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The Sh’ma (Discussion Questions)
Read Matthew 12:28-34. Why is the Shema important? What are some traditions associated with the Shema? Who is the LORD our God? What does it mean that He is One, echad? What are some practical ways we can live out these verses?
These discussion questions are from our young adult group meetings at our congregation. Please feel free to print out and use any of these materials for your group meetings and discussions. We pray that these will be a blessing to you all.
The discussion questions below were authored and formatted by Grace Chen.
Before the meeting:
- Read Deuteronomy (Devarim) 6:4-9 and Matthew (Mattityahu) 12:28-34
- Read the discussion questions and prepare your answers
Remember that this is a discussion! Prepare answers to as many questions as you can. Pray to the Lord to open your eyes as you read His Word. If you are not sure how to answer a question, don’t feel bad! Leave it blank for now, and during the discussion, write down notes from other people’s insights.
Discussion Questions
Importance of the Shema:
- Read Matthew 12:28-34 together. Why is the Shema important?
Background:
“Bind them as a sign on your hand, they are to be as frontlets between your eyes, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” –Devarim 6:8-9, TLV
- What are some traditions associated with the Shema? (mezuzot, times the Shema is traditionally recited, etc.)
Theology / Apologetics:
“Hear O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one.” –Devarim 6:4, TLV
Shema Israel, ADONAI Eloheinu, ADONAI echad
- Who is the LORD our God?
- What does it mean that He is One, echad?
Application:
“5 Love Adonai your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These words, which I am commanding you today, are to be on your heart. 7 You are to teach them diligently to your children, and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up.”
–Devarim 6:5-7, TLV
- What are some practical ways we can live out these verses?
Vs. 5 – How can we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength?
Vs. 6 – How can we store God’s Word in our hearts?
Vs. 7 – How can we be a part of passing the faith on to the next generation? How can we make the Word of God a constant part of our lives?
- Choose ONE of these applications to work on this week!