Group Plan - How Jesus Read the Bible

Message Text: Matthew 5:17-20
Message Theme: The Bible points to Jesus. And Jesus teaches us how to properly read the Bible. The lens Jesus gives us is one of love. When we love God and our brothers and sisters, we fulfill the Law and Prophets.

Group Discussion Questions

  1. Have you ever observed someone taking a passage from the Bible out of context in an effort to support a position or belief they held?
    When you realized what they were doing, how did you feel about that?
    Have we ever been guilty of the something similar?
  2. How did you learn to study the Bible?
    What is the most important tip you've received?
  3. Who are you currently helping to read Scripture?
    How are you going about it?
  4. How did Jesus read the Bible?
    What did he emphasize?
    What did he de-emphasize?
    What do you think were his favorites books of the Bible based on his teachings?
  5. Read Read Matthew 5:17-20.
    What do you make of Jesus' statement?
    Why did he feel a need to make this statement?
    What does he mean by fulfilling the Law?
  6. Does Jesus have the authority to challenge the Scriptures?
    What Scriptures in the Old Testament does Jesus and the early church challenge?
  7. What role does the Old Testament have now that we have the life and teachings of Jesus?
    If the Old Testament differs with Jesus, how do you determine application?
    Where do you tend toward an Old Testament reading rather than Jesus' teaching?
  8. Where do you land on the spectrum between unquestioning obedience and faithful questioning?
    Why do you land there?
    Do you need to make a change?
  9. Read Matthew 22:34-40, Matthew 7:12, Romans 13:8-10, Galatians 5:14, James 2:8, and 1 John 4:20-21.
    Do you trust these words? How central are these verses to your understanding of God?
  10. Do you struggle to believe that love is the lens through which to read the Bible?
    Why is that a struggle?