Grow Guide | Feb 5, 2023

The Great Teacher 

Matthew 7:24-29

Connecting Questions

·      Who is the wisest person you’ve known? How would you describe that person?

·      If you had to name five core foundations of your life, what would they be?

Context

We’re in the fifth week of our worship series called “The Great Teacher.” Each week we will focus on what we learn from Jesus through stories in the book of Matthew. We’re also in the liturgical season of Epiphany, which emphasizes how Jesus is revealed to us as the Messiah through scripture. The color of Epiphany is green, which symbolizes life and growth. How does this connect to Easter Lutheran Church’s mission statement, “To grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ?” What does Easter need to do as a community to keep learning, growing, serving, and living as our Teacher shows us?  

This week we close our time with the Sermon on the Mount, a hallmark of the Gospel of Matthew which includes many of Jesus’ most powerful teachings. The last two weeks we focused on the Beatitudes and the Lord’s Prayer, and this week we look at the way Jesus chooses to end the Sermon on the Mount—with a strong reminder that when we listen to him and follow his teachings, we build our lives on an unshakable foundation. 

Look at the Book

·      Quickly skim Matthew chapters 5-7 to remind yourself (or learn) what is included in the Sermon on the Mount.

·      Read Matthew 7:24-29. What stands out to you in these verses?

o      How does Jesus describe the wise man in verse 24? What actions does the wise man take in order to build a foundation for his life?

o      Conversely, in verse 26, what does the foolish man avoid doing?

o      What does this tell us about Jesus’ expectations for us as his followers? Is listening to Jesus enough?

·      What scriptural references and images do you notice in this passage? Does it remind you of other Bible stories?

·      This passage inspired a popular children’s song. You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0zOVb86-7c

o      Can you think of any well-known hymns that include imagery from this passage?

o      Why do you think this passage has captured our imagination for so many years?

·      Verse 27 says the crowds were “astounded” at Jesus’ teaching, which honors Old Testament teachings yet also includes new promises. Have the teachings of Jesus ever astounded you?

·      Look back at Matthew chapters 5-7. List some of the life foundations named by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.

o      Which foundation do you want to incorporate more into your life? Which is the most challenging?

o      In what ways can you incorporate Jesus’ teaching into your life? What does it mean to you to obey Jesus? 

Taking it Home

·      Reflect on your list of the life foundations named in the Sermon on the Mount (from the last question above) throughout the week.

·      Look up hymns that include the words “foundation” or “rock.” Look closely at the lyrics. What is meaningful to you? How did Matthew 7:24-29 inspire the hymn writers?