Day 1:  Matthew 28:1-10  (Sermon Focus)
Day 2:  Matthew 28:11-15  False Rumors
Day 3:  Matthew 28:16-20  The Great Commission

Day 4:  Reflect…
He is risen!  He is risen, indeed!!

What does it mean to be filled with both fear and great joy?

Why would the women be afraid?  

Imagine the wonder and amazement at being witnesses to the Resurrection.  How would you react?

What sorts of false rumors still circulate about Jesus, his death, and his resurrection?

Is it surprising to you that even at the end of the Gospel, some still doubt Jesus?  Why do they doubt?  Do you find any comfort or hope in their doubts?

What does Jesus call the disciples to do?  How do they live out this task?

How should we live out the call of Jesus?

Day 1:  Matthew 21:1-17  Palm Sunday (Sermon Focus)
​Day 2:  Matthew 26:17-30  The Last Supper
Day 3:  Matthew 26:57-75  Peter denies Jesus
Day 4:  Matthew 27:27-61  Crucifixion
Day 5:  Matthew 27:62-66  Sealed in the Tomb

Day 6:  Reflect…
What did the people hope for as Jesus rode into Jerusalem?
What does it mean to you that Jesus offers himself to us in the gift of the Communion meal?
When have you, like Peter, been embarrassed to be connected to Jesus?
What was the impact of Jesus’ death on the earth?  The curtain in the Temple separated the people from God’s presence, what does it mean that it tore into two?
Imagine the pain and sadness they must have felt as the tomb was sealed with Jesus’ body.  Take time today, to pray for all who have felt the loss and emptiness of the death of a loved one

We are getting close to Holy Week, and so some of these readings are from that timeline.  However, so that you have ample time to read each section and meditate on it, I’ve moved up some of the readings.
Day 1:  Matthew 25:31-46  (Sermon Focus)
Day 2:  Matthew 26:1-16  Anointing of Jesus
Day 3:  Matthew 26:47-56  Betrayal in the Garden
Day 4:  Matthew 27:1-26  Trial before Pilate​

Day 5:  Reflect…
What do we learn most honors Jesus from the parable of the Sheep and the Goats?

Why were the disciples angry about the anointing Jesus received at Simon’s house?  Why did Jesus praise the woman?

Why do you think this act prompted Judas to betray Jesus?

How does Jesus respond to the betrayal in the Garden?

What does Judas’ remorse teach us about his actions?

Why was Pilate amazed at Jesus’ lack of response at the trial?

How do we usually respond to betrayal?  What can we learn from Jesus’s actions in this passage?

Day 1:  Matthew 25:1-13  (Sermon Focus)
​Day 2:  Matthew 24:36-51  The coming of the Son of Man
Day 3:  Matthew 25:14-30  Parable of the Talents
Day 4:  Matthew 26:31-46  The struggle to stay awake

Day 5:  Reflect…
The challenge in all of these passages is to stay awake and alert for the coming of the Son of Man.  What things can we do to prepare for the return of Jesus?

In the Parable of the Talents, the servants who earn praise, invested the master’s money.  How can you invest the gifts God has given you?

In the Garden of Gethsemane, the disciples struggled to stay awake and pray with Jesus.  When have you struggled to pray?

What helps you to focus on your prayers?

Day 1:  Matthew 22:1-14  (Sermon Focus)
​Day 2:  Matthew 22:15-45  Discussions with Pharisees & others
Day 3:  Matthew 23:1-39  Woes for those hypocrites & others
Day 4:  Matthew 24:1-35  Signs of the end of the age

Day 5:  Reflect…
What do we learn about the Kingdom of God from the Parable of the Wedding Banquet?

Several weeks ago, we read the “woes” and compared them to the Beatitudes.  As you skim this passage again, does anything new stand out?  If you could summarize this passage in a few sentences, what is Jesus really teaching?

The passages from Matthew which talk about the End of the Age are challenging.  In spite of all of the frightening events which are predicted, we are meant to concentrate on being faithful.  We do not know when the end will come, but we do know how to live in the meantime.  We are to live in faithfulness to God and to care for those around us.  What fears does this passage stir for you?  How can we stay faithful in frightening times

Day 1:  Matthew 20:1-16  (Sermon Focus)
Day 2:  Matthew 20:17-28  Argument among disciples
Day 3:  Matthew 20:29-34  Jesus heals men who are blind
Day 4:  Matthew 21:1-32  Jesus curses fig tree
Day 5:  Matthew 21:33-46  Cornerstone rejected
Day 6:  Reflect…
What do we learn about the Kingdom of God from the parable about the laborers in the vineyard?
What lesson does Jesus teach James and John (and their mother)?
As Jesus heals the men who were blind, he asks, “what do you want me to do for you?”  Sometimes it is important to name our needs to God.  If Jesus asked you this question, how would you respond?
Why is it that humanity has a tendency to “reject the cornerstone” from God, or to reject God’s good gifts?

February 26 - March 4:  Forgiveness
Day 1:  Matthew 18:15-35  (Sermon Focus)
Day 2:  Matthew 18:15-22  Process of forgiveness
Day 3:  Matthew 18:23-35  Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
Day 4:  Matthew 19:1-12  Pharisees question Jesus
Day 5:  Matthew 19:16-30  Camel through eye of needle

Day 6:  Reflect…
Why does Matthew spend so much time talking about forgiveness?
What did the servant in the parable fail to understand when he was forgiven?
What does it feel like to be forgiven?
Who do you need to forgive?
What is Jesus teaching us about divorce and marriage?
​What is Jesus teaching us about wealth?

Day 1:  Matthew 16:24-17:8  (Sermon Focus)
​Day 2:  Matthew 17:9-23  Faith can move mountains
Day 3:  Matthew 17:24-27  Temple Tax
Day 4:  Matthew 18:1-9  (Ash Wednesday Reading)
Day 5:  Matthew 18:10-14  Lost Sheep

Day 6:  Reflect…
How do you think Peter, James, and John were changed by the experience of the Transfiguration?

How did this moment strengthen them for the work that would come?

According to Jesus, who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?  Why do you think this is so?

What does the parable of the lost sheep teach us about God?
As Lent begins this week, what is one habit you could change to grow closer to God?

Day 1:  Matthew 13:24-43  (Sermon Focus)
Day 2:  Matthew 13:47-58  No prophet accepted in hometown
Day 3:  Matthew 14:1-34  Walk on Water & Feeding of 5,000
Day 4:  Matthew 15:1-39  Blind guides & Feeding of 4,000
Day 5:  Matthew 16:1-23  Desire for a sign

Day 6:  Reflect…
​What lessons is Jesus trying to teach through the parables?  What do we learn about the Kingdom of God from these stories?

In the miracle stories, what do we learn about the power of God?  How do these miracles provide a glimpse into God’s kingdom?

Why do you think the Pharisees and Saducees ask for a sign?  What (if any) sign would have helped them believe Jesus came from God?

What helps you to trust in Jesus in a world that is often dismissive of faith?

Day 1:  Matthew 6:7-21  (Sermon Focus)
Day 2:  Matthew 6:25-34  Do not be anxious
Day 3:  Matthew 11:20-30  Trust in Jesus not material wealth
Day 4:  Matthew 13:1-23  Treasure from God bears much fruit
Day 5:  Matthew 13:44-45  Treasure in field & Parable of Pearl​

Day 6:  Reflect…
What is the treasure which Matthew teaches us about?
What are the worries Jesus tells us to be free from?  How does seeking God’s kingdom alleviate these worries?
The parables point to God’s abundance.  Where have you seen God’s abundance in your life?
What would you leave behind in order to seek the treasure of knowing God