Surrender

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

Surrender

Author

The Gospel of Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew (Levi), a tax collector turned disciple of Jesus. As someone who left behind a life of comfort and power to follow Christ, Matthew offers a unique perspective on what it means to trust Jesus completely – especially when that trust comes at a cost.

Audience

Matthew’s Gospel speaks first to a Jewish-Christian audience, connecting Jesus to the Old Testament promises they knew by heart. But his message stretches far wider. In these chapters, Matthew shows how Jesus invites both insiders and outsiders into a kingdom built not on status or strength, but surrender.

Purpose

Matthew 14-20 is where understanding becomes action. Jesus moves beyond explaining the kingdom; He asks His disciples to trust it. From walking on water to predicting the cross, Jesus invites His followers to surrender control, face their fears, and choose the narrow road.

Genre

Matthew is a theological narrative combining biography, prophecy, and instruction. In chapters 14-20, the tone shifts. The miracles, parables, and conversations aren’t just dramatic – they’re deeply personal, designed to test and grow the faith of Jesus’ followers.

Date

Most scholars date the Gospel between 60–80 AD, a time when the early church faced persecution, disappointment, and disillusionment. In this climate, Matthew’s focus on trust, discipleship, and the cost of following Jesus would have hit close to home, and still does.

Sermon Discussion Guide

Matthew 14:22–33

  1. Read Matthew 14:22–33 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What stands out to you about Peter’s decision to step out of the boat—and his moment of sinking?
  2. Fear often speaks louder than faith when life feels out of control. What storms in your life make it hardest to keep your eyes on Jesus?
  3. Jesus didn’t rebuke Peter for stepping out, only for doubting. How does that shift your understanding of what it means to have “little faith”?
  4. In what area of your life might Jesus be inviting you to take a bold step of trust? What would it look like to respond, even if you're afraid?

Matthew 15:1–20

  1. Read Matthew 15:1–20 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What is Jesus challenging about the Pharisees' traditions, and why does it matter?
  2. Are there any spiritual habits in your life that have become more about routine than connection with God?
  3. What does it look like to move from external performance to inward transformation?
  4. How can we guard our hearts against hypocrisy and cultivate a more genuine faith?

Matthew 15:21–28

  1. Read Matthew 15:21–28 and/or recap this week’s sermon. How would you describe the Canaanite woman’s faith?
  2. What do you do when it feels like God is silent or distant?
  3. Have you ever experienced a delayed answer to prayer? How did that shape your relationship with God?
  4. What does this passage teach us about persistence and humility in approaching Jesus?

Matthew 15:29–39

  1. Read Matthew 15:29–39 and/or recap this week’s sermon. How does Jesus’ compassion show up in this story, and what does it reveal about His heart?
  2. Where in your life do you feel like you don’t have enough—time, energy, resources, faith?
  3. How does trusting God with your “little” create space for Him to do more than you imagined?
  4. What’s one area this week where you could offer what you have and ask God to multiply it?

  1. Matthew 16:13–20

    1. Read Matthew 16:13–20 and/or recap this week’s sermon. Why do you think Jesus asks His disciples this question?
    2. How would you answer the question, “Who is Jesus to you?”—not just in words, but in the way you live?
    3. Peter got the words right, but didn’t yet fully understand. Where do you find yourself still growing in your understanding of Jesus?
    4. How does knowing Jesus as the Christ change the way you approach your struggles, relationships, or goals?

Matthew 16:21–28

  1. Read Matthew 16:21–28 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What is surprising or challenging about Jesus’ teaching here?
  2. What does “taking up your cross” mean in your everyday life right now?
  3. Where do you struggle to surrender your plans, comfort, or control to Jesus?
  4. Why is it so hard to believe that losing is actually gaining in God’s kingdom?

Matthew 17:1–13

  1. Read Matthew 17:1–13 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What do you notice about the disciples’ response to the Transfiguration?
  2. How has your view of Jesus changed over time? In what ways has He become more real or more holy to you?
  3. What’s the difference between knowing facts about Jesus and truly seeing Him for who He is?
  4. What might change in your life if you began to see Jesus more clearly and worship Him more fully?

Matthew 17:14–21

  1. Read Matthew 17:14–21 and/or recap this week’s sermon. Why do you think the disciples were unable to heal the boy?
  2. Where do you feel stuck in your faith right now—like the mountain just won’t move?
  3. What’s one bold prayer you’ve stopped praying because you weren’t seeing results?
  4. What would it look like to trust God with “mustard seed faith” this week?

Matthew 18:1–9

  1. Read Matthew 18:1–9 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What does Jesus teach about greatness in the kingdom of heaven?
  2. What kinds of things compete for your attention or shape your heart in ways that pull you from Jesus?
  3. Jesus calls for radical action against sin. What’s one thing you might need to remove or shift to protect your walk with Him?
  4. How can cultivating childlike faith help you live more fully in God’s kingdom?

Matthew 18:21–35

  1. Read Matthew 18:21–35 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What does this parable reveal about God’s expectations for those who have been forgiven?
  2. Why do we sometimes struggle to forgive even when we know we’ve been forgiven?
  3. Is there someone you need to forgive—or forgive again? What’s holding you back?
  4. How can remembering the depth of God’s grace to you empower you to forgive others?

Matthew 19:1–12

  1. Read Matthew 19:1–12 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What stands out to you about how Jesus responds to the Pharisees’ question on divorce?
  2. What does this passage teach us about God’s original intent for marriage and commitment?
  3. Whether you're married, single, or divorced, how can you honor God’s design for relationships in your life?
  4. How can the church come alongside those who are struggling in their marriages or healing from broken ones?

Sermons