03/19/2023 - Groups Questions
Part of Foundations of the Kingdom—Matthew Part 1
March 19, 2023

foundations_YouVersion.jpg
ICEBREAKER: What is the best guidance you’ve received in dealing with people who have been antagonistic towards you? How has it helped you?


Read Matthew 5:38-42
What is the protective principle behind the law “eye for eye, tooth for tooth?” How does Jesus transform this principle? Why does Jesus tell people to offer their other cheek, to give their cloak to the one suing them, and to go the extra mile? How would our conflicts be different if we engaged conflict in these ways? What conflicts are you experiencing right now, and how do Jesus’ words apply to that situation?


Read Matthew 5:43-48
Only the first part of verse 43 is actually in the Old Testament law. How does this verse show how people may have been misapplying scripture? Why do you think anyone would consider hating enemies to be virtuous? What does Jesus call his followers to do instead? How does loving and praying for enemies change the way we think and act toward antagonistic people?


Verse 48 calls us to be perfect as our heavenly father is perfect. Another understanding of perfect could be whole, or complete. How does loving our enemies help us find wholeness?


How can we pray for each other this week?