Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church     
 
Pastor Tim Janiszewski - "Listening to Jesus: Week Eight"

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This Sunday
March 6, 2016




Sermon Title:
"Marriage Under Fire"
Listening to Jesus 




Scripture:
Matthew 19:1-9
Picture of Pastor Tim
March 3, 2016
 
Dear MLEPC Members and Friends:
 
As we make our way through Lent to Holy Week, we continue to listen to Jesus through the Gospel of Matthew. Our goal is to hear from Christ as we read and reflect upon the first gospel between now and Easter Sunday (March 27). I encourage us to take time each day this week to read the passage indicated, to reflect, and then to pray as directed. By the power and presence of the Spirit, may you sense Christ at work in your life this week as you journey to the cross and the resurrection.
 
Monday--Read Matthew 21:23-46
  • In Matthew 21:23-27, why does Jesus appeal to John the Baptist when His authority is challenged? To help understand, reread Matthew 3:1-12 and 11:1-19. How did John testify to Jesus' authority?
  • In vv 28-32, one son talks a good game but takes no action; the other does the opposite. How does Jesus use this illustration to compare religious sounding people to sinners? Should you aim to be faithful in both words and deed?
  • Who is the "stone the builders rejected" (v 42)? What fate ultimately awaits those who ignore, resist, or oppose this stone?
  • Prayer--Pray to be a faithful and joyful worker in God's world, who gladly serves the Son who is the Stone.
Tuesday--Read Matthew 22:1-22
  • Matthew 22:1-14 is a parable about the heavenly banquet given by God in honor of Jesus. What responses are given to the invitation? How have you responded to God's offer?
  • Matthew 22:11-14 mentions a man who attempts to enter without the required wedding garment. In what garment must you be clothed to enter God's banquet (see Revelation 7:13-14)?
  • What portion of what you have should be dedicated to governing bodies? What portion should you commit to God?
  • Prayer--Pray for our elected officials to be good stewards of our taxes. Pray to give your entire self to the Lord to whom you belong as a Christ-follower.
Wednesday--Read Matthew 22:23-46
  • In Matthew 22:23-33, what objection to the resurrection do the Sadducees raise? How does Jesus refute their issue? Do you truly believe in the power of God to raise you from death?
  • Why do you think Jesus connects the Great Commandment to the 2nd Great Commandment? How do the two of them relate to your daily life?
  • How is Jesus both the son of David and the Lord of David (v 43)? How does this implicitly show His humanity and divinity?
  • Prayer--Make the Great Commandment and the 2nd Great Commandment your focus for prayer today.
Thursday--Read Matthew 23:1-24
  • In Matthew 23:1-12, what is Jesus' criticism of the religious leaders? How is your attitude as a Christ-follower to be radically different from theirs? How do you apply it to life?
  • In vv 12-24, Jesus is searing in His comments about the scribes and Pharisees. Many people don't easily think of Jesus in this way. Do you? How do you fit His judgments into your overall understanding of the Lord?
  • What does it mean to "strain out a gnat but to swallow a camel" (v 24)? Do you know people who do this?
  • Prayer--Pray to live according to Jesus' priorities in life--major in His majors and minor in His minors.
Friday--Read Matthew 23:25-39
  • Jesus continues His words of woe to the religious leaders. What is Jesus' view of those who appear religious on the outside but are corrupt on the inside (vv 25-28)?
  • In vv 29-35, how does Jesus liken the religious leaders of His day to leaders in Israel's past? Are you surprised with how scathing Jesus is (see v 33)?
  • In vv 37-39 Jesus then speaks with great compassion and sorrow. What do you make of this emotional shift?
  • Prayer--Are there things that mean so much to you that they can provoke you both to anger and to tears? Pray about them.
Saturday--Read Matthew 24:1-14
  • The Jerusalem Temple and its practices were at the heart of Jewish faith. How startling is Jesus' prediction in verse 2? How might this confuse the disciples who expect Jesus to be the Messiah King?
  • In v 9, what treatment can Jesus' followers anticipate? Have you ever experienced this? Are you willing?
  • What must happen before the return of Christ and the end (v 14)? How does this motivate you to support world missions?
  • Prayer--Ask God to strengthen you to persevere in faith!
Sunday--Sermon Passage: Matthew 21:23-27

Pastor Tim
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