Read Mark 14v1-9

• How can we get the right balance between devotion to Jesus & worship, and care for the poor?
• Are these necessarily in opposition or tension?
• Jesus envisaged that there will always be poor people. What should we do about this?

Read Deuteronomy 14v22-15v11

• How were the Jews instructed to balance enjoyment of their wealth, with acknowledgement of God's goodness and care for the poor?

Read Amos 5v7-15, 21-24

• What does the prophet highlight as sins which God hates?
• Why does God reject religious observance which ignores justice & righteousness?

Read Micah 6v6-8

• What is the proper sort of worship for which god is looking?

Read James 5v1-6; 2v14-20

• In what ways may we be guilty of the sins which James attacks?
• Why must our faith express itself in action to help those in need?

Read 1 John 3v16-20

• What reasons does John give for helping the needy?

Read Matthew 25v31-46

• What excuses do we give for not helping the needy?
• How will Jesus judge everyone, according to this parable of his?
• What response does this evoke in you?

Read Proverbs 14v31

• What practical things can you do to help the poor?
• What organisations should you support?
• What changes should you make to your lifestyle?
• What can you do to campaign for your country to help the poor?
• How much can and should you give of time, money & abilities to help the needy?
• How about supporting organisations like www.tearfund.org their website has lots of information & prayer material too
• How about sponsoring a child via Compassion International?