Good evening. Tonight we are going to be taking a look at the next 2 chapters of Matthew. After tonight is finished, we have 10 chapters left to the book of Matthew, and we will probably take 5 weeks to cover them. But for tonight, we are focused on chapters 17 and 18.
Before we get started, let’s open with a word of prayer. Let’s Pray!
To start, tell me of a mountaintop experience that you have had in your life?
Well, in this first section of chapter 17, we see 3 of Jesus’ close disciples have a mountaintop experience that would be hard to beat. Whoever has that first key, go ahead and read that for us at this time please. (READ)
Well, it has been 6 days now since Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ, and then Jesus went on to predict His death. Why is that information important for what just happened?
Why did Jesus pick these 3 guys to go up on the mountain with Him?
What is significant about what the voice from the clouds had to say about Jesus?
Do think that Jesus needed to hear those words/where they an encouragement to Jesus?
How has God said to you, “This is my daughter, whom I love, with whom I am well pleased.”?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add about this section before we move on?
Well, if there is nothing else, we will move on and take a look at verses 14-23 next. If you had the power to be able to move mountains, what would you do?
Well, in this next section, Jesus tells us that just a little bit of faith is powerful enough to be able to move mountains. Let’s take a look at this section. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that for us. (READ)
There is something that I have noticed in scripture, that you don’t hear too much of these days. Why do you think that demons seem to be more common in Jesus’ day as compared to today?
As we look at verse 17, who is Jesus describing?
Okay, how would you rephrase verse 20?
What does the disciples grief reveal to you about them? (They still didn’t get it?)
In what areas of your life to you desire to see more faith?
Well, does anyone have anything that they would like to add about that section?
Okay, if that is it, we will move on to the rest of chapter 17. Now, we have gone over this section before, so I will not spend much time on it unless you guys have something you want to talk about. So, let’s jump right into it, and whoever has the next key, read that for us. (READ)
What lessons was Jesus teaching by paying the tax anyway?
What is at stake when we offend someone?
Now, does anyone have anything that they would like to discuss or add about this section.
Well then, at this time, allow me to read for you what the commentary has to say about chapter 17. It says, (READ COMMENTARY)
Before we move on to chapter 18, does anyone have anything they want to add about chapter 17?
Well, if there is nothing, let’s go to the next chapter. Which would best describe you as a child, “A Little Angel,” or “A Holy Terror,” and why?
Well, in this next section we see Jesus telling us to be more like little children. I assume that He is meaning like the “Little Angels,” and not the “Holy Terrors.” Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that. (READ)
Why do you think the disciples would want to be “the greatest?”
What childlike qualities is Jesus emphasizing?
Why do you think this is important for Jesus’ kingdom?
What childlike qualities do you need to recapture?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, let’s move on then and take a look at the next short section. In fact, let’s just jump right in. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that at this time. (READ)
This process involves what 4 stages?
Why not go public right away?
When none of these things work, what are you to do to that person?
What does this passage tell you about the importance of counsel through others?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on?
Well, if there is nothing else, let’s begin to wrap things up for this evening. Even among the closest of friends, sometimes we still hurt each other. In this Bible story, Peter asks Jesus what to do when you get hurt by someone.
Before we take a look at this section, answer me this: How many credit cards to you have? When do they tempt you the most?
In this last section we are reading about forgiveness, and it takes a look at forgiveness from a debt view, but realize that it is talking about forgiveness in all areas of life. Whoever has the last key, go ahead and read that section for us please. (READ)
Do you tend to be quick or slow to forgive others?
Offenders in Jesus’ day were forgiven up to 3 times; a 4th offense need not be forgiven. So Peter decides to question Jesus about this matter. If you were Peter, what would have been your thoughts after Jesus answered your question?
How does the parable of the unmerciful servant extend Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness?
In refusing to be merciful to others, what do we deny ourselves?
If you where the master in this parable, how would you have felt, and then dealt with this problem?
Which character in this story can you relate to the most?
At this time, let me read for you what the commentary has to say about chapter 18 as a whole. 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, for next week we are going to be taking a look at Matthew chapters 19 and 20. So that is what you can read to be ready for discussion for next week.
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