I. How Jesus Creates Multi-Ethnic Unity

II. How We Cultivate Multi-Ethnic Unity

Getting Started

1. What was helpful to you in this week’s sermon? What didn’t you understand?

2. When did you first become aware that someone of another ethnicity experienced the world differently than you do? Share your experience with the group?

3. Read Genesis 11:1-9 and 12:1-3. Compare these texts with Acts 2:1-11 and Revelation 7:14. What do these passages teach us about God’s desire for multi-ethnic harmony?

4.How did the Jews of Jesus’ day view their national and ethnic identity? Why would they have perceived Jesus’ behavior as so threatening (see Mark 3:1-6; 7:1-5)?

5. Read Ephesians 2:11-22? How does Jesus break down the barrier dividing Jews and Gentiles? How does Jesus’ death overcome ethnic barriers and hostility? Why is it crucial that we think of Christ’s work not only as vertical (reconciling us to God), but also as horizontal (reconciling us to one another)? What happens when we lose sight of this?

6. Read Ephesians 4:1-3. If Jesus has created unity between ethnic groups, why does Paul urge the Ephesians to “maintain” it (v. 3)? Why is this truth critical for us to remember?

7. Jeff listed a variety of ways for us to pursue ethnic harmony. Which of these stood out to you? Why? What have you found helpful in your pursuit of ethnic harmony? What have you found unhelpful? How would you like to grow in this area?

8.What’s one way you can apply this passage this week?