Session 9: The Bible, Ethnicity, and the Kingdom of God
Psalms 72:1-14, 17
Preparation Resources
Discussion Topics
1) McCaulley argues that every culture reflects both divinity and sin. He asserts Jesus
is not the destroyer of culture, but the redeemer of culture. What ramifications do
you see from this for your own thinking and for the work of Christian missionaries?
2) McCaulley asserts that God’s purposes expressed in the biblical narrative involve
blessing all the nations. He points out that Jacob welcomes his mixed race
grandchildren as a fulfillment of God’s promise (Genesis 48:3-5, 15) and that when
Israel is freed from slavery in Egypt a “mixed multitude” comes out. He asserts that
diversity is part of the biblical narrative not a modern fad. Is this a new idea to you?
What are your thoughts?
3) McCaulley highlights Matthew's use of "Son of David" and "Son of Abraham" to
describe Jesus [14:20]. How do these two titles help explain Jesus as the fulfillment of
God's promises and as a manifestation of diversity?
4) Read Revelation 7:9 where the text describes different ethnic groups being united
under the rule of the one true King. Offer your reflections on the notion that cultural
differences are not eliminated at the final redemption of all things. How does McCaulley
suggest we interpret Galatians 3:28 (There is neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female,
slave nor free, but all are one in Christ Jesus.) in this context?
5) Why is solidarity within God’s diverse human family a Christian imperative, not a
modern fad? What does neighborly love look like for those who are oppressed? Identify
the biblical sources that uphold this truth.
Discussion Topics
1) McCaulley argues that every culture reflects both divinity and sin. He asserts Jesus
is not the destroyer of culture, but the redeemer of culture. What ramifications do
you see from this for your own thinking and for the work of Christian missionaries?
2) McCaulley asserts that God’s purposes expressed in the biblical narrative involve
blessing all the nations. He points out that Jacob welcomes his mixed race
grandchildren as a fulfillment of God’s promise (Genesis 48:3-5, 15) and that when
Israel is freed from slavery in Egypt a “mixed multitude” comes out. He asserts that
diversity is part of the biblical narrative not a modern fad. Is this a new idea to you?
What are your thoughts?
3) McCaulley highlights Matthew's use of "Son of David" and "Son of Abraham" to
describe Jesus [14:20]. How do these two titles help explain Jesus as the fulfillment of
God's promises and as a manifestation of diversity?
4) Read Revelation 7:9 where the text describes different ethnic groups being united
under the rule of the one true King. Offer your reflections on the notion that cultural
differences are not eliminated at the final redemption of all things. How does McCaulley
suggest we interpret Galatians 3:28 (There is neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female,
slave nor free, but all are one in Christ Jesus.) in this context?
5) Why is solidarity within God’s diverse human family a Christian imperative, not a
modern fad? What does neighborly love look like for those who are oppressed? Identify
the biblical sources that uphold this truth.