Do You Reject God's Invitation? (Matthew 22:1-14)

“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son." (Mt 22:2). This is the 3rd of 3 polemic parables confronting the rigid legalistic political ecclesiastical establishment.

1. The Parable of the Two Sons (Mt 21:28-32).
2. The Parable of the Tenants (Mt 21:33-46).
3. The Parable of the Wedding Banquet (Mt 22:1-14). This 3rd parable is about:
   1. God's invitation (Mt 22:1-4, 8-10).
   2. Excuses we make (Mt 22:5-7).
   3. Preparation for God's kingdom (Mt 22:11-14).

Do Prostitutes Go to Heaven? (Matthew 21:28-32). Outline.

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of heaven ahead of you” (Matthew 21:31b).

1. The setting: To whom is Jesus speaking (Mt 21:23)? Why did they question his authority (Mt 21:9-10, 12-13, 15)? What prompted Jesus to tell them this parable [and the next 2] (Mt 21:24-27, 32, 38-39; 22:4, 5-6)? [These 3 parables are polemic parables.]
2. Who does the father and the 2 sons represent (Mt 21:28a, 31, 32; Lk 15:1-2)?
• What does this parable teach about the difference between words/promises, and actual obedience?

Can Smart People Be Stupid? Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Bonhoeffer's profound theory of stupidity argues that smart people can indeed be stupid because stupidity is a moral defect and a sociological problem, rather than a lack of intelligence; it is a voluntary psychological surrender of independent thought.

(Why Intelligent People Become Stupid? | Bonhoeffer’s Theory.) (The Terrifying Theory of Stupidity – Bonhoeffer.)

Is Forgiveness Nonnegotiable? (Matthew 18:21-35)

Can You Always Forgive From Your Heart? Peter...asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to 7 times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not 7 times, but 77 times" (Mt 18:21-22).

What if You Don't Forgive? “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart” (Mt 18:35).

• Can you always forgive from your heart (Mt 18:21-22)?
• What if you don't forgive (Mt 18:34-35)?

How "Happy" are You? (Matthew 5:3) [Makarios]; Outline of Matthew

"Happy are those who are poor in spirit, for it is to them that the kingdom of heaven belongs" (R. T. France).

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Mt 5:3, NIV).

"God blesses the beggars in spirit because theirs is Heavens' Empire" (Scot McKnight).

Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God" (Lk 6:20).

1. Is The Sermon on the Mount [SotM] addressed to the crowds or to the disciples (Mt 5:1-2; 7:28-29)? 
2. What does the word "blessed" [Greek makarios] mean (Mt 5:3a; 11:6; 13:16; 16:17; 24:46)?

What does it mean that Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath? (Matthew 12:8; Mark 2:28; Luke 6:5)

"For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath" (Mt 12:8). "So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath" (Mk 2:28). Then Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath" (Lk 6:5).

• What does the Sabbath mean to you practically?
• How did the Pharisees and religious leaders completely misunderstand the Sabbath?
• Why did they want to control how others kept the Sabbath (Mk 10:42)?
• Do you place expectations on how others should live?