Look Back: How did you use the Lord’s Prayer to practice surrender in an aspect of your life where you fight to get your way?
Look Up:
Read Matthew 6:12, Matthew 22:21-27 & Ephesians 2:8-9
- What prompted Peter to ask Jesus about forgiveness in Matthew 22? What did Peter expect as an answer?
- What was the 1st servant’s situation and what did he ask of his master in Matthew 22:26? Why would the servant approach his master this way?
- Compare the master’s response in verse 27 with the servant's request in verse 26?
- How does Ephesians 2:8-9 reinforce Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness?
Read Matthew 6:12 & Matthew 22:28-30
- What did the 1st servant do after his debt was forgiven? What might have motivated him to act this way?
Read Matthew 6:12, Matthew 22:31-36 & Matthew 6:14-15
- What eventually happened to the 1st servant and how does this outcome compare to what he was facing in Matthew 6:25?
- What promise does Jesus make in Matthew 6:14-15? What warning does He give? Which is more challenging for you right now?
Overall (Discovery Bible Study)
- What do these scriptures say about God?
- What do they say about people?
- How will I apply this to my life?
Look Ahead: When are you eager or reluctant to accept God’s gift of forgiveness? When are you eager or reluctant to give a gift of forgiveness?
Notes:
Forgiveness isn't optional as a follower of Jesus. “ For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” - Jesus. This is very important and super hard at times, and quite frankly seemingly impossible or even absurd to do. People have done some truly horrible things. I encourage you to take a moment of prayer with God. Seek forgiveness, humility, understanding and perspective. To Love your neighbor as yourself, is to forgive your neighbor.
