Matthew 7:12 - The Golden Rule

  1. As we prepare for the season of Lent, share your memories of the Lenten season with one another. Did you or your family observe Lent when you were young? How did the season affect you, and how has your posture toward it changed over time?

  2. Read Matthew 7:12. If there are children present, have one of them explain the verse to the group. What sorts of situations can you think of where the ‘Golden Rule’ applies?

  3. In the sermon today, we saw how Matthew 7 can be roughly divided into two halves. How does the Golden Rule relate to each of these halves?

    • Our Judgment - Matthew 7:1-11

      • vv1-2 Judge not that you be not judged.

      • vv3-5 Why do you seek the speck but not notice the log?

      • v6 Do not give dogs what is holy.

      • vv7-11 An antidote to the judgmental heart: Ask, seek & knock.

    • God’s Judgment - Matthew 7:13-27

      • vv13-14 Wide & Narrow Gates

      • vv15-20 False prophets are diseased trees who will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

      • vv21-23 Those who cry “Lord Lord” will hear, “I never knew you.”

      • vv24-27 The wise & foolish builders

  4. The “So” at the beginning of v12 ties Jesus’ teaching here to the first half of the chapter. Why is it important that Jesus gives the Golden Rule in the context of judgment?

  5. Jesus equates the Golden Rule with the entire Old Testament Law; and just like the Law, we fail to meet its standard. How does the Good News of Jesus’ death and resurrection relate to our practice of the Golden Rule?

Robb EsperatComment