Week 14 - The New Testament

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Fun Small Group Warm Up Question:

Tell us about your worst haircut.

New Testament

Matthew 23 ~ Matthew 24 ~ Mark 13 ~ Luke 21 ~ John 12

1.     Look at the “woes” to the Scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:1-36.  Which ones stand out to you? Why?  How are these warnings to us also today?

2.     How does a hen protect her chicks? Why does Jesus use that analogy? (Matthew 23:37-39). Why do we have to be willing to received Jesus’ care and protection?

3.     Why does Jesus give warnings about the Temple’s destruction and signs of the end of the age? (Matthew 24:1-14) What specific warnings speak to you today?

4.     What is the connection between “lawlessness” and “the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:12)?  Why is Matthew 24:13 so important for to understand and remember?

5.     How would you summarize the “end times” in Matthew 24 in one sentence?

6.     Matthew 24:35 says “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”  How does this encourage you in the discipline of Bible reading, study, prayer, & memorization?

7.     When four of the disciples ask about the coming of the end times Jesus’ response is first to say “See that no one leads you astray” (Matthew 24:4, Mark 13:5, Luke 21:8).  How is this relevant with “end times” ministries today?

8.     What does it look like for a Christian to “stay awake” in preparation for Jesus’ return? (Mark 13:37)

9.     Why do you think Jesus includes the warning of your hearts not being “weighed down” by sexual immorality, greedy spending, substance abuse (“dissipation and drunkenness”) and “the cares of this life” (Luke 21:34)?  What can we do to best resist and avoid such temptations?

10.  Read John 12:1-10. What do you think each one of these people was thinking & feeling?  Do you think Lazarus lived differently after his resurrection? Do you think he feared those who were trying to murder him?  How should we live differently after our salvation?

11.  Read John 12:25-26.  What does it look like to “love” your life versus “hate” your life?  What does serving God look like?  Why is it so important?