A2 Going Deeper
Gospel of Matthew | ONE
Use these scripture passages and discussion questions to engage God’s Word together.
Week 1
What is the main theme of Matthew 6:1-8? What is Jesus saying about giving to the needy, prayer, and fasting? Why is that important?
In Matthew 6:19-34, Jesus teaches about treasures and worries. How does he contrast earthly treasures with heavenly treasures? What does that tell us about anxiety and trust in God?
What does Jesus mean by "Judge not, that you be not judged" in Matthew 7:1-5? How does this relate to humility and self-awareness?
What does 7:7-12 say about God’s character? Is this a model for our own behavior? How so?
Week 2
In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus presents the imagery of the narrow and wide gates. What do these gates represent, and why does Jesus describe the way to life as narrow and the way to destruction as broad? How does this challenge you?
Jesus talks about false prophets in Matthew 7:15-20. What are the "fruits" by which we recognize them? How can we apply this principle of spiritual discernment today?
In the parable of the wise and foolish builders, how do the foundations on which each builder constructs their house reflect their response to Jesus' teachings? How do we go about building our lives wisely and intelligently based on this principle? What would be different for you if you did?
In Matthew 8:5-13, Jesus heals the centurion's servant from a distance. What about the centurion's faith impressed Jesus? Why is it significant that this man was a Roman and not a Jew?
Reflect on the storm on the Sea of Galilee in Matthew 8:23-27. What does this event reveal about the disciples' faith and Jesus' power over nature? At this point, what did the disciples believe about Jesus’ identity? Why does Jesus rebuke them?
Week 3
In Matthew 10:1-4, Jesus names the twelve disciples and gives them authority. What is the significance of this act? How does it demonstrate his preparation for his followers?
From verses 10:5-15, why does Jesus tell them to focus on the "lost sheep of Israel"? What do his instructions about traveling light and relying on hospitality teach us about priorities and trust in God's faithfulness?
Matthew 10:16-31 contains warnings and encouragements for the disciples. What does Jesus mean by asking them to be "shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves"? How do his assurances about God's care alleviate their fears? How can this apply to our lives today?
Explore Jesus' words about taking up one's cross in Matthew 10:32-39. What does it mean to acknowledge Jesus before others, even in the face of opposition? How does Jesus challenge our ideas about family and loyalty?
What is the overall message of Matthew 10? What are the challenges that followers of Jesus might face? How is Jesus instructing us to live out our faith today?
Week 4
In Matthew 12:1-8, Jesus and his disciples are accused of breaking the Sabbath by picking grain. How does Jesus respond? What does this say about the Sabbath and its purpose?
Discuss the healing of the man with the withered hand in Matthew 12:9-14. How do the Pharisees' react? What does Jesus' statement about doing good on the Sabbath reveal about religious rules and compassion? Why do the Pharisees begin to plot to kill Jesus?
Jesus' casting out of a demon leads to accusations by the Pharisees in Matthew 12:22-32. According to Jesus, what is the "unforgivable sin?” The Holy Spirit is also known as “the Spirit of Truth,” that is, the one who reveals the truth. So, if one rejects the Holy Spirit, how is that unforgivable? Why is Jesus so strong on this point?
In Matthew 12:46-50, Jesus challenges family ties. What is the spiritual bond between his followers and himself? How does is this challenge the way we view our own families and our church families?
What are the main themes of this chapter? How does it illustrate Jesus' authority, his teachings on the heart, and the nature of his relationship with his followers?
Week 5
In the parable of the wheat and the weeds (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43), what does Jesus teach us about the coexistence of good and evil in the world? How does Jesus clarify the meaning of the story?
Explore the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast (Matthew 13:31-35). What do these parables illustrate about the growth and impact of the Kingdom of God? How would you describe that impact in human history? How does that impact you?
Consider the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value (Matthew 13:44-46). What messages do these parables convey about the worth and value of the Kingdom of God? Why is it so valuable? How can we pursue this treasure in our lives? What would be the outcome if we did this?
In Matthew 13:51-52, how do these verses emphasize the role of both the old and new in the Kingdom of God? What is Jesus referring to? How does this impact the way you read scripture?
Summarize the main teachings and lessons from Matthew 13:24-58. How do these parables illustrate different aspects of the Kingdom of God and the responses of people to Jesus' message?
Week 6
Matthew 18:1, the disciples ask, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" How does Jesus respond, and what does his teaching reveal about the values of the Kingdom of God?
Explore the concept of causing others to stumble in Matthew 18:6-9. How does Jesus emphasize the seriousness of this? Who are the “little ones?” Why is this so serious
Discuss the process of addressing offenses and seeking reconciliation outlined in Matthew 18:15-20. How does this instruct our approach to conflict resolution within the community of believers?
Peter asks a question about forgiveness in Matthew 18:21-22. How does the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:23-35) underscore the importance of forgiveness in the Kingdom of God? What is ironic about the man refusing to forgive the debt? According to Jesus, why is this so important?
From Matthew 18, how do these teachings about humility, forgiveness, and community shape our understanding of the Kingdom of God? How does it inform our relationships with one another? What needs to change?
Gospel of Luke | ONE
Use these scripture passages and discussion questions to engage God’s Word together.
Week 1
After Jesus asks him to come and follow, Matthew the tax collector hosts dinner in honor of Jesus with other tax collectors.
Matthew throws a party for Jesus and invites all of his friends. It appears that the Pharisees thought Jesus was guilty by association with these people they consider to be sinners. What is Jesus’ response? Why is that important?
The Pharisees point out that other followers of Judaism as well as John the Baptist’s disciples fasted and prayed. What perspective does Jesus offer in response?
Jesus then tells the parable of the wine skins. What is the new wine he is speaking of? What is the old wine?
The new wine needs to be stored in new wineskins. What point is he trying to make with the religious leaders? Would they find that offensive? Why?
Week 2
Luke 7:36 - 8:18
Jesus eats with pharisees and is anointed by a sinful woman.
In this scene Jesus is at dinner again. This time it is with a religious leader, a Pharisee. It is at this meal that a woman with a checkered reputation enters. She goes to Jesus, washes his feet with her hair, and anoints him with the perfumed oil.
In last week’s lesson, Jesus is having a meal with people who would have been considered sinners and rejects in their culture. This week he is having a meal with someone who would've been considered “holy” and a community leader. Why is this significant?
This woman, known to be a sinful person, treats Jesus very differently than the Pharisee did in his home. How would you articulate the difference? What is she doing for Jesus?
Why did the Pharisees grumble when Jesus said that her sins were forgiven?
Jesus makes a comparison between a person’s understanding of their sinfulness and the love they have for Jesus. Does the Pharisee need forgiveness? Does he think he needs forgiveness? Does he need forgiveness as much as this woman? Why is this important?
Week 3
Luke 10:25-10:42, Luke 11:37-11:54
In Luke chapter 11, Jesus is again invited to dine at a Pharisee’s house.
In the passage of Luke chapter 10, what is Jesus saying about priorities to Mary and Martha? What does that say to us today? How is that personal for you?
They were mad that Jesus did not wash for the meal. This is a practice that would’ve been extremely familiar to Jesus. Do you think Jesus did this on purpose? Why or why not?
What is Jesus referring to with the analogy of the inside and outside of the cup? What is the inside or outside of the cup?
In verses 42-44, Jesus proclaims three “woes” to the Pharisees. Why is Jesus so confrontational in the situation? What is the heart attitude he has addressing?
Week 4
The banquet invitations and three lost treasures.
Starting at Luke 14:15, Jesus tells us a parable about a great banquet. Who is Jesus referring to as those first invited to the banquet?
They give three different excuses for not attending the banquet. What do these three excuses have in common?
What is the man's response? Who does he then go and invite to the party? Who do you think they represent in this parable?
In Luke chapter 15, Jesus talks about three more treasures. This time they are lost to their various owners or relationships. What are the three treasures?
What did these parables say about the priority of these lost treasures? How valuable are they?
What do you see if you compare the treasures from chapter 14 to chapter 15? Are there any parallels? Are they speaking to the same sense of priorities in God's kingdom?
Week 5
Luke 17:1-19, Luke 18:1-30. Servants coming in from the field and two men in the temple.
In Luke 17:7, Jesus tells a difficult parable about servants coming in from the field. He had just gotten through talking to them about people who cause others to sin, repentance, and forgiveness. Who do you think the servants coming in from the field are?
What does this parable have to say about authority and gratitude?
The Pharisees and religious leaders acted as if their good works obligated God to bless them. How would you contrast that attitude with the one Jesus is illustrating here?
Luke 18:9-14 again illustrates the difference in attitude between Pharisees and those who please God. Why do the Pharisees have contempt for these other people they refer to as “sinners?”
Jesus clearly tells us what attitude he prefers. What parallels do you see between this parable and the one we discussed from Luke chapter 17? What attitude is Jesus condemning? What attitude is Jesus applauding?
Week 6
Luke 22:1-62, Luke 23:26-56, Luke 24. The Last Supper, Crucifixion, and Resurrection
Jesus gathered with his disciples to observe the Passover meal as they had done many times before. Passover was always to observe and remember how God rescued Israel from Egypt. But this time, it was significantly different. How does Jesus reframe the Passover meal? What does it mean to his disciples and future Christ followers?
In Luke 22: 24- 27, Jesus gives a lesson on leadership. In his kingdom, what does leadership look like as opposed to authority in the rest of the world?
In Luke 22:66-71 the religious leaders ask Jesus if he is the Christ prophesied in the Scriptures. He has an interesting answer for them. What was his response? What did these religious leaders believe he said?
In Luke 23:34, after all their slander, lies, and brutality, Jesus prays over those who are in the process of murdering him. What does Jesus ask of his heavenly Father? What do you think his motive is?
From Luke 24. After the crucifixion, Jesus was buried. Some women saw him entombed on Friday. On Sunday, they returned to the tomb. What were they expecting to see? What were they anticipating they would do? How did the disciples respond to what they found? Why is that significant?
Starting in verse 36, Jesus appears to the disciples as they are speaking about him. He invites them to touch him, and he actually shares a meal with them. What does this say about resurrection? Why is it important that he physically appeared to them? What does it say about our own bodies?
At the end of this chapter, Jesus explains how the Old Testament scriptures are fulfilled in him. He then tells them to wait in Jerusalem as the witnesses of everything he had done. He then ascends back to his Father in heaven. Why did he ask them to wait in Jerusalem? What was their cause for celebration? How does that inform how you and I celebrate the resurrection of Jesus today?