This Life Group season runs from April 12-May 30, 2026.
Followers of Jesus are citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. In Matthew 18, Jesus makes some important statements about the attitude of Kingdom citizens and the actions that mark them as his own. As you begin, read Matthew 18:1-14.
- The concerns of the disciples are not completely unfounded. They are thinking regularly about the Kingdom of Heaven. That’s good! What habits, thoughts, or Scriptures run through your mind regularly that are Kingdom-focused?
- Of course, the disciples don’t quite have the point. What does Jesus mean when he says they must become like children (2-5)?
- Jesus obviously notes that the way disciples treat children matters; it seems clear he means more than children though – those who are far from God can be deterred from coming closer because of the poor behavior of disciples. What are some ways that disciples of Jesus can create stumbling blocks for those who don’t yet know Jesus?
- Jesus’ language for disciples is hyperbolic (over-the-top to make a point). He does not mean you should literally cut off your hand! How seriously does Jesus take the issue of sin in among his disciples?
- How seriously should Jesus’ disciples take the issue of sin? How much have your attitudes about the seriousness of sin been more affected by the world than by Jesus?
- Jesus obviously has love for children, but also for child-like faith. Think of some people you know who have child-like faith. What are some lessons you can share from their example that can help you develop such faith?
This is a great time to consider how your group might engage in a service project sometime in the next couple of months.