Discovering Justice in the Old Testament: A 4-Week Series

This series explores several “J” characters in the Old Testament, and their relationship with another “J” word: JUSTICE. Using the stories of Jeremiah, Jonah, Job, and Jacob, your group will learn how God calls us to justice, what God’s justice looks like, what to do when we experience injustice, and how to take responsibility for our part in injustice.

Details:

4 lesson plans and student handouts (PDF format)
Leader’s guide for activities and discussions
Social media and keynote graphics

$40.00

Weekly Summaries

Week 1 – Jeremiah

Jeremiah was called to be a voice of God’s justice as a young person. The Israelites were stuck in a pattern of bad decisions, breaking their covenant with God generation after generation. Jeremiah is called to warn the Israelites of the dangers they face and to prevent members of his generation from making the same mistakes. Students will explore what a modern-day Jeremiah might look like in the form of a young climate activist. They will examine their role in God’s justice work and practice lamenting when justice work is frustrating.

Scripture – Jeremiah 1:4-10

Week 2 – Jonah

Jonah is passionate about justice, but God’s justice doesn’t always look like what Jonah expects. While Jonah thinks Nineveh’s justice should look like punishment, God’s justice toward Nineveh looks like mercy. Your group will read Jonah’s story in its entirety and explore how various themes relate to justice. After discussing the role mercy plays in justice, they will name their own “Ninevehs” and imagine what it looks like to respond in mercy.

Scripture – Jonah 1-4

Week 3 – Job

Job continues to orient himself towards justice even after having suffered himself. In this session, your group will explore themes of justice and suffering. Participants will see what it means to confront God when one experiences suffering. Students will examine the effects of asking the strained question: “Why?” by examining Job’s friends and even Job himself.

Scripture – Job 16, 28:20-28, and 42:7-9

Week 4 – Jacob

Jacob practices justice in the form of reconciliation. After years of pursuing the elevation of his own status, Jacob realizes he has damaged many of his relationships, namely his relationship with his brother, Esau. Participants will be invited to act out the story of Jacob and Esau’s relationship, making predictions along the way. The group will read about Jacob’s radical transformation after an encounter with God and will consider how their own relationships might be repaired or restored through God’s transformative grace.

Scripture – Genesis 32:22-31

Testimonials

“Holy Disruptions is everything I've wanted in a youth group curriculum! It engages our teenagers' questions and ideas without offering overly simplified answers.”

- Laurel Capesius, Director and Campus Minister at Winthrop Wesley Foundation

“Holy Disruptions gave our leaders a teaching foundation while also creating and fostering space for our students to do their own theological exploration.”

- Nathan Wheeler, Youth Ministry and Young Adult Coordinator, Cumberland Presbyterian Church

“This material has allowed students to process through what God is teaching and speaking to them.”

- Kelsey Fisher, Program Coordinator, City Service Mission

What makes Holy
Disruptions different?

Holy Disruptions series are designed to delve into the unique experiences of today’s youth, spark deep theological reflection, and foster transformative discussions. Our three-part methodology empowers students to align with God’s vision and desires for the world.

Interruption

Facilitate a disorienting experience – where students are most receptive to growth.

Reflection

Invite students to investigate their reaction to the disorienting moment.

Holy Disruption

Ask students to explore what God says about it.