Grow Guide | March 19, 2023
Carry On - 4th Sunday of Lent
Matthew 23:1-12
Connecting Questions
Who in your life has taught you about what it means to be humble? Who has showed you how to be a life-long learner?
When have you claimed to follow Jesus yet struggled to live it out?
Context
We’re in the fourth week of the liturgical season of Lent and continuing a sermon series called “Carry On.” The title comes from the mission statement of Easter Lutheran Church to “grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ.” Throughout the five Sundays in Lent, and the Wednesday midweek services, we will reflect on what we’ve learned from Jesus, the Great Teacher, and how we can apply it to our lives. What will we do to carry on the work of Jesus in our daily lives—both as individuals and as a faith community?
This week we’re focusing on Easter’s call to continuing learning about and growing in faith throughout our lives. A commitment to learning helps to keep us humble, for the more we learn the more we realize we don’t know. In today’s scripture reading, Jesus claims that the scribes quote the words of Moses, yet they don’t follow them. They want their obedience to be seen and admired by others, yet Jesus says his followers are not to set themselves above their communities. Jesus calls for a powerful humility among his disciples.
Look at the Book
Read Matthew 23:1-12.
What stands out to you in this text?
List the ways the scribes do not follow God’s Word, according to Jesus (Matthew 23:4-7).
List the ways Jesus wants his followers to orient themselves (Matthew 23:8-12).
What do you think it means when Jesus says in verse 12, “All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted?” What kind of exaltation do you think the humble will receive?
Jesus’ criticism of the Jewish religious leaders of his day has been interpreted as antisemitism. Be cautious of this interpretation. How can you purposefully read Scripture with an eye toward respecting its Jewish history, and our Jewish neighbors in faith today?
Hypocrisy isn’t unique to any one tradition. Where have you seen and/or experienced hypocrisy in the church?
How does continually learning strengthen your faith? Where have you found joy in learning about Jesus? Can you name a powerful learning moment in your faith?
How does this Scripture connect to the readings we’ve had over the past few weeks in Lent? (Matthew 18:15-22; 20:1-16; 22:1-10)
Taking it Home
Where do you find the most joy in learning? How can you intentionally create space for yourself to experience this joy in learning during this week?
Look to Christian and religious historical (or current) figures who took a humble stance in their lives. What can you learn from them?