Going Deeper
3.When the Old Testament writers speak of “sojourners” and “foreigners”, to whom are they referring (e.g. Genesis 23:4)? How do Old Testament stories (e.g. the stories of Abraham, Joseph, Ruth) shed light on the plight of immigrants? How does God meet their needs? In what way are “sojourners” in Scripture similar to modern day immigrants? In what ways are they different?
4.What laws did God put in place to protect immigrants (see Exodus 12:45-49; 20:20; 23:12; Deuteronomy 1:16-17; 24:17-18; 24:19-22; 27:19)? What makes these laws unique in the ancient world?
5.In the sermon, Jeff offered three Christian lenses for viewing immigrants; the mission lens, the family lens, and the growth lens. Which of these stood out to you? Why?
6.Read Ephesians 2:11-23. As followers of Jesus, what is our fundamental motivation for welcoming and loving immigrants (see also Leviticus 19:33-34; Deuteronomy 10:18-19)? Read Philippians 3:20 and 1 Peter 2:10-12. Why are followers of Christ sojourners in this present age? How do you think this spiritual reality should impact our day-to-day lives?
Application:
7.Read Hebrews 13:2. In the New Testament, what is “hospitality”? Think of some ways your group might show biblical hospitality to the immigrants in your midst.
8.What’s one way you can apply this passage this week?