Movie 2 – Hidden Figures
Discussion Guide
This week we watched as Katherine was marginalized and looked down upon. We can often allow the actions and words of others to tear us down or distract us from our greater calling. In this week’s study, let’s look for ways to set aside our distractions and differences, and focus on coming together. Let’ not grow tired of living out the purposes God has planned for our lives.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. Katherine was basically a human computer. What is one thing you are perfectly suited to do?
2. Read Ephesians 2:10 and 1 Corinthians 12:4-7. The world debates “nature or nurture.” What spiritual aspect are they leaving out? What is one way that God made you “different” from others in your family?
3. Read Ephesians 3:16 and 2 Corinthians 13:4, 12:10. When you are shaken, overlooked, or undervalued, where can you gain strength to persevere? Why would we “delight in weakness” for Christ’s sake? In times of weakness or challenges, we often chose to take a back seat or even give up. How can you react differently this week to make a difference in your home, work, or community when you feel shaken, overlooked, or undervalued?
4. Read Philippians 2:3-8 and John 13:34-35. What does having the mind of Christ mean? What new commandment did Jesus give? How does it affect our attitudes and actions? How can you take a stand for the marginalized? Do you know the needs of your spouse, your children, your coworkers, or friends? Name some easy ways to come alongside and meet these needs.
5. Read Galatians 6:9 and 1 Corinthians 16:9. What emotions are in these passages? How do you reconcile weariness and obstacles with opportunity? How can you get God’s perspective and retain your passion for your purpose?
6. This week, read 1 Peter 2:9 and Isaiah 54:10. No matter what you face, what things can you be assured of by God’s Word?
Deeper
7. The “woman at the well” is an example of someone marginalized and ostracized by her society. Let’s look at her interaction with Jesus Christ this week. It is one of the longest recorded dialogues that Jesus had with another person in the Gospels. Read John 4:4-42.
a. Do you instantly judge the woman for her five marriages? Did you know that if she were divorced, it was most likely not her own choice? Have you considered her unmarried state may be because she was claimed as a concubine or second wife against her will? How do these observations change your attitude towards her?
b. She comes to the well at midday, long after the customary hour for the women to gather water and socialize in the cool of the morning. Why do you think she avoided this time of day? Have you ever felt like an outsider? How can you overcome feelings of inadequacy? Have you ever made others feel like they did not belong? How can you correct this wrong to the person you hurt?
c. What other barriers separated the woman from Jesus?
d. What attitudes do you find in the woman as she speaks to Jesus?
e. What does she do with the information she gains from Jesus? When you hear or sense new information from God, what do you do?
f. What are the results of her actions?