Holy Curiosity: Gospel Stories II

July 31: Gospel Stories- Acts 8: 26-40  Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

Reflect

Arguably, both Philip and the Ethiopian found the way they looked at the world was changed by their encounter.  I wonder what  changed for each man? 

The Ethiopian was a double outsider to Philip’s world.  What might this text tell us today about how we are to treat the outsiders we meet?

Connect  

Think about a teacher who helped you understand and appreciate scripture.  Who was it and what did they do that is so memorable?

Who are some people you consider to be Ethiopian eunuchs - men and women who society treats as outsiders today?

Act

In your neighborhood, find at least one agency that helps serve different community needs (e.g. food, clothing, shelter, a place to gather and connect, etc.).  Visit this organization and find out ways that they are welcoming to both outsiders and community members and ways that you can get involved.  Then, share what you have learned with your friends and family and become involved together.  

Factoid: 

The scripture that the Ethiopian was reading without understanding is drawn from a series of passages referred to as the Suffering Servant Songs. They describe a leader whose strength is rooted in what the world describes as weakness.  There are four of these songs, found in Isaiah 42:1–4; Isaiah 49:1–6; Isaiah 50:4–11; and Isaiah 52:13–53:12.  How do these passages take on new meaning if you know the full story of Jesus?

Music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay