Preparing for Sunday - Matthew 16:1-12

May 22, 2014 by Dawson Bryant Preparing for Sunday

Read Matthew 16:1-12. How would you sum up this passage in one sentence?
Compare this passage with Mark 8:11-21. What is similar/different?
Read verses 1-4. What do the Pharisees and Sadducees ask of Jesus? Why? What is Jesus' response?
Read verses 5-12. What are the disciples concerned with? What is Jesus' response?
What is Jesus trying to teach the religious leaders? The disciples?

What areas of your life have you seen God teach you lessons of faith in? What does it say about God, us, faith, growth?
What do Christ's works show him to be? How is God teaching you this? What makes learning this lesson so difficult for us so often?
What does it take for you to joyfully, willingly, with risk, trust in Jesus?

What points of encouragement should you draw from this passage? What areas of deficiency does it suggest in you? How should you respond in prayer to Jesus now?
How could you use this passage to talk to a non-Christian about who Jesus is and why they should turn from their approach to life and follow him? What non-Christians in your life come to mind? How will you plan to act on this?
How could you use this passage to encourage another Christian in how to trust in Christ? What Christians comes to mind who could use your encouragement this week?
Pray for God's Word to bear fruit this Sunday in the lives of non-Christians and believers as we gather.
Pray for those who will be leading the service: Dawson Bryant, music; Rob Stouffer, prayer time and Scripture reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.
Listen to the songs we will sing on Sunday and meditate on the lyrics as you prepare yourself to sing with the congregation.