SHOW US THE FATHER
Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.
John 14: 8-9
THE POWER OF STORY
Storytelling and experiential learning, a process where students learn through their experiences, have been highly significant throughout ancient civilizations and even in modern times.
Taking the time to truly listen to others' stories is one of the most powerful things we can do. Listening to others' stories shapes us.
THE GOOD SAMARITAN
Jesus was teaching one day and said, "Love your neighbor." A man stood up and said, “I get that, but I have a question.
We know that not everyone is loved by God, so who among Abraham's sons and daughters am I responsible for loving and treating as a neighbor?
Jesus answers with one of his most renowned parables, the Good Samaritan.
He portrays an unexpected character, a Samaritan, as the "God figure" in the story.
This is a story about God, prejudice, and racism.
Take a few moments and closely look at the parable in Luke 10:29–37
In your small group, discuss what you think Jesus was trying to reveal about God's nature in this parable.
BE MERCIFUL JUST AS...
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3-10
In your small group, discuss what you think Jesus was trying to reveal about God's nature with these teachings.
TAX COLLECTORS AND SINNERS
Luke begins Chapter 15 with how the tax collectors and sinners gathered around Jesus to listen to him teach.
But the religious leaders and teachers of the law condemned him for welcoming such people and even going so far as to enter their homes and eat with them.
It is at this juncture that Jesus shares a parable, a story of a man who had a flock of 100 sheep and was deeply troubled when he discovered that one was missing.
Take a few moments and closely look at the parable in
Luke 5: 3-7
In your small group, discuss what you think Jesus was trying to reveal about God's nature by responding to the religious leader's criticism by telling this parable.
HOW A FATHER RESPONDS
A father had two sons. The younger one requested his inheritance, and the older brother stayed home working diligently for their father.
Most of us are familiar with this parable, and even if you're not, I encourage you to take a few moments to read Jesus' story. It's a narrative that invites us to reflect deeply.
When reading the parable, pay close attention to how the father responds to both sons. This will help us understand what Jesus is trying to convey about God's nature.
Is God a provider who blesses us, and is He full of forgiveness even if we squander those resources?
Or is He a God who is perfect in His fairness, rewards faithfulness and hard work, and understands how unfair it would be to offer grace freely?
Luke 15:11-32
In your small group, discuss why you think Jesus included two sons and their different interactions with their father in this parable to reveal God's nature.