Matthew Chapters 7-8

1) What we know as the Golden Rule is found in 7:12.  How could Jesus say that this rule summed up the Law and the Prophets?  What would it look like for you to live this out day-to-day?

2) Jesus concludes His teachings about the kingdom by indicating what must take place next (see 7:24).  Why is just hearing about God’s truth not enough?

3) The issue of faith is contrasted in two stories (see 8:5-13 and 8:23-27).  Why was the centurion commended for his faith?  Why were the disciples chastised for their faith?

The Sermon on the Mount continues through Chapter 7.  At the end of this section, Jesus makes a clear distinction between those who just hear what He says and those who hear and put into practice the teachings of the kingdom.

Expressions of faith and the lack of faith were contrasted in Chapter 8.  The centurion had faith to believe without seeing, while the disciples expressed doubt after seeing a miracle.  What is your faith like?  See Hebrews 11:6 to understand the key role of faith.