• Read Matthew 5:38-42

How did you do yesterday speaking more slowly and pondering more what you are saying?

From these verses, how do they paint a picture of life in Jesus’ Kingdom?

How is this command different from just being a doormat and being taken advantage of?

Has something like this ever been a part of your life? Have you ever ‘gone two miles with someone’?

How does observing this command show trust in God?

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

• Read Matthew 5:33-37

What is Jesus asking us to do in these verses?

How do these verses give us a glimpse into how the Kingdom of God works?

When you commit to something, how easily is that commitment broken? Why would you break a commitment?

Today—speak slowly and think about what you are saying. Be aware of what you are committing to. Try to say less words and think more.

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

• Read Matthew 5:31-32

• Why do you think that Jesus equates divorce with adultery— what is the connection?
• Why do you think God feels so strongly about divorce?
• What do you think God’s intent was in creating marriage?

Marriage is a spiritual bond in God’s sight. How does this impact His thoughts on divorce?

How is this relevant in our culture today?

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

• Read Matthew 5:27-30

What is Jesus’ main point or desire with this teaching?

Again, how does seeing people as image bearers inform the way that we look at people?

In what way can you ‘gouge out your eye’ or ‘cut off your hand’?

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

As we anticipate being together for worship, spend some time preparing your heart to sit with your spiritual family.

Reflect back on the week’s devotions and bring before the Lord anything that you feel has usurped His rightful place in your heart.

Ask Him to speak as you are listening.

• Read Matthew 5:13-26

Read it several times slowly, aloud (or listening to your phone read). Just soak in Jesus’ words. Ask the Holy Spirit to pop out a word or phrase for you to pay attention to- this is often how He speaks to us.

• Is there a word or phrase that really pops out to you as you read this morning?
• Why do you think the Spirit drew your attention to that today?
• Pray for whatever or whoever the Spirit brings to your mind.

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:3-5 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

• Read Matthew 5:23-26

• How did your family handle conflict when you were growing up? Did situations or hurts get resolved?
• How does Jesus want us to handle conflicts: write at least 3 things you observe from this section:
• What’s your usual pattern when someone hurts you or wrongs you? How do you handle it?
• What about when you know that you have hurt or wronged someone?
• How does being an image bearer impact this command?

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”