Weekly Bible Study | July 14 & 15, 2026

Small Group Study / Learning the Gentle Way of Jesus

Wow, what a weekend we just shared – Celebrating 75 years of ministry! Well done! That was a MAJOR undertaking, to say the least. So much time and effort – so much “blood, sweat and tears” expended as many of us were focusing on a LOT of details while wanting to get everything “just right.” After such a large effort, it’s natural to feel exhausted – both physically and spiritually. So this week is a good time to be reminded of Jesus’ constant invitation to come to him in our weariness and find rest for our souls.

ZOOM Session

Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

IN PERSON Session

Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 1:00 pm-2:00 pm, Conference Room, McGee Building.

Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 626 688 7263

Passcode: DEVOTIONAL

Opening Prayer

Gracious God, you know the burdens we carry and the questions we bring. Quiet our hearts so that we may hear Christ’s invitation to come and find rest. Through your Holy Spirit, make us teachable, humble, and open to your transforming grace. Help us leave this study more committed to following Jesus in our daily lives. Amen.

Scripture: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

¹⁶“But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, ¹⁷‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ ¹⁸For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; ¹⁹the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”

²⁵At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; ²⁶yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. ²⁷All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. ²⁸“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Discussion Questions:

1. In verse 16-19 Jesus compares his generation to children who refuse to participate in either joyful or sorrowful games. Why do you think Jesus used children playing in the marketplace as his illustration?

2. What does this story reveal about the people who criticized both John and Jesus?

3. Why is criticism often easier than openness?

4. Where do you see this attitude in today’s world?

5. Can churches sometimes become so focused on preferences that they miss God’s larger mission?

6. Without naming individuals: What attitudes or habits make it difficult for us to recognize God’s work today?

7. When Jesus thanks God for revealing truth to “infants,” he is describing people who remain open and receptive to God. When you think of “healthy childlike faith,” what qualities come to mind?

8. Which of these becomes harder as we grow older?

9. Read verses 28–30 again slowly, and imagine Jesus speaking these words directly to you. What burdens are you carrying? What kinds of burdens do people carry today? Which burdens seem especially common in your community?

10. Jesus says, “Come to me…” What could be keeping people from accepting that invitation?

11. Why do we sometimes continue carrying burdens by ourselves?

12. Jesus says, “My yoke is easy.” A yoke connected two animals so they could work together. Following Jesus does not eliminate responsibility. Instead, Jesus promises that we never carry life’s burdens alone. What do you think it means to be “yoked” to Christ?

13. How is that different from trying to manage life on your own?

14. Jesus describes himself this way: “I am gentle and humble in heart.” What would a church look like if it truly reflected the gentleness of Jesus? How could our congregation become more known for:

• welcoming people
• listening well
• extending grace
• sharing burdens
• practicing humility

15. What is one concrete step we could take this month?

Spiritual Practice

This week, seek a way to accept Christ’s invitation. Here are a few suggestions you might consider…

·         Begin each morning by praying Matthew 11:28–30.

·         Spend five minutes each day in silence, simply resting in God’s presence.

·         Offer encouragement to someone carrying a heavy burden.

·         Perform one quiet act of kindness without seeking recognition.

·         Reach out to someone who may need companionship or prayer.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for inviting us just as we are. When we become distracted by criticism, teach us to listen. When we become proud, teach us humility. When we become weary, remind us that your grace is sufficient. Help us to take your yoke upon us—not as a burden to fear, but as a way of life marked by love, compassion, and peace. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, make us a community where the weary find rest, the lonely find friendship, and all people encounter your welcoming grace. In your holy name we pray. Amen.