Daily Lesson for Tuesday 21st of November 2023

The topic of immigrants and refugees has become a hotly debated subject, especially because there are so many of them today. Whether displaced by war, natural disasters, or for the hope of a better economic future, millions around the world have been uprooted from their homes and are in desperate need of help.

In Matthew 2:13-14, Jesus was a refugee. His earthly parents, Joseph and Mary, were forced to flee Bethlehem by night and seek refuge in Egypt to escape the murderous hand of Herod. The Bible says nothing about their experience in Egypt, but it’s not hard to imagine that it had its challenges, perhaps some of the same challenges that refugees face today, as well. In fact, somewhat parallel to how Jesus’ family sought asylum in a foreign land, many Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and nonreligious persons are seeking asylum in new lands today, as well.

Generally speaking, it is easier to make friends with individuals from our own culture and language group because we share many things in common. It is more challenging, however, to find common ground with immigrants and refugees who look different from us, who do not speak our language, who do not share the same religious values, and do not eat similar food. The gospel calls us to get out of our ethnic, national, and cultural comfort zones and to reach out to those in need, regardless of how different from us they might be.

How can we minister to immigrants and refugees? It is difficult because, in some countries, it may not be politically correct to mingle with or help these people. Yet, we must do what we can, when we can, to minister to these people, who surely have been through some very difficult times and are in need of our help. So, to whatever degree we can, we must help.

Begin with prayer, then seek information on immigrants and refugees. Many places have organizations that care for them. You can begin working with one of these organizations, or maybe your local church Sabbath School could start a ministry for immigrants or refugees.

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/23d-08-refugees-and-immigrants/

“God’s Mission – My Mission” consistently points us to our Gracious God and how He wishes us to portray what He has done for us. In response we will reach out to others: 
Hymn 573 – I’ll Go Where You Want Me To Go, Dear Lord, hence our theme hymn. This is in response to 
So Send I You – Hymn 573.

It is good news to know that 
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need – Hymn 104 encouraging me to share with others so 
Father, Help Your People – Hymn 353.

Wisdom helps me to remember the 
Faith Of Our Fathers – Hymn 304 to share 
I’ve Found A Friend – Hymn 186 all because of the joy of knowing 
Jesus, What A Friend Of Sinners – Hymn 187. 

With joy we are able to help our suffering friends, family and neighbours with 
The Great Physician Now Is Near – Hymn 354 as in the story we have from the Bible this week. Please, Lord, 
Open My Eyes That I May See – Hymn 326 so I may go forward as You lead me to others just as 
He Leadeth Me – Hymn 537.

So, dear people, be encouraged to go forward so that we and all our friends and neighbors will be rejoicing 
When We All Get To Heaven – Hymn 633.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/8-mission-to-the-needy-singing-with-inspiration/

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..

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What do these texts teach us about ministry to the needy?
3. Personal Application: What are some positive ways we can still minister to those who need help? Share your thoughts..
4. 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.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What is the important theme here for us to remember?
3. Personal Application: What is our personal responsibility to help any immigrants or refugees you know about? Share your thoughts
4. 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

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What does this tell us about what Jesus did and what we should be doing for those around us?
3. 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.
4. 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..

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What friends do you have that you would go beyond the normal to help, or don’t you know or have anyone that special?
3. Personal Application: What is your comfort zone and why should you be willing to step outside it when necessary?. Share your thoughts.
4. 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).

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/8-mission-to-the-needy-teaching-plan/