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Jesus and the Upside Down Kingdom

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. MATTHEW 5:38-42 NIV

SURPRISE PEOPLE WITH GRACE

Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 1 PETER 3:9 NLT

Don’t let the evil done to you become evil done through you.

WE MUST LEARN TO HEAR WHEN GOD SPEAKS

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. JOHN 10:27 NLT

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” ISAIAH 30:21 NIV

God speaks to us through:

WE GIVE GRACE BECAUSE WE’VE BEEN GIVEN GRACE

But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. 2 PETER 1:9 NLT

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. JOHN 10:27-28 NIV

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. LUKE 15:4-5 NLT

And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life… JOHN 3:36 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet space to reflect with God. Take a few deep breaths, inviting God to guide your time together. Think about the last time you were hurt or offended by someone. How did you react? Ask God to show you if that was your typical reaction or if it was in response to a specific person. In those situations, do you tend to say anything, do something or think a certain way? How have your reactions affected your relationships? Consider how Jesus responded to those who hurt and persecuted Him. After His arrest, unjust trial, and horrifying crucifixion, Jesus looks at the crowd from the cross and says, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 (NLT). Jesus further challenges us in Matthew 5:38-42 (NIV) to follow His example and respond to evil with unexpected grace. How could you grow in grace? Invite Jesus to help you release any resentment you’re holding onto and show you what unexpected kindness might look like in your life. Think about ways you could practice listening for and responding to God’s voice in situations you perceive as unfair. Commit to one act of grace this week, motivated by the hope that others would experience the love of Jesus through you.

Discussion Questions

For our Matthew series, we’re offering two options for discussing the sermon and Scripture. Choose option A or B to guide your group’s discussion time.

(A) The R.E.A.L. Bible Study Method:

1. Read the Passage. Start by reading Matthew 5:38-42 (NIV) out loud.

2. Explore the Theme. What is the main point or theme of the passage? What does this passage reveal about God and/or humanity? Consider these passages in your discussion: 1 Peter 3:9, John 10:27, Isaiah 30:21, 2 Peter 1:9, John 10:27-28.

3. Ask God. How do we apply these passages to our lives today? How might God be encouraging or challenging you?

4. Live It Out. What prayerful and specific action will you take based on these passages?

(B) Choose a couple of questions from each section below to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: Share a time you were impacted by an act of unexpected kindness.
  2. START HERE: Think about what typically offends you. Are you easily offended?
  3. START HERE: When was the last time you felt God prompting you to do something? Did you do it?
  4. KEEP GOING: How has God’s grace changed your life?
  5. KEEP GOING: When has someone treated you unfairly? How did you react?
  6. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 5:38-42 (NIV). What is Jesus calling you to do when someone does something against you?
  7. KEEP GOING: 1 Peter 3:9 (NLT). Have you ever repaid evil with evil? How did you feel afterward?
  8. KEEP GOING: Read John 10:27-28 (NLT). Jesus says, "My sheep listen to my voice." What do you think it means to “listen to” God? How do you practice listening to God or how do you want to grow in listening better?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: Read Isaiah 30:21 (NIV). When you’re hurt or upset, what could help you first listen for God’s voice before you react or respond?
  10. LIVE IT OUT: What could you do this week to surprise someone with grace?