Each time at Teach Feast we’re going to get into an element of what it is like to be a teacher and think about the lights that God’s word sheds on the way we live out our faith in schools. Anyone can join in this conversation and all levels of experience are welcome. Those who have been in the classroom for a while will have something to say and something to learn from those who are just starting out, and the other way around.
This session considers Jesus' teaching on worry and trust.
Starter
1. What thing, when you are told ‘no’ or ‘you can’t’, do you (or have you in the past) find it hardest to resist? (E.g. eating the thing, going somewhere out of bounds, sneaking just a bit more of something, watching something)
2. What makes it easier to resist doing things that we shouldn’t do.
3. What’s the difference between ‘worry’ and ‘concern’?
Deeper
1. What does the Matthew 6:25-34 tell us not to worry about? What worries would you add to the list that get to you at the moment?
2. Why should we not worry? (There are several reasons in here!)
3. Jesus teaches us to deflect. He shows us why worry isn’t worth it and then tells us what is better to do with our hearts and minds. How do we ‘seek first his kingdom and his righteousness’?
4. What difference might it make to you and your biggest worry temptation to do what Jesus says?
Reflect
1. Not worrying is not easy! Here are a few reasons why it may be hard to stop:
- Worrying feels like action so is helping to fix the problem. More than praying.
- Worrying is what everyone talks about so it’s easier to fit in.
- Worrying about tomorrow is vey hard not to do when you’re writing the lesson plan or the essay, for tomorrow!Which of the above are you most tempted by?
2. Read the reasons and advice that Jesus gives again (listed below). Which do you need to hear and apply in prayer today?
- Life is about more than the thing you are worried about.
- Worry won’t actually help, but prayer to God will.
- If God clothes the flowers so beautifully, we can expect the same level of care and beautiful provision from our Father, not only our creator. This may not always look like what we expect, it may be what we could never have dreamt.
- God already knows what we actually need, not just what we worry about.
- Worrying about tomorrow is not worth it – focus on today.
3. Share and pray about these things together.