Matthew 26:31-46 Lance Macormic

Home Group Questions

Read Matthew 25:31-46
 1) In this passage, Jesus is at the end of a long teaching about the end of the age and coming judgment, which began in chapter 24. What would you say Jesus is specifically teaching us about Himself in this parable? How should a true understanding of this affect the way we live our lives?

2) How does verse 34 help us to see that salvation is not earned but rather given? (Consider Ephesians 1:11-14.)

3) It is important to understand the people Jesus is referring to in verses 35-40. Is Jesus referring to all downcast and impoverished people, or specifically to believers? What makes you say that? (Consider verses 40 and 45.) Does it make a difference in how we understand this passage?

4) How are verses 37-40 an indication that the actions of the sheep is faith displaying itself in works rather than works being done for the sake of reward? Why do you think Jesus specifically points to the downcast and downtrodden as those we ought to give focused care to?

5) How is love and care for fellow believers a sign of being a child of God? (Consider John 13:34-35; Colossians 1:3-4; James 2:14-17.)

6) How do verses 41 and 46 shape our understanding of hell, and how do they speak against annihilationism (the theory that those who aren’t saved cease to exist)? Why should this increase our urgency for evangelism?

7) How does this passage challenge our understanding of what it means to truly take up our cross and follow Jesus? In what ways might we be unconsciously neglecting “the least of these” in our daily lives?