April 7, 2024 - Prayer, Community, and Mountain Climbing

Scripture Passage:  Matthew 5:1-11,21-27,48

Opening

Once you have settled in, connected, shared refreshments, etc., consider these questions together.

Questions

1) When feeling stressed, we have things we focus on. Sometimes we get overwhelmed by the big picture (the whole mountain). Sometimes we get to stuck on the step right in front of us and we can't see past it. Sometimes we look at our feet for so long we forget others are journeying with us. Take some time to reflect. What parts of the climb sometimes have you feeling "stuck"?

2) When the climbing isn't going well, what has helped you in the past? (Don't just say "Jesus", try to think of a specific example). What might this tell you about your own spirituality?

3) What do you think of "wholehearted" as opposed to “perfect”? (both are reasonable translations according to scholars). Does the change in wording change the command for you? How?

4) What effect does "forgive as you are forgiven," and "if you forgive, you will be forgiven" have on the overall sermon for you?

5) How does it feel to you apply Jesus' words to the people around you rather than to just your own journey? Is it a relief? Are you more intimidated? How does this compare with how you have read the sermon on the mount in the past?

6) Today's sermon was a bit of a creative imagery with the image of the mountain, but Pastor Jolene still made some assertions about the text. Is there anything you disagree with? Wonder about? Would like to learn more about or study further?

Closing

Close in prayer.  Schedule your next time to gather.