Five Stories of Hope

Authors: Steve Boone, Justin Walters, Buddy Overman Target audience: North Americans who live under a post-modern worldview. Theme: Hope. The story set is a group of stories that communicate the hope that can only be found in Jesus. The stories are intended to correct common post-modern misconceptions and erroneous information about Jesus and His followers. Story Titles and Scripture References: Story number 1: Jesus and the Sinful Woman (Luke 7:36-50) Story number 2: Jesus Teaches about True Humility (Luke 18:9-17) Story number 3: Jesus Mission (Matthew 16:21-17:9) Story number 4: Jesus and the Cost of Following Him (Luke 18:18-30; 19:1-10) Story number 5: Jesus Teaches about Forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35)

Session 1: Jesus and the Sinful Woman (Luke 7:36-50) 60 minutes Part A: Introduction/Session Overview/Story Time (15 minutes) Session Overview This story demonstrates the compassion of Jesus Christ. Many post-moderns believe that Christians are narrowed minded, self-righteous, and judgmental. The beauty of the story is that Christ was not that way. The story also demonstrates that all people are in need of Gods grace, whether they understand it or not. The audience will gain an understanding of sin, grace and forgiveness and the proper response of one who receives forgiveness worship of Jesus. The hope of the story is that forgiveness is available to the listener as well: "If Jesus can forgive her, maybe he can forgive me too" Directions: After introductions, tell the story through drama/skit then have the facilitator read/recite the story Jesus and the Sinful Woman (Luke 7:36-50) [36] One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. [37]And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, [38] and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. [39]Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner. [40]And Jesus answering said to him, Simon, I have something to say to you. And he answered, Say it, Teacher. [41]A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. [42]When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more? [43]Simon answered, The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt. And he said to him, You have judged rightly. [44]Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. [45] You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. [46] You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. [47] Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgivenfor she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little. [48]And he said to her, Your sins are forgiven. [49] Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, Who is this, who even forgives sins? [50] And he said to the woman, Your faith has saved you; go in peace. Part B: Talk About it (30 minutes) Directions: Discuss the following questions with the audience as a whole or break into smaller groups if applicable.

What is happening in this story? Encourage audience members to recite the story What do you like about this story? Its important to listen to the audiences feedback What do you not like about this story? Its important to listen to the audiences feed back How would you describe the womans actions toward Jesus? She worshipped him at great cost What prompted her to worship Jesus in that way? She had been forgiven of her sins How would you describe Simons actions toward the woman? He made himself feel better by comparing his life to hers. He was judgmental of her sin and unaware of the gravity of his own sin. How would you describe Jesus actions toward Simon and the woman? He treated both with grace and truth. His words suggest they both needed Gods g race: one understood it the other did not.

Part C: Wrap it Up (15 minutes) Directions: Discuss with the audience the implications of the story by asking the following questions and encouraging the audience to submit their own questions. (Stick to the lesson objectives and encourage those who ask questions not directly related to this story to meet afterward or at another time to discuss their questions.) What does this story say about God? God offers to cancel everyones debt (sin) regardless of the size o f the debt. What does this story say about Jesus? Jesus is worthy of worship and extends grace equally to all. No one is beyond his reach, neither the outcasts of society nor the self-righteous. What does this story say about humanity? Humanity easily can be self-righteous and judgmental. We all have a sin debt that we cannot repay on our own regardless of how small the debt may be. What person in this story do you identify with and why? The woman; Simon the Pharisee; or Jesus? As you go home, think about if you see Jesus more from the view of Simon or from the view of the woman. Do you recognize your debt like the woman did, or do you minimize your debt like Simon did? .

Session 2: Jesus Teaches about True Humility (Luke 18:9-17) 60 minutes Part A: Introduction/Session Overview/Story Time (15 minutes) Session Overview This session calls the audience to reflect on the nature of humility. Participants will see that God is opposed to the proud and accessible to the humble. Most post-moderns see the God of Christianity as remote, inaccessible and angry. This story reveals that God is none of these things. If he has anger it is saved for people who speak in Gods name out of a false sense of self-righteousness. The audience will learn that humility and repentance are essential to faith and will understand that what the world considers good and bad are often reversed in Jesus economy. Directions: After introductions, tell the story through drama/skit then have the facilitator read/recite the story Jesus Teaches about True Humility (Luke 18:9-17) [9]He [Jesus] also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: [10] Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get. [13] But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, God, be merciful to me, a sinner! [14]I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. [15]Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. [16]But Jesus called them to him, saying, Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. [17]Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. Part B: Talk About it (30 minutes) Directions: Discuss the following questions with the audience as a whole or break into smaller groups if applicable. What is happening in this story? Encourage audience members to recite the story What do you like about this story? Its important to listen to the audiences feedback What do you not like about this story? Its important to listen to the audiences feedback

What differences did you notice between the Pharisee and the Tax collector? The Pharisee (a religious leader) was self-righteous/proud. The tax collector was humble; seeking Gods mercy. What did Jesus say about these two men and their attitudes? One went away justified, the other will be humbled. To whom did Jesus compare the people who enter the Kingdom of God? Little children enter the Kingdom of God. What (positive) attributes come to mind when you think of children? Kind, unassuming, desire to please parents, believe what they are told

Part C: Wrap it Up (15 minutes) Directions: Discuss with the audience the implications of the story by asking the following questions and encouraging the audience to submit their own questions. (Stick to the lesson objectives and encourage those who ask questions not directly related to this story to meet afterward or at another time to discuss their questions.) What does this story say about God/Jesus? Jesus/God often act in ways the world does not expect What does this story say about humanity? We all need to humble ourselves and repent before God What character in the story do you identify with? Jesus, the Pharisee, the tax collector, the little children? Does Jesus give any promises in the story? The humble will be exalted, the proud humbled, those like little children will enter the kingdom of God. As you go home think about if you are humble, if you need to repent, and if you need to be more like little children with your faith.

Session 3: Jesus Mission (Matthew 16:21-17:9)

60 minutes

Part A: Introduction/Session Overview/Story Time (15 minutes) Session Overview This session calls the audience to understand that Jesus death and resurrection was part of Gods plan from the very beginning. The audience will also understand the uniqueness of Jesus the Holy Son of God. Most post-moderns have an incorrect view of Jesus life , identity and purpose. This story corrects those erroneous views. The transfiguration passage demonstrates His holiness and uniqueness as Gods Son, but the preceding verses powerfully show that Jesus planned to go to the cross, rise again, and rule the world. The Gospel was a plan, not an accident. Jesus wasnt a victim, He is a savior. Directions: After introductions, tell the story through drama/skit, then have the facilitator read/recite the story Jesus Mission (Matthew 16:21-17:9) [21]From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. [22]And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you. [23]But he turned and said to Peter, Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man. [24] Then Jesus told his disciples, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. [25]For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. [26]For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? [27] For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. [28]Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his k ingdom. [17:1] And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. [2]And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. [3]And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. [4]And Peter said to Jesus, Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah. [5]He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him. [6] When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. [7]But Jesus came and touched them, saying, Rise, and have no fear. [8] And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. [9] And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.

Part B: Talk About it (30 minutes) Directions: Discuss the following questions with the audience as a whole or break into smaller groups if applicable. What is happening in this story? Encourage audience members to recite the story. What do you like about this story? Its important to listen to the audiences feedback . What do you not like about this story? Its important to listen to the audiences feedback . How did Jesus respond to Peter at the beginning of the story? He told him that he was not thinking about Gods plans, but from a worldly point of view. What did Jesus say about following him and the reward of following him? Following him requires sacrifice but results in saving ones soul/life . What did Jesus say would happen when the Son of Man returns? He will hold each person accountable for their actions. What happened to Jesus appearance on the mountain? His face became bright like the sun and his clothes became white as light. What do you think his new appearance signifies? Holiness, perfection, divinity What did the voice from the cloud say about Jesus? He is my son, listen to him.

Part C: Wrap it Up (15 minutes) Directions: Discuss with the audience the implications of the story by asking the following questions and encouraging the audience to submit their own questions. (Stick to the lesson objectives and encourage those who ask questions not directly related to this story to meet afterward or at another time to discuss their questions.) What does this story say about God? He is sovereign; he has a plan for Jesus and mankind. What does this story say about Jesus? He is unique; He died willingly and purposefully; He is Gods Son. What does this story say about humanity? We need to look at the world through Gods plan, not our plans. We all face judgment. How do you feel knowing that Jesus died willingly/purposefully? Loved, sought after, precious in Gods sight? Does Jesus give any promises in the story? Whoever loses his life for Jesus sake will find it. Jesus will hold each of us accountable. Is there a command in this story to follow? Deny ourselves; follow Jesus

Session 4: The Cost of Following Jesus (Luke18:18-30)

60 minutes

Part A: Introduction/Session Overview/Story Time (15 minutes) Session Overview This session calls the audience to reflect on the realities of the costs of following Jesus. The audience will learn from the Ruler and Peter the true cost of following Jesus. The audience will also be confronted with the nature of sin and that man cannot earn his/her way into eternal life. Participants will see that following God is not a mental exercise or agreement to a list of theological suppositions; it is a life of dedication demonstrated by radical decisions and actions. Most post-moderns see the lives of Christians as hypocritical and based on outdated behavior modifications fueled by fear. They see the God of Christianity as remote, inaccessible and angry. This story reveals that Jesus is none of these things. He is approachable and available. He does not respond with harshness but He does require some difficult things. Many post moderns assume that they can follow Jesus by simply incorporating him into their current belief structure and go on living as before. This story addresses that misconception. There are costs to following Jesus. You cant earn his salvation, it is freely given. But living out that salvation requires drastic changes in your life. The message from Jesus is that following Him should be more important to us than any cost involved. But it also gives a strong promise that any price we pay will be worth it in the end. Directions: After introductions, tell the story through memorized dramatic recitation. This conversation does not really lend itself to a skit or drama. Then have the facilitator read/recite the story The cost of following Jesus (Luke 18:18 -30) once again. [18] A ruler asked Him, Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?[19]Why do you call me good? Jesus asked him. No one is good but OneGod. [20] You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do not bear false witness; honor your father and mother. [21]I have kept all these from my youth, he said.[22]When Jesus heard this, He told him, You still lack one thing: Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.[23]After he heard this, he became extremely sad, because he was very rich.[24]Seeing that he became sad, Jesus said, How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! [25]For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom ofGod.[26] Those who heard this asked, Then who can be saved?[27]He replied, What is impossible with men is possible with God.[28]Then Peter said, Look, we have left what we had and followed You.[29] So He said to them, I assure you: There is no one who has left a house, wife or brothers, parents or children because of the kingdom of God, [30] who will not receive many times more at this time, and eternal life in the age to come.

Part B: Talk About it (30 minutes) Directions: Discuss the following questions with the audience as a whole or break into smaller groups if applicable. What is happening in this story? Encourage audience members to recite the story What do you like about this story? Its important to listen to the audiences feedback What do you not like about this story? Its important to listen to the audiences feedback What differences did you notice between the rich man and the disciples? how do these differences relate to the audience members? What did Jesus say about the rich? The eye of a needle, how does that make you feel? Are you rich? What did Jesus say would happen when you give up things to follow Him? You would be rewarded both here and in heaven What (positive) attributes come to mind when you think of sacrifice? listen to feedback and guide the conversation to new thoughts about wealth Who did Jesus say was in charge of salvation? Guide the discussion towards thoughts of Sovereignty and human humility

Part C: Wrap it Up (15 minutes) Directions: Discuss with the audience the implications of the story by asking the following questions and encouraging the audience to submit their own questions. (Stick to the lesson objectives and encourage those who ask questions not directly related to this story to meet afterward or at another time to discuss their questions.) What does this story say about God/Jesus? Jesus/God often act in ways the world does not expect What does this story say about humanity? following Him has costs What character in the story do you identify with? Jesus, the rich man, the disciples? Does Jesus give any promises in the story? rewards for sacrifice but also that salvation is possible with God As you go home think about if you are rich, if you need to repent, and if you believe that God can save

Session 5: Jesus Teaches about Forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35) 60 minutes Part A: Introduction/Session Overview/Story Time (15 minutes) Session Overview When we truly meet Jesus nothing can be the same afterward. Many post moderns do not believe this, unfortunately, they have learned this by observing the church. The story of the merciful king confronts this error by showing how Gods forgiveness should change our lives. The audience will learn that Jesus expects those who receive forgiveness to live a changed life in light of that forgiveness. They will learn that following Jesus requires a new perspective on life; following Jesus should transform us. The Gospel is not fire insurance; it is not an educational creed. It is a relationship with the creator of the universe and that relationship should change the way we interact with the world around us. If we arent different after the Gospel, then we havent experienced the Gospel. This is a great bookend to the first lesson: He who is forgiven much, loves much. Directions: After introductions, tell the story through drama/skit, then have the facilitator read/recite the story Jesus and forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35) [21]Then Peter came to Him and said, Lord, how many times could my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times? [22] I tell you, not as many as seven, Jesus said to him, but 70 times seven. [23] For this reason, the kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who wanted to settle accounts with his slaves. [24]When he began to settle accounts, one who owed 10,000 talents was brought before him. [25] Since he had no way to pay it back, his master commanded that he, his wife, his children, and everything he had be sold to pay the debt. [26] At this, the slave fell facedown before him and said, Be patient with me, and I will pay you everything! [27] Then the master of that slave had compassion, released him, and forgave him the loan.[28]But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him 100 denarii. He grabbed him, started choking him, and said, Pay what you owe![29] At this, his fellow slave fell down and began begging him, Be patient with me, and I will pay you back. [30] But he wasnt willing. On the contrary, he went and threw him into prison until he could pay what was owed. [31]When the other slaves saw what had taken place, they were deeply distressed and went and reported to their master everything that had happened.[32] Then, after he had summoned him, his master said to him, You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me.[33] Shouldnt you also have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you? [34]And his master got angry and handed him over to the jailers to be tortured until he could pay everything that was owed. [35] So My heavenly Father will also do to you if each of you does not forgive his brother from his heart.

Part B: Talk About it (30 minutes) Directions: Discuss the following questions with the audience as a whole or break into smaller groups if applicable. What is happening in this story? Encourage audience members to recite the story. What do you like about this story? Its important to listen to the audiences feedback. What do you not like about this story? Its important to listen to the audiences feedback. How did the Master respond to the slaves debt? Make sure the audience understands the debt was unpayable, huge. He forgave him. What did the slave think about this act of kindness? He was unforgiving, where does that come from? What did the master do as a result? He will hold each person accountable for their actions. Why did the other slaves turn him in? Dont we love to see hypocritical Christians exposed?

Part C: Wrap it Up (15 minutes) Directions: Discuss with the audience the implications of the story by asking the following questions and encouraging the audience to submit their own questions. (Stick to the lesson objectives and encourage those who ask questions not directly related to this story to meet afterward or at another time to discuss their questions.) What does this story say about God? He is sovereign; he loves justice. What does this story say about people? We know right from wrong, but do we do it? What does this story say about forgiveness? God gives more than we ask for. We all face judgment. How do you feel knowing that we don t forgive each other? We need to repent and be forgiven as well as forgive. Does God make any promises in the story? We will not be forgiven if we do not forgive. Is there a command in this story to follow? We have been forgiven much, forgive!