Chasing What Matters

Service Times: 9:15a & 10:45a

Chasing What Matters

Author

The Gospel of Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew (Levi), a tax collector whom Jesus called to be one of His twelve disciples. As both a former insider to Roman systems and a follower of Christ, Matthew brings a unique lens to Jesus’ ministry, highlighting His authority, mercy, and fulfillment of Old Testament promises.The Gospel of Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew, a tax collector and one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Though the text itself doesn’t name its author, the early church unanimously affirmed him as the author.

Audience

Matthew wrote primarily to a Jewish-Christian audience, connecting Jesus to Old Testament prophecies and emphasizing His identity as the long-awaited Messiah. He carefully structures his Gospel to show that Jesus fulfills God’s promises to Israel while also extending His kingdom to the nations.

Purpose

In Matthew 9-12, we see a shift. Jesus is no longer just healing and calling – He’s confronting. He challenges religious assumptions, redefines family, invites the weary to rest, and calls His followers into mission. As Jesus moves with increasing clarity and boldness, the crowds are forced to decide: Will we keep chasing what the world values? Or will we chase what matters most?

Genre

Matthew is a historical and theological narrative, blending biography with teaching. It records Jesus’ miracles, sermons, and interactions, demonstrating His authority as both the promised King and the ultimate teacher of God’s kingdom.

Date

Most scholars believe Matthew was written between 60-80 AD, likely after Mark’s Gospel but before the final separation between Judaism and Christianity. This places it in a time when early believers were wrestling with how Jesus’ teachings fit within Jewish traditions.

Sermon Discussion Guide

Matthew 9:9-13
  1. Read Matthew 9:9-13 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What stands out about Jesus’ invitation to Matthew? 
  2. Why do you think Jesus chose to spend time with people others avoided? 
  3. What are some ways we can live out Jesus’ call to pursue those far from God? 
  4. What might you need to leave behind to follow Jesus more fully?
Matthew 9:14-17
  1. Read Matthew 9:14-17 and/or recap this week’s sermon. How does Jesus’ metaphor about new wine challenge old religious mindsets? 
  2. What might "old wineskins" look like in our lives today? 
  3. How can we remain open to the new work Jesus wants to do in us? 
  4. What changes might Jesus be inviting you to make in how you live out your faith?
Matthew 9:35-38
  1. Read Matthew 9:35-38 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What moved Jesus to compassion in this passage? 
  2. Why do you think Jesus links compassion to mission? 
  3. Who in your life is spiritually harassed or helpless? How can you respond? 
  4. What might it look like for you to be a "worker in the harvest" right now?
Matthew 10:1-15
  1. Read Matthew 10:1-15 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What stands out about how Jesus sends the disciples? 
  2. Why do you think dependence on God is central to the mission? 
  3. Where is Jesus calling you to go, serve, or speak? 
  4. What are some practical ways you can rely more on God and less on your own strength?

Matthew 10:16-25

  1. Read Matthew 10:16-25 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What does this passage teach about the cost of following Jesus? 
  2. Why do you think fear can so easily sideline our faith? 
  3. How have you experienced fear or pushback in your faith journey? 
  4. What would it look like to choose boldness instead of comfort this week?
Matthew 10:26-33
  1. Read Matthew 10:26-33 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What comforts or challenges you in this passage? 
  2. How does this text help reframe our worries in light of God’s care? 
  3. What are you currently tempted to chase out of fear instead of faith? 
  4. Where do you need to rest in the fact that you are deeply known and loved by God?
Matthew 11:28-30
  1. Read Matthew 11:28-30 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What does Jesus promise to the weary and burdened? 
  2. How is Jesus’ "yoke" different from what the world or religion often puts on us? 
  3. Where are you carrying burdens Jesus never asked you to carry? 
  4. What would it look like to walk with Jesus at His pace this week?
Matthew 12:1-14
  1. Read Matthew 12:1-14 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What is Jesus really confronting in this passage? 
  2. How have you experienced the tension between religion and rest? 
  3. What does a modern Sabbath look like in your current season? 
  4. How can you practice real rest that points to trust in God?
Matthew 12:22-37
  1. Read Matthew 12:22-37 and/or recap this week’s sermon. Why is Jesus' teaching here so sobering? 
  2. What do you think it means to bear good fruit in your life? 
  3. Where do you see division in your heart, home, or habits? 
  4. How can you pursue deeper alignment with Jesus this week?
Matthew 12:46-50
  1. Read Matthew 12:46-50 and/or recap this week’s sermon. Why does Jesus redefine family here? 
  2. What does it mean to belong to the family of God? 
  3. How has spiritual community played a role in your life? 
  4. What’s one step you can take to build deeper relationships with your church family?
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Sermons