The Way Of The King.
Week #4: Jesus On The Bible.
Opening Reflection.
Where have you seen God’s Kingdom at work in your life this week?
Or how have you experienced The Way of The King in your life this week?
Share any brief examples and encouragements.
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
Matthew 5:17-20
Hebrews 1:1-3
Ezekiel 36:26-27
Matthew.
1. What did Jesus mean by “the Law and the Prophets”?
2. What do you think of the Old Testament? Do you find it confusing, difficult, and irrelevant? Or generally helpful, and easy to read?
3. An old Jewish tradition counted 613 commandments in the Torah (the first five books in the Bible); 365 were negative (one thing to avoid for every day of the year), and 248 positive (some Rabbis saw in this a reference to the number of bones in a human body).
Should Christians try harder to keep the Old Testament laws?
What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”?
Hebrews And Ezekiel.
1. In what ways did Jesus fulfil the Law and the Prophets?
2. Why did Jesus constantly clash with the Pharisees and Torah-teachers? Who really were they? Where do we encounter people like them today? How do we notice we are like them ourselves?
3. What does it mean for the righteousness of a Jesus follower “to surpass that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law”?
4. How does Ezekiel foreshadow the gift of Jesus to us and how the living Word can change us?
Closing Reflection.
What elements of the Kingdom of God from this passage would you like to see more of in your life over this next week?
Is there anything you will take away from this study and discussion? What has stood out that you can take into your week ahead?
Pray together (in pairs or small groups) for each other, in response to your answers.
