Warm Up
- What is something that you would NEVER give up for Lent?
- If you compared yourself to an earlier version of yourself (say as a teenager or mid 20’s) … in what ways are you different and in what ways are you still the same?
Introduction – A different perspective on the Easter/Gospel Story
Video Notes:
- Image of the tree of life – receiving God’s own eternal life into us. Sharing in God’s life transforms us so that we can inhabit heaven and earth at the same time. It also transforms our imaginations so that we learn how to rule the world like God, in the power of love.
- Humanity is quickly deceived thinking that we can rule and get eternal life on our own terms.
- Jesus brought to us an example of a new way of living. Through the cross Jesus opened a way back to eternal life. In his resurrection, Jesus received a transformed body that could live in heaven and earth at the same time.
- Jesus said that eternal life is knowing this God of love, and that our imaginations can be transformed as we’re liberated to love God and to love our neighbour.
Getting to know your group / Reflection Question:
What is something that you have changed your mind about – or an issue that your current thinking or perspective is being challenged. Theologically, politically, morally, socially? What is something that looking back you can see that thought one way but now you think differently. What led to that change?
Why is it hard to change perspectives? What are some of the barriers or challenges about changing the way you think on an issue?
ChatGPT insights…
Why is it hard to consider a different perspective?
The hardest thing about changing perspective is overcoming the mental and emotional resistance to letting go of what feels familiar and true. A few key challenges include:
Cognitive Biases – Our brains naturally filter information to confirm what we already believe (confirmation bias) and resist ideas that challenge our worldview.
Emotional Attachment – Perspectives are often tied to our identity, values, and past experiences. Changing them can feel like betraying ourselves or admitting we were wrong.
Social Pressure – Friends, family, or cultural influences may reinforce certain perspectives, making it difficult to adopt new ways of thinking without fear of judgment or rejection.
Fear of Uncertainty – A new perspective can feel disorienting, especially if it forces us to question things we thought were stable or certain.
Ego and Pride – It’s hard to admit that we might have been mistaken or that someone else’s viewpoint might be more valid than ours.
Comfort in Familiarity – Even if a perspective isn’t serving us well, it can feel easier to stay with the known than to embrace the discomfort of change.
The key to shifting perspective is openness, curiosity, and a willingness to sit with discomfort.
#1. Confronting Cultural ways of thinking
Read Luke 10:24-37
Around the table … what is your reflection on this passage?
Or ponder together the following questions:
- What do you think was the motivation of the expert of the law in questioning Jesus? What did he hope might be the outcome?
- What do you think was behind Jesus two questions in response? “What does the text say” and “how do you read it?”
- In the parable, why do you think the two Jewish religious people walked away from the man who needed help? Do you think the story might have been different if the man who was injured was clearly Jewish? Or clearly Samaritan?
- What would be modern day examples of groups that are contentious towards each other like the Jews and the Samaritans? What groups do you personally tend to be contentious towards and why?
- Put yourself in the story as the person who was attacked. If the person being caring was someone who was different than you … or even someone whom you really didn’t like – how would you react to them offer to show you care?
- How have you shown mercy to the poor and marginalized in our society lately? Does your schedule and finances have enough margin to be available to help others when needs arise? If not, what changes could you make?
ChatGPT insights…
What can Luke 10:25-37 teach us about seeing things differently?
ChatGPT said: Luke 10:25-37 tells the Parable of the Good Samaritan, and it has a lot to teach about changing perspective. Here are some key lessons:
1. Breaking Cultural and Social Biases
In Jesus’ time, Jews and Samaritans were enemies. The idea that a Samaritan, rather than a Jewish priest or Levite, was the hero of the story would have been shocking to Jesus’ audience.
Lesson: We may need to challenge our assumptions about who is “good” or “worthy.” Sometimes, the people we least expect can show the most kindness.
2. Seeing People as Individuals, Not Labels
The priest and Levite saw the wounded man but walked past, possibly because they saw him as an inconvenience or a risk to their ritual purity.
The Samaritan saw a human in need, not just a stranger or an enemy.
Lesson: Our perspective shifts when we stop categorizing people and start seeing their humanity.
3. Compassion Requires Action
The Samaritan didn’t just feel sorry for the man—he acted. He cleaned his wounds, put him on his donkey, took him to an inn, and paid for his care.
Lesson: A new perspective should lead to changed behaviour. Seeing things differently should move us to love and help others in tangible ways.
4. Defining “Neighbour” Differently
Jesus told this story in response to a question: “Who is my neighbour?” The expected answer would have been fellow Jews, but Jesus expanded the definition to include even enemies.
Lesson: Being a neighbour isn’t about who we live near—it’s about how we treat people. Love isn’t limited by race, religion, or social status.
5. Love Transcends Legalism
The lawyer who questioned Jesus was focused on the minimum requirement for inheriting eternal life. Jesus showed that true love goes beyond rules—it is sacrificial and boundless.
Lesson: Sometimes, we need to shift our perspective from “What do I have to do?” to “How can I love more deeply?”
Final Thought
This passage challenges us to see differently—our enemies as potential allies, strangers as neighbours, and love as something that requires action, not just words. Are there any specific situations in your life where you feel you need a perspective shift?
2. Confronting Theological Perspectives
Read Luke 13:1-5
- What idea about these bad news stories in verses 1-5 is Jesus rejecting? How does he apply the stories in a new way?
- How do you understand Jesus’ line, “But unless you repent, you too will perish”? Is this a reference to judgement & hell? Or is Jesus suggesting all suffering the direct result of personal sin? In other words, are we to assume that those who suffer greatly are necessarily great sinners, or that every suffering we experience is the direct result of some particular sin that we have committed?
Watch Video
Video Notes:
- People who wrote the Bible pondered the mystery of God, they described God’s character in this way. “Compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, overflowing with loyal love and faithfulness.”
- In Hebrew, the phrase “slow to anger is pronounced ‘erek ‘appayim, or literally “long of nose.” This is why a patient person is called long of nose … it takes a long time for their nose to get hot.
- In the Bible, God’s anger is an expression of his justice and God’s love for the world. But God is slow to anger, which means he gives people lots of time to change.
- God is not content to let people sit in their own self-destruction. In the Bible, God is on a mission to rescue. This is why Jesus said that he was going to Jerusalem. In Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection we see God’s anger at evil and his love for people working together to provide forgiveness and life for a humanity lost in self-ruin.
- When God is angry and brings justice, it’s because God’s good. And God is extremely patient, working out his plan to restore people to his love.
Read Luke 13:6-9
Around the table … what is your reflection on this passage?
Or ponder together the following questions:
- What does the parable of the barren fig tree teach about God’s patience and judgment?
- Do you think that God’s grace is limited? That someone can “run out of chances” or “be too late” to receive God’s forgiveness and life?
- The parable implies that God is looking for a “return from investment”. How does this work practically in our lives and faith?
- This time next year, what extra fruit would you like to be producing? What changes might be needed in your life or thinking for that to happen?
ChatGPT insights… What does Luke 13:1-9 teach us about challenging our theological frameworks
ChatGPT said: Luke 13:1-9 challenges common theological assumptions, particularly about suffering, divine judgment, and God’s patience. This passage consists of two parts:
Verses 1-5 – Jesus addresses the question of why bad things happen to people.
Verses 6-9 – The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree, which highlights God’s patience and the urgency of repentance.
1. Challenging the “Retribution Theology” Mindset (Luke 13:1-5)
The Common Assumption:
People in Jesus’ time (and even today) believed that suffering was a direct result of personal sin—if something bad happened, it must be punishment from God. They mention two tragedies:
Pilate killing Galileans—a political atrocity.
The Tower of Siloam collapsing—a natural disaster.
The assumption is that the victims must have deserved it.
Jesus’ Perspective Shift:
He rejects the idea that suffering always equals divine punishment.
Instead, He points out that everyone needs repentance, not just those who suffer tragic events.
Lesson: We must rethink simplistic theology that says “bad things happen only to bad people.” Life is complex, and suffering isn’t always a direct punishment from God.
2. Rethinking God’s Justice and Mercy (Luke 13:6-9 – The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree)
The Common Assumption:
If something (or someone) is unproductive or sinful, God should judge and remove them immediately.
Jesus’ Perspective Shift:
The landowner (symbolizing God) expects fruit from a fig tree but doesn’t immediately destroy it.
Instead, the gardener pleads for one more year to nurture it—symbolizing God’s patience and mercy.
However, the tree still needs to bear fruit, or judgment will come.
Lesson:
God is just—He expects fruit (repentance and righteousness).
God is merciful—He gives people time to change.
Theological shift: Instead of assuming immediate judgment, Jesus shows that God allows time for transformation. However, that patience isn’t unlimited.
Final Takeaway: A Call to Rethink and Repent
Luke 13:1-9 challenges rigid theological ideas about suffering, justice, and mercy:
✅ Bad things aren’t always a sign of God’s judgment.
✅ Everyone needs repentance, not just those who suffer visibly.
✅ God is patient but expects transformation.
How does this passage challenge your current view of suffering, justice, or mercy?
#3. Confronting our own personal perspectives
Phil in his sermon mentioned that when it comes to different perspectives, sometimes it becomes tricky when both perspectives are right – or even what is right for a particular person in a particular context might be different to what is right for another person in a different context.
Read Luke 10:38-42
Around the table … what is your reflection on this passage?
Or ponder together the following questions:
- What do you think are the good points and blind spots of both Mary and Martha? (Who are you more like)
- Mary seemingly was able to take a step away from “doing” and instead be in the moment with Jesus. In what ways can you begin to practice “a sacred pause”?
- “We can’t possibly experience true relational connection – either with Jesus or others – if we’re living in a constant state of distraction … and what’s causing us to live in a constant state of distraction are the devices in our hands that we’re constantly attached to.” Do you believe this to be true?
ChatGPT insights… What does Luke 10:38-42 teach us about personal perspectives:
Different Priorities Lead to Different Perspectives – Martha sees service as the most important thing, while Mary values learning from Jesus. This shows how personal perspectives shape our choices—what seems urgent to one person might not be the same for another.
Balance Between Action and Reflection. Martha’s perspective is about doing, while Mary’s is about being present. The passage reminds us that while responsibilities matter, we shouldn’t overlook spiritual nourishment.
Perspective Affects Stress and Frustration. Martha’s focus on her workload leads to frustration and resentment toward Mary. A shift in perspective—seeing time with Jesus as valuable—could have eased her burden.
Jesus’ Perspective on What Truly Matters. Jesus does not criticize Martha for serving but highlights Mary’s choice as “better.” This challenges us to reflect on whether our perspectives align with God’s priorities.
Takeaway: This passage teaches that our perspectives shape our actions, stress levels, and priorities. It encourages us to evaluate whether we are too focused on busyness and distractions, rather than what truly matters—spending time with God and seeking His wisdom.
Prayer
Jesus – as we journey with you, please open our eyes to see!
We ask you to help us to not conform to the pattern of this world, but rather we ask that we be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
We ask you to challenge any of our perspectives that are unhelpful.
We ask you to push back against ingrained ways of thinking that don’t reflect you or align with your way of living.
We ask you to journey with us as we strive to love you with all our heart and soul and strength … and all our minds … and to love our neighbour as ourselves.
Renew our minds, we pray. Amen.
Alternative Prayer Idea
Take two pipe cleaners and just sit quietly with them in your hands, Allow your hands to play with them, shape them, twist them, create with them. Don’t be concerned with having an outcome in mind. Just sit with God and playfully create.
As you do… breathe in and out. Say quietly the following breath prayer…
Loving God
Help us to pause and feel your presence with us.
Slow us down Lord, and remind us of your love for us,
As we breathe in and out, out and in,
May be breathe out all that is not of you,
And be filled with the breath of your Holy Spirit.
May be breathe out all that is not of you,
And be filled with the breath of your Holy Spirit.
Amen.