Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 15:32-39 (NLT) ~Jesus Feeds Four Thousand~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus always wanting to give more while the disciples are always wanting to send the people away. Humans do not easily have faith that God will show up, instead operate in a scarcity mindset. The left over baskets show the abundance available that we cannot see.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 15:21-31 (NLT) ~The Faith of the Gentile Woman, Jesus Heals Many People~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus giving the opportunity for the Gentile woman to walk out her faith. Gentiles were commonly called “dogs” because they were pagans. The annoyance is used as a great example of faith. The world called the woman a dog because of where she was born. God called her “dear, woman”.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 15:10-20 (NLT) ~Jesus Teaches About Inner Purity Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus continues to teach the crowd after rebuking the Pharisees for questioning the disciples’ lack of hand washing. Defilement is a heart issue we cannot fix on our own. The patience of Jesus. Wanting people to see our point of view instead of looking at someone else’s perspective and seeing a bigger picture. Please Wash Your Hands.

Reading Psalms 22:11-21 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Feeling like God is far away even with the Holy Spirit. The Overwhelming circumstances that keep us from His peace. God’s faithfulness in reminding us of His love for us. The reality of the dark times. David doesn’t try to paint a rosy picture. The encouragement we can find in our sufferings.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 15:1-9 (NLT) ~Jesus Teaches About Inner Purity~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The human nature to construct walls, borders, and burdens for ourselves and others to live under. Bringing our own man-made ideas and rules is the same as clay saying that it is more intelligent than the potter. Disregarding the needs of aging parents is contrary to the heart of God. Not wanting to go through the hard things of life.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 14:22-36 (NLT) ~Jesus Walks on Water~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Why a ghost and not an angel? Peter’s request for proof. Jesus did challenge peter to come on the water but turned Peter’s challenge into an invitation. Peter’s reckless abandon and faith.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 14:13-21 (NLT) ~Jesus Feeds Five Thousand~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus’ example of dealing with grief. Jesus not looking at the masses as an inconvenience. John’s death was news to Jesus. Jesus’ example of faith. The need for love to be shared. The Disciples not getting it right away. The contrasting picture of the Kingdom of fear (Herod) and the Kingdom of Love (Jesus).

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 14:1-12 (NLT) ~The Death of John the Baptist~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Looking at the account of Herod killing John in Mark’s gospel. Herod’s pride and ego forced his hand. God can break into anybody’s life, and we all have a response to God’s movement in our life. You will be filled with remorse and regret when you choose to please people instead of seeking after God, what He is saying, and what to do about it.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 13:53-58 (NLT) ~Jesus Rejected at Nazareth~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Taking offense to Jesus because they knew the family he grew up in. Where did he learn all these things? Jesus wasn’t working miracles in his youth around town. God always using the unexpected person to do something great.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 13:47-52 (NLT) ~The Parables of the Fishing Net~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus is King whether you acknowledge His Kingship or not. It is not the way it’s supposed to so why cause more division by taking offense. The high challenge to the Pharisees but the encouragement to those that continued to wrestle His teachings.