Text Study for Sunday, July 6, 2025

Series Theme: You Welcomed Me

Reading: Exodus 22:21-24

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

Tell your family’s immigration story.

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Lord Jesus, you welcomed all who came into your presence. May I reflect that same spirit through this ministry of hospitality. May your light shine in my heart this day. Remove from me anything that would stand in the way of radiating your presence.

As people enter this Church to worship and praise You, may they hear your voice in my words and see your love in my actions. May my “welcome” reflect our joy at their presence amid my “good-by” encourage them to return soon.

I thank you for the opportunity to serve you and ask your blessing upon all my efforts. I ask this through our God who is the giver of all gifts.

CONTEXT

As people of faith, we are called to practice hospitality not as a mere act of kindness, but as a sacred expression of our beliefs. Hospitality is a faith practice that reflects the heart of God. When we welcome the stranger, care for the vulnerable, and create space for others at our tables, we do so as if we are serving Jesus himself.

In extending hospitality, we embody the love, grace, and radical welcome of Christ. It is not optional or occasional—it is a core part of our discipleship. Through hospitality, we bear witness to a God who receives all with open arms and calls us to do the same. Join us on this journey with our sermon series, You Welcomed Me, will explore this need to welcome, care for, walk with, include, and show kindness.

From Dr Dick Nysse at EntertheBible.org:

Exodus begins with a depiction of Israel’s enslavement in Egypt and God’s selection of Moses to move Israel out of that enslavement. Pharaoh contests this intention of God, and God responds by sending plagues on Egypt that culminate with the death of the firstborn and deliverance at the sea. Israel prepares for this deliverance by founding the Passover and responds with triumphant singing after the deliverance. Israel journeys to Sinai, murmuring along the way. At Sinai, Israel receives the Ten Commandments and the covenant relationship is established. While Moses is receiving additional instructions from God on Sinai—notably the designs for the tabernacle—Israel rebels by building the golden calf. Moses intercedes successfully for Israel, and God relents and recommits to the covenant. Israel then builds the tabernacle as instructed.

LOOK AT THE BOOK

How is it with your spirit this week?
Open to Exodus 22:1. Read the verse. What kind of writing did you just get dropped into?
Why is the “law” viewed as so important to God’s people?
Jump to verse 21. This verse is a key passage. What are some of the “laws” surrounding verse 21? Do any surprise you?
Given these laws, what does God care about or what is being defined by what we should not do?
The 10 Commandments seem very general compared to these laws. What is the benefit of specific laws versus broad laws (like the 10 commandments)?
Who are the people being protected in verses 21-24? List them here.
Why does God show concern for these people groups?
What do you make of verse 24?
How do we practice care for these people groups today?
How do we miss the mark in caring for them?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

TAKING IT HOME

What organizations are working to care for the people groups address in this passage? Visit a website and learn more about them.

God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Grow Guide | July 6, 2025