We meet up with Jesus again arguing with the authorities.  Who gives authority? What is good authority?  Jesus seemingly has an 8th grade argument and tells them to get at the back of the line for recess.  Deacon Julie and I dive into a tough conversation around authority, sacrifice, and atonement for the gospel lesson, Matthew 21:23-32, for Sunday, October 1st, 2023.

Discussion Questions

1. Where have you struggled with institutional authority in your life?

2. What does Jesus say about authority? (here or other places too)

3. “We often sacrifice the most vulnerable people on the altar of unity” - Bp. Bill Gohl.  Discuss Bp. Gohl’s words, who do we sacrifice for “Christian Unity”?

4. What do you think it means to be a “Good Christian”?

5. What does it mean to you that we are simultaneously saint and sinner?

6. Have you spent a lot of time thinking about: did Jesus have to die? What atonement theories do you understand best?

7. What is the Good News?