Message Notes
Look Back
What did you do to trust God and seek His direction this week? What was the result?
Look Up
Read Matthew 25:14-30 and Matthew 16:26
- Jesus used this parable to illustrate the “kingdom” of God. Why did God give different amounts of money to different people? What does this say about God?
- What did the servants do with the money while the master was gone? What do you think this means for followers of Jesus today?
- What did the servants do with the money when the master returned? What was the master’s response and the rewards (or punishment)?
- Do you think Jesus was teaching that we need to focus on gaining more with what we are given? If not, what is He trying to teach us about God’s kingdom?
Read Matthew 25:31-40 and Matthew 22:37-38
- How do the actions of the people in this passage compare to those of the servants in the prior passage? How do the rewards given compare?
- Why do you think Jesus spoke about giving to others immediately after using an illustration based on gaining more?
- How do both these passages reinforce Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 22:37-38?
- Do you relate more to the “servants” in the 1st illustration or the “sheep” in the 2nd illustration? Do you think that Jesus expects everyone to be like both of these groups? Why or why not?
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
In what ways are you able to help the least of those around you? What specific actions will you commit to this summer?
Notes
These passages illustrate very different ways of using what we are given and often cause people to question whether God wants us to use what we have to gain more or to give it all away. It is important to look past this question and focus on the real reasons why we make the choices we do - are we acting out of love for God and others? God is pleased and rewards those who act in faith to meet the needs of others, whether we do this directly or by supporting others in these efforts.
