Matthew 7: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Matthew 7 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Jesus instructs not to judge others, warning that the same judgment will be applied to them (vv. 1-2). He uses the analogy of a speck and a beam to encourage self-reflection before correcting others (vv.

Key verse

“Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.”
Matthew 7:12 (WEB)

Outline

Matthew 7:1–5 Judging Others and Self-Reflection
Matthew 7:6–11 Value of Prayer and Trust in God
Matthew 7:12–14 The Golden Rule and the Narrow Way
Matthew 7:15–20 Discernment of False Prophets
Matthew 7:21–23 True Discipleship Defined
Matthew 7:24–27 Wisdom in Building a Foundation
Matthew 7:28–29 Authority of Jesus' Teaching

Discussion questions

What image does Jesus use to represent hypocrisy in verses 3-4?
What does Jesus mean by 'pearls' in verse 6?
In vv. 21-23, why does Jesus emphasize doing the will of the Father?
The phrase 'I never knew you' in verse 23: what implications does this have for discipleship?
When has a time come when you faced a situation similar to 'the narrow gate' (v13)?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Matthew 7: Luke 6, Luke 11, James 1.

Before next time: read Matthew 8.