:23–9:8 Home Study Group Study
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WEEK SIX | Unlimited Forgiveness | Matthew 18:15–35 Home Study Group Study
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WEEK SEVEN | The First Shall Be Last | Matthew 20:20–28 Home Study Group Study
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More About Our Ministry Partners 47 Special Thanks 48
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Welcome Friends, The Lenten season is for meditating on the meaning of Christ’s life, especially his suffering and death on the cross. It is also a season to consider our lives, the reasons why we need forgiveness, and the ways in which we need to change. Lent naturally leads to some sober self-assessment, but the purpose of this is to grasp more fully all that is ours in Christ. Immediately beyond Lent is the glorious Resurrection of our Lord, bursting with promise of new and everlasting Life! Jesus referred continually to this Life by reference to the Kingdom of God. If we seek the Kingdom of God first, he said, then we will be given everything else we need (Matthew 6:33). The Kingdom of God is, quite simply, the arena where God reigns as King, where God’s will is done “on earth as it is in heaven.” The Kingdom can be in our hearts, and it can spread throughout a whole community, even a society, with transforming effects. This study challenges us to consider how the Kingdom of God frequently stands in stark contrast to the values and ways of the world. Indeed, as we see it in Jesus, the Kingdom often seems “upside down” to the norms of human culture. Our goal as disciples is to learn how to live a Kingdom life— a life empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit, which directs our energy towards doing God’s will in the here and now. I am confident you will find the Scriptures in this study challenging at many levels. As you let God speak to you through his Word, you will go deeper in your walk with the Lord and in your friendship and fellowship with others.
May the Lord bless us all as we seek his Kingdom together! Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Bob Paul Pastor of Discipleship Bel Air Presbyterian Church
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Lent Small Group Schedule Wednesday, March 5 …Ash Wednesday Services 7:30 a.m. | Bel Air Presbyterian Church, Evans Chapel 7:30 p.m. | Bel Air Presbyterian Church, Sanctuary
12 p.m. | The Bridge, Downtown
>> thebridgeatunion.org
Sunday, March 9 …First Sunday of Lent, Lenten small groups begin Sunday, April 13 … Palm Sunday Monday, April 14 …Passover begins, optional Seder meal with your small group Thursday, April 17 …Maundy Thursday service 7:30 p.m. | Bel Air Presbyterian Church, Sanctuary Friday, April 18 …Stations of the Cross 8 a.m.–8 p.m. | Bel Air Presbyterian Church, Sanctuary …Good Friday Service 12 p.m. | The Bridge, Downtown >> thebridgeatunion.org Sunday, April 20 …Easter @ The Hollywood Bowl 11 a.m. | 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068 >> easteratthebowl.com
More events and more information available at: >> belairpres.org/lent
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About This Study If this is your first small group experience, welcome! We hope and pray that this study will not only help to deepen your relationship with Christ, but also connect you to other members of your church community. We hope you will take a little bit of time on your own each week to complete the home study portion of this guide. This will help you familiarize yourself with the Scripture passage and make your group discussion that much better! Four of our video sessions for each week include church ministry partners from around Los Angeles. We also had a special opportunity to include Pastor James Byensi from the Democratic Republic of Congo in our conversation. Because of his travel schedule it was necessary to arrange a special shoot, and so you’ll notice that the video with him looks quite different from the rest. You can find more information about each ministry partner in the back of this guide. There are many opportunities to make this season even more meaningful with your small group, such as participating in a Passover Seder meal or a service project for one of our featured missions partners. Your small group leader will have more information on these opportunities. It is our prayer that this study will challenge and encourage you as you look towards the joy and hope of Easter.
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Home Study to prepare for session 1 n o t es
Seeds of the Kingdom Home Study Complete this part of the study at home before your first group meeting. Jake turned the corner and headed down the aisle of cubicles that led from the break room to his desk, his morning cup of coffee in one hand and a blueberry muffin in the other. Sitting down in his chair, he overheard a conversation taking place on the other side of his cube, and he winced. A couple of the guys were messing around again with Tom -- his project manager and the most outspoken Christian in the office – giving him a bad time about his faith. Rubbing his temples in exasperation, Jake debated whether or not to step in and say something. If he did, what would he say? Tom was never shy about expressing his opinions and religious beliefs, but he was also known for being ruthless and insensitive to others. Many in the office felt he was a jerk. A few liked to provoke him, saying negative things about Christians just to rile him up. Jake felt torn. Sometime he felt he should defend Tom as his brother in Christ, but Tom’s questionable behavior reinforced the bad opinions some people had about Christians in general. Jake did not want to be put in the same category as Tom. After listening for a minute he sighed, put on his headphones, and tried just to tune out the discussion and get to work. How do we live as members of the Kingdom of God in the midst of this world? We believe in and look towards the day when we will be with God in Heaven, but we also are called to live as God’s people here on earth. Belonging to God’s kingdom must affect the way we live our lives day to day. Jake watched this play out badly in his workplace, as the behavior of a Christian believer undermined the message of Christ. In the Parable of the Sower, the first in a string of parables about the Kingdom of God, Jesus makes it evident that what we do here on earth matters. The story portrays an interaction between the sovereignty of God – what God does to develop his Kingdom – and the responsibility we have in relation to what God is doing. On one hand, we receive the “seed,” or the message of the kingdom, because of God’s initiative and action. On the other hand, we have the responsibility of responding to the message, and this makes all this difference in the growth of the Kingdom.
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As Glen Stassen and David Gushee point out in their book Kingdom Ethics, “The kingdom of God is performative: it is God’s performance in which we actively participate.”
n o t es Exegetical Notes a.
Matthew 13:1–23 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. 2Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3And he told them many things in parables,a saying: ‘Listen! A sowerb went out to sow. 4And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. 5Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. 6But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. 7Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9Let anyone with ears listen!’ 1
A parable is a way to “convey truth concerning deep matters by means of an analogy or comparison drawn usually from commonplace things.”1
b. The imagery of a sower as well as the various possible fates of sown seeds would have been well known to anyone in that agricultural society, even if the deeper meaning needed further explanation by Jesus later. c.
Jesus is referencing Isaiah 6:9–10.
i
Hagner, Donald A. Word Biblical Commentary: Matthew. P. 368.
Then the disciples came and asked him, ‘Why do you speak to them in parables?’ He answered, ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 13The reason I speak to them in parables is that “seeing they do not perceive, and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand.”c 14With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says: 10 11
“You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn— and I would heal them.”
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But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it. 16
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‘Hear then the parable of the sower. 19When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. 20As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. 22As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. 23But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’ 18
exploring the text: 1. Define the roles in this parable. Who does the sower represent? What does the seed represent? Who does the soil represent?
2. According to Jesus, why does he speak in parables? What responsibility does the listener have in understanding the parables?
3. Read verses 18–23 once again and, in your own words, define each type of soil. For example, the person who is like the rocky soil hears the word and … (fill in the blank).
4. Each soil has one thing in common. What is that one thing?
5. This passage is commonly known as “The parable of the Sower,” though some scholars think it is more about the Soil. What do you think? Is it mainly about the Sower or the Soil, and why?
Conclusion For Jake, the hypocritical workplace behavior of a Christian boss made life difficult. No matter how hard he tried to live as a Christ-like example for his friends and co-workers, he felt like he was fighting an uphill battle. Our manner of life matters in the kingdom of God. We are called to live as a sign and a symbol of the lavishly generous love of the Sower. 10
Group Studynsession 1 o t es
Seeds of the Kingdom Conversation Starter: Have you ever grown a garden? What was your most successful attempt at growing a plant?
SCRIPTURE READING:
Read Matthew 13:1–23 out loud.
questions for discussion: 1. As you noted in your home study, each of the soils receives the seed – the outcome differs based on the type of soil. Define as a group what it means to be good soil, expanding upon Jesus’ explanation. What does it mean to bear fruit in our everyday lives?
2. In the parable, the sower sows generously regardless of the type of soil. God gives us his word, regardless of the state of our hearts. What do you think that this tells us about God? Why would he sow so generously onto “bad soil”?
3. There are two soils in this parable that receive the seed but do not bear fruit because something is wrong with the soil – one is choked by the thorns and the other has no roots. The imagery represents those who hear the word but, due to one earthly circumstance or the other, do not receive it. Have you ever struggled to receive God’s word because of something happening in your life? How do the struggles of daily living affect your spiritual life?
DVD:
Watch the Week 1 segment of the DVD and jot down any thoughts you have.
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Application Questions: 1. A natural reaction to the parable of the sower is to wonder, “Which soil am I?” Each of us likely has been all of the different kinds of soil at different points in our lives. Which soil do you identify yourself as now? When have you been a different type of soil?
2. The seed that falls on the “good soil” refers to when God’s word is heard and also understood, and according to Jesus, when the word is received and understood, the seed bears good fruit. It is not an unreasonable leap to say that fruit is how we live our lives as people of the kingdom of God. If someone was to take stock of your life, do you think they would say that you were “the good soil”? What behavior and choices in your life would they point to as “good fruit”?
3. Life in the kingdom of God requires disciples to overcome and resist obstacles to growth in our relationship with Jesus. At times, discipleship involves enduring suffering and persecution as well as obstacles to faith which might include: wealth, family, and other cares in our lives. As Lent begins, take a moment to examine where you are in your faith. What are the obstacles that close your eyes, your ears, or your heart to God’s word for you?
Praying Together: Thank God for sowing his word in your lives. Pray for each others’ specific needs, and also for God to reveal the areas of each of our lives where we might be rocky or thorny soil. Pray that God will help each member produce good fruit in their daily lives.
Prayer Requests:
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Home Study to prepare for session 2 n o t es
Toxic Religion Home Study Complete this part of the study at home before your group meeting. With pale blue streamers and helium balloons, crisp white tablecloths, and a decades old crystal punch bowl, the ladies of the First Presbyterian women’s ministry managed to convert the youth room into a suitable venue for a baby shower. Susan and Linda, the chair and secretary of the women’s ministry, were alone taking care of the final touches when Susan turned to Linda and asked point blank, “Linda, do you have a problem with this shower?” Susan had bit her tongue all afternoon as she had watched Linda purse her lips and shake her head disapprovingly while they prepared the room. Since the guest of honor was soon to arrive, she felt the need to speak up. “I’m not sure it’s my place to say anything,” Linda replied, shaking her head once again, “but do you think throwing Jessica this shower is the right thing to do? I mean, she’s already raising two kids from her ex-husband and now she got herself pregnant again – unmarried – and from what I’ve heard, this guy is not around anymore either. As elders of this church, I’m not sure it’s right for us to be condoning this type of….well, there’s no other way to put it – sin. Aren’t we just encouraging her behavior?” “But Linda,” Susan protested, “the poor girl doesn’t have any baby stuff anymore, not even a crib! The other two kids are already in elementary school, and she’s trying to raise them by herself on a nurse’s salary. What would you have her do? Put the baby in a sock drawer? She’s a member of our church, and she needs our help.” “I’m sorry. Maybe I’m old fashioned, but in my day getting pregnant out of wedlock was something you would be ashamed of, and you sure as Sunday wouldn’t expect a baby shower from the church. Honestly, aren’t we just rewarding her foolishness?” There is a need for leaders within the church to help the people of God interpret and understand the word of God. Scholars, pastors, elders and deacons all play a role in helping followers of Christ to live as members of the kingdom of God in the midst of the world. Yet, even leaders struggle to teach piety and obedience without hypocrisy and self-righteousness. Church leaders are called to love God’s children and not the power they have been given. As Abraham Lincoln put it, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” 14
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Jesus’ message for the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23 is nothing short of condemnation. In chapter 22 they asked him, “What is the greatest commandment?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul, and all your mind. This is the greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself ’” (Matthew 22:37–39). It is the second of these commandments where the Pharisees find their downfall. Exegetical Notes
Matthew 23:1–33 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat;a 3therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. 4They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. 5They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteriesb broad and their fringes long. 6They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, 7and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have people call them rabbi. 8But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. 9 And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted. 1
‘But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you lock people out of the kingdom of heaven. For you do not go in yourselves, and when others are going in, you stop them. 15Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cross sea and land to make a single convert, and you make the new convert twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.
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a. To “sit upon Moses’ seat” means that “as the custodians of Moses’ teaching, they share in his authority and are accordingly to be respected.”2 b. Phylacteries contained strips of parchment on which were inscribed four texts (Ex. 13:1–10, 11–16, Deut 6:4–9, 11:18–21). The parchment was placed within a small case made of leather, and then this was fastened with straps to the forehead in a literal obedience to Ex. 13:9 and Deut 6:8 and 11:18. Fringe refers to tassels, each with one blue cord, which were attached to the four corners of a piece of clothing based on Num 15:37–39 and Deut 22:12, which served as a reminder to obey God’s commandments. The Pharisees would wear these items in exaggerated lengths or sizes to call attention to their piety. c.
‘Woe to you, blind guides, who say, “Whoever swears by the sanctuary is bound by nothing, but whoever swears by the gold of the sanctuary is bound by the oath.” 17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the sanctuary that has made the gold sacred? 18And you say, “Whoever swears by the altar is bound by nothing, but whoever swears by the gift that is on the altar is bound by the oath.” 19How blind you are! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20 So whoever swears by the altar, swears by it and by everything on it; 21and whoever swears by the sanctuary, swears by it and by the one who dwells in it; 22 and whoever swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by the one who is seated upon it.c 16
‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others. 24 You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel! 23
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Jesus is critiquing the subtle and yet misleading teaching of the Pharisees that swearing by the temple or the altar is not a binding oath, but that swearing by the gold of the temple or the gift upon the altar is a binding oath. Jesus points out that these exceptions are deceptive, because the gold and the gift were made holy only by the holiness of the temple and the altar and therefore oaths sworn by the temple and altar were equally binding (vs 16). The Pharisees used unjustified distinctions about oath-taking in order to cleverly avoid having to keep their promises.
2
S Hagner, P. 659.
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‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may become clean. 25
‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of filth. 28So you also on the outside look righteous to others, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. 27
‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous, 30and you say, “If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.”31Thus you testify against yourselves that you are descendants of those who murdered the prophets. 32Fill up, then, the measure of your ancestors. 33You snakes, you brood of vipers! How can you escape being sentenced to hell? 29
exploring the text: 1. Based on verses 3–5, what is the problem with the teachings of the Pharisees and scribes?
2. The Pharisees take pride in being called rabbis and instructors, but Jesus says that there is but one Rabbi and one Instructor and one Father: our Father in heaven. What is Jesus teaching them about the role of leadership in the kingdom? Is he saying that there should not be teachers or instructors?
3. Use a dictionary to look up the definition of the word “woe.” Rewrite the phrase “woe to you,” in your own words.
4. Make a list of the seven woes Jesus uses to indict the Pharisees.
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5. What is the irony in the statement of the Pharisees (verse 30), “If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets”?
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6. If you could sum up the overarching problem of the leaders in Jesus’ day in one or two words, what would you say?
Conclusion Nothing Susan could say would dissuade Linda from her feelings, and in the end Linda chose to “act nice.” Linda could not see beyond Jessica’s sin to her need of mercy and grace from her sisters in Christ, nor recognize that behind a brave façade there was a woman who was struggling with self-condemnation and fear for her children’s future. The love of women like Susan, however, would eventually help Jessica find forgiveness and redemption, and she and her children are active members of First Presbyterian years later.
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Group Study session 2 n o t es
Toxic Religion Conversation Starter: Would you consider yourself more of a “big ideas, big picture” person or someone who is better at details and minutia?
SCRIPTURE READING:
Read Matthew 23:1–33 out loud.
questions for discussion: 1. Jesus’ harsh words for the Pharisees should be used as a diagnostic tool for the church. In other words, we must examine ourselves thoroughly, even asking ourselves the blunt question, “Are we hypocrites?” Where do we preach the word of Jesus and yet do not live it out?
2. Hypocrisy is often cited by young people when they are asked why they have left the church. The world often cites hypocrisy in the church as a reason to not take Christ seriously. Have you experienced hypocrisy in the church before? How did it affect your walk with God?
3. Hypocrisy, almost indisputably, is a negative attribute; you would be hard pressed to find anyone in your small group who would want to be a hypocrite. However, the word “pride” has more ambiguity. When is pride a good thing in the church, and when does it create stumbling blocks in faith?
DVD:
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Watch the Week 2 segment of the DVD and jot down any thoughts you have.
Application Questions:
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1. Titles often come with responsibility, but Jesus implies that great responsibility calls for great humility. We should never use our vocations within the body of Christ to place ourselves above our brothers and sisters, and yet it sometimes happens in churches. Do you have a title within the church (such as deacon, elder, teacher, committee member, pastor, leader, etc.)? How do you remain humble while serving in this capacity?
2. If you have never held a “title” in the church, how do you look upon those who do? Do they seem “above” their brothers or sisters? Why or why not?
3. Humility is a mark of the kingdom, for last shall be first and the first shall be last. Where is a place in your life that God is calling you to practice humility? Is that a struggle?
Praying Together: Thank God for the humble leaders in your life. Pray for the group’s specific needs, and then pray that we might all see people with Christ’s eyes of grace. Pray against hypocrisy in our church, and that the Spirit would convict us when we get bogged down in religion and forget to show love, mercy, and compassion.
Prayer Requests:
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Home Study to prepare for session 3 n o t es
The Costly Kingdom Home Study Complete this part of the study at home before your group meeting. Dave Harper loved sitting on his backyard deck in the evenings. His house in the hills looked out over the city, which at night transformed from a bustling urban metropolis to a sea of glimmering lights. He would often read a book or turn on some music and drink a glass of wine, but this night he was deep in contemplation. His wife had died twelve years ago, and after a decade alone he had begun to think that he would never meet anyone who could compete with her memory. But in the past year he’d met and fallen in love with Joan. They attended church together, they’d met each other’s children over the holidays, and everything was going so well; that is, until Dave began to feel led to the mission field. A retired business man, Dave had never dreamt of leaving his life behind for anything, much less to become a missionary. Then he went on a two-week mission trip to Haiti and something changed in him during that trip. Six months later he was more and more convinced that God was calling him to serve those who needed to hear God’s word. Then, a week ago, while hosting a long term missionary from India at his house, Dave received an invitation to come and live in India. Excitement welled up in him as he called Joan to tell her the news. “Why don’t we do this together, Joan? Let’s get married and go serve in India!” “Dave, I … I don’t know what to say,” she stammered. “You know I love you, but it’s just ... I have a life here! My kids are here and my grandbabies. I want to be here for them and see them grow up. I don’t think I can leave them,” said Joan. “Are you sure you want to do this?” Dave’s own kids had reacted similarly. “That’s crazy, Dad.” “Are you having a mid-life crisis?” “You would never see us or your grandkids.” Now, as he sat on his beautiful deck, in the home he loved, his life had never seemed more tumultuous. He pondered and prayed, “Can I give it all away?” The rich young man in Matthew 19 is faced with the same question: Can I give it all away? Am I willing to give up everything to follow Jesus? It is a key question of discipleship. The Kingdom of God is a present reality in which we are invited to live as people who do the will of God. Discipleship calls us to transformation, not only in a 20
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basic moral sense but in the transformation and alignment of our will and desires to the will of God. The question Dave and the rich young man both face can be put another way: will you let go of that which keeps you from following God’s will?
Matthew 19:16–30 Then someone came to him and said, ‘Teacher,a what good deed must I do to have eternal life?’ 17And he said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ 18He said to him, ‘Which ones?’b And Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; 19Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 20The young man said to him, ‘I have kept all these; what do I still lack?’ 21 Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ 22 When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.c 16
Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’d 25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, ‘Then who can be saved?’26But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.’
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Then Peter said in reply, ‘Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?’ 28Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life. 30But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.
Exegetical Notes a.
Calling Jesus “teacher” is a sign of respect and not necessarily an indication of commitment.3
b. The question “Which ones?” is asked more in the sense of which type of commandments, rather than a request for a list of importance. c. The grammatical structure of the phrase “for he had many possessions” emphasizes a continuing action which suggests that the young man was preoccupied with his wealth.4 d.
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Although Matthew only uses the term, “kingdom of God” four times in his gospel, the use of it in parallel with the phrase “kingdom of heaven” indicates that these two terms should be viewed as interchangeable.5
3
Hagner, P. 556.
4
Hagner, P. 558.
5
Hagner, P. 561.
exploring the Text: 1. The text does not explicitly mention the rich young man’s motivation for approaching Jesus. What do you think might have motivated him to ask Jesus his question?
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2. What are the pitfalls of wealth? How does it cause people to stumble? (Ex. Matthew 6:21, 24)
3. If you have attended a church for any extended period, you’ve likely heard several explanations of the phrase “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” How would you explain it to someone who had never heard it before? Jot down your own explanation.
4. For you, what are the rewards of following Jesus?
Conclusion Dave believed that he was being called to serve Jesus in India, which filled him with a sense of excitement and purpose. He also knew that following this call meant giving up his creature comforts, some time with his children and grandchildren, and marrying the good and godly woman he had come to love. If you were faced with this situation, how would you come to a decision?
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Group Studynsession 3 o t es
The Costly Kingdom Conversation Starter: What is your favorite possession? What in your life would change if you gave it up for a day, a month, or even permanently?
SCRIPTURE READING:
Read Matthew 19:16–30 out loud.
questions for discussion: 1. As a group, make a list of things that are valued by the world. In other words, what does the world around us desire? Then make a list of things that are valued in the kingdom of God. How do the two lists compare?
2. This passage focuses on wealth and riches, but anything that keeps us from following Jesus can keep us from the Kingdom of God – which means, doing the will of God. What are other stumbling blocks that keep us from following Jesus? Why can they be so difficult to surrender?
3. What do you think of Peter’s question (verse 27)? Do you ever have similar questions yourself?
DVD:
Watch the Week 3 segment of the DVD and jot down any thoughts you have.
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Application Questions: 1. One of the struggles we face living as disciples of Christ in the kingdom of God is that we live amidst kingdoms of other kinds. According to the values of his world, the rich young ruler seemed to have it all: money and power. What “things of the world” do you value the most? How do you keep your eyes focused on the things that are valuable in the eyes of God when they run so contrary to the values of the world?
Exegetical Notes Giglio, Louie. http://worship. com/2007/08/be-careful-what-youchoose-louie-giglio-wired-for-a-lifeof-worship-conclusion/
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2. To worship, simply defined, is to revere or adore something. Pastor and speaker Louie Giglio wrote, “If you worship money, you‘ll become greedy at the core of your heart. If you worship some sinful habit, that same sin will grip your soul and poison your character to death. If you worship stuff, your life will become material, void of eternal significance. If you give all your praise to the god of you, you’ll become a disappointing little god both to yourself and to all those who trust in you.”7 Has another person, or a relationship, a job, or something else ever become a “god” for you?
3. This passage of scripture emphasizes eternal rewards (see verses 21 and 28–29). The Kingdom of God, however, is a present reality as well as our future hope. What are the rewards we experience in this life by choosing to follow Jesus?
Praying Together: Thank God for His provisions for your life, for the necessities we take for granted like clean water, food, and a place to live. Pray for the group’s needs, and for God to reveal where we are clinging to things other than Christ. Pray for perspective in a culture that tells us to find our significance in possessions and prestige.
Prayer Requests:
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Home Study to prepare fornsession 4 o t es
A Savior for All Home Study Complete this part of the study at home before your group meeting. The Reverend John Calvin Smith, having been given such an illustrious name, seemed destined for ministry from birth. By the time he was in his late thirties, he had founded a church in the inner city with the reputation of being a place where anyone could come and worship and find help. One Sunday morning, wearing a beautiful robe, Rev. Smith sat in his straight back chair on the dais and surveyed the congregation while the choir sang. Thirty years had flown by since he had founded the church, beginning with a few faithful believers and a handful of homeless drug addicts. These humble origins were belied by the hundreds of well-dressed, perfectly coifed folks that now filled the pews. He was well aware that the surrounding neighborhood still had its share of crime and vagrants, but he couldn’t remember the last time one of them had wandered in the door on Sunday. This got him thinking: When had this stopped being a place where everyone felt welcome? The next week, congregants noticed the pastor’s chair sitting empty as the service began, and whispered among themselves. “Where is Pastor Smith? Do you think he’s sick?” No one stood to explain his absence, and the service moved along as usual until it was time for the message. The pastor’s chair was still empty, but nothing happened. Then, after an awkward minute of waiting, a bedraggled, elderly man in a pair of overalls and a straw hat got up from a pew near the back and began to make his way up the center aisle. There was a quiet buzz as people watched, but no one stopped him. He walked all the way up the aisle, up the steps to the dais, stood at the podium, and removed his hat. Only then did the congregation recognize their pastor. He stood for thirty seconds and let the congregation take him in, as tears streamed down his face. “I arrived at our church today,” he began, “and no one spoke to me. Not one person extended his or her hand. The only human interaction I had was when someone handed me a bulletin. I sat alone in a pew as people talked around me, barely giving me half a glance.” Quoting scripture he then said, “The righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in
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Exegetical Notes http://youarenotsosmart. com/2011/08/21/the-illusion-ofasymmetric-insight/
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prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’” With that, Rev. Smith turned and took his seat. As human beings, we are biologically and culturally predisposed to be drawn to those who are like us, and to reject “the other.” An article on the phenomenon called “asymmetric insight” put it this way: “Your ancestors rarely made any contact with people of opposing views with anything other than the end of a weapon, so your natural instinct is to assume anyone not in your group is wrong, just because they are not in your group.”8 This phenomenon is a timeless problem in human relations, and it has been part of the Church from the beginning. Early Christians, who were Jewish, found it strange and difficult to build community with their Gentile sisters and brothers. To them, Gentiles had always been “the other.” To prepare his disciples for their eventual mission, Jesus had to deal with this issue. The narrative of the Caananite woman in Matthew 15:21–28 shows us how Jesus confronted the problem, and it was also a message for Matthew’s primary audience, who were Jewish Christians. They were caught “in between,” so to speak. Since they believed that Jesus was Messiah, they found themselves alienated from their fellow nonbelieving Jews on one hand. On the other hand, it was hard for them to be at ease with Gentile followers of Christ. The story of Jesus’ interaction with the Caananite woman illuminates God’s faithfulness to his covenant with Israel. It also reveals the covenant-widening mission of Jesus, which after his death and resurrection brought the gospel to the Gentiles and opened the way to God’s Kingdom to all humanity.
Matthew 15:21–28 Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22Just thena a Canaanite womanb from that region came out and started shouting, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David;c my daughter is tormented by a demon.’ 23But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.’d 24He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ 25But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ 26He answered, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’e 27She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ 28Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly. 21
Exegetical Notes a. The Greek word, translated “just then” is literally “Look!” It calls our attention to something very unusual. We might say, “Hey! Check this out!” What is unusual in this case is that Jesus (a Jewish man) is approached by a Gentile (non-Jewish) woman.9
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exploring the Text: 1. How does the story about the Canaanite woman relate to the verses preceding it (15:1–20)? In verses 18–19, Jesus says a person is defiled by what comes from their heart. Based on this, do you think the Canaanite woman’s heart was ‘clean’ or ‘unclean’?”
2. We know from scripture that Jesus’ ministry was primarily focused on the Jewish people. After his death, his disciples took the gospel to the Gentiles, as he commanded them to do. Think on the covenants of the Old Testament (Genesis 9:11,12:1–3; Exodus 19:5–6; 2 Samuel 7:12–17; Jeremiah 31:31–34). Why did Jesus limit his own ministry primarily to the Jews?
2. The Jewish Christians, who were Matthew’s original readers, were alienated from their Jewish brethren but also very different from Gentile Christians. How might this story of Jesus’ ministry help them deal with the tension they felt?
3. Jesus commends the woman for her faith (verse 28). How do you see her faith expressed in this passage?
b. Matthew refers to the woman as a Caananite. For his first readers (Jewish Christians), this associates her with the pagans who were displaced by the Jews when they entered the Promised Land, underscoring the idea that she is an outsider to God’s covenant people. c. Even though she is not Jewish, she addresses Jesus with a Jewish messianic phrase, “Son of David.” This indicates she was familiar with the Jewish hope of a Messiah. d. The wording here indicates that the woman was being very loud and persistent, trying to get Jesus’ attention. Hence, the disciples’ annoyance with her. e. The term ‘dogs’ is clearly derogatory. Why would Jesus say such a thing? It may be because he knew that his own disciples looked at Gentiles this way, and by his subsequent actions in helping the woman, he shows them that he does not regard her as they do.
Conclusion
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Hagner, P. 441.
The Rev. Smith dramatically showed his congregation that they had stopped noticing and welcoming “the other.” In the Kingdom of God, there is no “Us vs. Them.” As Paul wrote, “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise”(Galatians 3:28–29). We are all brothers and sisters in Christ, yet as human beings we instinctively prefer to be with people who are more “like us,” and not “like them.” We separate along denominational lines, socioeconomic lines, racial lines, cultural lines, etc. The drawing of lines is never ending. As citizens of the Kingdom of God, how do we break down the barriers between people?
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Group Studynsession 4 o t es
A Savior for All Conversation Starter: Talk about a time when you felt like an outsider, whether because of age, sex, race, or perhaps just not knowing anyone else. What did it feel like?
SCRIPTURE READING:
Read Matthew 15:21–28 out loud.
N O T E : Every story in the Bible has a context. The story of the Canaanite woman
is preceded in chapter fifteen by a sharp confrontation with the Pharisees and scribes. They had strong views about what makes a person clean or unclean—in other words, acceptable or not to God—and criticized the disciples of Jesus for being lax in this regard. Jesus responds to them first by confronting their hypocrisy (verses 3–9), and then by teaching what truly defiles a person (verses 10–20). This sets the stage for a real-life test case when Jesus and his disciples encounter a woman the scribes and Pharisees would have regarded as totally defiled. Are she and her daughter unacceptable before God, or is there life and grace for them in the Kingdom?
questions for discussion: 1. Jewish Christians struggled to relate to and identify with their Gentile brethren because for so long Gentiles had been the “others.” The Caananite woman must have seemed quite “other” to the disciples, despite her faith in Jesus. Think about the people you sit next to each Sunday. Do they seem more “like” you or more “different” from you?
2. Some scholars feel that Matthew, whose original readers were Jewish Christians, wanted to emphasize to them that Jesus was sent first to the Jews. If that was Matthew’s intent, what is the point he is trying to make? That only Jews matter to God? Or is he saying something about how God keeps his covenant promises?
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3. The Gospel of Matthew frequently emphasizes how Jesus is the promised Messiah. The Jewish people of Jesus’ time believed that the coming of Messiah would mean the triumph of Israel over their Gentile enemies. Imagining yourself in their shoes, how would you feel about Jesus (the Messiah?) reaching out to this Gentile woman?
DVD:
Watch the Week 4 segment of the DVD and jot down any thoughts you have.
Application Questions: 1. What types of people make up your small group? Are you a fairly homogeneous group, or is there a lot of diversity among you? What are the advantages of your group’s makeup? How would it affect your group to invite people from another age group or life stage, or another ethnic culture or race? What would be the challenges, and what might be gained?
2. Sometimes people seem “other” to us simply because they are strangers. When is the last time you approached a stranger at church (or anywhere else!) and had a conversation that lasted longer than a handshake and a few pleasantries? Why is it hard to connect with “others”?
3. A basic challenge of Christian mission work is to interact with people who are different from us. Whether mission is local or overseas, the process of serving people who are “other” than us gets us out of our comfort zone and into the mix of the Kingdom of God. When is the last time that you took part in some kind of mission work? What about your small group? Have you considered taking part in a service opportunity together?
Praying Together: Thank God for sending a Savior who is for all nations. Pray for each other’s specific needs, and for ways that you can personally or as a group bridge the divides that turn God’s people into “others.”
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Home Study to prepare for session 5 n o t es
Suffering and Storms Home Study Complete this part of the study at home before your group meeting. Claire stayed still, but her stomach knotted with anxiety as the machine began to make the now-familiar whirring sound and the tray on which she lay crept slowly through the PET scanner. Forty-five minutes inside the tunnel was a long time with nothing but your thoughts to keep you company. She began praying silently, “God the Father, Christ the Son, Holy Spirit, three in one, hear my prayer, heal my body, help me today. Amen.” She repeated this over and over until her stomach began to unknot and her muscles relaxed. She willed the tumors to be smaller, or even gone. She prayed more, and silently recited some of her favorite scriptures. Her thoughts drifted to recent conversations with friends and family. Since her diagnosis, Claire often found that she would end up comforting others who were upset over her illness. Most recently, her friend Molly had called and within minutes was in tears. “I just don’t get it, Claire. I’m so angry at God. How can he do this to you? You’ve been through so much already! You lost your mom not that long ago, and you’re so young! You’re such a good Christian woman — I mean, you even work at the church, for goodness sake! Why is God doing this to you? He has to heal you, he just has to … you deserve it more than anyone I know,” she cried emphatically. Claire had comforted her friend, and tried to give a sound theological answer as to why bad things happen to good people. But as she lay very still, her body emitting radioactive particles from her bald head to her bare feet, nagging questions rattled around in her brain. “If God can heal me, why would he choose not to? What if he doesn’t heal me? If he doesn’t heal me, does he really love me?” Claire knew she was not the first person to ponder such questions, and yet as anyone who is suffering can tell you, knowing you are not the only one makes the questions no less soul-wrenching. For a Christian, at the root of all such questions lies the ultimate one: “Do I believe that Jesus Christ has authority over my life?” If the answer is yes, then we give ourselves over to him and struggle against our natural anxieties to trust in his care over our lives. In Matthew 8:23–9:8, Jesus encounters person after person who is suffering — from
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disciples who are in fear of drowning, to men possessed by demons (and their neighbors possessed by fear and self-interest), and finally to a man who cannot walk. Again and again, Jesus demonstrates that he has authority over every realm of human experience, and everything that would deprive us of life.
Matthew 8:23–9:8 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24A gale arose on the lake, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him up, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!’ 26And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, you of little faith?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea;a and there was a dead calm. 27They were amazed, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?’ 23
When he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs coming out of the tombs met him. They were so fierce that no one could pass that way. 29Suddenlyb they shouted, ‘What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?’ 30Now a large herd of swine was feeding at some distance from them. 31The demons begged him, ‘If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.’c 32And he said to them, ‘Go!’ So they came out and entered the swine; and suddenly, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and perished in the water. 33The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs. 34 Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood. 28
9 And after getting into a boat he crossed the water and came to his own town. 1
And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.’d 3Then some of the scribes said to themselves, ‘This man is blaspheming.’ 4 But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, ‘Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and walk”? 6But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he then said to the paralytic—‘Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.’ 7And he stood up and went to his home. 8When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.
n o t es a. The sea, in ancient literature, was often used as a symbol of evil, and can be seen as adding to the impressiveness inherent Jesus’ act of calming it.10 b. In this passage, we again find the Greek word that means, “Look!”. It is not reflected in our English translation, however. It calls our attention to something important, like we do when we say “Hey, look!” or “Check this out!” It is used at the beginning of verses 8:24, 8:29, and 9:2. We might tell the story like this, “Hey, check it out! A huge wind came up ...” Matthew wants us to pay attention to these events, which are loaded with meaning.11 c.
Commentators are divided as to why the demons asked to be cast into the herd of swine. Whatever the reason, it is clear that Jesus had complete authority over them.
d. The verb tense indicates that Jesus forgave the paralytic’s sin at that very moment. He is not merely a messenger saying that God will forgive. He himself has the authority to forgive.12
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Hagner, P. 222.
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Hagner, P. 227.
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Hagner, P. 232.
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exploring the Text: 1. Why was it important for Matthew to note that Jesus slept through the storm? What is he trying to convey about Jesus?
2. What can we infer from the two questions asked by the demoniacs (verse 29)? What do they recognize about Jesus and the Kingdom of God?
3. Why do you think that the people of the neighborhood beg Jesus to leave?
4. In the story of the paralytic (9:2–8), Jesus asserts his authority over which two things? Why the one before the other?
5. Why do you think that Matthew placed these particular stories (the deadly storm, then the demon-possessed men, and the paralytic) one after the other? Is there a larger point he wants us to grasp?
Conclusion Humanity seems to be on a constant quest to bend the laws of nature to our will, and yet death comes for each and every one of us eventually. The reality for the disciples, the demon-possessed men, the paralytic in Matthew 9, Claire in our story, and indeed for all of us, is that there is only one ultimate authority. He is the King of the Universe, our Lord and God Jesus Christ.
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Group Studynsession 5 o t es
Suffering and Storms Conversation Starter: Have you or anyone in your life ever witnessed a miracle of healing?
SCRIPTURE READING:
Read Matthew 8:23–9:8 out loud.
questions for discussion: 1. The incidents in this passage of Scripture point to primary causes of human suffering: the destructive power of nature, the oppressive force of evil, and the crippling impact of spiritual and physical illness. Life is hard, and we all experience at some point the realization that there are forces utterly beyond our control. Have you felt this? Where do you turn when you feel this way? What do you do?
2. In the culture of Jesus’ time, it was commonly believed that suffering was a punishment for sin. At times, Jesus seems to accept this view (for example, John 5:13–14), but elsewhere he clearly rejects it (see John 9:1–3). What do you think? Is there some connection between sin and suffering? Is it ever the case that suffering is the result sin? What is the difference between being punished for a sin, and suffering the consequences of sin?
3. In Matthew 9:2–8, Jesus forgives the man’s sin before he heals his physical ailment. Why do you think Jesus did this? Why are the scribes so shocked by it?
DVD:
Watch the Week 5 segment of the DVD and jot down any thoughts you have.
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Application Questions: 1. We love certainty: when we know the plan, we feel in control. Suffering and tragedy, however, illuminate the stark truth that life is fragile and fleeting, and each day is a gift. For most of us, this knowledge inspires a range of emotions, from fear to anger to gratitude and everything in between. How do the uncertainties of life affect how you live and how you serve God?
2. What are the challenges of following Jesus in the face of suffering? Have difficult seasons in life helped you to grow as a disciple, or have they taken you away from Jesus?
3. Metaphorically speaking, this passage depicts the storms that come in life, the reality of evil, and the way we sometimes feel paralyzed spiritually, emotionally, or circumstantially. How do you find that the knowledge of Christ’s supreme authority over every aspect of life helps you in such situations?
Praying Together: Thank God for sustaining us through every circumstance. Pray for the specific needs in your group, and ask for the Spirit’s help in increasing our trust and faith in God’s goodness regardless of what life might throw at us.
Prayer Requests:
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Home Study to prepare fornsession 6 o t es
Unlimited Forgiveness Home Study Complete this part of the study at home before your group meeting. Lauren slung her toddler on one hip as she called to her four-year-old son, “Liam! You need to go potty real quick before you get in the car! Hurry up! We’re going to be late for church!” “Okay, Mommy!” called her sweet boy, and she heard his feet patter down the hall to the bathroom. Lauren turned her gaze to the kitchen where her husband, still in his pajamas, divided his attention between the breakfast dishes and the early football game on TV. Though she knew the likely answer in advance, she decided to pose the question anyway: “Are you sure you don’t want to come with us to church this morning? Pastor Brian is doing a sermon series on the beatitudes that’s been fantastic.” Tim didn’t skip a beat before responding, “Nah. I can’t get ready in time and I’ve got some stuff to get done around here. You guys go, and we’ll grab some lunch together when you’re done.” Lauren’s heart fell, but she put on a brave face as she led her children to the car. Tim watched at the kitchen window as his family drove away, and his mind wandered to a night many years ago. He was fifteen then, lying fully clothed on his bed, staring up through the dark at the popcorn ceiling. It was far too early to go to bed, in fact, but Tim had pled exhaustion and retired to his bedroom because he couldn’t take it anymore. He couldn’t pretend that everything was okay. He couldn’t act like he didn’t notice his mother’s puffy red face and the fake smile she put on for him and his brother. Dad had moved out, and he wasn’t going to come home. Tim had pieced together that it was because of another woman from church. For years his Dad had taken them to church, and insisted they say their prayers and memorize their Bible verses. His dad was a church deacon, a member of the choir, and a Sunday school teacher, but now he had a new title — cheater. Tim felt he could never forgive his dad for what he had done to their family, so he resolved he would never be like him. First of all he would never cheat, but he also would never preach religion to his kids only to turn out a hypocrite. He resolved that night that he would never go to church again, and for two decades he had kept that promise. Living the Kingdom Life
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It is profoundly painful to be wronged or betrayed by someone we want to trust. If someone professes to follow Christ, we expect that they should be better and live better than people who do not know the love of Jesus. The Kingdom of God, however, is inhabited by fallen people. Even though we love Jesus we are sinners, and we are called in the Kingdom to live in community with other sinners ... and they are called to live with us. What are we to do?
Matthew 18:15–35 ‘If another member of the church sinsa against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. 16But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a taxcollectorb. 18Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.c 19Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’ 15
Exegetical Notes a. The word “sin” is broad. The procedure laid out here (vv 15–17) likely was meant for a substantial sin (not a trivial or merely personal offense) that threatens the integrity and cohesiveness of the whole community. b. The phrase, “let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a taxcollector” means that a person has effectively become, by their own actions, an outsider to the community of faith, and therefore needs to hear and understand the gospel of God’s love and forgiveness once again. c. In this context, “to bind” or “to loose” refers to the fact that we have to decide what to do and say in relation to wayward brothers and sisters. Whatever we decide, this is a serious responsibility because our words and actions have far-reaching, even eternal, consequences. d. Peter, asking how many times forgiveness should be extended, proposes the number seven. Since the guidance often given in rabbinical literature is only three times, or even less, this seems generous. Yet, even seven times falls far short of what Jesus says.
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Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ 22Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.d 21
‘For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talentse was brought to him; 25and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. 26So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.” 27And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. 28But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow-slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, “Pay what you owe.” 29Then his fellow-slave fell down and pleaded with him, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you.” 30 But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he should pay the debt. 31When his fellow-slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. 32Then his lord summoned him and said to him, “You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33Should you not have had mercy on your fellowslave, as I had mercy on you?” 34And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he should pay his entire debt. 35So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.’ 23
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exploring the Text: 1. Write out in your own words the procedure outlined by Jesus (verses 15–20). What is the primary aim of this process?
2. There are three main parties in verses 15–18: the offender, the offended, and the church community. How does the process benefit each?
3. People may remain unrepentant, despite efforts to reach out to them. Our natural instinct might be just to give up at that point. Verse 17 teaches us to be realistic when this occurs, but based on the rest of the passage (verses 21–35), what do you think Jesus would do in response to difficult people?
e. The amount “ten thousand talents” is an intentional exaggeration. To put it in perspective, the historian Josephus recorded in the year 4 BC that a total of 600 talents were collected in taxes from the territories of Judea, Idumea, and Samaria combined.13 Ten thousand talents, therefore, not only exceeded the resources of any individual, but even the government. A figure so ludicrously large means that the debt, in reality, can never be repaid.
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Hagner, P. 538.
4. Consider the servant who was forgiven a large debt (v 24), but who refused to forgive the much smaller debt of someone else (v 28). In light of this parable, what should be the hallmark of a Christian community?
Conclusion The world tolerates and condones all kinds of sinful behavior, but at the same time it can be very unforgiving. The Kingdom of God is all about being truthful about sin, but offering unlimited forgiveness. When we do not forgive, the implications can be far-reaching, for others and for ourselves. In this lesson’s story, Tim did not want to be a cheater or hypocrite, but by refusing to forgive his dad’s failings he also rejected what was good and admirable in his dad’s life. His inability to forgive prevented him from sensing the love of God, distanced him from the Church, and kept him from being a spiritual leader to his own family. An unforgiving heart breeds bitterness, but a forgiving heart finds peace and brings healing to others. Living the Kingdom life means always praying and acting in ways that help others find the forgiveness of God and enter into the life of the community of faith.
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Group Study session 6 n o t es
Unlimited Forgiveness Conversation Starter: What’s the silliest conflict you’ve ever been involved in?
SCRIPTURE READING:
Read Matthew 18:15–35 out loud.
Note: This is a challenging passage, especially verses 15–20. Just prior to this section, in Matthew 18:10–14, we learn about the Father’s deep concern that no disciple should perish. He is the shepherd who goes after his stray sheep! The teaching in 15–20 follows up on this. It centrally concerns the spiritual health of individuals, and also the community of faith. Serious sin threatens both, and so church leaders are sometimes forced to make very difficult decisions. In verse 18, to “bind” can be taken to mean “draw boundaries,” and to “loose” can mean to forgive. Whatever decisions are made, they have far-reaching consequences for the individual and the church. Wisdom says that we all need clear boundaries or limits, and we all need forgiveness. In verse 20 we find the wonderful promise that Jesus is present with us to help with difficult matters, and the remainder of the passage (verses 21–35) strongly emphasizes how much more forgiving God is than we tend to be.
questions for discussion: 1. Is it easier or harder to be accountable to someone who knows you really well? What happens if you try to hold someone accountable without having a personal relationship with him or her?
2. Jesus essentially tells Peter that the disciples should always be ready to forgive. Have you ever had to forgive the same person multiple times for wrongs committed against you? Where do you find the motivation and strength to forgive once again?
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3. Forgiveness can be giant stumbling block, especially when one has been wronged by a fellow Christian. When have you struggled to forgive someone? Can you share a time when forgiving, or being forgiven, made your life better?
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Watch the Week 6 segment of the DVD and jot down any thoughts you have.
Application Questions: 1. In some situations it is difficult to know what to do. For example, a parent of a drug addict often walks the fine line between forgiveness and tough love. How do you make the distinction in your life between opening your heart to forgive and not allowing yourself to be repeatedly victimized?
2. What kind of relationships among church members (such as in your small group) would allow you to address difficult situations when there is a need for repentance and forgiveness? How can such relationships be fostered in our community?
3. We all know someone who has been burned by the church; someone who no longer participates because of a deep hurt caused by a brother or sister. They might say, “I love God, but I hate the church.” How would you minister to someone like this? Why should someone participate in a church, even though churches are always imperfect?
Praying Together: Thank God for His unlimited forgiveness and grace. Pray for your group’s specific needs, and that God will equip you to forgive anything you may have been holding onto. Ask God to build the kinds of relationships that can include the loving accountability that Jesus has modeled.
Prayer Requests:
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Home Study to prepare for session 7 n o t es
The First Shall Be Last Home Study Complete this part of the study at home before your group meeting. Puja sat cross-legged under a tree and wept into her hands, her heart torn in two by the decision before her. Her doting Indian parents had immigrated to America before she was born, wanting to give her and her older brother, Arun, the best life they could offer. They spared nothing for their two children. Arun was working on his masters in computer science at Cal Tech, and was soon to take a wife. His marriage to a beautiful Hindu girl had been arranged with a prominent family in India. Arun had always done everything that was expected of him. Puja had earned a scholarship to UCLA where she studied pre-med. Her path had been laid out by her parents: college, medical school, become a doctor, marry a nice Indian boy. Graduation was just weeks away, and she had been accepted to her top choice medical school. But Puja’s heart was being led elsewhere. Two years earlier her roommate, Ruchi, had invited her to attend her college ministry group. She initially went to be polite, but the tug she felt on her spirit during the gospel message was undeniable. Within weeks, Puja, the good, obedient Hindu girl, had accepted Jesus into her heart. She began to attend church, and her desire to learn more about the word of God was practically insatiable. Her parents tolerated her new-found passion — that is, until she approached them about going to seminary. Puja felt called to study theology, not medicine, and she respected her parents too much not to discuss it with them. They did not react well. Her mother wept openly, telling Puja she would be throwing her life away. Her father impressed loudly upon her the duty she had to her parents and family. It ended in an ultimatum: if she chose not to go to medical school, they would cut her off. She would get no support, and would no longer be welcome in their home. Two acceptance letters lay before Puja, offering two different paths. In her mind, she had to choose between what she loved most in life: her family or her God. It is the ultimate question of discipleship: “Can you drink this cup?” Puja’s parents desired for her everything good the world has to offer. In this week’s Scripture, the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, also desired that her sons might be rewarded with positions of importance and power. Yet the Kingdom of God is not
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about career advancement or success in the ways of the world. It is about becoming a servant to others after the example of Jesus, who gave his life as a ransom for many.
Matthew 20:20–28 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedeea came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him. 21And he said to her, ‘What do you want?’ She said to him, ‘Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.’ 22But Jesus answered, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?’ They said to him, ‘We are able.’ 23He said to them, ‘You will indeed drink my cup,b but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.’ 20
When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. 25But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 26It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; 28just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’
a. Later in the Gospel, the mother of the sons of Zebedee (James and John, Matthew 4:21) is one of the women who witnesses the crucifixion of Jesus (see Matthew 27:56). b.
The sons of Zebedee did indeed “drink the same cup” as Jesus, with James being martyred (Acts 12:2) and John suffering for the name of Jesus (John 21:20–23).14
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Hagner, P. 581.
exploring the Text: 1. What does the mother of the sons of Zebedee think she is asking for her sons? What does she think that “sitting on the right and the left of Jesus” will gain her sons, in a literal sense?
2. Based on the quick response of the sons of Zebedee that they can “drink the same cup” as Jesus, do you think that they really understood what he meant? Why or why not?
3. Why were the other ten disciples angry with James and John?
4. Based on this text, why should we be a servant to others?
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Conclusion For Puja, following her clear sense that God was calling her to go to seminary meant giving up all of the familial security and support she had ever known, and causing her parents great pain. It was a difficult road. She felt so lonely at times she thought her heart might break, but she discovered that Jesus filled her life up again and again with his loving presence. He was an ever-present comfort. Years later, she was reconciled with her family, and was able to share Christ’s love with them. Are you prepared to follow in the footsteps of Jesus? Can you drink the cup of personal sacrifice for the sake of his Kingdom? What might God do with your life if you trust him enough to follow?
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Group Studynsession 7 o t es
The First Shall Be Last Conversation Starter: Has there been a time in your life when your wishes and plans ran counter to what your parents wanted for you? Whose plans won out?
SCRIPTURE READING:
Read Matthew 20:20–28 out loud.
questions for discussion: 1. Do you think that suffering is an inevitable part of following Jesus? Why, or why not?
2. Can a person be a leader and a servant at the same time? Is there someone you look up to who manages to balance the elements of both?
3. Discipleship may lead us to very difficult choices. Share a time when following Jesus led you to a difficult choice. How has the Lord helped you in the challenging and uncomfortable times?
DVD:
Watch the Week 7 segment of the DVD and jot down any thoughts you have.
Application Questions: 1. Following Jesus always involves becoming a servant in some way. What does it look like to be a servant in your day-to-day life?
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2. Jesus’ call to be a servant to others is a radical way to live in a world where many people scramble to get to the top of the heap, with little regard for who they step on along the way. Does living a Kingdom life mean that you don’t seek positions of leadership or professional success? How do we participate in our culture and economy and yet do so as servants following the example of Jesus?
3. It can be very easy in our culture to play it safe, living in a comfortable bubble and not really wanting to hear God’s call to something that might be difficult—or even involve sacrifice and suffering. Yet Jesus clearly says to “seek above all else the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). Are there specific areas of your life where you tend to play it safe? How do we grow in our willingness to follow Jesus no matter what?
Praying Together: Thank God for the gift of His Son, who came to serve and not to be served. Whether this is your last meeting or you’ll be continuing on as a group, pray for each other, and ask God for an outpouring of humility that will lead to having a true servant’s heart -the very heart of Christ.
Prayer Requests:
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More About Our Ministry Partners
Our Ministry Partners To learn more about our partners and how to support them, visit belairpres.org/outreach
Cloud & Fire
>> cloudandfire.org Cloud and Fire is a transformational ministry that equips low-income urban youth to become thriving, productive members of the community.
Harvest Home
>> theharvesthome.net Harvest Home provides a comprehensive program aimed at helping homeless pregnant women gain their independence, both emotionally and financially, and cultivate their parenting skills in a Christ-centered atmosphere.
Resonate Church
>> resonatechurchla.org Planted by The Los Angeles Church Planting Movement (of which Bel Air Presbyterian is a part!), Resonate is a new missional community focused on the westside of LA, and anchored in Santa Monica. Their mission is “to follow the way of Jesus as a community of calling, cause and creativity.”
Union Rescue Mission/Hope Gardens >> urm.org Union Rescue Mission’s Hope Garden’s Family Center provides single moms, their children, and senior women a safe and beautiful place to live while they take advantage of Christ-centered counseling, essential life skills, and case management focused on helping them transition from homelessness to independent living.
Democratic Republic of Congo :: Communate Evangelique Au Centre de l’Afrique Since 1996, The Democratic Republic of Congo has been racked with wars—civil and tribal—that continue to this day. Over 5.4 million people have been killed—the most since World War II. The fighting has been called the African World War. Communate Evangelique Au Centre de l’Afrique church in Bunia has become a leader in reconciliation and training of pastors and Christian leaders. Many surrounding churches are still divided along tribal lines, but the Bunia church sets an example with a multi-tribal staff and congregation. The church emphasizes the three areas of worship, interior growth—equipping to serve God and others, and mission expeditions to train other pastors and to work with, and encourage, “weak” churches in the surrounding areas Living the Kingdom Life
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Special Thanks Many hours go into the production of this study guide and video and we couldn’t have done it without the help of many people! Great appreciation goes to Katie McAllister, who spent countless hours researching, writing, and reviewing video footage for this study guide. Thank you also to Rev. Dan Baumgartner of First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood and Rev. Tim Yee of The Bridge Church, as well as our ministry partners: Sarah Wilson, Melody Rossi, Alex Cornejo, David Cobia, and James Byensi. We are so grateful to Amanda Hansen, our video producer and her crew. Thanks to Kim Harmon for composing/performing special music for the DVD, and Heidi Launer and Donna McNamara for publishing expertise! Most of all, thanks to all of our small group leaders for opening their homes and helping to foster community in our church.
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