8: Mission to the Needy – Teaching Plan

Key Thought: God has a plan to reach the needy. The needs might be physical, emotional, financial, or social. Whatever the needs are, we must be ready to do what we can do to help.
November 25, 2023

A. Have a volunteer read John 5:1-9, Mark 1:23-28..

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
What do these texts teach us about ministry to the needy?
Personal Application: What are some positive ways we can still minister to those who need help? Share your thoughts..
Case Study: One of your relatives states, “How can we spend time with people who are in need, but not living according to Godly principles, without compromising Biblical principles? Can we attend wedding celebrations, graduation parties, and other celebrations on the Sabbath without compromising?” What are the possible positives and negatives by doing so? How would you respond to your relative?

B. Have a volunteer read Deuteronomy 10:19, Psalm 146:9, Romans 12:13.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What is the important theme here for us to remember?
Personal Application: What is our personal responsibility to help any immigrants or refugees you know about? Share your thoughts
Case Study: One of your friends states, “I don’t mind helping those in need, but I feel we shouldn’t be using taxpayer funds and government programs, or personally helping illegal immigrants. They need to be sent back. We have a process in place for legal immigration, but the illegal movement is placing an unnecessary burden on this country and others and the people in many negative ways..” How would you respond to your friend?

C. Have a volunteer read Luke 4:18,19

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What does this tell us about what Jesus did and what we should be doing for those around us?
Personal Application: In what ways do you feel called and obligated to share the gospel and Christ’s love with others? Are there things you could be doing more? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “Did Jesus really give people political or literal freedom to the Jewish slaves? Did He literally give them social and political freedom? Isn’t His message more focused on the Spiritual application rather than the literal? Did they misunderstand His mission? Could we be doing the same thing?” How would you respond to your relative?

D. Have a volunteer read John 15:13..

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What friends do you have that you would go beyond the normal to help, or don’t you know or have anyone that special?
Personal Application: What is your comfort zone and why should you be willing to step outside it when necessary?. Share your thoughts.
Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).