Movie 2 – Hidden Figures
Leader 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
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
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?
Leader Note: We forget that God created us, though our biological parents were part of that process. Jeremiah 1:5 and Psalm 139:13-14 both speak to this. Ephesians tells us we have a God-given purpose for our lives which God planned before our birth! We are created for good works. No one can take away the purpose that God has placed on your life.
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?
Leader Note: We can be strengthened with power through the Spirit, or by God’s power (implied, “that raised Christ from the dead”). Jesus gets glory when we are weak yet persevere and are strong. Note Paul’s list of hardships, and how he is glorifying God throughout (2 Corinthians 6:4-10). Also, Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:7 that we have the treasure of the knowledge of God in jars of clay, “to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” In the movie Katherine said: “I knew there was a greater good.” She knew her value and didn’t care what others thought. Others may never see what you are doing behind the scenes, but God does.
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.
Leader Note: At times, we are able to ease the suffering of others. Sometimes, we need to notice the problem; sometimes, we need to speak up; sometimes, we are called to act. Leader, you may want to discuss some issues you feel called to tackle and brainstorm on how your group could help.
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?
Leader Note: Even when we are weary, we can think long-term and with a Godly perspective on the future rewards and results of our struggles. We always tell leaders that people relate to you more in your struggles than in your successes. Consider every challenge as an opportunity for growth or to live out 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?
Leader Note: We are a chosen people, God’s special possession. We can encourage others that they have value and worth because of Jesus and His love for them. No matter what happens or how many doors are slammed in our faces, nothing can stop God’s love for us.
Deeper
Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time daily to walk through these questions.
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? LN: It was common in this day, when young girls were married to much older men, that they were often widowed and remarried several times. Typically, only men had the power right to seek a divorce. She may even have sold into her last relationship.
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? LN: She was a Samaritan and a woman. As a religious Jew, Jesus was not to speak to her as either a woman or “Samaritan.” As a sinner, she would have been shunned by priests and Levites.
d. What attitudes do you find in the woman as she speaks to Jesus? LN: She is proud of her religious heritage, but also curious about the abundance that Jesus offers. She is hopeful for the coming Messiah and brings this up to Jesus, asking Him for more information.
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? LN: She continues questioning and finally goes to tell others: I have met someone important. Definitely a prophet. Could He be the Messiah?
f. What are the results of her actions? LN: The townspeople came out to listen to Jesus. They urged Him to stay and teach them. And they made their own decisions to believe in Him. Her testimony led to many coming to faith.