Spiritual Survival Guide
8: Bible Studies for Inside and Out
b. Reassured and comforted that I’m not alone, even in the worst of times. c. Encouraged that he knows what I’ve gone through. d. Amazed that he cares that much. 4. Over the years, how well have taken care of those in need? Have you been more a “goat” or more a “sheep”? a. Sadly, I’ve been a total goat—too busy with my own needs. b. More goat than sheep—I realize now how many missed opportu- nities there were to care for others. c. Half-sheep, half-goat—but I was always pretty selective with who I helped. d. More sheep than goat—I’ve always been pretty tuned-in to those who are in need. 5. How well do you respond to the needs of the following people in need? Are you drawn to serve some more than others? Why or why not? a. those who are hungry or in need of shelter b. strangers c. those who are sick d. prisoners 6. How well do you think most churches do when it comes to visiting those in prison? What’s been your own experience? a. Unfortunately, out of sight, out of mind. b. They’re well-intentioned, but confused about how to help.
44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ 45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ 46 Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”—Matthew 25:31-46
DISCUSS
We offer suggestions for some possible answers, but don’t feel confined by them. 1. During your own imprisonment, did you get visits? a. A lot. b. Some, but it showed me who my real friends were. c.Never. d. No, I burned my bridges. e.Yes, from volunteers. 2. How did visits make you feel? a. Like I hadn’t been forgotten. b. Like a nervous wreck. c. Mixed. They were great during the visit, but I felt more depressed afterward. d. Awkward and angry. They were too short and controlled. e. They were a lifeline for me. 3. How does the idea of Jesus himself, needy and in prison, identifying with those who are locked up, make you feel? a. Confused. Why would he do that?
c. They’re afraid and want to keep their distance. d. They’re judgmental and don’t want us in their life. e. They’re ashamed to show their face at the prison door. f. They’re doing the best they can.
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