Matthew 8:1-4
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This is the second week in our mini-series on The Fruit of the Spirit. This sermon is called "The Goodness of Jesus"
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
Connect What is a signal (e.g., a thought, feeling, or behaviour) that indicates that you are beginning to fear? How could you rely on God’s power in those times to know the peace and presence of Jesus more?
Warm-Up
- What kind of good deeds was Jesus known for? List as many as you can remember.
- Why do you think Jesus went around doing so much good?
Read Matthew 8:1-4
- What is leprosy? What would have this man been excluded from because of his skin disease?
- What does the man ask Jesus? What do we expect him to ask?
- Why might someone be unwilling to help, even if they have the power to help? Have you ever experienced this? How did it make you feel?
- What was Jesus’ response to the leper? What is the significance of Jesus’ touch?
- What are other examples of Jesus’ willingness to help? Why is Jesus willing to help?
Read Matthew 5:21-22
- What outward actions are subject to judgement? What inward attitude is also subject to judgement?
- When have you seen someone do an act of goodness that was not accompanied by the heart?
- Why should goodness include our heart, and inward attitudes towards others? What have you found helpful in nurturing love towards others?
- What can we do when we fail to do good or fail to want good for others?
Read Mark 10:17-18
- What is the man trying to get from Jesus? Why does Jesus turn his attention to God?
- Is Jesus rejecting the claim he is good? What is he really saying?
- Do you think goodness is essential? Why or why not? What is the opposite of goodness?
- Where is the goodness of God in the Bible? Where do you see it in your own life?
- Which implication of God’s goodness - thankfulness, delight & devotion, obedience, lament, patience, imitation - comes naturally to you? Which would you like to grow in?
- Read John 10:11. What is the ultimate expression of God’s goodness?
- Who has a responsibility to do good and reflect God’s goodness? What opportunities do you have?
Apply What regular opportunities do you have to express goodness in your heart and through your actions?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, we pray that this day you will fill us with yourself and cause your fruit to ripen in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Frontline this Week
What fruit of the Spirit is least prominent on your frontline? How can you nurture it?
For Families
- Download: some of the family resources to use at home: stbartskids.org
Listen, Watch, and Read
- Listen (sermon): “Taste & See” by Chris Wright:
http://bit.ly/4lTef7i - Listen (sermon): “Goodness, Faithfulness” by Tim Keller:
https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/goodness-faithfulness/ - Listen (sermon): “The Healer Who Did” by Hugh Palmer:
http://bit.ly/40ah9fu - Read (book): Chapter: “Healer: Deeds that Baffle” in Doubter’s Guide to Jesus by John Dickson. 📚
- Watch (video): “Wisdom Within Laws About Murder, Adultery, and Divorce”
https://bibleproject.com/videos/wisdom-underneath-laws
Series Resources
- Read (book): “Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit” by Christopher Wright. 📚
- Listen (sermons): “Fruit of the Spirit & the Character of Jesus” by Tim Keller: https://bit.ly/3r5alRY
Watch (video): “Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit” by Chris Wright: https://us.langham.org/fruit/
Watch (video): “Galatians” by the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-galatians/
