Bible Study Questions and Notes

Small group Bible studies meet each week to discuss topics relating to the weekend service.  These study notes act as a guide for the Bible study participants.  Note that on weeks where there is a guest speaker or the Bible studies are not in session, there may not be a set of study notes posted.

Scripture passage: Matthew 21:1–17
Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Neufeld

Easter is just a few weeks away.  It is the most important celebration in the Christian calendar and yet often it ‘sneaks up on us’ and we are caught unprepared for this most important event.  How should we prepare our hearts for Easter?  The story of Jesus’ triumphal entry gives us a remarkable picture of Jesus as our king and teaches us that we should focus our hearts in worship to our king during this season.   

Behold, your king!

Ø      A humble king

·         We worship in humility

Ø      A sovereign king

·         We worship by trusting

Ø      A righteous king

·         We worship through right-living

Ø      A compassionate king

·         We worship by being compassionate

This past weekend we turned our attention toward preparing our hearts for Easter.  Matthew 21:1–17 gives us a picture of the kind of king that Jesus is.  In our Bible study today we want to examine how the various pictures of Jesus inform our life and actions.  

Thinking – developing a biblical approach to all areas of life

1.      Often when we think of worship to God, we think of singing.  How would you define worship?  What are some of the various ways that we worship God both with our voices and with our lives? 

2.      Jesus is a humble king. (See Matthew 21:5) 

a.      Some people approach God as a ‘buddy’ while others approach him with distant reverence.  How should we approach God given both his humility (in Jesus) and his greatness?

b.      How do you prepare for Easter?  Are there traditions or celebrations that you have at Easter time to commemorate Jesus’ death and resurrection?  Are traditions helpful or a hindrance when it comes to worshiping God?  

3.      Jesus is a sovereign king. (See Matthew 21:4)

a.      Read John 14:1.  Does trusting in God regarding a situation mean that we should do nothing about the situation?  If not, then how do we combine trust and action?  

4.      Jesus is a righteous king. (See Matthew 21:12–13) 

a.      Read 1 Peter 2:12.  One of the ways that we worship God is by living to please God in every area of our lives.  How is this different than legalism? 

5.      Jesus is a compassionate king. (See Matthew 21:14)

a.      Read Micah 6:6–8 and James 1:27.  What are some reasons why many Christians/churches today are not involved in compassion ministries to those in need?  How can you as an individual and we as a church be involved in caring for ‘the least of these’? 

Being – growing in intimacy with God through spiritual disciplines

6.      As you prepare for this Easter season, what is one area of your relationship with God that you need to focus on?  (i.e. prayer, devotions, fasting, celebration, worship, etc.) 

To Small Group Leaders: 

·         You can pick up your Small Group Leader Resource CD/Cassette at the Info Desk (or at www.willingdon.org/smallgroups/mp3.asp), and as many Prayer Logs you need for your group.

·         Please be reminded to turn in your pre-registration sheet for the spring quarter of small groups by this Sunday, March 9. 

·         Coach's Corner will be held this Sunday, March 9 at 6:00pm.

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