Above and Beyond

One at a Time In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us guidance on how to treat people who mistreat us. In short, his teaching is to go the extra mile and meet people with radical generosity. Today, we can love one at a time by going above and beyond for the person in front of us. For The One Vision: Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we walk with each one in our communities so that together we experience life as Jesus meant it to be. Opener: 1. What was the game your family played the most growing up? 2. In what ways are you most tempted to “keep score” in your relationships? Discussion Questions: 1. According to Tim Mackie, in Matthew 5 Jesus is “exposing injustice through shocking generosity.” What is your reaction to how Jesus advises his listeners (read Matthew 5:38-43 if you need a refresher)? What might going the extra mile look like in today’s context, or specifically in your life? 2. In Matthew 5:43-48, what is Jesus teaching about how we are to treat one another? How does this passage encourage or challenge you? 3. Read Luke 10:25-37. Where do you see overlap between this teaching and Jesus’ teaching from Matthew 5? What is Jesus’ posture around the Law from these two passages? 4. Discuss the ways in which Jesus goes the extra mile. How does he embody what it means to love others beyond what they deserve? What has he done for you? 5. Is feeling love a necessary part of acting out of love? Go Deeper: 1. Is there a difference between those who were considered enemies in Jesus’ day and who we consider to be our enemies today? What makes someone “an enemy”? 2. Are there challenges to going the extra mile today that are different from in Jesus’ time? What obstacles get in the way of going the extra mile? Explain. Live it Out Section: Take some time in group to discuss how you will live it out this week Spiritual Practice: Pray each day for someone you find difficult to love. Practicing Presence Tip: When someone frustrates you, choose curiosity instead of reaction. Ask: What might be going on in their world? Holy Inconvenience: Do something this week that isn’t your responsibility—at work, at home, or for a neighbor. Prayer Prompt: Have each member share a name (if possible) and specifically pray for someone they feel called to love this week. Pray that God will help each of us go the extra mile.