Further Study:
"Jesus saw in every soul one to whom must be given the call to His kingdom. He reached the hearts of the people by going among them as one who desired their good. He sought them in the public streets, in private houses, on the boats, in the synagogue, by the shores of the lake, and at the marriage feast. He met them at their daily vocations, and manifested an interest in their secular affairs. He carried His instruction into the household, bringing families in their own homes under the influence of His divine presence. His strong personal sympathy helped to win hearts"—Ellen G. White, "At the Marriage Feast," p. 151, in The Desire of Ages."Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with (people) as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, 'Follow Me'"—Ellen G. White, "Teaching and Healing," p. 143, in The Ministry of Healing.
Discussion Questions:
What is righteous anger? When is it legitimate, and when is it not? Take your thoughts to class for discussion. 
How is Jesus' relationship with the undesirables of society a guide for us? Under what conditions might our association with sinners become a peril to our own souls? In all His social contacts, Jesus seemed to be in charge. What should that say to us in our own attempts to penetrate the more questionable areas of society? 
To what extent is Jesus' conduct a model for us today? To what extent is it not? What are other examples of His conduct here that might be problematic for us to follow? 
Think more about this idea of being misunderstood by others as we seek to follow God's will. Though we see examples of this, such as in Jesus' early life, why must we be careful? That is, some people have done some very damaging things to themselves and to others, all because they believed that God told them to. How do we know for sure that God is calling us to do certain things that might cause us to be misunderstood? Why should we be open to the counsel of others before we do things that we are convinced that God told us to do? At the same time, how can we be careful not to impede someone who is being led by God in ways that might seem strange to us?
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| Daniel's New Song by DANIEL NEWMANN I was born in Brazil, but my parents took me to America when I was still a baby. I was a good kid, but in junior high things changed. I got interested in punk rock music, and it changed my life. I wore punk-style clothes and hung out with punk friends. I started drinking and smoking marijuana with them, and soon I was part of their culture. When my mom realized what I was involved in, she freaked out. She had sent me to a good school so I would make good friends, and suddenly I was going the wrong way. Although my mom had some weird religious ideas, she started telling me how much God loves me and how Jesus died for me. Because of her prayers and encouragement I stopped smoking and drinking. But I still loved punk music, and it drew me into a culture that spelled trouble. Mom tried to show me the dangers hidden in the lyrics of my music, but I would not listen. My punk friends never made fun of me when I refused to join them in drinking or smoking. However, in time I realized that there was no future in the gang, and I began to pull away. But when the gang realized that I wanted to leave, they told me that if I left they would kill me. I was afraid, for they had killed another boy who had betrayed the gang. I told my parents that my life was in danger. My mom understood and suggested that I go to Brazil. I had spent summers there, so I agreed. She found a Christian school on the Internet and enrolled me. Mom had enrolled me in this school to save my life, but God used this school to save my soul. I want my mom to believe in God the way I am learning to believe. I once loved punk music, but God has given me a new song, a song I love to sing.
DANIEL NEWMANN [left] is a student at an Adventist academy in eastern Brazil. | ||
| Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Web site: www.adventistmission.org |
I arrived at school-an Adventist boarding school-and liked it immediately. Everyone was friendly. And the music I heard there touched my heart. One Sabbath as the choir sang, I felt God speaking to me through the music. I knew that I was where God wanted me to be. I could relate to the speaker, who told how God had rescued him from a terrible life. By the end of the service I knew that I wanted to be a Christian. I began studying the Bible, and I shared with my mother what I was learning. 
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