Bible Reading
Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
[33:55]Luke 18:9-14 “He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: “God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.” But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.’”
[39:29]Luke 5:1-11 “On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.’ And Simon answered, ‘Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.’ And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.’ For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.’ And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.”
[43:18]Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
[55:38]Observation questions
- What details in the Pharisee’s prayer show that he trusted in his own record and compared himself with other people? [39:29]
- What does the tax collector do and say that shows he knows his need for God’s mercy?
- After the huge catch of fish, how does Peter respond to Jesus, and how does Jesus respond to Peter? [44:31]
- In Matthew 11:28-30, what invitations and promises does Jesus give to people who are weary and burdened? [55:38]
Interpretation questions
- Matthew 5:3 calls the poor in spirit “blessed.” How does the contrast between the Pharisee and the tax collector help explain what it means to be poor in spirit? [36:49]
- The Pharisee fasted and tithed, which can be good practices. Why did those good actions not make him right with God, while the tax collector went home justified? [42:08]
- Peter’s awareness of sin led him to ask Jesus to go away, but Jesus called him into a new purpose. What does this show about how Jesus meets people who feel ashamed and unworthy? [49:40]
- Jesus says that His yoke is easy and His burden is light, even though life still has trouble. What does it mean for a person to walk closely beside Jesus rather than trying to carry life by personal strength alone? [56:38]
Application questions
- When are you most tempted to bring your spiritual record before God—your church attendance, giving, serving, Bible reading, or avoiding certain sins—instead of simply coming to Him for mercy? [36:49]
- Is there a recent situation where comparison has made you feel better than someone else, or made you feel like you could not come near God? What would the tax collector’s prayer sound like in that situation? [40:23]
- Peter did not let his sin keep him from responding to Jesus’ call. Is there guilt, failure, or shame that has made you pull away from prayer or from Christian community? What small step could help you come honestly to Jesus this week? [46:44]
- Humility means not making everything about ourselves or needing to appear above others. In your home, workplace, friendships, or church, where could you choose a quiet act of service this week? [52:26]
- What has been feeding your spirit lately? What regular practice could help you receive Jesus as the bread of life—such as Scripture, prayer, worship, or time with other believers? [55:18]
- Where does life feel especially heavy right now? What might it look like in practical terms to walk beside Jesus with that burden instead of carrying it alone? [57:05]
