Cross-Cultural Compassion

Startwarmer:
(what’s a startwarmer?)
Invite participants: Tell of a time when you were with someone who didn’t believe in God, and yet you saw God through them.

What do you think of the phrase “Cross-Cultural Compassion”? How is it similar to “Cross-Cultural Missions”?

Discussion Time: 
In small groups (2-4) discuss the Participant Discussion Guide questions.

Participants Discussion Guides:

Group 1: Cross Cultural Compassion
John 4:4–30
What does this story teach you about Cross-Cultural Compassion?
What does this story tell you about true faith in Jesus?
What does this story teach you about God’s plan?
In what ways does this story challenge you?
Prepare a short retelling of the story.

Group 2: Cross Cultural Compassion
Matt. 8:5–13
What does this story teach you about Cross-Cultural Compassion?
What does this story tell you about true faith in Jesus?
What does this story teach you about God’s plan?
In what ways does this story challenge you?
Prepare a short retelling of the story.

Group 3: Cross Cultural Compassion
Mark 5:1–20
What does this story teach you about Cross-Cultural Compassion?
What does this story tell you about true faith in Jesus?
What does this story teach you about God’s plan?
In what ways does this story challenge you?
Prepare a short retelling of the story.
 
Group 4: Cross Cultural Compassion
Matt. 15:21–28
What does this story teach you about Cross-Cultural Compassion?
What does this story tell you about true faith in Jesus?
What does this story teach you about God’s plan?
In what ways does this story challenge you?
Prepare a short retelling of the story.

Group 5: Cross Cultural Compassion
Luke 17:11–19
What does this story teach you about Cross-Cultural Compassion?
What does this story tell you about true faith in Jesus?
What does this story teach you about God’s plan?
In what ways does this story challenge you?
Prepare a short retelling of the story.

Review and Reply
Have each group report back, tell their story and answer the questions succinctly.


Conclusion: 
Key Question: Who is with Jesus?

Read John 12:20–32 aloud to the group.

What does this story teach you about Cross-Cultural Compassion?

• Jesus’ answer to the “Greeks want to be with you” question was: 
• “If they know me as sacrifice and Saviour and are willing to sacrifice themselves to tell the world of God’s Love (like I have) then they are already with me.”

What does this story tell you about true faith in Jesus?

• Those who are willing to suffer for the greater good of others are faithful to Jesus’ mission.

What does this story teach you about God’s plan?

• God’s good and perfect goal is to see His name glorified. In this humanity is made whole. It was glorified in the incarnation and teaching of Jesus – then again in the death and resurrection of Jesus. In compassion for us, God is willing to put Himself through the agony of death. Now He calls us to the world of Cross-Cultural Compassion: incarnational, teaching, dying to self and resurrecting anew for the people and the Earth which He created and recreates daily.

In what ways does this story challenge you?

• I want the easy way out far too often. Jesus faced death for us to save us. Now he asks us to live for Him and His message of reconciliation. This goal of divine compassion is to see God’s name glorified in all we say and do.

Ask for reflections from the group.

Blessing: May you live your life to the Glory of God’s Name!

Close in prayer.