Why did the Pharisees and scribes care so much about the disciples not washing their hands?
Are there any church traditions that you hold sacred that would be alarming or at a minimum be disappointing if someone didn’t do them (Christmas Eve service, singing hymns, ABFs, Fall Fest, communion, having a cross in the sanctuary, paper bulletins, offering plate, etc.)
Verse 3-9: Have you ever had a time on your relationship with your kids/a friend where they treated you well so long as they were able to get something from you instead of having a truly mutually loving relationship with you?
Have you had or do you have a relationship with God that demonstrated that you would honor Him so long as you received a reward in return? Why do people think they can have a transactional relationship with God? Do you think God looks at your actions or your heart?
What is the difference between a Christian who only pays lip service to God as opposed to someone whose heart belongs to God?
Verse 10-14: Do you think Jesus was offensive? Is there something offensive about Jesus and the gospel? Why or why not? Is it ever ok to offend someone?
Verse 15-20: What are some rituals that various church people have that make them feel holy or right with God (what they wear, certain prayers, daily mass, abstinence from certain substances, blue laws, etc.)? Do you think you can obey every Old Testament law and still disappoint God?
What defiles a person in God’s eyes?
Verse 21-28: Why do you think Jesus turned the woman away at first? Why would Jesus say, “it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs?” Why did Jesus end up answering the woman’s request?
Do you think we can change God’s mind? Do you think there’s any benefit to going to God on your knees?
Verse 29-31: Jesus used miracles to demonstrate his power and authority during his ministry. In what way does Jesus demonstrate his power and authority today? Does Jesus still demonstrate his power and authority or was all of the evidence of his power and authority in the past?
Verse 32-39: After feeding the 5,000 just one chapter ago, why do you think Jesus did it a second time? Why did the disciples ask, “where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so treat a crowd?” Do you think they forgot?
Do you ever have trouble remembering the goodness of God? Why do you think we can be so thankful one day and in such despair the next? How does God respond to our forgetfulness?