What does the Bible say about judging others?

by Andy Matzke

Title-                     A Real Stoning!

Information-          This discussion opener helps grab student’s attention and see that God is the only Judge. 

 Items Needed-          Bible

                             All kinds, sizes, and styles of balls. (stones)

Opening-               A Real Stoning

Do not tell anyone the name of this opener.  This will ruin the effect and purpose of the game.  Have one student come to the front of the room.  Hand out about 5-8 balls to other students and have them line up around the first student chosen.  Explain in a very serious voice that the person in the middle of the circle has done something terrible.  “They have told a lie!”  And for their punishment you are going to allow each person to (on the count of three) throw their ball at the victim as “hard as they can.” 

If you really pump up your group you will see that they will really get excited about having permission to peg one of their fellow students.  When everyone is ready let everyone know that there is only one stipulation.  They can only throw a ball if they have never told a lie before. 

 Transition-             At this point everyone will have to take a seat.

 Text-                     The text that fits this opener perfectly is John 8:2-10.  However there are several other passages that could fit this opener.