Before the Session
Facilitator: In advance of the session
- Review today’s scripture text and the session activities to help better facilitate the discussion.
- Have the Bible Background Video ready to view.
- Encourage your group to listen to the Faithelement podcast ahead of the next session (Share the link via email or social media).
Context (From the Current Session Page)
Watch this video from New England. Then lead a conversation using prompts like these:
- What is some kind of skill you were taught as a kid and who taught it to you?
- How do remember the person who taught you this skill?
- Do you still use what you were taught?
- Why did the person take it upon themselves to teach you this particular skill?
- Is it important to teach others what you do well?
Content (From the Mind Session Page)
Read together Matthew 4:12-23, then watch the Bible Background Video and ask:
- What do we see Jesus doing in verses 12-17? Why might he have chosen to relocate as he begins his ministry?
- Examine the quote from Isaiah in verses 15-16. What might this “light” be that Matthew is associating with Jesus?
- Jesus’ message is simple in verse 17…or is it? How do you understand the word “repent?”
- What might Jesus have meant by saying the kingdom “has come near” (NIV)? What might be the “good news of the kingdom” mentioned in verse 23?
- Read verses 18-22 aloud again and imagine the scene. Have you heard this story before? Does anything new come to mind as you hear it this time?
- Do you find it surprising that these men would leave behind their livelihood and families to follow Jesus with just a couple of words? What might they have seen in Jesus that would make them make such a sudden but momentous decision?
- Why do you think Jesus use the image of fishing with these men? How might this have appealed to them in a way other invitations might not?
- What is the “good news of the kingdom” for these fishermen and others who choose to follow Jesus? Is it possible it can be more than one thing?
Closure (from the Youth Session page)
Watch this video about Ella Baker, mother of the Civil Rights Movement, then ask the following questions:
- Why was Ella Baker considered the “mother of the Civil Rights movement”? What was unique about her role in speaking out for justice?
- How was her role different from other leaders in the movement? What character traits are most visible through her impact?
- What events influenced the beginning of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)? In what ways did Ella’s influence impact students through this organization?
- In what ways did Ella support and mentor other young activists? How do they recount her impact on them?
- How does Ella’s work inspire you to become involved in justice movements? What contributions can you make using your unique gifts and skills?
Close with a prayer.