Jesus and Social Justice: A Bible Study

By Mark David Albertson

When we talk about social justice, some people squirm. Others get excited. Still others aren't quite sure what it means-but they know Jesus probably had something to say about it, right?

Jesus and Social Justice is a Bible study for people who are curious, committed, cautious, or confused - and hopefully a little of each. This study is rooted in a simple premise: Jesus wasn't just concerned with personal salvation - he was passionate about systemic transformation. He healed individuals and confronted empires. He forgave sinners and flipped tables. He spoke tenderly to the poor and challenged the powerful. In short, Jesus was deeply involved in the work of justice.

But let's be clear: social justice isn't a modern political invention that we're reading back into the Gospels. It's baked into the Hebrew Scriptures - think of the prophets crying out for widows, orphans, and the poor - and Jesus picks up that same megaphone. His teachings, healings, parables, and even his table manners all point toward a new kind of world: one where the last are first, the humble are lifted, and the captives are freed.

This Bible study explores ten key moments in the Gospels where Jesus acts as a model of justice in action. Each session will focus on one scripture passage, asking questions like:
- What was Jesus trying to accomplish here?
- How did this challenge the social systems of his time?
- What does this say to us about how we live today?
And because this is a Bible study and not a book club - we don't stop at discussion. Each session includes practical application, spiritual reflection, and a little homework (don't worry, there's no grading curve). We're not studying Jesus like a historical figure in a museum - we're following him into the streets, into the systems, into the hard places where faith meets action.
For many readers, you will be familiar with the concept of faith active in love. Some of you, not so much. But that's what this study is all about. Not just "thoughts and prayers," but hearts and hands. It's not about arriving at perfect conclusions or checking off moral boxes. It's about wrestling with the real Jesus, whose compassion was as disruptive as it was healing.
Throughout this study, you'll see how Jesus:
- Prioritized the poor and marginalized
- Spoke truth to power, especially religious power
- Defied unjust social norms
- Modeled nonviolence, forgiveness, and radical love
- Invited unlikely people into the Kingdom of God
- Challenged followers to count the cost of justice

You'll also have a chance to explore how these stories speak to your community - your church, your city, your calling.
No one is expected to come into this study already knowing all the answers - just come willing to ask the questions. Bring your curiosity. Bring your faith. Bring your coffee. Let's study Jesus not just to admire him, but to follow him more faithfully, and to learn how the Gospel really is good news for the poor.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FJFVS257
• ISBN13: 9798293474172
• Release Date: July 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 60 Pages
• Weight: 0.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 6.0" x 9.0"