August 1, 2021

Community Group Questions

August 1, 2021

Matthew 15:32-39:  Pastor Matt Cobb

1.  Pastor Matt compared and contrasted for us the miracles of the feeding of the 5000 and the 4000.  You can find the miracle of the feeding of the 5000 in Matthew 14:13-21 and Mark 6:30-44; the miracle of the feeding of the 4000 in today's passage and Mark 8:1-10.

What comparisons did you note?

What contrasts?

(Look below for some hints.)

How might you "rob the text", as Pastor Matt explained, when you approach a very familiar passage, like this one?  How can you avoid growing numb to familiar Biblical passages?  How might this be a warning for you?

2.  In addition to today's passage in Matthew and Mark, 2 Kings 13:23, Lamentations 3:22-23 and 2 Chronicles 36 were mentioned in regard to God's compassion. Pastor Matt stated that "God's compassion is definitive-it is seen in the person and work of Jesus Christ."  How do these passages help to round out your understanding of God's compassion?  What impact does God's compassion have for you in this season?   

3.  Considering Matt. 15:37:  Pastor Matt taught that "No one went home lacking."  And asked us to "not be unmoved to what happened."  Where are you lacking and why?  How will your week be different because you asked God to help you identify your need and to meet that need?  

4.  We learned: "Jesus is in authority over all things" and "Jesus is compassionate".  These truths stir us to: 

• Help to address the spiritual needs of those we encounter.
• Care for those we encounter selfishlessly and sacrificially.
• Care and meet the needs of the day with and for those we encounter.

Which one will you ask God for help to work on this week?

5.  "Jesus is good enough to see the need, meet the need and use insufficient vessels to do the work."  Read Ephesians 2:10; where might you be guilty of pride, because you feel insufficient to meet someone's need around you? For what action might you give God glory this week? "It is a privilege to be an instrument in the hands of the Redeemer.  It is a privilege to serve the King who needs nothing."

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Comparisons from Matthew 15:32-39 and Matthew 14:13-21/Mark 6:30-44 and Mark 8:1-10.

• country
• bread/fish
• Jesus gives thanks
• Jesus breaks bread
• Disciples pass out food
• Jesus leaves by boat

Differences from Matthew 15:32-39 and Matthew 14:13-21/Mark 6:30-44 and Mark 8:1-10.

• number of people
• locations
• Matthew 15: predominately Gentile
• Natthew 14: predominately Jewish
• different seasons:one mentions grass/one ground
• different amount of time
• different amount of food