Week of June 30, 2013

1. Read Matthew 25:31-46.
2. If you were every without food for a long period of time, what is the first thing you would crave to eat?
3. Does this story seem more like a parable or a prophecy?  Why?
4. What coming event is being considered here?  What is the purpose of this event?
5. List the six actions Jesus will use as the basis of judgment.  What kinds of acts are these?  For whom are they done now and ultimately (v. 40)?  How do they benefit the doer?
6. How are those who don't do the acts and those who do them similar?  Different?
7. What does this section teach about Christian responsibility?  Who, besides those mentioned here, might be considered "the least of these"?
8. Is the judgment note in this section consistent with your view of Jesus?  Why or why not?
9. When have you been hungry, thirsty, a stranger, in need of clothes, sick or imprisoned and someone reached out to you?
10. When have you reached out to people in those areas?
11. In these six areas, where do you find yourself serving most naturally?  In which areas do you have the most trouble reaching out?
12. Of these six areas, is there one where you would like to get more involved (prison ministry or hunger program)?  What steps will you take this week to get involved?
13. Pray for one another....