June 7 – Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

Discuss It – Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

What past misdeeds would disqualify someone from your job? Elected office? The Supreme Court? The ministry?
What is surprising about Jesus’ choice of Matthew?
What did Jesus tell Matthew to do? How did Matthew respond to Jesus’ statement? (9:9)
Where did Jesus and Matthew go? Why? (9:10)
Who reported the Pharisees’ comments to Jesus and what was his response to the Pharisees? (9:12)
What did Jesus tell His listeners they needed to learn? (9:13)
Which is harder: to show mercy or to sacrifice something?
What did Jesus say He had come to earth to do? (9:13)
What feelings prompted the ruler to approach Jesus? (9:18) How about the sick woman?
What did the ruler and the sick woman have in common?
How is Matthew’s story connected to these two people? (9:12, 18, 20, 22)

Apply It

What, in your opinion, are some respectable jobs, and what are some questionable careers for believers to pursue?
How do you think you might react if several gang members or street people attended our church this Sunday?
What do you think people would say if you associated with a “wild crowd” in order to be a witness for Christ?
Why should we not follow this example of Christ if we are weak in our faith?
What dangers do we face when we befriend non-Christians?
What will happen if we never reach out to those outside the church?
What do you think about people who claim to have died and then come back to life?
In what area of your life is it most difficult to have faith?
What personal encouragement and comfort do you find in Christ’s ability to heal the sick and raise the dead?
How is your faith challenged by the people in this story?
What are some ways we “laugh at Jesus” in our beliefs and behavior?
How do you think a twelve-year illness would affect your faith in God?
What does this passage teach you about Jesus’ sensitivity to the needs of a lonely, hurting person?
What impossible situation are you facing? What gives you hope?

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