Session 4
Jesus & Justice Study Guide

These stories are all about young people and how we create a narrative of hope around them. They remind us that if we put our heads together and our faith into action, we can make a better world for our young people than the one many of them live in at present.

 

Link to the dialogue https://redletterchristians.org.uk/justice-and-young-people/

(This conversation includes an MP – now a government minister – reflecting on the issues; summary available p249-254)

Questions

1. Reflect on the mercy you have been shown. How might this shape your understanding of justice for others?
2. The conversation suggests we use “prophetic imagination” to explore necessary changes to unjust structures. Take time to imagine this at a national or local level. What would a redeemed housing, justice, youth provision look like and how could policy changes help achieve this?
3. Stephen suggests more Christians with lived experience should enter local or national politics. Have you considered this? Where would you begin?
4. Have you considered ways to network a local project with a broader campaign? One suggestion was through Citizens UK, are there other groups that could strengthen your impact?
5. Tim spoke about the resilience needed to live in the ‘not yet’ where injustice persists. How can you stay motivated? Which spiritual practices may help?

 

Creative response:

Revisit your map from last time, are there spaces where young people would feel safe and valued? Use your prophetic imagination to think about where on your map you create such spaces.

Have a conversation with an appropriate young person in your family or community: really listen to how they feel, what their concerns are and write a prayer for them.

 

Bible

Psalm 9

⁷ The Lord reigns for ever;
    he has established his throne for judgment.
⁸ He rules the world in righteousness
    and judges the peoples with equity.
⁹ The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
    a stronghold in times of trouble.
¹⁰ Those who know your name trust in you,
    for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

¹¹ Sing the praises of the Lord, enthroned in Zion;
    proclaim among the nations what he has done.
¹² For he who avenges blood remembers;
    he does not ignore the cries of the afflicted.

¹³ Lord, see how my enemies persecute me!
    Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death,
¹⁴ that I may declare your praises
    in the gates of Daughter Zion,
    and there rejoice in your salvation.

 

Isaiah 65:23-24

They will not labour in vain,
    nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune;
for they will be a people blessed by the Lord,
    they and their descendants with them.
²⁴ Before they call I will answer;
    while they are still speaking I will hear.

 

Matthew 5:1-16

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ² and he began to teach them.

He said:

³ ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ ‘Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

¹³ ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

¹⁴ ‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

 

How do these passages fire your imagination when you think about young people in your community? What action do these words evoke in you?

Please use this link to share what you have discovered and created Doxology: Radically Unravelling – Red Letter Christians UK