Threat: Mounting Controversy
Preparatory Scripture Readings: July 13 & 14
Sermon: July 8-12
Note: Having a good study Bible, one that has “notes” about the Scriptures, is especially
helpful with texts like these. Please see the Bethany website for additional study resources:
www.bethany-umc.org/jtb-study
Suggested Weekly Memory Verse: Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
5 Days - Readings & Questions:
Personal Reflections:
July 8
Matthew Chapters 1-7, Psalm 131
• Our Human Condition (Disciple Bible
Study workbook, pg 136)—“We love
to control what is righteous and hold
power over what is respectable.
Jesus is a constant threat to our
established ways. His lifestyle
conflicts with our values, and his
word contradicts our life patterns.
We hope he will go away; but when
he keeps coming on, we reject,
ridicule, and finally crucify him.”
How does this resonate with you?
• As you read Matthew this week, pay
special attention to value clashes,
religious controversy, and political
conflicts. Can you think of specific
examples of how these clashes,
controversies, and conflicts are
experienced in our world today?
Sermon Questions for this topic will be available with the Sermon Audio on the website by the
Wednesday following the sermon: www.bethany-umc.org/worship/sermons
July 9
Matthew Chapters 8-18, Psalm 132
• Watch for how Matthew stresses
Jesus’ attention to the poor, the
marginalized, the untouchable, and
the foreigner. How aware of and
attentive to the poor, the
marginalized, the untouchable, and
the foreigner are you?
July 10
Matthew Chapters 19-25, Psalm 133
• When you read Matthew 23:37-39,
think about Jesus standing over our
community, our city, our country?
What would he weep about?
• As you read and reflect on Matthew
25:31-46, evaluate your own actions
or inactions with regard to the “least
of these”. How well do you think the
Church (not just Bethany UMC) is
doing with regard to the “least of
these”? What could you and/or the
Church do better, or differently?
Sermon Questions for this topic will be available with the Sermon Audio on the website by the
Wednesday following the sermon: www.bethany-umc.org/worship/sermons
July 11
Matthew Chapters 26-27, Psalm 134
• As you read through Chapter 26,
imagine being there with Jesus. Pay
special attention to the sensory
environment--sounds, smells, sights,
tastes, and touches. What jumps
out at you in particular where you
are in your life today?
July 12
Matthew 28; Psalm 135
• The mark of a disciple (Disciple Bible
Study workbook, pg 142): “Disciples
abandon sham and pretense,
become vulnerable, and enter into
the ministry of making disciples.” In
what areas of your life does Jesus
continue to threaten your values,
your lifestyle?
• As a participant in the Kingdom
community, what tension, if any, are
you encountering in society, in the
economic or political system? With
your neighbors and friend? In the
church?
• How does Matthew 28:16-20 impact
your life
Sermon Questions for this topic will be available with the Sermon Audio on the website by the
Wednesday following the sermon: www.bethany-umc.org/worship/sermons
Sermon Questions for this topic will be available with the Sermon Audio on the website by the
Wednesday following the sermon: www.bethany-umc.org/worship/sermons