HOW TO BE EFFECTIVE IN A HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT

What is one of the worst times you’ve ever ‘put your foot in your mouth’ (unintentionally said something inappropriate)?

Has the tone of any stories in national or global media, ever left you feeling concerned that you might be judged if you expressed an opinion – because public media has become one-sided on a matter?

As you read today's verses think about the following points:

When the question arose about who Jesus might be, he consistently called himself the ‘Son of Man’ rather than the Son of God or Messiah. Why? (E.g. Mark 2:10, Mark 2:28)

Regarding what Jesus might have meant by ‘Son of Man’ – while it seemed he was saying ‘I’m just a regular human’, what does the prophecy of Daniel 7:3-14 suggest?

What were Jesus’ words when directly asked by the Priest if he believed himself to be the Christ? (Luke 22:66-70 – quoting Daniel 7)

Mark 8:26. When Jesus did miracles, why did he sometimes caution people not to tell anyone about it? (Consider Mark 1:28, but then Mark 1:45-45).

Contrast this with Mark 5:19. Why on this occasion did he say the opposite? (Consider where the man was from).

Read Mark 8:27-31. While Jesus hid his identity from the crowds, he was open about it with his disciples. Why?

Can you think of a place in the Gospels where Jesus finally admitted what he meant when he referred to himself as the ‘Son of Man’ (other than to his disciples)? (Read Mark 14:60-64).

CONSIDER: 

Hostility is ironically growing towards the very faith that established so many of our cultural values. It is important to remember that Jesus lived in a hostile environment too. Consider what he faced and how he responded whether by questions, stories or silence. Jesus responded differently to those who were interested, disinterested, untrusting or hostile. He also understood the ‘toxic’ topics of his culture, which it was wise to avoid altogether. 

• Interested - ENGAGE  
• Disinterested - INTRIGUE  
• Hostile - DEFLECT

Do you ever feel stuck for words when a controversial topic comes up when with friends at work or school?

Make a list of ‘toxic topics’, which you think are really difficult for us as Christians to discuss in your culture.

Have you ever attempted a conversation on one of these topics, and it backfired because the other person couldn’t understand the reasons for your view and therefore judged you?

To revise, how did Jesus relate differently to those who were interested, disinterested, or hostile?

REFLECTION:

What have you learnt from this discussion that you could put to use in your conversations?

Spend time reflecting upon some current difficult conversation topics, and how you might engage, or intrigue, or deflect. 

PRAYER POINTS:    

• For growing wisdom for how to engage those around us in meaningful conversations. 
• For friends we desire to see consider faith in Christ.

Be encouraged as you share the gospel!