Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:1-16

Opening Question:

What part of this passage stands out most to you?

Core Question 1:

What is the context of this parable? (What is happening? Who is listening?)

Core Question 2:

Jesus has come to earth to share something important, something he can’t keep quiet about. Why are salt and light good images to prove the point about His need to do what He was sent to do?

Core Question 3:

Jesus is revealing that the Kingdom of God functions by an upside-down set of values. How do you think the crowds felt about the things Jesus was teaching? Are there any of these teachings that bother you?

Core Question 4:

As Christians, our value systems are often in opposition to surrounding culture. It makes sense because we follow Jesus, who taught and modeled an upside-down set of values. In addition to the Beatitudes that we read in this Scripture, what other counter-cultural things did Jesus teach? (i.e. The last shall be first)

Concluding Question:

According to A.W. Tozer in The Wisdom of God:

“Somewhere we have developed the idea that the Christian must be agreeable in everything. We must wear a constant smile, avoid offense, and try to get along with everybody. But that is not what Scripture teaches. The saints in Bible times were usually just two steps short of either jail or the gallows. As a rule, God’s people were not liked. If you are a Christian and you are not in some kind of conflict with society, then chances are you are not a very good Christian. The idea that a Christian is always sweet and agreeable, and after he dies they can say of him that he did not have an enemy, is false.”

In what, if any ways, have you personally faced anything like ‘jail or gallows’ for following Jesus?