Main Point: Even though the culture evaluates people based on outward appearances, Jesus commands His followers to look at people’s inner qualities and not judge them.
The Video Clip: Susan Boyle on “Britain’s Got Talent”
The YouTube video of Susan Boyle’s audition on Britain’s Got Talent is burning up the view counter- currently over 100,000,000 total! Obviously there is something about it that struck a chord (no pun intended) with a worldwide audience, but beyond that it definitely ties in with the topic of judging others.
Introducing the Clip: I know that some or many of you have probably seen the video I’m about to show, but this time I want you to pay close attention to the facial expressions and body language displayed as Susan Boyle talks about herself and is introduced, then how it changes after her performance.
Transitional Statement: This viral video is the most popular on YouTube this month, and is quickly rising in the most viewed ‘all time’. Not only that, Susan Boyle now has fan sites and merchandise because she has become an overnight hero to millions of fans. But beyond just the surprise ending, there is a deeper message here that connects with a very important Scriptural truth.
Divide into Small Groups: Let’s go ahead and split up into our discussion groups, and then afterward we’ll come back together for a final word.
CLICK HERE for a quick training article on how to maximize your small groups using our small group format—a great resource to equip your small group leaders.
Discussion Questions:
AROUND THE CIRCLE: Before we begin, let’s go around the circle and share who some of your favorite musical artists are, and why you like them.
AROUND THE CIRCLE: What kinds of things make an actor or artist popular?
AROUND THE CIRCLE: What was your immediate and initial reaction when you saw Susan Boyle?
ASK A FEW: What did you think her performance was going to sound like?
ASK A FEW: Was Susan being judged by outward appearances? Why or why not?
ASK A FEW: Is judging other people something that comes naturally for most folks? Why or why not?
Read the following passage:
Matthew 7:1-5 NLT “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?
Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.
ASK A FEW: Why do you think Jesus was compelled to teach this principle?
ASK A FEW: Do you think people judged each other back then as much as now? Why or why not?
ASK A FEW: How would you define ‘judging’ someone? (Youth Leader- the point that Jesus is making is that the standards we apply to others then become the standards God applies to us. This does not mean that we should not be discerning or condemn sinful behavior; rather that we should avoid judgment from self-righteous and/or hypocritical motives, otherwise God will judge us.)
ASK A FEW: Does this mean that we can never call people on sinful behavior? Why or why not?
ASK A FEW: How were people judging Susan Boyle? What changed their minds?
ASK AFEW: What is the point Jesus makes about the speck and the log?
AROUND THE CIRCLE: What are ways that you have been judged?
ASK A FEW: What are ways that you have judged others?
AROUND THE CIRCLE: Have you ever judged someone and then found yourself doing the same thing? If so, what happened? (Youth Leader- be sure and share an example)
AROUND THE CIRCLE: How can we balance speaking truth into people’s lives and not being hypocritical?
Wrap Up: Susan Boyle is a great example of someone who was judged by outward appearances, only to completely surprise people after they saw her heart and her giftedness. . In many ways, the world looks at Christ followers like they initially did at Susan Boyle (basically as a joke who didn’t belong). Let’s go out and show people our heart and use the gifts and talents God gave us to blow the world’s perception away! Also, of all people on earth, we Christians should be most aware of our own sinfulness, which should then help us not judge others, either by outward appearance or by a self-righteous, hypocritical manner.
Close in Prayer – (give invitation to trust Christ) God, help us to first be concerned about our own shortcomings, then help others with a completely humble and loving attitude. Please help us to be truly Christ-like in all we do.
Beatrice Zuniga
February 8, 2012 at 12:00 amVery good lesson