Justice and Mercy in the Old Testament - Discussion Questions

Mercy to the needy. You were probably touched by the story in the lesson about the child who was treated so kindly by a woman that in amazement he said, “Are you God’s wife?” Isn’t that our primary role in today’s world–to let God’s love show in what we do so strongly that people marvel and know its source is God? Consider the good deeds the Lord does for us (Psalm 146:7-9) and how we can share them with those around us.
Mercy and justice: earmarks of God’s people. As you consider your past, which have you felt more strongly–mercy or justice? How is “social justice” related to “mercy”? How did the Hebrew culture make provision for the downtrodden? How did the Sabbath rest provide a blessing to those less fortunate? What about the seventh-year Sabbath? And the Year of Jubilee?
Universal concerns. How can observing the seventh day as Sabbath strengthen our relationship with our Creator? Why don’t we continue to observe the Sabbath year and the year of jubilee today? Should we? Why or why not? What is universal about each of these Sabbath observances?
Prophetic voice: Part 1. What relationship does God expect His followers to have toward those in need? In Isaiah 1, how disappointed was God in the feasts and sacrifices His people offered? How did He show that even the most luxurious garments and elaborate ceremonies meant nothing to Him? What did He want from His people? What does He want from us today?
Prophetic voice: Part 2. What good did it do for God’s believers to bow down in formal and appropriate dress? What gifts do we too often ask of the Lord when we pray? Instead of making self-centered requests, what should we ask Him for? Why does God seem to make it impossible for us to minister to others without receiving a blessing ourselves?
A force for good. Has your church ever gone out into the community with a message of love and peace? Do you yourself seek every opportunity to support the outreach ministries of your church? If so, why? What could you do during the next few months to demonstrate your church’s concern for the poor and downtrodden? How can we teach our children to love doing good things for others? What is the greatest reward for such activity?