Cross-Cultural Missions – Teaching Plan
Key Thought : Salvation was never meant just for the Jews; it is good news to all people. We are invited to join Him in His mission to all peoples.
1. Have a volunteer read John 4:7-10
Image © Lars Justinen Goosalt.com
a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. In what ways did Jesus step outside the bounds of tradition in order to reach this woman, and indirectly, the town?
c. Personal Application : How willing are you to step outside your comfort zone in order to minister to others? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your relatives states: “I think it’s hard to try and reach people of other cultures without imposing our cultural bias on them.” How would you respond to your relative?
2. Have a volunteer read Matthew 8:8-13
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. How can we make sure the gospel is expressed in a way that connects with a person’s cultural experience?
c. Personal Application : What are some of the different cultures you encounter in your neighborhood?” Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your friends states, “Have you ever felt confusion between what is vital to your faith and what is culturally driven?” How would you respond to your neighbor?
3. Have a volunteer read Luke 17:11-19
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What lessons are here for us regardless of cultural differences?
c. Personal Application: What are some of the things you have to be thankful for? Share your thoughts..
d. Case Study : One of your neighbors states, “Well the Jews weren’t thankful but the Samaritan was. Why were the Jews not thankful or come back? Did they think that they were better than the Samaritans?” How would you respond to your friend?
4. Have a volunteer read Matthew 12:18
a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. Why is it important to use those of a particular culture to reach their own people?
c. Personal Application: Since we represent Jesus here on earth, how are we to live and witness for Christ to those of other cultures? Share your thoughts.
d. 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.
(Note : “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)
(7)