CONNECT:  What are three ways that you can provide support to fellow believers this week?

WARM-UP  Question  

1. What are the different ways that you have witnessed people responding to Jesus?  

READ Matthew 26:1-2 (The Cross is Divinely Purposed)

1. When Matthew says, “when Jesus had finished saying all these things”, what is he referring to?
   How does the beginning of this chapter also mark an important transition in Matthew?
2. What do you think Jesus meant by “As you know…”? When has Jesus warned the disciples that he must be crucified? (Try to find some references in Matthew so far.)
3. Was Jesus surprised by the fact that he would have to die in this way? How do the words of Jesus here demonstrate that the crucifixion was an essential part of God’s plan to rescue the world?
4. Can we ever be offended by the claim that it was essential for Jesus to die for us? Can others? Why so?

READ Matthew 26:3-5 (The Cross is Wickedly Plotted)

1. Who was involved in this part of the plot to kill Jesus? How is it clear that this was an intentional act?
2. Do you think that the leaders had any idea about the claims of who Jesus was? What were the religious leaders motivated by? Do you think we can be ever like this?
3. Why couldn’t the religious leaders yet act on their intention to arrest and kill Jesus?
4. Read verses 14-16. How does Judas’ help the religious leaders to accelerate their plan? Whilst we are not told explicitly what Judas’ motivations were, how it is evident that his intentions were wicked?

READ Matthew 26:6-13 (The Cross is Beautifully Prized)

1. How was the woman’s act different to the typical use of oil to anoint guests in a home? What do you think was going through the woman’s mind and heart when she did this?
2. How do the disciples respond? Why do you think they responded like this? What does Jesus say?
3. Was Jesus dismissing the needs of the poor? Why or why not is this the case?
4. For what purpose was Jesus being anointed? What could the woman recognise (at some level) that everyone else was apparently blind to? Can we ever be blind like this as well?
5. How can our actions of generosity for God’s purposes (be it in serving or in resources) look like a waste to others? How is our generosity actually a beautiful act of devotion and evangelism?

APPLY: Who can you invite to our Good Friday and Easter Day services? How will you do it?

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On Your Frontline This Week:  Who on your frontline could you invite to join in with our Easter services (particularly Good Friday and Easter Day, both at 9.30AM online)? How will you invite them along?

For Families: Download some of the family resources to use at home

Listen:          

• AUDIO ”Treasuring Jesus” by Richard Chin
• AUDIO “What Jesus Treasures” by Richard Chin
• AUDIO: “The Price of his Passion”
  

Read:

• ARTICLE: “9 Ways to Love your Neighbour During this Pandemic” by Justin Earley

Other Helpful Resources (For Series):  

• BOOK: “The Parables of Jesus” by William Barclay.
• STUDY GUIDE: Download our Study Guide on Matthew
• BOOK: “Matthew: A Great Light Dawns”
• ONLINE: Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew (Fuller)
• VIDEO: The Bible Project, Matthew Overview

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