Starter: (In pairs for 5 minutes)
Describe an event or encounter that made you change your behaviour or attitude.
WORSHIP:
Perhaps focus on the nature of Jesus and his way of righteousness.
READ PASSAGE ALOUD(How would it feel to be a priest in this event?)
READING : Matt 21:23-32
RE-READ PASSAGE AND COMMENTARY(Silent personal reflection)
PERSONAL FOCUS(Silent reflection on the passage / commentary & personal focus questions)
Commentary:
This is Jesus' last week in Jerusalem. The conflict between the authority of Jesus and the religious, social and political authorities reaches a crunch point. Jesus has made three symbolic protests; first his entry into Jerusalem declaring himself under God's authority (21:1-11). Second, his attack on the economic power base of the Temple with its exploitation of the people (21:12-17). Third, his symbolic rejection of the Jewish state through the cursing of the fig tree, a historic symbol of Israel (21:18-22). Hardly surprising that the authorities fight back challenging Jesus with the question What authority have you for acting like this? And who gave you this authority? (v.23).
Jesus returns their question by seeking their understanding of the authority of his predecessor, the folk hero John the Baptist (vv.24-27). Their unwillingness to answer for fear of compromising themselves, leaves Jesus free not to answer, but also to drive home his own authority. He does this by telling them a story which leaves them in no doubt that he believes their authority as God's representatives has been removed from them, and even more scandously that the tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you (v.32). [Peter Price]
Our lives must demonstrate that we truly follow Christ and the message of the Gospel.
Personal Focus Questions :
(Initially just reflect on the question that chooses you. It may help to clarify your thinking to make notes in the spaces provided. This will also give you material to reflect on in the future)
1. What verse in this reading speaks to you? What is God saying to you?
2. What makes you 'change your mind'?
3. Are there areas in your life that Jesus does not 'have authority over'?
PERSONAL FOCUS QUESTIONS (Discuss in triplets /pray for each other –25 minutes)
LIFE FOCUS (Discuss in whole group-15 minutes)
1. In what ways do you see the church challenging the authorities of today?
Should we be more involved in that process?
2. What practical outcome is there from our reflection?
Do we need to make any plans to make things happen?
Review Time
What did you most enjoy about this meeting?
What would you like to do differently next time?
Group Memory Time:
(Review the actions you agreed to carry out at previous meetings)
Prayer Time :
For those who have heard the Gospel and responded to it and those who hear but refuse to change their lives.
For those who challenge authorities that are unjust.
For those who work in national and local government.
Next Meeting :
Arrange date and venue.
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