Good evening. Tonight, we are going to work our way through Matthew chapters 25 and 26. And then that just leaves us with chapters 27 and 28 for next week. I’m going to open us up with a word of prayer, and then we will jump right into tonight’s discussion time. Let’s Pray!
As we start, are you usually early, late, or right on time for things? Why?
Well, as we take a look at this first section of chapter 25, we are reading again about the time that Jesus is going to be coming back. Whoever has the first key, go ahead and read it at this time please. (READ 1-13)
Now, this parable was based on wedding customs of the time. Jewish weddings typically took place in the evening, though the exact time was kept a secret. Prior to the ceremony the groom would go to the bride’s home and lead her, along with the villagers, in a procession to the wedding. The virgins in this story were waiting for the groom, and were probably bridesmaids who had the responsibility to prepare the bride to meet the groom.
What is it that makes some of these virgins wise, and others foolish?
What would you call the refusal of the wise virgins to share their oil? (selfish, wise?)
How does it make you feel to know that the door to the kingdom gets closed for some?
What is the oil that keeps your lamp lit?
What is the main point that stands out to you in this parable?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on?
Well, if there is nothing else, let’s move on and get ready to take a look at the next section. As we get started on this section, are you more of a saver, or a spender?
Well, in this section, we are reading about the men who were given some talents. Whoever has the next key, if you could go ahead and read that for us please. (READ 14-30)
Well, the term talent was first used for a unit of weight, then for a unit of coins. The present day use of talent as an ability comes from this parable. Now, let’s take some time and discuss this passage.
In this parable, what were the master’s expectations of his servants while he was away?
What happened to the two servants who doubled their talents?
What happened to the servant who hid his talent?
What is your opinion of the master in this story?
If the master would return today, what would He have to say about the way that you have used the talents that He has given to you?
What is this parable’s message?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on?
Well, if there isn’t anything else, we will move on to our next section and finish the chapter. And let’s just go ahead and jump right into that text. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that for us please. (READ 31-46)
This scripture is taken from a longer passage about the Kingdom of God. Jesus has been teaching His disciples about when the kingdom would come and who would be invited. He ends with this parable about the sheep and the goats.
Does this story seem more like a parable, or a prophesy? Explain your answer?
From this parable, on what basis are people divided into sheep and goats?
List the 6 actions that Jesus judges these people on?
How are the people who do the acts and the people who do not do them alike?
What does this section teach you about Christian responsibilities?
When have you been hungry, thirsty, or any of these things and someone has reached out to you?
How did that make you feel?
If Jesus were to come back today, what would He say about how you have looked after Him by caring for others?
At this time, allow me to read for you what the commentary has to say about this chapter. The commentary writes about chapter 25, and it says, (READ COMMENTARY)
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on to the next chapter?
Well, if there is nothing else, we will move on and take a look at chapter 26 tonight as well. As we start this chapter, if you had a year’s wages to blow on one special gift, what would you buy?
Well, in this passage, we see a woman with a very expensive gift, and she chooses to pour it on Jesus. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that for us please. (READ 1-16)
Why was Passover an appropriate time for the events of verses 1-5 to unfold?
Why might the timing be risky?
In this passage, what is Jesus trying to teach His disciples about priorities?
Whereas the woman gave lavishly for Jesus, Judas wanted to see what he could get form Him. In what ways are you like the woman?
In what ways can you be like Judas?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on?
If there is nothing else, we will move on. As a kid, what were meal times like in your family?
Well, in this next section, we are reading about the Lord’s Supper. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that. (READ 17-30)
In what stages does Jesus reveal His betrayer? (Look at verses 21,23, & 25)
Why does He do this do you think?
In what ways do the bread and wine relate to His body and blood?
What does Communion mean to you today?
Why is it that so many Christians struggle with guilt, knowing that Jesus provides the forgiveness of sins?
What is it that impresses you the most about Jesus here at this Last Supper?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on?
Alright, let’s go ahead and take a look at our next section. In this next section, we are going to read about Jesus predicting Peter’s denial, Jesus at Gethsemane, and then finish with Jesus being arrested. So whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that for us please. (READ 31-56)
What do you think about Jesus predicting Peter’s denial?
When is a time that you have felt betrayed?
How did you deal with that betrayal?
What are the various emotions that Jesus must have felt in Gethsemane?
What is God’s will?
What model for our prayers does Jesus provide us here?
What kind of Messiah was the large, armed crowd expecting to arrest?
What does Jesus’ response to Judas, the crowd, and the disciples show about the type of Messiah He is?
Knowing yourself, how would you have reacted if you had been with Jesus in this scene?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on?
If there is nothing else, let’s move on to the last section of chapter 26. In this next section, we will see Jesus before the Sanhedrin, and then Peter disowning Jesus. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and finish us off please. (READ 57-75)
How do you think Jesus felt as He saw Judas and this armed mob approaching Him?
In this passage, why did they take Jesus to the high priest?
Why do you think Peter followed them?
What is unusual about Jesus’ self-defense?
Why did He remain silent?
Why would they think that Jesus was guilty of blasphemy?
What impresses you the most about Jesus in that passage?
When did Peter realize what was happening as far as him disowning Jesus?
Why did he realize it then?
When have you maybe felt like Peter?
At this time, allow me to read for you what the commentary has to say about chapter 26. It says, (READ COMMENTARY)
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add this evening before we close?
For next week, we will finish things up, and take a look at chapters 27 and 28.
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