Week 13

Read:

• First Steps in Establishing God’s Reign – Part 4 (25:1-26:2) 
• The Passion and Resurrection – Part 1 (26:3-26:75)
  

Questions:

• What verse(s) stood out to you and why?
• The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible – The Gospel of Matthew provides some information on Matthew 25:1-13: “The lamp is Christian faith, while the oil represents good works; thus faith without works is useless (Jas 2:17).”   Do you lack good works?
• How do you use the talents God gave you?  What keeps you from doing what God wants you to do with the talents He gave you? (see Matthew 25:14-30)
• How do you show love to God and neighbor? (see Matthew 25:31-46)
• Is there a price you would accept to betray Jesus or denounce your faith?  People throughout the world do this for different reasons, like sin, greed, and sometimes out of fear for their life or their family’s lives.  If you were in their shoes, would you do the same?  (see Matthew 26:14-16)
• How often, when you pray, do you say “not as I will, but as thou wilt.”  How would/does this phrase adjust how you open yourself up to God?  (see Matthew 26:39)
• Have you ever denied Jesus and/or your faith?   If so, how did it make you feel?  Have you asked for forgiveness?  (see Matthew 26:69-75)
• Additional Questions found in your study guide or in the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible – The Gospel of Matthew