Below is a list of Scriptures you can share with your group to show the importance God places upon caring for the poor. We have intentionally added a brief description and a few discussion questions. The reason being, that you know best what your groups needs and how your group best responds. If you want further help with direction in preparing your group for the Poverty Simulation weekend, please do not hesitate to contact me.

DEUTERONOMY 15:1-11 – This of course deals with God establishing the new nation Israel after setting her free from slavery. God establishes the Sabbatical Year for canceling debts. God makes concern for the poor both individual and institutional. Institutionally, God prevents the development of a perpetual underclass through debt. Individually, God wants Israelites to be liberal and openhanded in their personal relationships with the poor (v8). Amazingly, through both individual and institutional concern for the poor Israel is given preeminence as a nation.

Questions: How do nations normally establish themselves as mighty and powerful?

In v4 when God says there should be no poor among you, do you think He still believes that?

In saying that there will always be poor people, does God want us to just give up then?

ISAIAH 1:10-28 & 58 – Isaiah compares Israel to Sodom and Gomorrah, and interestingly enough, not because of sexual sin, but rather, it’s failure to care for the poor and needy. Israel’s worship has not only ceased to be effective, but God actually hates it. The central reason is that their worship is without the necessary accompanying acts of justice. The worship God desires is commanded in chapter 58, called the true fast. This is a fast, which involves concern for the poor. And this concern for the poor is to be both individual (v7-sharing food, shelter and clothing) and institutional (v6-loosing the chains of injustice, untying the cords of the yoke, and breaking every yoke).

Questions: Does our worship celebrate our acts of justice?

Why does worship seem so distant from what we do?

Are there widows and orphans in our community that we can defend or plead their case?

MATTHEW 19:16-30 – So many time the parable of the Rich Young Ruler is about the ruler giving up things, but Jesus does not ask him to give up possessions alone. Jesus says that to follow Him the ruler must sell his many possessions and then give to the poor. Initiating relationship with the poor is a prerequisite to Jesus for following Him. Our righteousness must also be accompanied with justice.

Questions: Do you think Jesus was serious in telling the ruler to sell his possessions and give to the poor?

Do you think Jesus is still serious about the wealthy being in relationship with Himself and the poor?

What is Jesus saying about the fulfillment of possessions?

If you have any questions, or would like further help in this area, please do not hesitate to contact me, povertysim@missionwaco.org. Thanks.