Cross Borders
In this unit, crossing borders is about actions we take to reach out to others who are different from us in order to love them and build bridges of understanding and justice. Jesus encountered many borders in his ministry. People suffering from illnesses like leprosy were considered unclean and to be separated from others. Women, even from his own Jewish religion, were legally the property of men and treated as second- or third-class citizens. People from other religions or countries were suspect and to be avoided. Over and again, we find Jesus crossing those human-erected borders and walls, challenging them in the name of love and justice. He even called out his own political and religious leaders for enforcing unjust borders, which, in part, led to his crucifixion.
This practice shows how we, as followers of Jesus, are pushed, pulled, invited, and commanded by God to embrace the fullness of humanity. This unit focuses on four aspects of crossing borders: leave your comfort zone, embrace relationships, challenge exclusion, and speak God’s language of love.
Adult Leader's Guide
This leader’s guide uses the Adult Reflection Guide to lead a small group study on the practice. This guide contains a summary of the practice and the four (or six) sessions, background information on the Bible study for the session, and any preparation the leader may need to do ahead of the session. There are different options of activities and discussions to choose from throughout the session. Participants are asked to read through the Adult Reflection Guide, if possible, before each session. There are other great resources for adults in the Congregational Guide.
Featured in the Adult Leader’s Guide:
Leave Your Comfort Zone (Acts 11:1–18)
Embrace Relationships (Ruth 1:16–17)
Challenge Exclusion (Mark 14:3–9)
Speak God’s Language of Love (Acts 2:1–20)
