Living at the Intersection (discussion questions)

Here are the discussion questions that accompany my message, “Living at the Intersection,” from this past weekend at Eastbrook Church as part of our “Love Your Neighborhood” series.

Discussion Questions:

1. What has been one of the most powerful ways you have experienced love from another person in your life? What happened? What did it mean to you?
2. This week we continue our series, “Love Your Neighborhood,” by looking at two monumental teachings from Jesus known as the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. We will examine how these key teachings fit together. Whether you are alone or with a small group, begin by asking God to speak to you and then read both Matthew 22:34-40 and 28:18-20 aloud.
3. In Matthew 22:34-40, Jesus summarizes the entire law of Moses with a very simple statement. What is the essence of what Jesus says, and why would you say that this summarizes all of the Jewish law?
4. Jesus’ interrogator was a Pharisee, one of the strictest adherents of the religion of Israel in Jesus’ time. It is likely that this interrogator was intending to trap Jesus. Why do you think Jesus’ response may have silenced Him?
5. Matthew 28:18-20 is often referred to as the Great Commission. What would you say are the main elements of this brief teaching by Jesus to His disciples?
6. How would you restate Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 22:34-40 and 28:18-20 in your own words? How might you combine them together into one unified statement?
7. In your own life, would you say you err more on the side of letting your words or your deeds show Jesus? What’s a practical way you could represent Jesus more fully this week by adding deeds to your words, or words to your deeds?
8. What is one specific truth or point of application that God is speaking to you through this study? Write it down. If you are in a small group, share your thoughts with one another.