Compassion Australia Releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name Study by: Ivan Cooper Sermons can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel. GATHERING / WORSHIP / PRAYER Take a few minutes to catch up with each other and build community. If you have new people present, give time to getting to know each other. Possibly listen to the song ‘Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly’ by Paul Barrett. Pray that God would deepen our hearts with love and compassion as disciples of Jesus. FOCUS Compassion is a Christian international holistic child development organization. Through their Child Sponsorship Program, more than 2 million children are currently being released from poverty in Jesus’ name Compassion Australia. SETTING THE SCENE When Jesus saw a man who was born blind, his disciples asked him, “Why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” (John 9:2) The disciples mistakenly saw those who were suffering and in need as out of God’s love and favor. However, Jesus saw the blind man very differently. He responded, “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins… This happened so the power of God could be seen in him” (John 9:3). Jesus saw this man with a heart full of compassion and love. Jesus called us to love each other following his example and that, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35). OPENING GOD’s WORD Warm Up Question: When have you received help in a time of need? Read: Mark 3:1-6 Take turns reading from several different translations. What first caught your interest or stuck out to you as you read this passage? How does the way the Pharisees view the man with the deformed hand differ from the way Jesus saw him? What do we discover was different in their understanding of what was important on the Sabbath? Verse 5 says that Jesus looked around at them with anger and was grieved at their hard hearts. How does God’s righteous anger differ from our anger? How might we follow the example of Jesus and seek to help those around us who are sick, hungry, or in need? LIVING OUT GOD’s WORD How can we practically live out compassionate hearts and respond to those who are in need in our community? How can we practically live out compassionate hearts and respond to those who are in need in our world? PRAYER Pray that we could grow in compassion for those around us who are sick, hungry, and in need. Pray that we could share hope through the message of Jesus to those who haven't yet heard it. Contacts If you would like more information or further help, please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au