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| EXPLORE THE BIBLE: (10–15 minutes) Make sure every student has a Bible. Read the story as a group, asking for volunteers to read one verse until it is read. Then ask the students to close their eyes and just listen as you read it to them slowly and with passion so that they can get it in their heads. Ask: Which group are you in—the ones who are blessed or the ones to whom Jesus says “Woe to you”? Discuss their answers. Say: Many of us in North America are very well off compared to many parts of the world. Most of us are also well off compared to the poor who live in our own nation. Being wealthy is not bad in itself, but being well off can cause problems because you don’t have to trust and rely on God as much. Being wealthy can be a barrier to truly finding God. People who are poor have to put their trust in God and therefore many times have a closer relationship with Christ. This is not saying every poor person is saved and every wealthy person is not a Christian, but it is something to ponder and really look at. What do you think about this idea? APPLY: (10–15 minutes) Share a mini-lecture with students, making the following points: • When Jesus says “woe to the rich,” he isn’t saying so because they are rich but rather because they trusted in their riches instead of on God. • This passage tells those who are hungry, poor, and persecuted to take heart in knowing that God is in control and someday all of their trials, suffering, and pain will be worth it because they know Jesus and will be blessed in eternity. Continued... |
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