Matthew 5:17-37

1. In this section of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus proposes standards that go beyond external ways of behaviour. He challenges our inner attitudes. When have you found that living out of inner conviction is more life-giving than keeping up appearances?

2. Jesus applies his teaching to feelings of anger and sexual desire. He suggests that if we do not keep an eye on our feelings and thoughts we will not be able to control our actions. Perhaps you have experienced the truth of this. What has helped you to integrate your feelings so that you were able to live in right relationship with yourself and others?

3. For Jesus, people with genuine authenticity do not need to swear an oath to be convincing. Their ‘yes' or ‘no' suffices. Recall people who had this kind of credibility for you. When have you found that your simple, direct and honest communication had a positive persuasive force?

4. In recent times public discourse sometimes has little respect for truth. What effect does this have on how you view politicians or other people in the public eye? What helps you to distinguish the truth from fake news?