When Jesus was on earth, he had a lot to say about love, but not everyone loved him. Instead, Jesus’ opponents hated him, attacked him, and saw him as extreme — dangerous — revolutionary — a radical. And they had a point! The things Jesus taught about loving God and loving others challenged the status quo and changed the world forever. That’s pretty radical. In this 4-week series from the book of James, we’ll look at four ways Jesus invites us to love according to his revolutionary example. These ideas might seem simple, but when we choose to listen more than we speak, refuse to play favorites, watch our words, and fight for peace, we’ll see just how radical Jesus’ teachings really are.
Click on the weekly topics below for the big ideas, Scripture, and questions. And be sure to click the button for the student devotionals.
Week 1
Big Idea: Radical people listen more than they speak.
Scripture: James 1:19-21; Psalm 15; Luke 10:25-28
Follow-up Questions:
- How can you tell when someone isn’t really interested in what you have to say? How does that feel?
- Why do you think most people spend more time speaking than they spend listening?
- This week, what’s one thing you can do to listen to others more? What about listening to God?
Week 2
Big Idea: Radical people don't play favorites.
Scripture: James 2:1-17; Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23; Romans 2:11
Follow-up Questions:
- Think about the kinds of people you spend the most time with. Who is not represented in that group?
- Have you excluded, hurt, or been prejudiced against anyone recently? What do you think you could be missing out on by excluding them?
- This week, what’s one thing you can do to include more people instead of playing favorites?
Week 3
Big Idea: Radical people watch their words.
Scripture: James 3:1-12; Mark 7:1-8; Luke 6:27-28
Follow-up Questions:
- What’s the nicest thing anyone has said about you?
- Has anyone ever hurt you with their words? How did you react?
- This week, what’s one thing you are going to do to watch your words?
Week 4
Big Idea: Radical people fight for peace.
Scripture: James 3:16-18, 4:1-3; Matthew 5:9; Hebrews 12:14a
Follow-up Questions:
- What are some of the most common reasons you think people fight with each other?
- Have you ever peacefully resolved a fight with someone? How did you do it?
- This week, what’s one way you’re going to fight for peace instead of your own self interest?