Covenant Group Questions (2/26-3/5)

During our current sermon series focused on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, we will publish weekly a set of small group questions for your Covenant to make use of should you desire to use them.  Here are the questions for this week:

1. Read Mathew 5:33-37.
   
2. What is the original intent of the Mosaic law in verse 38 (Ex. 21:22-24, Lv. 24:13-23, Dt. 19:15-21) and in verse 43 (Lv. 19:17-18,33-34)?
   
3. Jesus commands that we are not to seek revenge even when faced with an injustice against ourselves.  He teaches that true justice is not retaliatory.  What practical implications does this have for our personal lives?  For the way we deal with our “justice system?”
   
4. How can a follower of the Sermon on the Mount deal with payback and retaliation as governments practice these actions?  Can a Christian serve in roles where retaliation of some form is expected (police or military)?  Give arguments for your choice.
   
5. In what practical ways do you love your friends?  How about acquaintances?  How about people who don't appeal to you so much?  How about enemies?  
   
6. In the movie, The Mission, Jesuit missionaries are bringing the Gospel to indigenous people in Brazil back in the 18th century.  But the Portuguese colonial government wants these people sold as slaves and sends soldiers.  The missionaries face two alternatives to the coming violence.  The character played by Robert DeNiro rallies some of the villagers to fight back.  But the priest played by Jeremy Irons chooses instead to celebrate a worship service.  Both are killed.  Which response has the most appeal to you as a follower of Christ?  What does this say about choices we face in the 21st century?
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