Week 8 - The New Testament

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Fun Small Group Warm Up Question:

What was your favorite sport growing up?

New Testament

Matthew 15 ~ Matthew 16 ~ Matthew 17 ~ Mark 7 ~ Mark 8

1.     What religious traditions did you grow up with?  What Christian traditions or “commandments of men” still exist today? Why does Jesus warn of Christian tradition rather than praise it? (Matthew 15:1-9)  What can we do to avoid falling into the trap of false worship and man-made commands?

2.     Why is it so easy to get caught up with the idea of moralism and good works?  Why is obedience not enough?  What does it mean that Jesus wants our “heart”?

3.     Why do so many false teachers and prophets offer false signs and wonders?  What is so appealing about them?  What is so dangerous about them? (Matthew 16:1-12)  What is the sign of “Jonah”?  Why is that the most important?

4.     Do we ever try to “correct” Jesus or the Bible with our own opinions and experiences?  Why do we do this?  Why did Peter “rebuke” Jesus in Matthew 16:21-23?  What is Jesus’ response? Does He sound too harsh? Why is so easy for us to set our minds on the “things of man”?  What steps can we take, especially before a big decision, to set our minds on the “things of God”?

5.     Why do you think Jesus invited Peter, James and John onto the Mount of Transfiguration with Him? (Matthew 17:1-13)  What experiences does Jesus invite us into? Why? 

6.     How did the disciples’ sin at the Transfiguration? What was God the Father’s command and their response (Matthew 17:5-6)?  What was Jesus’ action and words (Matthew 17:7)?  How is that comforting to use when we fail?

7.     When we read the Scriptural accounts of Jesus’ miracles shouldn’t we also respond “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” (Mark 7:37)?  What gets in the way of us giving Jesus the proper praise?

8.     In Mark 8:2 Jesus sees the hunger of the crowd and says “I have compassion” before He takes action in feeding the 4,000.  Who do we need to have more compassion and action towards?

9.     Why do you think Jesus foretells His death and resurrection (Mark 8:31)?  Why do you think He gives us the book of Revelation?