Justice, Pt 4: Justice in the New Testament
About the Series
Justice is one of the most important themes in the Bible. What is Biblical Justice? Does our view of justice line up with our actual practice? In this series we are doing a deep dive into scripture, then (hopefully) coming back up with a new imagination for biblical justice and how it might shape our lives and speak into the social issues of our day.
Review the last practice (10 min)
Last week you were invited to reflect on the power dynamics in your life and spheres of influence. And the idea was offered to engage in a listening conversation with someone on the other side of your power and privilege. What did you do? How did it go? How did God speak or meet you? Share your experience.
Read the Teaching Recap (5 min)
This week was justice in the New Testament. In the Beatitudes and Jesus’ prophetic reading in the synagogue we see that central to Jesus’ message is that God’s justice is coming. It is also central to Jesus’ action and ministry. Jesus makes the untouchable, touchable, and the socially poor he deems worthy of dignity and respect.
In the early church we witness Jubilee-style economic justice: people freely selling property and possessions to make sure everyone has enough (Acts 2:42-45; 4:32-37), both within churches and between churches (2 Cor 8:13-15). We don’t want this kind of church, do we?
The early church practiced the economic justice of God, but also practiced a unity in diversity never before seen. Status distinctions were erased; all were one in Jesus (Gal 3:26-28). The church was the embodiment of the Beatitudes.
Could they have done more? Possibly. But if the doing of justice is related to power and privilege, the early church was a tiny collection of low-status groups. So they don’t dismantle every system of the Roman Empire, but they do commit to a way of life that bears witness to the justice of God.
And so for us, will we become so enamored with the talk of justice and how other people can change systems, that we miss out on living a life that embodies the beatitudes, that bears witness to the justice of God?
Discussion & Prayer (40 min)
Reflect. Take a moment to consider the resurfacing of these ideas from the Justice series so far:
—“Biblical Justice is not or can’t be just about fairness and giving people their due.”
—“Biblical justice goes beyond. It’s about fixing situations and liberating people from the conditions that keep them from living life as God intended.”
Share. Are there ways you sense God is beginning to change your previous ideas or thoughts about Justice?
Offer illustrations or Scripture passages that have stood out to you and helped you see justice more clearly.
Is there anything in your current life situations or conversations with others where you have noticed God working in regards to justice?
Read. The Beatitudes from Matthew 5:1-11.
Remember: The first four Beatitudes are not promises of reward for the virtuous, but reversals coming to the victim (poor, powerless, hopeless, defeated, depressed). The second four are blessings coming to those committed to justice and righteousness
Discuss. Pick a couple questions to answer and discuss as a group.
As you think of the justice of God, which Beatitude hits closest? Why is that?
What do you imagine “embodiment of the Beatitudes” could look today?
How has looking at justice within the New Testament challenged you?
Do you find yourself being burdened by feeling like you have to do more? What do you do with those feelings?
Pray. Take some time to pray as a group.
Ask God for guidance for how to see others. Ask for Him to bring an awareness of justice throughout your day. Ask for how you might offer liberation, care, mercy, kindness, God’s love to those within your family, your neighbors, people at work or school.
Offer praise and thanksgiving for all that God is doing in your life –the interior workings of His love and His exterior gifts.
Practice for the Week (5 min)
Spend some time meditating on each Beatitude (choose one per day). Listen for what God might be speaking to you about yourself or about how you see those in your sphere of influence.
Write down any significant moments or things that keep surfacing or staying with you. If time allows, share these with someone in your group.
