Discussion QuestionsChoose the questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.Have you seen The Wizard of Oz or Wicked, and if so, were there any parts that stood out or stayed with you? In Wicked, Elphaba is judged and stereotyped immediately because she looks different. Where do you see similar snap judgments happening in our culture today? Share about a time when your first impression of someone, or someone’s first impression of you, turned out to be completely wrong. What changed that initial perspective? Read 1 Samuel 16:6-7. God instructed the prophet Samuel to anoint the next king of Israel. What do these verses say about how Samuel sees people vs. how God sees people? Read John 7:24, our memory verse for the week. What does this verse mean to you personally, and why do you think Jesus emphasized this point? Jesus often moved toward those who were misunderstood, judged, or rejected. Can you think of a time when you felt like an outsider, and someone moved toward you with compassion? Jeff said, “Relationship destroys stereotypes.” Have you experienced this truth? What relationships have helped you change a previously held assumption or bias? Read John 17:20-23. Jesus prays for unity among his followers “so that the world will believe” he was sent by God. How does unity among diverse people point others to Jesus? Think about someone in our church who is different from you—ethnically, politically, generationally, or otherwise. What could be your next step to move toward them with curiosity and compassion? Jeff challenged us to widen our welcome, especially to immigrants or those who may feel unwanted. How can our group—and you personally—live out that kind of radical, Jesus-shaped hospitality this summer? Take some time to share prayer requests and pray for one another. Verse to meditate on and memorize this week: Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly. (John 7:24) Put It into Practice (Between Meetings) Spend some quiet time alone with God (anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes or more), reading and memorizing John 7:24. Then, write down any thoughts you have about that verse. To reflect more on John 17:20-23, re-read the passage and watch this video from the Life Essentials Study Bible on the following principle: As believers, we are to do all we can to maintain the spirit of love and unity in our churches in order to demonstrate to the world that Jesus Christ is the incarnate Son of God.Pray for open eyes to see others the way Jesus does—not by appearances, but by getting to know who they are as individuals. Identify one person this week who is different from you in some way and take a simple step toward relationship. Ask them to grab coffee, send them a message, or invite them over.