HOME GROUP DISCUSSION

- Does verse 1 of Matthew 7 mean people are to never make judgments about other people and things? Does having a log in your eye mean there is no speck in someone else's eye? What is the difference between judgment and being judgmental? What are some ways we are called to be discerning or make judgments?

- What did dogs and pigs have in common in Jesus' day? What do you think the pearl in verse 6 represents? (see Matthew 13:45-46) Is it possible there are times when continuing to share the gospel with someone is not the best plan? Have you ever experienced this in your life?

- Jesus begins talking about prayer in verse 7 - is it possible this is related to the previous six verses? How so? What do verses 7-11 imply about how often we should be praying? What do they imply about what to expect in answer to our prayers?

- Matthew 7:12 is often called "the golden rule." Why should we not ignore what Jesus says about the Law and the Prophets? How is the good news of Jesus the foundation for the golden rule?