THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

Why do we memorize God’s word? Jesus memorized scripture and He also invites us to this practice for the purpose of renewing our minds and transforming our lives. Memorizing scripture helps us know who God is and His will for us, see the world through His eyes, fight temptation, live in obedience, share the Gospel message and enjoy a hidden life with Christ.

John 13:34

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Choose to spend a few minutes each day reciting the verse above, allowing its truth to shape your thoughts and heart. Write it out. Put it on your bathroom mirror, your fridge or car dashboard.

personal reflection & small group materials

Anchor Scripture: Matthew 25:31-40

This verse makes it clear that Jesus calls us to action–to serve, love and seek justice for the weak, poor and marginalized.

‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

Small Group Intro Week 5

Reflection and Small Group Questions

Use the lectio divina practice to reflect upon the anchor scripture. What words or ideas stood out to you? Why?

How does this passage fit with the ideas of last week’s passage in Genesis 12?

Jesus describes people who are hurting and marginalized in our culture. What types of people would he be describing today?

What specific people in your life today might Jesus be talking about (protect them confidentially, as appropriate)? What is a concrete need they have?

For you personally, what attitude, idea, or practice can you apply from this passage to help you to “live like Jesus” in your own life?

SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

This week, consider adopting the practice of intentional acts of blessing for those outside your everyday life.

Take 10 minutes each day to listen to how the Spirit guides you to practices like:

• Make a monetary contribution to a charity.

• Sponsor a child or worker.

• Find ways to participate and commit to some form of volunteering with a charity at least one time in the coming months.

• Pray for those who are served by the organization you have identified.