Justice

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What’s one thing in the world right now that seems wrong or unjust?

Cultivate

Summary: God invites and commands His people to not only be aware of injustice, but to pursue justice.  Simply put, seeking justice means to give to a person what they are due, whether punishment, protection, or care. As Christians do justice, we foreshadow the return of godly justice when Christ returns to the earth and all of creation is restored.

Read Micah 6:8 and ask the following questions:

1. What do you like about this passage?
2. What do you find uncomfortable or difficult to understand in this passage?
3. What appears to be the main idea emphasized in this passage? (Look for repeated words or ideas.)

Consider how the following passages increase our understanding of this topic:

A. Read Luke 4:16-21 (Note: This scene depicts the launching of Jesus’ public ministry.)

1. How do themes of oppression and justice show up in this passage?

2. What does this passage say about Christ’s purpose on Earth?

3. How does this passage encourage you?

B. Read Luke 19:1-10

1. Why did Zacchaeus say he would give away his possessions and repay wrongs he’d done?

2. Assuming Zacchaeus followed through on his pledge, how was this an act of justice?

4. What are the beliefs and values promoted in these passages?

5. What do they reveal about our human condition and God’s response?

6. How are these beliefs and values similar or different from those that have influenced you? (such as your family, culture, peers, church, etc.)

7. Think about the imagery of these passages. What might it look like to seek justice?

8. How might our faith increase and our lives change as we embrace what is true and important?

9. In light of what we’ve discussed, how can we pray for each other right now?

Care

Since we last met, what happened as a result of expressing Christ’s love to others?

It can be hard to seek justice because we don’t know where to begin. How can you, or we, take a first step to seek justice for others this week?

• Prayer is one of the best, first steps. Start by praying through Psalm 10.
• Brainstorm, as a group, a list people or groups on and off campus who are vulnerable and need extra protection and care. How might we move toward them?
• Spend time with people on campus who are looked down upon.
• Volunteer with an organization dedicated to providing protection and care for others.
• Listen to a hurting person’s story.
• Explore their thoughts on the gospel.