With a friend, your family or in your small group, discuss the following questions.

1. Have you ever had a “mountain-top” experience? Describe the details to your group. How did it change the way that you live? Why is it so difficult to duplicate a “mountain-top” experience?
2. Why was Jesus’ interaction with the leper so scandalous to the people around him? What did his action of reaching out and touching this man have to say about the Kingdom of Heaven that he proclaimed in the Sermon on the Mount?
3. Although there are still those who suffer from the disease of leprosy in our world today, what other groups of people have we shunned or ostracized in our society? How is our behaviour similar to how the people of Jesus’ day treated those with leprosy?
4. In what ways do you relate to the Roman centurion in this passage? In what ways do you hold power (or not hold power) in our society simply because of your gender or ethnicity?
5. Who do you view as your enemy? This may not be a specific person but rather a group of people that you find yourself pitted against either ideologically or philosophically. In what ways do you find it difficult to love your enemy? What obstacles are in place that seem too challenging to overcome?
6. What is it that amazes you? Why do you think it was people’s faith or lack of faith that amazed Jesus in the gospels?
7. In what ways can you relate to the Roman Centurion’s words to Jesus in Matthew 8:8, Lord, I am not worthy to have you come to my home? What is it that gives us worth in our journey as Christians?

Prayer and Action Item

Pray for one another out of the key points that were discussed. Invite Jesus to help you follow him down the mountain, to love your neighbour, your enemies and anyone else he puts in your path just as he has loved us.