Matthew 17: 14-27Pastor Willie Behrends Jesus brings the Disciples down from their ‘Mountain Top Experience’ into the ‘Valley’ of daily life; and it’s a valley filled with unbelief, Jesus' suffering, and taxes! Three things happen in this valley… I – Life’s ______________________ hits hard! (14-21) II – The ______________________ stays the same! (22-23) III – Their _____________________ has limits! (24-27) Today’s ‘Take-Aways.’ Ask Yourself…1. “How is my __________________ life?”2. “Do I see the ___________________ picture?”3. “How do I use my _______________________?” NEXT WEEK: Mother’s Day – Lessons From a Child! Matthew 18:1-14 Pastor Willie preaches from the English Standard Version Bible (ESV) ©2001 LIFE GROUP QUESTIONS… ‘Getting to know you…’Share about a ‘Mountain Top’ experience in your life. What made it so meaningful, and how did you feel when the experience ended? Read Matthew 17:14-27 (Questions based on the English Standard Version© (ESV) Bible, 2001) Questions…1. Read verses 14-21 (v. 21 is possibly in the footnotes.) Jesus says their failure to heal the boy was because of their ‘little faith’ (v. 20). What does this tell you about the difference between having faith, and actively cultivating your faith? What part does prayer play in all of this? 2. Read verses 22-23. Why do you think the disciples were ‘greatly distressed’ when Jesus talked about His death again? What does that say about their expectations of Him? What do you think the disciples were missing about Jesus’ mission? Do YOU ever do this? Explain. 3. In verses 24-27 Jesus explains to Peter that He, as the Son of the King (God), is free from paying the Temple Tax, (v. 26) yet He chooses to pay it to avoid offending others. How can Christians balance their freedom with their love for others in our ‘rights-focused’ culture? (see also I Cor 8:9 and Gal 5:13) GROW…What’s one practical step you can take this week to bring your ‘Mountain Top Faith’ into a ‘Valley’ situation you’re in right now? How does Jesus’ statement in verses 20-21 apply to you? (see also Heb 11:1 & Rom 10:17) GO…Is there a specific right or preference that you’ve given up, (or need to give up) for the sake of someone in Your World? Can you describe the situation and what you did, (or need to do)? Pray for each other as you go to Your Worlds this week

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