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What Jesus has to say in this morning’s reading can be heard as shocking . . . unsettling even. This is not how we’re used to hearing Jesus speak. Normally, he talks about bringing us closer to him and others, not dividing neighbor from neighbor. How should we to interpret these words in context? In comparison to everything else Jesus says in other places? Stay tuned and find out!

  • What is your picture of Jesus? Take a few moments to list the attributes you believe describe Jesus best. How does your list compare with the picture of Jesus emerging here in Matthew?

  • In his day, people responded to Jesus in different ways. Some saw in him God’s only son, the Messiah. Some saw in him a threat to the religious and political status quo. Same Jesus, different reactions. Is the same thing possible today? Do you know people who struggle with the image held by a friend or relative? Do we all have to have the same picture of Jesus?

  • Jesus’ imagery is stark and stunning. Why do you think Jesus would use such language? Have you ever experienced someone using language you’re unaccustomed to hearing from them? What was the occasion? What was the result?

Next Step: Take some time this week to finish the picture of Jesus you began in question one. Who is Jesus for you? How does who Jesus is inform how you live? In what ways does your life accurately reflect your image of Jesus?

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