These questions are connected to the message, “What is just about justice?” from May 2, 2021. You can find it here.
Dive In:
Read or listen to this passage (specifically Luke 1:41-55) in an unfamiliar translation of the Bible (e.g. New Living Translation or The Message). What stood out to you that you either never noticed before or you felt was speaking to you or challenged you?
Reflect:
- What stood out to you in the sermon? (What piqued your curiosity, challenged you, encouraged you, motivated you?)
- How would you define or explain justice? In what ways do you think God’s justice differs from our own understanding?
- Where does “punishment” fit in (or does it)?
- When you think of “salvation,” what do you normally think of? Have you thought of Salvation and the Kingdom of God in terms of our current social realities, of clean water, enough food for everyone, the end of war and poverty? Why or why not?
- How might considering “salvation” in this way impact how you view the gospel and the kingdom of God?
- Mary declared a new Lord even though He was still in utero. In what areas do you/we need to re-evaluate our allegiance?
- “It’s God’s plan therefore the method and the means must be God’s.” In what ways have you witnessed Christians or the Church (historically or currently) using the means of the world to gain and sustain influence and control?
Geek Out: Mary references God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 17:3-8. What is missing from Mary’s declaration that was included in the Abrahamic promise? (Hint: verse 8) Why do you suppose that is?
Take Action:
Of these 5 prayers, which one might you focus on this week?
GOD:
Of these 5 prayers, which one might you focus on this week?
GOD:
- Where are you bigger and more outside of my/our way of thinking and interpreting the world than we are currently able to see?
- What am I or we missing? What don’t we want to see?
- Do I prefer the security & safety of the status quo or am I willing to follow hard after faithfulness?
- Am I/are we afraid of anything? If so, what and why?
- God, Help me/help us to see and to imagine the impossible possibilities, God-possibilities, to welcome surprises, to expect them.