Relationship or Religion
This Week We’re Reading:
We are so glad you are joining us as we read through multiple parables that Jesus shared throughout this series! This week we are reading Matthew 9:9-17. Click the button below to go straight there!
One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, “Why don’t your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?” Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.”
Matthew 9:14-15 NLT
This Week We’re Asking:
Throughout Matthew chapter 9, we begin to see that Jesus is showing us an aspect of the Kingdom of God. We see that the Pharisees are worried about making sure they check off a list of rules in their religion. While they are worried about that, Jesus’ disciples seemed to be less concerned with the rules and more concerned with spending time connecting with the Christ since He is in their midst. Jesus was the disciples’ source of life and the one they were striving to be closer to. Jesus shows us that being connected to Him is far greater than just trying to follow a hollow religion.
Why do you think Jesus uses parables to talk about the Kingdom of God?
Do you think it is important to have a relationship with Jesus? Why or why not?
What do you think a relationship with Jesus looks like in your daily life? Share some examples.
“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.”
John 15:7-15
This Week We’re Doing:
Matthew chapter 9 has A LOT of amazing things in it! Jesus heals people, He calls people to be His disciples, He teaches about the Kingdom of God, and He shares the Good News with lots of people. This week, we thought it would be a great idea to read through Matthew 9 together at the same time. In order to do that, we have separated Matthew 9 into 5 sections that will take about 3-5 minutes to read. This week, whether it is in the morning, the evening, or even listing to the Bible on your way to school or work, our challenge is to read a small section of Matthew 9 with our families each day! Click the link below to go directly to the Scripture for that day!
This Week We’re Memorizing:
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.”
Hebrews 4:12-13 NLT
As a family, write this verse on a piece of paper. Once it is written out, grab some scissors and cut out portions of the Scripture. Now, make it a challenge to see if your family can remember the passage and fill in the blank portions that you cut out!
BONUS!
Jesus was a master storyteller, and many of his most well-known teachings were told as parables. But these stories were designed to do much more than simply "teach." Jesus said the parables were designed to both reveal and conceal his message about the arrival of God's Kingdom. In this video, we explore the main themes in Jesus' parables and ask why he used them as the primary vehicle for his message. Check it out right here!