| Text: Matthew 23 (and many others) Theme: Jesus wants you to see self-righteousness is not the way to be right with God- it is His grace that makes you good. Open the Scriptures Where do you see the Pharisees missing the heart of God in these texts, and what does Jesus seem to care about most instead? (see also, Matt 12; Mark 7; Matt 23; Luke 18) In Matthew 23, which “woe” feels most uncomfortable or confronting to you—and why? In Luke 18:9–14, what’s the real difference between the Pharisee and the tax collector—beyond behavior? Open your Lives Where are you most tempted to build your sense of “being okay with God” on performance, spiritual habits, morality, knowledge, leadership, or comparison with others? What’s one way you’ve noticed “tradition” or Christian culture shaping you more than Jesus lately? When you fail spiritually, what’s your instinct: hide, perform harder, judge others, or run toward Jesus? |
| The Bridge Church at Bear Creek |
