Preparing for Sunday - Matthew 9:35-38

May 23, 2013 by Bret Capranica Preparing for Sunday

Read Matthew 9:35-38
How does this compare to 4:23? What do these two bookends reveal to us regarding the content of Matthew 5:1-9:34?
Read 9:35. What was Jesus teaching? What was it about the gospel of the kingdom that Jesus was preaching? In light of what we have studied in Matthew 8-9, why was Jesus healing?
Read 9:36. What was Jesus' response to the crowds and why? Why would this langague about sheep and shepherd be so significant to move Jesus?
How were the people harassed and helpless? What brought them to that state?
Who does Jesus address in 9:37? What does the harvest refer to here? How do you know?
What are the disicples called to do in light of the harvest and why? How should that impact them?

In what ways should our kingdom ministry reflect that of Jesus as described in 9:35-38? How will it be different and why should it be?
Examine your interactions with non-Christians over the past few weeks? How similar or disimilar to Jesus' have your heart affections been toward them? Why?
How could you develop a heart of kingdom-driven compassion toward those outside the kingdom?
When was the last time you prayed for what Jesus call his disciples to pray for in 9:38? Why?
Why should we "pray earnestly" and not merely get up and go serve?

Does this passage and your reflections on it, bring up any sin to confess? Any promises to give you confidence? Anything over which to express gratitude? Spend time confessing and thanking God now.
Who are the non-Christians in your life you could pray about right now who need your compassionate heart toward them?
Pray earnestly that God will raise up compassionate people who will aggressively engage in radical kingdom-driven ministry.
Pray for all who attend this Sunday to be impacted in a way that highlight's the values of God's kingdom.
Pray for those leading our service this Sunday to be helpful in focusing our attention on Christ: Dawson Bryant, music; Mark Krystyniak, Elders' Prayer and Scripture reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.
Meditate on the lyrcis of the songs we will sing this Sunday. Listen to them through the weekend to prepare yourself to sing with focus and zeal with God's people.