Big Idea

Disciples of Jesus learn to love others with a humble, radical, self-sacrificing love.

Scripture

Matthew 5:21-48

Opening Questions

1. How have you been able to B.L.E.S.S. someone recently?
2. How would you summarize the highs and lows of this last week?
3. In the following section, we’ll examine three highlights from Matthew 5:21-48 that cast a vision for what living in God’s Kingdom looks like for a disciple of Jesus. As we discussed last week, Jesus is interested in transforming our hearts rather than forcing external obedience to commands. As you read the following passages, notice how Jesus takes specific commands and calls people to think about their heart posture.

Bible Discussion

4. Read Matthew 5:21-26. Jesus called his disciples to examine their anger toward others. While a person could technically not murder someone, the greater command of Jesus is to deal with any anger that has been nursed toward others. Why do you think this matters to Jesus? How does a person begin to put away anger?
5. Read Matthew 5:33-37. Jesus is essentially saying, “don’t use ‘religious language’ or ‘God talk’ to manipulate others. Instead, let your words be plain and in alignment with your actions. How can religious language and “God-words” be used to skirt around responsibility and honesty in relationships with others?
6. Read Matthew 5:38-42. Some have misunderstood these words thinking they teach that those experiencing abuse should submit to it. Instead, Jesus’ non-retaliation teaching calls his disciples to think creatively about responding to others who are insulting them and making their lives difficult. How might a creative, gracious approach get different results than a retaliatory one?

Life Application

7. Which of these three examples is the most challenging for you right now?
8. Jesus’ teaching calls us to a radical kind of love. What relationships or situations do you see that could use some radical love? How could you help bring Jesus’ approach to it?
9. Have you had a YOU+ Conversation yet? What was that like for you? (If you have not had this conversation yet, sign up here!)
10. What next step do you need to take as a follower of Jesus?