Matthew 9:9-13
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This is the fourth week in our series on Matthew: Responding to Jesus. This sermon is "The Calling of Matthew".
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
Connect What is one practical way this week that you could practise your reliance on Jesus’ compassion, grace, or authority?
Warm-Up
- On average, how many people in a week do you think you would have some form of contact with? How many of those are not yet Christians?
- Do you have some main frontlines in which you seek to share the Good News of Jesus?
Read Matthew 9:9
- So far in Matthew, which encounters with Jesus have most stood out to you? Why is that the case?
- How does it make you feel to know that Jesus still evokes a wide range of responses today? Are there any examples that you have witnessed that most amaze you?
- Who was Matthew? How did God’s people feel about tax collectors? Why was that so?
- If Matthew was such an outsider, who then is off limits to God’s grace?
- Who in your life do you think is most unlikely to become a follower of Jesus? How interested do you think God is in them? How can you grow in your interest in their salvation?
- How is it evident that it’s Jesus who takes the initiative? Is this also true for us?
Read Matthew 9:10-13
- What does Jesus ask Matthew to do? What does it actually mean to follow Jesus?
- Who or what do you think our culture encourages us to ‘follow’? Is this hard to resist?
- How do you ensure that Jesus is the main and ultimate focus of your life? Where is that a challenge?
- In what way has following Jesus been costly to you? Why do you think it is worth it?
- How do the Pharisees respond to Jesus’ interaction with Matthew and the subsequent meal?
Why were they so scandalised by Jesus spending time with Matthew and his friends? - Who today do you think the Pharisees would be scandalised by us spending time with?
- What did Jesus mean by his response about the sick needing a doctor? Who is included in this?
- What does Jesus reveal as his ultimate purpose in coming? How does he make that possible?
- In what way do you think you need to reflect Jesus’ purposes more in your life?
- How did Matthew respond to Jesus’ call? How was Jesus’ mission reflected in his life?
Apply Is there any part of your life (e.g., prayer, use of your time, the people you connect with, the deployment of your resources, habits, priorities) that needs to be more aligned with the purpose of Jesus?
Prayer
Gracious God, thank you that you have taken the initiative to come to us and save us. Please help us to respond to your call, to follow you with our all, and make your purpose our priority. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Front Line this Week
What simple daily rhythm can you adopt or stop to devote your attention to Jesus? It could be in the car, or as you walk to make a cup of tea.
For Families
- Download: some of the family resources to use at home: stbartskids.org
Listen, Watch, and Read
- Listen: “Jesus’ Meal with Matthew” by Tim Keller: https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/jesus-meal-with-matthew/
- Listen: “Sinner’s Summoned” by William Taylor: https://www.st-helens.org.uk/resources/talk/58245/
- Listen: “For Sinners not Righteous” by Rico Tice: https://www.allsouls.org/Media/AllMedia.aspx?show_media=52470&show_file=57827
Series Resources
- Website: All of the resources from our series are available (including from St Bart’s Kids) at:https://www.stbarts.com.au/sermon-series/responding-to-jesus
- Watch: “Matthew’s Gospel” by the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/matthew/
- Read: “The Message of Matthew” by Micheal Green: https://koorong.com/product/the-message-of-matthew-2020-bible-speaks-today_9781789741445
