CONNECT:  How can you grow in familiarity with Matthew’s Gospel leading into Easter?

WARM-UP  Question  

1. How do we typically relate to authority figures in Australian culture? 
2. What do you think most Australians think of the idea that God is the ultimate authority? 

READ Matthew 21:23-27

1. What are the two questions that the religious leaders pose to Jesus? Do these questions differ or are they two ways asking the same thing? Why are these questions so significant and serious?
2. Why do you think the religious leaders did not want to give Jesus an answer to his question? What does it seem that they were they ultimately motivated by? Can we ever be guilty of this?
3. If the religious leaders weren’t willing to be honest and open with Jesus, why is it appropriate that he wouldn’t answer their questions?
4. From what you know of Jesus in the Gospels, by what authority did he act and speak? How is it obvious in our lives that we take that seriously?

READ Matthew 21:28-32

1. What stands out for you in this parable? What do you think is the main point?
2. When it comes to putting your trust in Jesus, why is sincerity so important? What does that look like in practice in the different seasons of life?
3. What is the way that we become members of the Kingdom of God (nb. Check the final verse)? Why is it such great news that, even if we’ve rejected or ignored God in the past, that we can still come to him and be assured of forgiveness?

READ Matthew 21:33-46

1. What is so shocking about what happens in this parable? Who is Jesus referring to when he speaks about, the (a) tenants, (b) servants, and (c) son? What is Jesus’ warning?
2. If you had to summarise this parable for a friend, what would you tell them?
3. What is verse 42 a reference to? In what way is Jesus the cornerstone that was rejected?
4. What are your main frontlines? As people on your frontlines observe your life, how would it be evident that Jesus is your cornerstone? In what way do you need to ‘build’ your life upon him more?

APPLY: How can you build your life more upon Jesus who is the cornerstone?

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On Your Frontline This Week: How can you intentionally catch up and listen to a friend this week?

Listen:          

• AUDIO: “The Consequences of Rejecting Jesus” by William Taylor
• AUDIO: “Prostitutes before you”:
• AUDIO: “A Sting in the Tale:

Read:          

• BOOK REVIEW: “Need to Know” by Gary Millar

Other Helpful Resources (For Series):  

• BOOK: “Matthew: A Great Light Dawns”
• ONLINE: Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew (Fuller)
• VIDEO: The Bible Project, Matthew Overview

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