I. Intro Main Theme: Christ can make us certain of His salvation. Isaiah 35:3–6
II. Do You Believe…?
1. Jesus is willing to deliver us from death. Number 19:11-22; Matthew 9:18-19
2. Jesus sees us. Matthew 9:20-22
3. Jesus’ power is not limited by our reason. Matthew 9:23-26
4. Trust in Christ’s mercy. 2 Samuel 7:12-13; Matthew 9:27-28
5. Faith is not about quantity, but trust in a Person. Matthew 9:29-31
6. Our witness matters. Joel 2:28-32; Matthew 9:32-33
7. Seeing is not always believing. Matthew 9:34
III. Assurance
1. Find assurance in Christ. Hebrew 11:1
2. Know the joy of Christ’s glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

​The Next Step Follow-Up Questions
§ What’s one of your favorite things about spring?
§ If you could ask God to change one thing about our world, what would it be?
§ Why do you think the synagogue leader responded to Jesus differently than the other Jewish leaders?
§ What made Jesus stopping for the woman who was subject to bleeding so remarkable?
§ What are ways we sometimes limit what Jesus can do in our lives or the lives of others?
§ How has trusting in Jesus’ mercy affected you lately?
§ How can seeking to bring glory God lead to us experiencing His joy as a church?
§ What’s something from Matthew 9:18-34 that you believe about Christ?

I. Intro Main Theme: We show we’ve received mercy by demonstrating mercy.
II. Follow Me
A. Jesus changes us. Matthew 9:9a
B. Jesus’ mercy moved Matthew. Matthew 9:9b
III. Having Dinner
A. Jesus had dinner with sinners. Matthew 9:10a
B. Matthew invited people like him. Matthew 9:10b
IV. The Sick
A. People resist God’s authority. Matthew 9:11; John 8:1-11
B. The unhealthy don’t think they need a Doctor. Psalm 51:5; Matthew 9:12; Ephesians 2:1
V. Desire Mercy
A. Christ commands New Covenant faithfulness. Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:13a; John 13:34
B. Respond to Christ’s offer to follow Him. Matthew 9:13b; 2 Corinthians 5:17
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​The Next Step Follow-Up Questions
§ What’s one of the most rewarding things you’ve ever done working at a job?
§ What’s something from Sunday’s message on Matthew 9:9-13 you found convicting, encouraging, or confusing?
§ What’s something people get wrong about what it means to follow Christ?
§ Why do you think Matthew wanted to have a party and invite his friends after he started following Jesus?
§ Why do you think many Christians lose connections with their unbelieving friends after they believe?
§ What were the Pharisees doing at Matthew’s dinner party? What were they missing about what God was doing through His Son?
§ How can we learn to desire mercy instead of sacrifice?
§ Is there any thoughts or attitudes you need to change based on what we covered in Matthew 9:9-13?

I. Intro
​Main Theme: In Christ we can feast at His table. Philippians 4:11-13
II. Fast
A. Fasting was a way of life for God’s people. Matthew 9:14a
B. When Christ appeared fasting changed. Matthew 9:14b
III. With Them
A. Christ’s presence brings joy! Isaiah 62:5; Matthew 9:15a
B. We’re meant to hunger for God. Matthew 5:6; 9:15b
IV. New Wine
A. We are no longer obligated to fast. Matthew 9:16-17a; Romans 4:3
B. Fasting in Christ frees us. Matthew 9:17b
V. Set Apart
​A. Fasting prepares us for ministry. John 5:17; Acts 13:2
B. Fasting demonstrates dependance on Christ. Acts 13:3

​The Next Step Follow-Up Questions
§ What’s one of your favorite snacks?
§ What’s something from Sunday’s message on Matthew 9:14-17 you hope we talk about as a group?
§ How do many people misunderstand Christian fasting?
§ If you’ve never fasted, what’s something that prevents you from fasting?
§ What are some of the dangers of fasting?
§ How can fasting help us grow as followers of Christ?
§ In what ways could fasting help us to grow as a church?
§ What’s a specific way you can respond to Matthew 9:14-17?

​I. Intro Big Idea: Jesus has the authority to rescue us from darkness.
II. At the Other Side
A. Jesus’ ministry widened to reach all. Matthew 8:28a; Romans 1:16; Revelation 5:9
B. The Bible reveals our spiritual condition. Matthew 8:28b; John 10:10; Ephesians 4:26-27
III. Before the Appointed Time
A. Demons recognize the Person, power, and authority of Jesus. Matthew 8:29a; Acts 19:13-16; James 2:19
B. Evil has and will be destroyed. Matthew 8:29b; John 8:32; Colossians 2:13-15; Revelation 20:7-10
IV. The Herd
A. Evil seeks habitation. Deuteronomy 14:8; Matthew 8:30-31
B. Jesus is greater than Satan! Matthew 8:32; Luke 10:18; 1 John 4:4; James 4:7
V. When They Saw Him…
A. We must report Christ’s restorations. Matthew 8:33
B. We must choose between Jesus and pigs. Matthew 8:34; John 3:19-20

​The Next Step Follow-Up Questions
§ What’s something that took you a long time to learn?
§ What’s something from Sunday’s message on Matthew 8:28-34 you hope we talk about as a group?
§ How do people sometimes misunderstand Satan and his influence on people?
§ How might you have been confused or deceived about the influence of the devil in our world?
§ Read 1 John 4:4. Why is it important to recognize and respond to the truth that Christ is greater than Satan?
§ How can remembering that Christ has and will defeat Satan help us in our struggles with evil?
§ What are ways we can take our stand against the enemy individually and as a church?
§ What’s a specific way you can respond to Matthew 8:28-34?

I. Intro Main Theme: Jesus has authority to forgive our sins. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
II. Brought to Him…
A. Jesus dwelled in our neighborhood. Matthew 9:1; Mark 2:1-12; John 1:14
B. Charles Spurgeon, “God helps those who can’t help themselves.” Matthew 9:2a
III. Saw Their Faith…
A. We often misdiagnosis our problem. Matthew 9:2b; John 3:17
B. The teachers of the law missed our Physician. Matthew 9:3
IV. Get Up
A. Jesus knows us. Psalm 139:2; Matthew 9:4; Hebrew 4:13
B. Jesus argued from the greater to the lesser. Matthew 9:5
V. Authority
A. Trust in Jesus’ authority to forgive you. Matthew 9:6-7
B. Glorify God by proclaiming Jesus’ authority. Matthew 9:8

​The Next Step Follow-Up Questions
§ What was a high and a low of your week?
§ Why do you think Matthew, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, included Matthew 9:1-8 at this point in his Gospel?
§ Who’s a friend who has helped you get closer to Christ?
§ Why do you think Jesus pointed out the faith of the paralyzed man’s friends?
§ In what ways can we be like the Pharisees in this account?
§ How can trusting in Jesus’ authority to forgive sin bring healing in our lives?
§ Are there any inappropriate ways of telling the story of our faith in Christ? What are ways telling our story can be helpful?
§ Is there anything Jesus said in Matthew 9:1-8 you need to take more seriously?