Hard Sayings of Jesus

Lesson 7

More Righteous than Teachers of the Law?

Opening Prayer

Dear Savior, your grace is amazing. We thank you for a love that sought us out and found us. Continue to safeguard us through the dangers of this world until we stand safely in our eternal home. Amen.

Introduction

A key scene in the movie Saving Private Ryan is an exchange between the title character and the man who was giving his life for him. Having heard what was said – what is striking about it? What’s your reaction to it?

How is that different from the words Jesus speaks to us?

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. (Ephesian 4:1)

Studying God’s Word – Justification by Grace Alone through faith

Matthew 5:17-20 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

How do Jesus’ words seem to deny salvation by grace?

Who are the Pharisee’s? How does understanding who they are help us understand what Jesus is saying?

Scan the verses in chapter 5 that follow verse 20. How does Jesus emphasize the need for this righteousness?

These words serve as a mirror to show our sinfulness. Consider Romans 3:20: “No one will be declared righteous in [God’s] sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.” Think of other passages in which Jesus and the Bible speak this way.

What is the point of Jesus’ words?

Does the righteousness of the believer surpass that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law? Why?

The law speaks a hard message, but one we all need to hear. Discuss ways to share this truth with others in our society. How do you know when someone needs to hear it, and how can you share it?

Key Point: At times, Jesus spoke about righteousness to ____________ our sins.

Studying God’s Word – Parable of the Talents

Matthew 25:14-30 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. 15 To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. 17 So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. 18 But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’ 21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

22 “The man with the two talents also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.’ 23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

24 “Then the man who had received the one talent came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ 26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

28 “ ‘Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. 29 For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Considering the context…

Who is the man going on a journey?

What does the master’s long journey represent?

To whom does he leave his property?

What does the master’s return represent?

You could be forgiven for considering the master, Jesus, the “villain” of the story! What does he seem to be interested in?

How is the word “talent” used in this parable? (read the following four passages below on your own, and develop an answer)

Exodus 31:1-3 “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts—

Esther 4:14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”

Romans 12:6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.

Job 42:10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before.

This parable isn’t simply about actions; it’s about attitudes.

What does the unfaithful servant think the master cares about?

Look at the master’s reaction to the faithful servants. Identify his real goal for them.

When do we need to hear words like this?

What does this parable about faithful Christian service have to do with salvation?

Take one minute and list reasons why the following is an important truth: Understanding grace is the most powerful thing for living our Christian lives. Compare group responses.

Even when Jesus preaches the law that shows our sins, his desire is so that he can proclaim salvation. How do the following passages proclaim grace?

Matthew 21:31,32 Jesus said to [the temple leaders], “I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.”

John 3:16 “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Luke 23:43 Jesus answered [the criminal], “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Agree/Disagree: This parable is another strong reminder that while good works will not save us, God earnestly desires to see a life full of good works.

Explain: The fact that it is the Lord who distributes “talents…each according to his ability” keeps us from both pride and envy.

Key Points

Jesus preaches that perfect righteousness is necessary because it ________. When he does this, his words reveal the sin that we like to ___________.

Grace, when properly understood and received in faith, ______________ our lives and moves us to action.

In the clearest terms possible, Jesus preaches the gospel that salvation comes by God’s ____________.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, your love is seen clearly in your Son’s sacrifice for our sins. In his resurrection, we witness the certainty of our forgiveness and resurrection. As we listen to your Word, give us joy in our hearts and confidence that we live with you now and forever. Amen.

During the Week

Jesus’ teachings at times point out our self-righteousness, at times our complacency. He calls us to struggle against both. Consider sitting down with a Christian whom you trust. Ask that person to honestly (and gently!) see places in your faith life where you may need to renew your struggle against sin in response to God’s love. This conversation may be with your spouse, an adult child of yours, or a close Christian friend.

Grace is harder to understand when we refuse to show it in our own lives. There’s a reason why Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” Think of one person in your life right now who has hurt you. Think of one concrete way you can show grace to him or her. (A note of caution: Our obligation to show grace doesn’t obligate us to put ourselves in a position for others to harm us.)