Session 8
Jesus Against Religion
“They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.” Matthew 23:4
Open (5 minutes)
What is one “mask” people feel they have to wear at church?
Read together
Matthew 23:1-4, 23-28; Mark 7:1-13; James 1:27. The teaching is at wordsoftheapostle.com/teaching.php?t=religion
Talk about it
- Jesus was gentle with people and hard on systems. Where do you see that in the Gospels?
- What is the difference between a tradition that helps and one that stands between people and God?
- “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” How can rule-keeping crowd out mercy?
- James describes the religion God wants. Who are the “widows and orphans” in our town?
Remember this
Jesus was hard on man-made religion and gentle with people. He did not come to give you a better mask. He came to give you a new heart and real rest.
Pray
Jesus, take off our masks. Make us honest, gentle and merciful like You.
This week
Visit, call or help one lonely person this week.
Leader tip: be hard on rules and gentle with people. Some in your group may have carried these burdens for years. Let them talk.