Unpacking the Message

Our message-based small group meets on Wednesdays at 6:00 at the church.  Each week, we will be discussing the sermon.  Everyone is welcome!

October 26, 2025 / Shawn Lind

1. Jesus covered lust, divorce, vows, revenge, and loving enemies.  Which of these topics do you think is the hardest for people to talk about today — and why?

 Read Matthew 5:27–30

“Anyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

2. What’s the difference between seeing someone attractive and looking with lust?

3. Why do you think Jesus used such extreme language about gouging out eyes and cutting off hands?

4. What “guardrails” have you put in your life to protect your heart and mind?

5. What are some modern examples of “cutting it off” — things you might need to delete, avoid, or walk away from for purity’s sake?

Read Matthew 5:31–32

“A man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery.”

6. In Jesus’ time, divorce was easy for men but devastating for women.  How was Jesus actually defending women and protecting marriage here?

7. What does this tell us about how seriously God takes marriage and commitment?

8. For those who’ve experienced divorce or broken trust, how can God bring healing and redemption?

9. Why do you think people feel the need to “swear” or “promise” to prove they’re telling the truth?

10. What does a trustworthy person look like in your world — and how can you become more like that?

Read Matthew 5:38–42

“If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other also.”

11. Jesus wasn’t telling us to be doormats — so what was He really teaching here?

How does “turning the other cheek” actually show strength and confidence in God?

12. When’s a time you had the opportunity to get even — but chose peace instead? What happened?

13. Which of the four “rights” (dignity, legal, personal, property) do you find hardest to surrender?

14. Who would you say is your “enemy” — or someone that’s hard to love right now?

15. Why do you think Jesus asked us to pray for our enemies instead of just ignoring them?