Good evening. Well, tonight we are going to continue to work our way through the book of Matthew. This week we are going to be taking a look at Matthew chapters 10 and 11. Then next week we are going to examine chapters 12 and 13 hopefully. And then we will hit a stretch of 4 weeks that we will not be meeting. First, is VBS week, second, is my vacation week, third, is S.I.T.S. week, and then fourth, is the 4th of July. So we have a week, and then a real busy June.
But, tonight we are going to work our way through discussion of chapters 10 and 11. Before we do that though, let’s open our time with a word of prayer. Let’s Pray!
Can anyone name Jesus’ original 12? (Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, Thaddaeus, Simon (the Zealot), Judas.)
Well, in this first section, we are going to read about Jesus sending out these 12 men to carry on His work. So, whoever has the first 3 keys, go ahead and read them for us at this time please. (READ)
What did Jesus do before sending out these 12 guys? (v.1- gave them authority…)
How do the disciples activities here compare to what Jesus had been doing in chapters 8 and 9?
Why did Jesus do this? (Matthew 9:38)
What limits did Jesus set on the ministry of these men? (v.5)
What was to be their message when they spoke to others?
Why do you think that Jesus told them to take nothing with them other than what they wore on their backs?
Later Jesus is talking about families dividing. How might Christ’s truth divide a family?
What kind of radical commitment does Jesus call for in verses 37-39?
Okay, let’s get a little more personal now. How has Christ’s teaching united the members of your family?
How has it divided your family?
Under what circumstances do you find it most difficult to talk with others about your faith?
What does verse 39 mean to you?
How can you loose yourself for Christ this week?
At this time, let me read for you what the commentary has to say about chapter 10 as a whole. It says: (READ COMMENTARY)
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
(Talk about verse 14?)
Well, if there is nothing else, we will move on to chapter 11. Here in this chapter, we see Jesus talking about John the Baptist, and a couple other sections. If for some reason this church would stop meeting together, what 3 things would you look for in the church you would start attending?
Well, in this next section, we see a great church when we see all of the things that Jesus is doing. Whoever has the next 2 keys, go ahead and read them at this time. (READ)
Who in this passage questions Jesus? (v.2- John)
Where is John?
How did he get into prison? (14:1-5)
How might prison have raised doubts for John?
What does Jesus say about John?
How is a New Testament believer greater than John? (v.11, 18:3-4)
What kinds of “prisons” tend to bring out doubt and fear for you regarding Jesus?
In those periods of discouragement and doubt, what most renews your courage and faith?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if there is nothing else, moving on to the next section of chapter 11. What is your favorite city? Why?
Well, in this next section, we see Jesus’ words to unrepentant cities. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read it for us at this time please. (READ)
What judgment does Jesus pass on each city mentioned?
Why will their judgments be worse than the judgments of the pagan Old Testament cities?
What is Jesus’ point for you in this section?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if there is nothing else, we will get ready to wrap things up for this evening and finish chapter 11. Where do you usually go to find a good resting place?
Well, in this last section, we see Jesus saying that He will give us rest. Whoever has the last key, go ahead and read that for us please. (READ)
Why do you think the gospel was hidden from the “wise and the learned”?
Is it still?
What does Jesus mean by taking up His “yoke”?
What does He mean by the “rest” that He promises for those who do?
How does taking up His way lead to rest?
At this time, allow me to read for you what the commentary has to say about chapter 11. It says: (READ COMMENTARY)
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add this evening before we close?
Well, if there is nothing else, I will close us with a word of prayer, and then we will be dismissed. For next week, be ready to discuss chapters 12 and 13 hopefully.
Prayer Concerns/Announcements
Let’s Pray! |
