7.27 Media

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.
Have any selected video or music clips ready to show
Encourage your group to listen to the Faithelement podcast ahead of the next session (Share the link via email or social media)

Ask some opening questions like:

What is your favorite place to get a burger? Do you prefer burger or burritos places?
What is it about your favorite place that makes you go there?

After some discussion, play the Fast Casual video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buWLaV5Izio

Ask follow-up questions like:

Did you know McDonald’s was losing sales compared to other places?
Why do you think people are willing to pay double for fast casual food? Play Japan McD’s Scandals video (if time).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rj39nDlxks

ASK (if time):

Do you want some fast food now?
Do you think a scroll would taste better than some of the fast food shown in the video? ### Examination Have someone read aloud Ezekiel 2:1-8 then ask some discussion questions like:
What is unique about Ezekiel’s call? Why is Ezekiel called son of man? – Why does Jesus use this title sometimes in the Gospels? – How hard is it to tell people the “good news” of Jesus when they will not listen? Have someone else read aloud Ezekiel 2:8-3:11 then play Bible Background Video.

What is the significance of a scroll in Old Testament times?
Aren’t you glad for Ezekiel that the scroll tasted good?
Do you think it carries any long-term meaning that the son of man ate something strange that tasted like honey (think John the Baptist and Jesus)?

Continue the conversation with questions like these:

What do you think it means that God made Ezekiel strong and hard headed?
What would it be like to be tough but living in a world in which no one listened to you? Play Thing Saves video (you can stop it at about the 2 minute mark for teaching purposes).

– If Ezekiel felt anything like the Thing then how hard must his ministry have been?

Do we find ourselves looking for strength to face a sometimes difficult culture in Jesus name?
How easy is it for us to hide on a bridge and pondering giving up like the Thing?
How can we keep from giving up in the face of life’s difficulties even if God has called us to a tough place and/or time?

Close this session with a prayer asking God to give us the strength to be faithful followers, even when the task seems difficult or futile.