In the ShadowsSample

The Bible is full of really important stories. But sometimes when we read these stories of people who lived such a long time ago, we're not sure how their stories relate to our lives today. So let's take one of their stories and see how it relates to your story, and God's story too.

THEIR STORY

Take some notes about the story in today's passage of Scripture.

• Who is this story about? (There might be more than one person!)
• What happens to them?
• What do they learn?
• How is God involved in their story?

YOUR STORY

Now think about your story.

• Who did you relate to most in the story you just read and why?
• Have you ever experienced anything similar to the story you just read?
• How is your story different from the story you just read?
• Have you ever had to learn a similar lesson?
• Has God ever been involved in your story in a similar way?

GOD'S STORY

So what is the story God is trying to tell, both in the story you just read and in the story of your life right now? You can find it if you look for the ways your stories overlap.

NEXT STEPS

• The leaders in this passage were engaged in hypocrisy. What would their deeds look like today?
• What would it look like to call out hypocrisy in your own life? What actions or attitudes would you need to change?
• Talk to God about an area of your life where you see self-righteousness creeping in. Ask God to draw your heart toward caring for others.