WAYS TO BEGIN: Greet your class and spend time talking together and sharing while enjoying light refreshments. Be sure that you enter into the conversation and share something of your past week. Take care that everyone in the class has an opportunity to contribute something to the conversation.
THE THEME: Final judgement; the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.
THE STORY: Luke 16:19-31. Have someone read the account aloud.
SOME QUESTIONS TO TALK ABOUT:
1. What do you think Jesus was trying to get across in this parable?
2. Do you understand this parable of Heaven and Hell literally or symbolically? Explain.
3. In Jean Paul Sartre’s great play, "No Exit", there is a line which ways, "Hell is other people". What could be hell for you?
4. How do you explain to yourself why some people have rich and care-free lives while others suffer from poverty or sickness or other terrible adversities?
5. What would you think is just in the case of those who are blessed and those who suffer, especially if in both cases the people involved lead "good" lives?
AN ACTIVITY TO DO: The following activity is suggested in Benson’s, "Creative Bible Studies". You will need a rich, purple piece of fabric and a torn, ragged piece of cheap fabric. First, pass around the purple cloth and ask the class to give examples of what "wearing purple" might stand for in today’s world. What types of food, houses, clothing, etc., do those "wearing purple" have? Record on newsprint. Next, pass around the torn piece of cloth. Ask for the class to name who the "Lazarus" people around us are. Describe and write down their needs. Compare the two lists. If you can find a picture depicting Hell, pass that around. As the class if this seems real to them. Does it scare you? Is this a real place? Do you ever change any of your behavior because of such an image of Hell? What would move you to do something about the suffering of others?
End the session by praying for all those in need.
