Bible Study

Responding to Suffering and Need: A Bible Study in Matthew 25

Written by: 
Jeff Barneson

It is nearly impossible to live, work, and study in modern America without being confronted by the suffering and needs of the poor. Whether in urban or rural environments (or merely through the media), we regularly come face to face with people who are homeless or hungry, ill-clothed or in distress.

When we turn on the television we are exposed to countless millions of persons who face even more desperate conditions on every continent of the globe.

In 1986 the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops drafted a document titled “Economic Justice for All.” In it they identified several principles of a just economy. Probably the most memorable phrase which came from that document is “the preferential option for the poor.” In brief, that phrase means that we ought to evaluate economic systems from the perspective of those at the “bottom” rather than those at the “top.”

How does life in business school encourage or discourage our understanding of and response to people who are poor and economically marginalized? Jesus raises such issues for us in Matthew 25.

The Scripture and Background

Read Matthew 25:31-46. Here are some of the facts:

The nations are gathered before God for judgment.

Christ is somehow hidden in the poor. Neither the persons who help them nor those who neglect them are able to recognize him.

Perhaps the most striking thing about this passage is that the judgment which God pronounces is based solely upon people’s response to the poor, naked, and hungry.

Issues Raised

How is Christ present in the poor and broken?

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Tags: Spiritual Formation | Bible Study

Leadership and Service: A Bible Study in Mark 10 and John 13

Written by: 
Jeff Barneson

Each fall the incoming class is welcomed to the Harvard Business School by the dean with words which are flattering and true:

“You are the leaders. You are the best, the brightest, la crème de la crème, the cream of the crop … The future is in your hands, and we are looking for great things from you.”

We are leaders, whether we’re at Harvard or not. By virtue of our gifts and opportunities we’ve had, others will look to us to provide leadership in a variety of business, community, and church positions.

Does following Jesus’ example mean that our leadership must renounce power as a means of accomplishing goals? Is it a matter of the towel versus the throne?

The Scripture and Background

These two snapshots from the life of Jesus give us a glimpse at how Jesus led — and how he calls us to lead:

Mark 10:35-45

Two disciples approach Jesus and request of him positions of leadership.

While we cannot with certainty know their motivation in coming to Jesus, it may be that they were ambitious truly to do good.

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Tags: Spiritual Formation | Bible Study | Leadership | ESN

Money and Lifestyle: Part 2 - Lifestyle and Stewardship

Written by: 
Jeff Barneson

Part 2 of a two-part Bible study. Part 1 can be found here.

What does it mean to plan for the future and yet not set our heart on security outside of God? This is a question Jesus presented to his disciples — and still presents to us.

During the last year things have really changed for Bob and Jean Simmons. Ever since their church small group made a study of Ron Sider’s book, Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger, they’ve taken dramatic steps to simplify and conform their lifestyle to what they believe is a more biblical pattern. Starting with giving away half of their clothes and “luxury furnishings,” including their stereo, TV, and food processor, they went on to trade their BMW 325 for a used VW bus.
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Money and Lifestyle: Part 1 - Conversion & Security

Written by: 
Jeff Barneson

Part 1 of a two-part study. Part 2 can be found here.

What does it mean to plan for the future and yet not set our heart on security outside of God? This is a question Jesus presented to his disciples — and still presents to us.

Money is one of the most profoundly spiritual issues we can raise in business school and the marketplace:

  • More than 450 separate passages in the Bible address issues related to money — making it a theme second only to idolatry in its prominence.
  • One-sixth of Jesus’ recorded statements deal with money, meaning that he said more about this than about heaven and hell.

However, we rarely hear sermons about how to make Christ “Lord of our money” and, in our cul

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Power and Influence: A Bible Study in Luke 4

Written by: 
Jeff Barneson

Paul wrote comparing our attitudes to that of Christ:

“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death — even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:5-8).

Are any of the temptations faced by Jesus in the wilderness similar to pressures you face in business school or the marketplace? How Jesus handled them can be of great help.

The Scripture and Background

Read Luke 4:1-13.

Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness is a paradigm for those who work in his name:

  • He refused to satisfy only physical needs and bring about immediate results (verse 3).
  • He refused to so something spectacular and prove his invulnerability (verse 10).
  • He refused to use coercive power to accomplish his objectives (verse 5).

Issues Raised

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Tags: Spiritual Formation | Bible Study | Jesus | Leadership
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