Seeing and Being Jesus in the World

This down-to-earth guide for families includes chapters on poverty, racism, gender inequality, climate change, peacemaking, and more to equip grown-ups so that they and the kids in their lives can practice the ways of Jesus in order to live God’s radical welcome in the world. A down-to-earth guide for families wanting to practice their faith at home and live out their values in the world. Followers of Jesus know that when we serve people in need as he would, it’s as if we are serving Jesus himself. Like Jesus says in Matthew 25:40, “Just as you did it to one of the least of these . . . you did it to me.” Feeding the hungry, caring for the poor, working to make the world a better place for everyone—we know these are essential parts of living out our faith. But when we’re in the thick of raising kids, working and parenting, struggling to keep all our plates spinning, it’s hard to get the people at our own table fed, much less the people going hungry across town. How do we combat homelessness when there’s homework to be done, and how do we involve our kids in social justice when social media demands their attention? Author Mihee Kim-Kort is a pastor and busy mom of three who understands the challenge of wanting to serve people in need and advocate for justice—and teach her kids to do the same—when a million other things are vying for her attention. Chapters on poverty, racism, gender inequality, climate change, peacemaking, and more both inform and equip grown-ups so that they and the kids in their lives can practice seeing and being Jesus in the world as they work to serve others with compassion. Parents and caregivers will learn more about these complex issues plaguing our world, what the Bible has to say, and how to share these insights with kids in age-appropriate ways. Practical ideas throughout the book empower all ages to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. Each chapter follows a simple rhythm to help readers move from learning to action. First, you’ll connect the topic with Matthew 25 and other biblical texts. Then, you’ll engage its complexity through social, political, cultural, historical, and theological perspectives. Finally, you’ll be invited to witness by imagining faithful responses, considering practical guidance for action as a family, and using conversation starter questions designed for exploring as caregivers, with youth, and with children. To ground this movement, every chapter concludes with an activity for reflection, an activity for response, and a litany for spiritual practice. Together, these resources help families and communities reflect deeply, take concrete steps, and root their actions in faith.

Pages: 180, Paperback, Westminster John Knox Press