WELCOME ICEBREAKER

When you think of a world leader that has helped the poor, who comes to mind?

WORSHIP

Include in your worship time for people to share a celebration of answered prayers.

WORD

As a group read and discuss Isaiah 58:1-7. You may use some or all the questions depending how the discussion goes.

• What was it about the way the people were living that was unacceptable to the Lord? (God was not impressed with their fast because their religious life was self-centered. It is impossible to live this way and not have conflict with others.)
• What chains of injustice do you see in Vancouver?
• Who are the needy that you see in your everyday life?
• We know that Jesus wept over Jerusalem. What would/does cause Him to weep over Vancouver?

As a group read and discuss Matthew 25:31-46. You may use some or all the questions depending how the discussion goes.

• What are the five areas of services that Jesus highlights here?
• How can we help the poor without creating unnecessary dependence?
• Do you think to fail to do good is actually to do evil?
• Do you think that our works, particularly works of mercy and compassion to those in need, prove our identity as followers of Jesus? (If needed refer to: 1 John 3:16-19, James 2:14-24.)
• Why is it impossible to separate your love for God and your love for your neighbour?
• It's easy to be nice to those in our lives that are nice to us. But when you try to behave compassionately toward a hungry person halfway around the world, a friend who's chronically sick, or a family member who's made a few trips to jail, a co-worker who is going through a life crisis, God has to be in it. There's just not enough “goodness” within us to do anything about it. Do you think our ability to see the needs of others fades if we are not in contact with God? How does fasting help that?
• What are the claims that Jesus makes about Himself in this parable of the sheep and goats? No sane man would have said this unless he was sure it was true.
  • He claims that He will return (25:31).
  • He claims that He will return as a king to reign in glory (25:31).
  • He claims that a host of angels will accompany Him (25:31).
  • He claims that all the nations will be gathered before Him and He will be their judge (25:32).
  • He claims that what people did for those He cared about, they did for Him (25:33).
  • He claims that His judgment will determine every human being's eternal destiny: the goats will go into everlasting punishment (25:46) and the sheep go into eternal life (they will inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world) (25:34).

WORK

Pray for the needs in your group and for the items we are fasting about.