📖 Part 1: Understanding Biblical Teachings on Justice
Read each Bible verse carefully and answer the questions that follow.
1. Micah 6:8 - "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
According to this verse, what three things does God require of people?
a) _________________ b) _________________ c) _________________
2. Isaiah 1:17 - "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."
Which groups of people does this verse specifically mention as needing advocacy?
The oppressed
Orphans (fatherless)
Widows
The wealthy
3. Luke 4:18 - "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free."
What does this verse reveal about Jesus's mission? Circle the best answer.
To help only religious people
To serve marginalised and disadvantaged people
To focus only on spiritual matters
To avoid social issues
4. James 1:27 - "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
According to James, what makes religion "pure and faultless"?
🤔 Part 2: Connecting Biblical Teachings to Modern Justice
5. Based on the Bible verses you've read, explain how Christian teachings encourage people to advocate for marginalised groups in today's society.
6. Match each Biblical principle with a modern example of social justice advocacy:
A. "Defend the oppressed" (Isaiah 1:17)
B. "Good news to the poor" (Luke 4:18)
C. "Look after orphans and widows" (James 1:27)
D. "Act justly" (Micah 6:8)
1. Supporting fair wages and employment opportunities
2. Advocating for refugee rights and protection
3. Campaigning against discrimination and prejudice
4. Providing support for single parents and vulnerable children
7. Think of a current social justice issue in Australia (e.g., Indigenous rights, disability inclusion, refugee advocacy). How might the Biblical teachings you've studied inspire Christians to respond to this issue?
💭 Part 3: Personal Reflection
8. Reflect on your own life and community. What is one practical way you could "act justly" or "defend the oppressed" as a Year 8 student?
9. The Bible verses emphasise caring for vulnerable people. Why do you think this theme appears so frequently in Christian teachings?
10. Complete this statement: "After studying these Biblical teachings on justice and inclusion, I believe that..."
