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JJP CD Packet Leader
1
What is poverty? What causes it? Who is Jesus? Why
C o n t i n u e d
does he matter? How do I fit in? Can I even help? What
does justice look like? Who brings justice? Who is
affected
D by
i my choices?
a l What
o are our
g choices?
u Do I
e
need to change?
after
Do we need to change? Where are
injustices happening? How can we discover truth from
J
e
s
u
s
What is poverty? What causes it? Who is Jesus? Why
does
J he matter?
u s How do
t I fit iin? Can
c I even
e help?
What
&
does justice look like? Who brings justice? Who is
P
o
v
e
r
t
y
affected by my choices? What are our choices? Do we
This Continued Dialogue (CD) Packet is designed to explore
topics that might interest students who are more socially active
and/or have justice-specific questions or issues with God or the
Christian faith. These CDs are an attempt to expose the true
Jesus that preached the Kingdom of God while caring for the
poor, brokenhearted, marginalized and oppressed sectors of
society. The Jesus that didn't separate evangelism from justice,
but lived them both out seamlessly in his life. The Jesus that
looked more like a revolutionary than a religious leader,
the one who lived out the love that he spoke about.
Be sure to foster a discussion in which the
participants, regardless of their spiritual/justice
background can be open with each other and the text.
They should challenge and encourage one another as they co-learn about Jesus,
justice, and poverty. As you lead people through these studies, try to strip away all the
cultural attachments of Christianity, so they can see the essence of Christ. When people are
introduced to the true person of Jesus, they usually do not escape being drawn into a life of
following Him, one that defies conformity and self-interest. It is a life that has a mission in this
world: do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).
Separate topics or questions are explored in each CD. They have no particular order or specific
timeline. They are not meant to be the `answers', instead they will hopefully open up space to
dialogue further. Encourage people to always be open to dialogue with God and with others, and
never stop seeking understanding, to err on the side of curiosity rather than skepticism. But also
make people aware that Jesus isn't just a life to be studied and that faith isn't about getting
answers to questions. Jesus is God, and He desires a relationship with us. Always be
ready to invite/challenge them into that relationship further.
Each CD has a leader's version, and participant version. The leader should prepare the CD
beforehand, and make as many copies of the participant version as needed. More copies
available at
www.bayup.org. Always invite your extended community to pray for your CD group.
The original material for this Continued Dialogue Packet is taken with permission from InterVarsity San
Diego's Justice GIG Guide (2006), which was edited by Sarah Holine with contributing authors Elena
Gradillas, Grace Smith, Amanda Jordan, Ryan Lustig, and Randy Woo.
JJP Continued Dialogue Packet edited by Elizabeth Thrasher, 2007. Scripture used from NRSV and TNIV
translations (www.crosswalk.com). Graphics taken from Flikr, January - February 2007. (www.flickr.com:
artists featured are Alison Haltenhof, Tom Stone, Ian and Ellen Ann, and Mick Yates).
www.ivevents.com/jjp
www.intervarsity.org
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What is poverty? What causes it? Who is Jesus? Why does he
C o n t i n u e d
matter? How do I fit in? Can I even help? What does justice look
like? Who brings justice? Who is affected by my choices? What
D
i
a
l
o
g
u
e
are our choices? Do I need to change? Do we need to change?
after
Where are injustices happening? How can we discover truth
from the Bible? What is poverty? What causes it? Who is
J
e
s
u
s
Jesus? Why does he matter? How do I fit in? Can I even help?
J
u
s
t
i
c
e
&
What does justice look like? Who brings justice? Who is
affected by my choices? What are our choices? How do we lear
P
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C D S t u d i e s
Dialogue It Up
p. 3 Jesus and Justice
p. 3 Jesus and Justice
- What do ideas/realities do you normally associate with "the good Christian life?"
p. 5 Jesus and Poverty
- What does justice mean to you?
- What do you think God says about justice and those who follow him?
p. 7 Jesus and Identity
p. 9 Jesus and Suering
p. 5 Jesus and Poverty
- What biblical basis is there for caring/advocating/loving the poor?
p. 12 Jesus and Exclusion
- How does God view the poor? How should we?
- What, if any, are the spiritual repercussions for ignoring the poor?
p. 7 Jesus and Identity
- Where is you identity? What are your gifts and passions?
- Are you fearful that following Jesus will mean losing your identity?
- Does God want to affirm and use our gifts, passions, and cultures?
p. 9 Jesus and Suering
- Are there areas of suffering or brokenness in your life?
- How do we know that Jesus cares about us as physical/emotional/mental/social/
spiritual beings? What does Jesus say or do about complex suffering?
- Is there something that you long to have healing for, in your own life or in the
world? Does God care about restoration for people and systems?
p. 12 Jesus and Exclusion
- Who do you think the church normally welcomes, and does not welcome?
- Have you ever felt excluded? How has that affected your view of God?
- How does God feel about marginalization, and how does God act towards the
marginalized (perhaps even those the church sometimes excludes)?
3
Jesus and Justice
WHAT IS POVERTY?
What is poverty? What causes it? Who is Jesus? Why does he
matter? How do I fit in? Can I even help? What does justice look
WHO IS JESUS?
like? Who brings justice? Who is affected by my choices? What
are our choices? Do I need to change? Do we need to change?
JUSTICE LOOKS LIKE...
Where are injustices happening? How can we discover truth from
M
a
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t
h
e
w
LEADER: This is a general study on the idea of justice
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using the end of Matthew 25. There are many ways you
can go with this CD, and probably a lot of questions that
31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory,
can come up. It should be a good intro to what God
and all the angels with him, then he will sit on
the throne of his glory. 32 All the nations will be
values in our life, and you can use that to contrast those
gathered before him, and he will separate
ideas with the ideas we usually equate with the "good
people one from another as a shepherd
Christian life". This is actually a good study for people
separates the sheep from the goats, 33 and he
at all levels of activism/justice.
will put the sheep at his right hand and the
goats at the left. 34 Then the king will say to
those at his right hand, "Come, you that are
OPENING QUESTIONS:
blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom
prepared for you from the foundation of the
world; 35 for I was hungry and you gave me
·
What does justice mean to you?
food, I was thirsty and you gave me something
·
What part do you think it plays in the Bible?
to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, ·
Why is it that we have this feeling that we should promote
36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was
justice?
sick and you took care of me, I was in prison
and you visited me.' 37 Then the righteous will
A CLOSER LOOK:
answer him, "Lord, when was it that we saw you
hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave
Read Matthew 25:3146
you something to drink? 38 And when was it
Who is narrating this story? (Jesus is speaking to the disciples)
that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you,
or naked and gave you clothing? 39 And when
was it that we saw you sick or in prison and
How does God separate people?
visited you?' 40 And the king will answer them,
What might be the significance of the analogy of the shepherd
"Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the
separating the sheep from the goats?
least of these who are members of my family,
you did it to me.' 41 Then he will say to those at
his left hand, "You that are accursed, depart
Jesus refers (verse 37) to those who are blessed as "righteous".
from me into the eternal fire prepared for the
devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry and
What do you think it mean to be righteous in this passage?
you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave
me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you
did not welcome me, naked and you did not give What seems to be the message Jesus is trying to get across?
me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not
What's important to Jesus about our lives?
visit me.' 44 Then they also will answer, "Lord,
when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or
a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did
not take care of you?' 45 Then he will answer
Jesus is saying that serving people around you is the equivalent of
them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it
serving the King himself. What does this tell us about who Jesus is?
to one of the least of these, you did not do it to
(Help them think through what it means that Jesus allies himself not
me.' 46 And these will go away into eternal
with the powerful or important, but the poor and the broken.)
punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
4
A CLOSER LOOK (cont'd) ...
What do you usually think of the church telling you what you should do? What does this passage say Jesus tells you to
do on earth?
God has a bigger plan for the world: working for redemption, and using people from all over the world to bring justice,
hope, and good news. It is crucial to the gospel to be providing for people in need. This is what God will care about
when you end your life, but also this is what will help you see God on earth.
IS THIS REAL?
Leader: Share a story about how you helped (or didn't help) someone
in need, and how you saw God in that (or missed an opportunity).
Share something that you've learned from the poor or broken, and
how serving has helped you see God better. Share what your
experience with working for justice has been like.
AN INWARD LOOK
·
How does this view of the Christian life differ from what you
expected?
·
Does this idea of what it means to follow Jesus excite you? Why
or why not?
·
How could you see yourself being used by God in the world
around you?
Graffiti in Barcelona, Cataluñ
a. By Alison Haltenhof 2007
FURTHER LOOK
When Jesus came on the scene, he proclaimed his mission by quoting a well-known Old Testament prophet named
Isaiah. Look at Isaiah 61, with an eye for how God is concerned about justice, and then read Luke 4:1930. What
strikes you about Jesus' choice of scripture in his hometown, and how the theme of justice was received there? What
about the character of God in Isaiah 61 and in Luke 4, raises interest and/or questions?
THE CHALLENGE
LEADER: Ask the students who self-identify as Christian and the students who do not to be open
to incorporate the truths they've learned into their lives.
What are some practical ways you can incorporate working for justice into your daily life? Look for how that can show
you something new about Jesus.
Look at the ways that you have viewed what the "Christian life" looks like. Think about how this new information
changes the way you understand what it means to follow Jesus.
(This might be a good place to invite them into a relationship with Jesus, if they aren't already. And the Christian
students might be open to making a commitment to serving the poor, or to living in a more justice-oriented way.)
Ask God to show you what He wants to do with your life to serve people around you and in this world.
5
Jesus and Poverty
WHAT IS POVERTY?
What is poverty? What causes it? Who is Jesus? Why does he
WHO IS JESUS?
matter? How do I fit in? Can I even help? What does justice look
like? Who brings justice? Who is affected by my choices? What
JUSTICE LOOKS LIKE...
are our choices? Do I need to change? Do we need to change?
Where are injustices happening? How can we discover truth from
L
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k
e
LEADER: While this CD doesn't theologically answer the
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1 issues dealing with poverty (why is there poverty/hunger/
etc. in the world) it is a picture of Jesus' heart for the poor,
19 "There was a rich man who was dressed
and the strict command to serve the poor. It can be used
in purple and fine linen and who feasted
to prove to non- christians that it is very biblical to
sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate
advocate for the poor/serve them/love them. You can use
lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered
with sores, 21 who longed to satisfy his
this passage and contrast much of the Western Church
hunger with what fell from the rich man's
and see what differences they see. You can also talk
table; even the dogs would come and lick
about the issue of simple living, and use some of the ideas
his sores. 22 The poor man died and was
in the CD about suffering (we are part of the problem).
carried away by the angels to be with
But continue to point them to Jesus, and his heart for
Abraham. The rich man also died and was
marginalized people. For the Christian students, they may
buried. 23 In Hades, where he was being
tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham
identify with Lazarus and feel guilty. While allowing space
far away with Lazarus by his side. 24 He
for honest expression, try to make it also a space that
called out, "Father Abraham, have mercy on
fosters forgiveness and reconciliation.
me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his
finger in water and cool my tongue; for I
am in agony in these flames.' 25 But
OPENING QUESTIONS:
Abraham said, "Child, remember that
during your lifetime you received your good ·
What has your experience been with poverty?
things, and Lazarus in like manner evil
·
Can you think of an instance where you were faced with your
things; but now he is comforted here, and
wealth versus someone else's?
you are in agony. 26 Besides all this,
between you and us a great chasm has
been fixed, so that those who might want
A CLOSER LOOK:
to pass from here to you cannot do so, and
no one can cross from there to us.' 27 He
Read Luke 16:1931
said, "Then, father, I beg you to send him
to my father's house? 28 For I have five
What were the social statuses of these two men during this time
brothers that he may warn them, so that
period? Who had more weight in society?
they will not also come into this place of
How GROSS is the fact that dogs licked Lazarus' sores?! What else
torment.' 29 Abraham replied, "They have
do stray dogs live off of? (the refuse of a village)
Moses and the prophets; they should listen
to them.' 30 He said, "No, father Abraham;
How do you think the rich man felt toward Lazarus?
but if someone goes to them from the
dead, they will repent.' 31 He said to him,
"If they do not listen to Moses and the
What is the interaction like between Lazarus and the rich man?
prophets, neither will they be convinced
even if someone rises from the dead.' "
What were the mens' lives like in comparison to their after-lives?
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A CLOSER LOOK (cont'd) ...
What do you think about Abraham's answer to the rich man's request
in verse 25?
Why do you think the rich man entered Hades and Lazarus Heaven?
Who do you think this parable is being told to? By whom and for
what reason?
Why do you think the rich man's brothers couldn't be warned?
(Not even someone rising from the dead will (alone) convince us to
change our behavior, we have to accept who Jesus is by faith, not
just miracles.)
What is Jesus saying about our duty to the poor?
Theresa, in Tenderloin. Taken by Tom Stone, April 2006.
What are the lessons we can learn from this story?
(Some possible lessons: Jesus promises that the poor and afflicted will be comforted, and they are highest on his list of
priorities; our interaction with the poor must be relational, not temporary or out of pity)
IS THIS REAL?
Leader: Tell a personal story about an encounter/relationship you've had with someone living in poverty, and how Jesus
revealed His hope through it. Share about your experience with Jesus and what He says about the poor, and how you
feel like that has affected your life. You can also talk about privilege in your own life (if this applies to you) and what you
feel like God is calling you to in using that for others.
AN INWARD LOOK
·
Does this view of Jesus contradict what you know of Him or Christianity already? How?
·
What would it mean to you to know how Jesus cares about poverty?
·
How can society change to lift others out of poverty, according to Jesus?
·
How can Christians change their approach to poverty? (Since local/national poverty is often overlooked in favor of
"exotic" overseas mission work)
FURTHER LOOK
Mention of helping the poor, or of the Lord condemning those who oppress the poor, occurs 256 times in the Bible. Of
that, only 36 of those times is it the fault of the poor person that they are poor. 118 times refer to people being poor
because of misfortune or natural calamity, while 111 references indicate people being poor because of injustice and
oppression. Start studying some of these passages (e.g., Leviticus 25, Psalm 72, Isaiah 58 and 61).
THE CHALLENGE
Either intentionally search out and place yourself in a poverty-stricken area in your city, or have a substantial
conversation with someone who society considers poor. Ask them what they think of God.
Pray for God to reveal himself this week, specifically in the issue of poverty.
7
Jesus and Identity
What is poverty? What causes it? Who is Jesus? Why does he
WHAT IS POVERTY?
matter? How do I fit in? Can I even help? What does justice look
WHO IS JESUS?
like? Who brings justice? Who is affected by my choices? What
are our choices? Do I need to change? Do we need to change?
JUSTICE LOOKS LIKE...
Where are injustices happening? How can we discover truth
from
L
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k
e
LEADER: This is a CD based on culture, and exploring how
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following Jesus doesn't have to take us out of our culture,
passions, communities. Instead, we see that Jesus comes to
1 Once while Jesus was standing beside
this group of fishermen and speaks to them in their own
the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd
language... he uses examples they can understand and
was pressing in on him to hear the
proves that He is the creator of all things, even identities,
word of God, 2 he saw two boats there
cultures, and passions. He goes to them, speaks into their
at the shore of the lake; the fishermen
identities as fishermen and invites them into a bigger
had gone out of them and were
purpose for their life.
washing their nets. 3 He got into one of
This CD might be good for activist students, artists, people
the boats, the one belonging to Simon,
who have the fear that becoming a Christian would mean
and asked him to put out a little way
leaving behind their passions, culture, identity. It speaks to
from the shore. Then he sat down and
what it means to have your identity in Christ... and breaks
taught the crowds from the boat. 4
down the idea that that identity would have to look like
When he had finished speaking, he said
mainstream, uniform, boring religiosity. It would, however,
to Simon, "Put out into the deep water
show them that Jesus doesn't just invite them into a club, he
and let down your nets for a catch." 5
invites them into a mission, and He wants to use their gifts,
Simon answered, "Master, we have
passions, cultures to change the world.
worked all night long but have caught
nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let
Also use this CD for Christians who are hesitant about "the
down the nets." 6 When they had done
social justice agenda"-- they need to be called by Jesus into
this, they caught so many fish that their
the greatest adventure of their lives.
nets were beginning to break. 7 So they
signaled their partners in the other boat
to come and help them. And they came
OPENING QUESTIONS:
and filled both boats, so that they
began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter
·
What are some of the things that define who I am, my identity?
saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees,
And what does is mean to be a Christian?
saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I
·
Does accepting Christianity as a lifestyle meaning abandoning
am a sinful man!" 9 For he and all who
my own identity and culture?
were with him were amazed at the
·
How can I serve God with who I am: my culture, my passions,
catch of fish that they had taken; 10
my sphere of influence, my identity?
and so also were James and John, sons
·
Is there anything that God is asking me to deny in order to
of Zebedee, who were partners with
follow Him?
Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do
not be afraid; from now on you will be
catching people." 11 When they had
brought their boats to shore, they left
everything and followed him.
8
A CLOSER LOOK:
Read Luke 5.111
How is Jesus' timing significant, what was going on when he
approached the fishermen?
(Jesus met the men where they were and in a manner they were
familiar with, as fishermen in boats. He gets into their boat and
continues to teach the crowd.)
Tiled wall in Liberec, Prague,; Ian and Ellen Ann, Jan 2007.
What does it mean or suggest that Jesus approached the fishermen?
(Jesus pursues us where we are, doing what we're doing. )
What value is it that Jesus taught from a location that the men were familiar with?
Why do you think Jesus asked Simon to put His nets down?
(Jesus is asking Simon for a step of faith. It is interesting that Jesus isn't trying to change who Simon is or what he's
doing, but encourages him in a way that leads to incredible success. He makes Simon better at what he does. But
Simon had to obey when it didn't make sense to see it happen. Jesus approaches Simon as an expert. Simon is a
master at what he does, yet Jesus proves that not only can he relate to Simon, but he is even wiser and more
knowledgeable. He not only understands Simon's abilities and passion, but wants to take them to the next level.)
How does Jesus call these men? What might it mean for their lives? What fears might they have?
(Jesus calls these men with language they understand. He calls them into a life that is not completely unfamiliar, even
though it's new and mysterious. Jesus invites them into a greater purpose for their lives, yet reaffirms their identity, all
that is familiar. He fills out their life and their identity, He doesn't detract from it. Jesus wants to use who we are for
greater things. He doesn't ask us to be something we're not, or someone else.)
IS THIS REAL?
Leader: You can share an example from your own life where you feel like God has used your gifts and passions or your
culture to do something or impact someone in a bigger way than you expected. You can share how you feel like you've
grown in who you are, instead of being conformed to someone else. How does following Christ make you unique and
give you a greater purpose in your life? Maybe share a fear that you've had in becoming or being a Christian (in regards
to losing your culture/identity), but how Jesus has come through for you.
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AN INWARD LOOK
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What fears hold you back from following Jesus?
·
What are some of the things you think you'd have to give up to follow Jesus?
·
How would you respond if God actually wants to grow you in your gifts and identity, rather than taking those away
from you?
·
What do you think God would want to use in your life to affect people around you, and possibly affect the world?
FURTHER LOOK
If they still have questions about identity and culture, you can take them to Acts 2, where the Holy Spirit comes, and
they start speaking in their mother tongues, or take them to Revelation 7:810. You can talk to them about how God
created different cultures, and how in heaven, all nations, tribes, ethnic groups will be there. Begin a discussion about
how the Kingdom of God is not homogenous, and how/why God created us all differently. Challenge them to look at
nature and all the different species to see how creative God is.
THE CHALLENGE
Tell God about the things that you don't want to give up to follow Him. (This may take a little bit of explanation about
what prayer is, and how you can do it.)
Look at your life and see if there are passions, skills, gifts that you have that God may be able to use, if He is indeed
real and worth following. Think about what it would be like to use your gifts and passions for other people.
10
Jesus and Suffering
What is poverty? What causes it? Who is Jesus? Why does he
WHAT IS POVERTY?
matter? How do I fit in? Can I even help? What does justice look
WHO IS JESUS?
like? Who brings justice? Who is affected by my choices? What
are our choices? Do I need to change? Do we need to change?
JUSTICE LOOKS LIKE...
Where are injustices happening? How can we discover truth from
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LEADER: This CD is pretty self-explanatory. It is a look
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at one encounter a man has with Jesus, and how that
can be used to show Jesus' heart, especially towards
1 As he walked along, he saw a man blind
those who suffer. It isn't meant to be a theological
from birth. 2 His disciples asked him,
discussion, but rather an experience with who Jesus is
"Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his
parents, that he was born blind?" 3 Jesus
and what he wants for this world. You may have to talk
answered, "Neither this man nor his parents
more with them about Jesus' divinity, and issues like
sinned; he was born blind so that God's
free choice to go deeper with this question. But first, let
works might be revealed in him. 4 We must
them encounter Jesus as the blind man did. Suffering
work the works of him who sent me while it
is suffering, and we all need healing from the Lord who
is day; night is coming when no one can
loves us.
work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am
the light of the world." 6 When he had said
this, he spat on the ground and made mud
OPENING QUESTIONS:
with the saliva and spread the mud on the
man's eyes, 7 saying to him, "Go, wash in
the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent).
·
Why do you think there is suffering in the world?
Then he went and washed and came back
·
What has been your personal experience with some of the
able to see.
suffering that there is in this world (ask them if they feel
comfortable sharing this, and offer some of your own
8 The neighbors and those who had seen
experiences also. This can be about their own life, or suffering
him before as a beggar began to ask, "Is
in the world.)
this not the man who used to sit and beg?"
9 Some were saying, "It is he." Others were
saying, "No, but it is someone like him." He
A CLOSER LOOK:
kept saying, "I am the man." 10 But they
kept asking him, "Then how were your eyes Read John 9:138
opened?" 11 He answered, "The man called
Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and Describe the disciples' question toward Jesus. Does it make sense?
said to me, "Go to Siloam and wash.' Then I (During that time, it was thought that a person or the person's
went and washed and received my sight."
parents had sinned if they had birth defects, such as being born
12 They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, deaf.)
"I do not know."
What do you think the blind man's life had been like?
13 They brought to the Pharisees the man
(If he had been blind since birth, he would have been a beggar in
who had formerly been blind. 14 Now it
that society. He would have been dependent on others, not really a
was a sabbath day when Jesus made the
mud and opened his eyes. 15 Then the
free man.)
Pharisees also began to ask him how he
had received his sight. He said to them, "He
put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and
now I see." 16 Some of the Pharisees
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J o h n c o n t ' d A CLOSER LOOK ...
said, "This man is not from God, for he does Describe Jesus' response to his disciples' question.
not observe the sabbath." But others said,
(He is correcting a belief that suffering is due to sin. More
"How can a man who is a sinner perform
such signs?" And they were divided. 17 So
importantly, he explains that when suffering is fixed, healed, or
they said again to the blind man, "What do
relieved, the work of God is all the more visible and shown to those
you say about him? It was your eyes he
around.)
opened." He said, "He is a prophet." 18 The
Jews did not believe that he had been blind
and had received his sight until they called
the parents of the man who had received his
sight 19 and asked them, "Is this your son,
How might the blind man have felt when his vision was restored?
who you say was born blind? How then does (Help them think through what it would be like to be blind, and then
he now see?" 20 His parents answered, "We
imagine receiving your sight, what it would be like to look at things
know that this is our son, and that he was
born blind; 21 but we do not know how it is
for the first time, to see colors, nature, people.)
that now he sees, nor do we know who
opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He
will speak for himself." 22 His parents said
this because they were afraid of the Jews; for Describe the Pharisees reaction to Jesus' healing of the blind man.
the Jews had already agreed that anyone
(They questioned and interrogated the man twice, and even
who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah
would be put out of the synagogue. 23
examined his parents. Each time the blind man was questioned, he
Therefore his parents said, "He is of age; ask simply explained his experience with Jesus--there was no more he
him." 24 So for the second time they called
could say. He was just speaking the truth. His parents, afraid of
the man who had been blind, and they said
being kicked out of the synagogue, chose not to respond to Jesus
to him, "Give glory to God! We know that this and thus, threw it back on their son.)
man is a sinner." 25 He answered, "I do not
know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do
know, that though I was blind, now I see." 26
They said to him, "What did he do to you?
How did he open your eyes?" 27 He
What is Jesus' response? What does He do? Physically,
answered them, "I have told you already, and emotionally, spiritually?
you would not listen. Why do you want to
(Through pain and suffering, often people come to a knowledge of
hear it again? Do you also want to become
his disciples?" 28 Then they reviled him,
God. The blind man went through trial after trial explaining only his
saying, "You are his disciple, but we are
experience and his knowledge and in the end, found Jesus and
disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has believed. This is a picture of what Jesus is about. He came to heal
spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do the blind and make them see. Jesus cares about suffering, but he
not know where he comes from." 30 The
also commands his followers to care about suffering. To follow
man answered, "Here is an astonishing
thing! You do not know where he comes
Jesus is to step into that mission of bringing hope, healing, and
from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31 We
restoration to a broken, suffering world.)
know that God does not listen to sinners,
but he does listen to one who worships him
Describe what you think Jesus' values are from the passage. (E.g.,
and obeys his will. 32 Never since the world
Is Jesus concerned with physical healing over with spiritual healing?
began has it been heard that anyone opened
the eyes of a person born blind. 33 If this
Does that tension exist for Jesus?)
man were not from God, he could do
nothing." 34 They answered him, "You were
born entirely in sins, and are you trying to
IS THIS REAL?
teach us?" And they drove him out.
Leader: Share a story about suffering in your own life, and what God
35 Jesus heard that they had driven him out,
and when he found him, he said, "Do you
has done through that. You can also share a story about how God
believe in the Son of Man?" 36 He answered, has used you or other believers to extend God's hope or healing in
"And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may
the world. Be careful not to trivialize any kind of suffering, whether
believe in him." 37 Jesus said to him, "You
that is in the life of the person you're doing the CD with, or in your
have seen him, and the one speaking with
own life.
you is he." 38 He said, "Lord, I believe." And
he worshiped him.
12
AN INWARD LOOK
·
Are there places in your life where you are suffering and in pain?
·
Do you want to be healed like the blind man?
·
Are you willing to wade through the pain to find Jesus? He is waiting for
you he knows what the pain feels like.
·
Do you believe that Jesus wants to end suffering (physical and spiritual) in
the world?
·
What in this story gives you hope?
FURTHER LOOK
If they still have questions about suffering, (and most likely they will), here are
some more notes:
C.S. Lewis says "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our
conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."
Outside of Jesus, suffering makes no sense. People in pain and needing a full
healing, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, are not going to get it outside of
Sister of Mercy in Mozambique, with AIDS
Jesus. Only in context of Jesus, does it make sense. He made the ultimate
orphan.Taken by Mick Yates, Aug 2005.
sacrifice, giving up his life to save ours. He suffered, to the point of death, so
that we would not have to suffer to eternity.
Jesus' death, but specifically his Resurrection, his ultimate victory over death, provides hope for all the suffering in the
world. It is through God's judgment that all evildoers and oppressors will be stopped.
You can still take them to the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. Also, help them think through the link between suffering and
human choice. Much suffering in the world is caused by people, and their selfish choices. You can think of some helpful
modern-day examples of this, or ask them if they can think of examples themselves.
THE CHALLENGE
It is easy to find suffering in the world. Try to find, either in the news or in your friends/family's lives, a way that suffering
is being challenged or overcome. Look for ways that God is actively working to end suffering in the world.
Think about yourself. Are you part of the problem, or part of the solution? If you care about suffering, what are you doing
about it? Ask yourself if you want to be aligned with real hope, real power to fight suffering and injustice. Ask yourself if
Jesus may be that hope.
Think about this statement by Martin Luther King Jr.: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." God feels
the same way, that's why he is committed to ending suffering and oppression. But evil isn't just outside in the world, it's
also in ourselves. We are at times selfish, uncaring, and apathetic. God is committed to changing us as individuals, so
that we can be faithful to his commitment to changing the world and it's systems and institutions. Ask God for the
healing that you need. Pray for that healing with another person.
13
Jesus and Exclusion
What is poverty? What causes it? Who is Jesus? Why does he
WHAT IS POVERTY?
matter? How do I fit in? Can I even help? What does justice look
WHO IS JESUS?
like? Who brings justice? Who is affected by my choices? What
are our choices? Do I need to change? Do we need to change?
JUSTICE LOOKS LIKE...
Where are injustices happening? How can we discover truth from
L
u
k
e
LEADER: This is a general CD on how Jesus deals
7
:
3
6
-
5
0
with "sinners"--people that the church might normally
exclude. This CD can be key to helping students see
36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to
Jesus' character, that he excludes no one, and that he
have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee's
house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in
really protects and loves those that society or the
that town who lived a sinful life learned that
church may marginalize.
Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, so she
came there with an alabaster jar of expensive
perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet
OPENING QUESTIONS:
weeping, she began to wet his feet with her
tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed
them and poured perfume on them. 39 When
·
Who do you think are the outcasts in our society or on your
the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he
campus?
said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he
·
Do you see people being included or excluded most often by
would know who is touching him and what kind
Christianity?
of woman she is--that she is a sinner." 40 Jesus
answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell
·
What groups of people are excluded?
you." "Tell me, teacher," he said. 41 "Two people
owed money to a certain moneylender. One
owed him five hundred denarii*, and the other
A CLOSER LOOK:
fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay
Read Luke 7:3650
him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now
which of them will love him more?" 43 Simon
replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger
Who are the Pharisees?
debt forgiven." "You have judged correctly,"
(Pharisees: teachers of the law, "enforcers", seemingly model
Jesus said. 44 Then he turned toward the woman citizens, by virtue of their embracing of the law. However, they often
and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I
sought to trap Jesus by finding something he'd do wrong. Often
came into your house. You did not give me any
strongly warned against hypocrisy by Jesus.)
water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her
tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did
not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the
What are the actions of the woman?
time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.
(She wept at his feet, wiped them with her tears.)
46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has
poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell
What is the significance of the alabaster jar?
you, her many sins have been forgiven--as her
great love has shown. But whoever has been
(A costly offering, given to someone who she thought was well
forgiven little loves little." 48 Then Jesus said to
deserving.)
her, "Your sins are forgiven." 49 The other
guests began to say among themselves, "Who is
How does Jesus receive the perfume?
this who even forgives sins?" 50 Jesus said to the
woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
* The denarius was the usual day's wage for a
Who calls the woman a sinner?
laborer
14
A CLOSER LOOK (cont'd) ...
Why do you think Jesus values her offering more than the Pharisees'?
How does the parable fit into the rest of the story?
How do you see the Pharisee and the woman different in their
approach to Jesus?
Slightly photoshop-altered sign. 2007. Why does Jesus say: "her many sins have been forgiven--for she
loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little"? What is
the connection between forgiveness and love?
What does this story tell us about Jesus?
(Dining with Jesus is not exclusive, it's open to all. Attitude is everything when we approach Jesus, He's interested in
where our hearts are at. Jesus doesn't want our formalism, He wants us just as we are: often raw, ashamed, confused,
and conflicted. Jesus loved the woman, just as she is, and He forgave her.)
IS THIS REAL?
Leader: Share a part of your life where you struggled for acceptance, and found it in Jesus. You can share a time that
Jesus forgave and accepted you, in the midst of your brokenness, and where other believers accepted you also.
AN INWARD LOOK
·
Where have you seen people excluded by what they do/ who they are?
·
Do you see that exclusiveness in Jesus? Did you expect Jesus to act differently?
·
Where in your life have you felt excluded or not accepted?
·
What do you think Jesus would say to people struggling with something, or someone on the margin of society?
FURTHER LOOK
Throughout the Bible, God is constantly calling people to care for the marginalized. Try a word study of scripture in the
Bible for "widow," "orphan," "oppressed," "outcast," "alien," and "destitute". Old Testament books like Isaiah, Amos,
Jeremiah, Zechariah, and Ezekiel are full of these passages. In the New Testament, Jesus fulfilled this aspect of God's
character by seeking out those on society's margins. Three good examples: Samaritan woman in John 4, the man with
leprosy in Mark 1 and the bleeding woman in Mark 5.
The Lord is compassionate and
THE CHALLENGE
gracious, slow to anger, abounding
in love. He will not always accuse,
Look at your life. Are there things that you think are unforgivable? Things nor will he harbor his anger forever;
that you feel like Jesus would condemn you for? Do they keep you
he does not treat us as our sins
excluded from Jesus? Ask Jesus for forgiveness. There is nothing too deserve or repay us according to our
great that would keep Him away from you (Psalm 103, Romans
iniquities. Psalm 103:8-10
8:3739). If you feel comfortable, share some of those things with
another person.
Are there ways that you've seen the church exclude people that have kept you away from God? Forgive the church for
those things. Let them go, stop letting those things separate you from God.
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