Scripture: Luke 16:19-31
Main Themes: Justice, Reversal of Fortune, Love in Action, Compassion, Spiritual Distance, Discipleship
Discussion Questions:
1. Contrasts and Reversals
• Luke’s Gospel often emphasizes dramatic reversals. What strikes you about the contrast between the rich man and Lazarus?
• How does this parable challenge your understanding of justice and fairness?
2. Spiritual Distance and the “Chasm”
• Pastor Mark said, “The only way to bridge the chasm is to shrink the distance between ourselves and others.” What does that mean to you?
• In your life right now, where do you feel spiritual distance—from God, from others, or even from yourself?
3. The Role of Compassion
• Dorothy Day said, “I only love God as much as the person I love the least.” How does this idea sit with you?
• How might this way of thinking shift the way we interact with people we find difficult to love?
4. God’s Presence in the Everyday
• Pastor Mark shared that God comes to us daily in one of two ways: someone whose need we can meet, or someone who offers us what we need.
Can you recall a recent moment when you might have experienced this?
• How can we become more attentive to God’s presence in ordinary interactions?
5. Application: Love as the Measure
• What does “Love is the only true measure” mean in your day-to-day life?
• What small acts of love and compassion can you practice this week to shrink the chasm—between you and someone else, or between you and God?
