Week 9 - The New Testament

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Fun Small Group Warm Up Question:

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New Testament

Matthew 18 ~ Mark 9 ~ John 7 ~ John 8 ~ John 9

1.     How is “greatness” or “success” defined in your family, workplace, or culture?  How does Jesus define “greatness” in Matthew 18:1-4?

2.     Read Mark 9:33-37.  How does this help us better understand humility?

3.     When you read Matthew 18:8-9 about taking sin so serious, how did it affect you?  Do we take sin serious enough? Why or why not?

4.     Why is forgiveness so hard? Who is the hardest to forgive? Why? What is the biblical process of seeking reconciliation in relationships according to Matthew 18:15-20?  Do we follow this process? What happens when we don’t?

5.     Read Matthew 18:35. Why is forgiveness so important?  How does this compare to when Jesus finishes the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:14-15?

6.     How did Peter get it wrong on the Mount of Transfiguration in Mark 9?  How did the Father correct and refocus him?  How do we similarly get distracted by the world around us and need refocusing?

7.     Why do you think Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as “living water” in our hearts (John 7:38)?  How does this describe your own experience of being indwelt by God the Holy Spirit?

8.     What does it mean to “abide” in Jesus’ word (John 8:31-32)? “Hear the words of God” (John 8:47)? “Keeps my word” (John 8:51)? Why is it so important?

9.     Why do the Jews try to kill Jesus after he says “before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58)? Can you think of other ways Jesus claims to be God in His words or actions?

10.  When Jesus is asked about why a man was born blind, what is His answer (John 9:3)? How is this helpful to think about with other born differences in people?