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.
- Listen to the FaithElement podcast for this session.
Context
Share this scene from the movie Monsters Inc. then ask the following questions:
- How do Mike and Sulley rethink how to get energy for the energy company? In what ways does this shift the previous expectations they had?
- What qualities does Mike have that make him naturally gifted at making others laugh? How do these qualities become valuable in the company’s new direction?
- What risks does Sulley take in suggesting a new, untested method of generating power? How does he connect Mike’s talent with this opportunity?
- What does the child expect of Mike? In what ways is the child surprised by Mike’s actions?
- How does Mike respond to his success? How do others around him show their support?
Content
Read together Matthew 4:12-23, then watch the Bible Background Video and ask:
- What made Jesus retreat to Galilee? What significance does it have that it is “of the Gentiles”?
- Why might the people be described as sitting “in darkness”? What is the light the author refers to?
- How do you think people responded when they heard Jesus’ message to repent? What does Jesus mean when he says “the kingdom of heaven has come near”?
- Why did Jesus approach fishermen to leave their nets to follow him? Who would people have expected Jesus to call as followers?
- What do you imagine Simon and Andrew thought when Jesus told them to follow him? What concerns or feelings might they have had?
- How is the “good news” connected to curing disease and sickness? What impact did these miracles have on Jesus’ reputation?
Closure
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.
Writer: Devin Harris-Davis