DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Last week, we talked about “Jesus and Politics.” Did you have an opportunity last week to think or talk about politics in a way that aligns with what we studied? If so, how did it go?
- This week, we’ll explore what Jesus said about judging others. Before we go there, share about time in your childhood when you were “judged” in some type of competition or performance (for example, a contest, science fair, school election, sports match, recital, etc.). How did it go?
- Has there been a time when you’ve been wrongly judged? Or when you wrongly judged someone else?
- In today’s culture, one of the first words used to describe Christians is the word “judgmental.” Why do you think that’s the case?
- Read Matthew 7:1-5. Which words or phrases stand out to you? (Reread the passage again if needed.)
- Read Romans 14:10-13. This passage connects judgment with treating others with contempt. Why should we stop passing judgment and treating others with contempt?
- Eric shared this main point: “The world doesn’t need more condemnation and contempt. But it desperately needs more discernment. We are called to do the right and healthy type of judging; we are called to make good evaluations, be discerning, and be helpful to others.” As you think about that, is there something God is nudging you to do (or stop doing)? How can you pursue that without being “judgmental”?
- Growing in our discernment can come in three areas:
- God-discernment (spending time with God and gaining discernment from the Bible),
- Self-discernment (thinking about ourselves and asking for feedback), and
- Others-discernment (loving others by speaking up and showing up)
- Which of these do you want to pursue this week, and how?
- Take some time to share prayer requests and pray for one another.
VERSES TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE
- Do not judge, or you too will be judged. (Matthew 7:1)
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (optional)
With this series on the words of Jesus in the Bible, we can focus on the spiritual practice of Scripture to grow in our view and understanding of the Bible. Here are some teachings and activities from Practicing the Way.
- Listen to this teaching on “The Bible as an Alternative Story?”
- This week, try practicing the age-old tradition of reading a large portion of Scripture aloud in one sitting. You can do this on your own or with someone else (e.g. a friend, spouse, family, roommate, or co-worker).
- You’ll need to pick:
- A day (your Sabbath, a slow weeknight, etc.)
- A time (about 20 minutes—lunch break, in-between classes, or a weekend meal)
- A place (anywhere comfortable, like a favorite park, on your couch with a cup of tea, etc.)
- A passage in the Bible (any will do; if you need a suggestion, you can try Matthew 5-7)
- A person (or persons) to read aloud.
- When you’re ready, invite the Holy Spirit to help you to read/listen to the passage in a posture of surrender. Ask God to form you by what is read.
- After the last verse is read, don’t rush onto the next part. Take a moment in silence and stillness, letting the words reverberate inside your mind and soul. After a bit, pray to thank God for the experience of this practice.
- Take some time when you’re done to process this experience. How was reading in this way (i.e. a large portion, out loud, together in one sitting) different from when you read your Bible by yourself?