Unfair Grace

Unfair Grace

August 30, 2026

Series: Wait, Jesus Said What

Jason Cusick

Jason Cusick

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Throughout the Bible, God is described as just – which we usually take to mean that he is fair and right in all of his actions.  But when it comes to the forgiveness we can receive through Jesus, it turns out God isn’t “fair” at all!  Instead, he gives us forgiveness even though we’re incredibly undeserving.  This week we’ll face into God’s lavish love for us, and learn how that can motivate us to spread that love into our world. 

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Discussion Guide

To view a .docx version of this guide, click here.

Before we begin, let’s take a quiet moment and pray for God’s direction of our time together. Then we’ll take a couple of minutes to go around and share where we’ve seen God at work in our lives this week and specifically how we were able to apply the Action Steps from last week’s discussion.  

Introduction  

We are in the second week of a series called Wait, Jesus Said What? We’re looking at some of Jesus’ most startling and difficult sayings and work together to understand the truth he wants us to learn. In this discussion, we’re going to look at this statement from Jesus: “those who are last will be first, and those who are first will be last.” But before we think and talk about this, let’s start with something a bit easier!  

Connect  

Let’s start our discussion time with some “get-to-know-you” questions.  

  • What is something you remember saying “That’s not fair!” about as a kid?  
  • Are you usually the person who arrives early, right on time, or a little late?  
  • When have you received something good that you didn’t expect or earn?  

Opening  

“That’s not fair!” Most of us learned to say those words pretty early in life. We have a strong instinct for fairness. We notice when someone gets more than we do, receives something we think they didn’t earn, or gets an opportunity we think should have been ours.  

Fairness matters. But Jesus tells a surprising story that challenges the way we sometimes think about fairness when it comes to God.  

Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly shows compassion to people who don’t seem to deserve it. Sometimes the surprising part isn’t God’s grace. It’s how people who have already experienced that grace respond when God extends it to someone else.  

Jesus invites us not only to receive God’s grace, but to participate in it by helping others experience the same kindness and forgiveness we have received.   

This leads us to our main idea for the week: 

We can participate in God’s lavish grace. 

 Unpack  

Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward, discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses.  

Read  

Matthew 20:1-16  

In this passage, Jesus tells a story about workers hired at different times of the day who all receive the same generous payment.   

  • Put yourself in the story. Which group of workers would have had the hardest time accepting the landowner’s decision? Why?  
  • The first workers received exactly what they had agreed to receive. Why were they still unhappy?  
  • What do you think is behind the landowner’s question, “Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?”  
  • What would it look like for us to become people who are excited when someone else experiences God’s grace?  

Read  

Jonah 4:1-11  

In this passage, God shows mercy to the people of Nineveh, but instead of celebrating, Jonah becomes angry because he wanted the evil people of Nineveh to get God’s judgment.  

  • According to verses 2–3, what does Jonah already know about God’s character?  
  • What seems ironic about Jonah appreciating God’s provision for him while resenting God’s compassion toward Nineveh?  
  • Why do you think it can sometimes be difficult to see God show grace to someone we believe deserves consequences?  
  • What does God’s final question reveal about the people he cares about?  

Read  

Psalm 103:8-12  

In this passage, the psalm writer celebrates a God who is compassionate, patient, and willing to forgive rather than treating us according to what our sins deserve.  

  • What words or phrases in this passage describe God?  
  • Which description of God’s forgiveness stands out to you most?  
  • How could regularly remembering God’s grace toward us change the way we respond to the failures of other people?  

Action Step  

This is where we take what we’ve discussed and put it into practice! Read the action steps below and discuss how you can live them out this week in practical ways.  

1.    Thank Jesus for the “unfair” ways he has forgiven you.  

Take a few minutes this week to remember specific ways God has shown you patience, kindness, and forgiveness. Instead of comparing yourself to someone else, simply thank Jesus that he has given you more grace than you could ever earn.  

2.    Treat someone with “unfair” grace.  

Look for one opportunity to give someone more kindness than they expect. Forgive an offense. Give up the better seat or parking space. Include someone who feels left out. Encourage someone others overlook. Or invite someone to experience the community and grace you have found in Jesus.  

As you think about these steps, what will you commit to this week? Share with the group so you can encourage and pray for one another.  

Closing  

We usually love grace when it is given to us. The challenge comes when God gives that same grace to someone we think deserves less.  

But there isn’t a limited supply of God’s kindness. Someone else receiving grace doesn’t mean there is less for us.  

Jesus invites us to move from simply receiving grace to participating in it. We can make room. We can welcome the latecomers. We can celebrate when someone who has been far from God discovers his love and forgiveness.  

There’s always room for one more person to experience God’s lavish grace.  

Pray Together  

As we wrap up, we’ll go around and invite anyone to share anything they’d like prayer for together. You can share or just pass. Also, below is a Journey of Faith Missionary we can pray for as we close.  

Missionary Focus   

Tom P  

Ministry Description  

Tom P. is serving in the South Pacific through Youth With a Mission. He is on staff in Queenstown, New Zealand assisting with a discipleship training school and co-leading cross-cultural mission trips for students.   

Prayer Requests:  

  • For God to completely transform the lives of all the students  
  • New doors in the South Pacific to be opened for the sake of the Gospel  

Spend a few minutes in prayer for Tom  

Reflection Verse for the Week  

Read this verse, then encourage the practice of reflection and memorization throughout the week.  

Psalm 103:10  

“He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.”  

When practiced consistently, memorizing Bible verses can be an important spiritual practice that centers your mind around the truth that God has given us.  

Daily Devotional Verses  

Use the “Discovery Method” to reflect on the verses below.  For each passage of Scripture, ask yourself these questions:    

  • What do these verses reveal about who God is?   
  • What do these verses reveal about us/others?   
  • What do these verses invite or inspire you to think, feel, or do?   

Each day this week, you’ll read a verse related to…  

Day 1: Exodus 34:6–7  
Day 2: Psalm 86:5  
Day 3: Luke 6:35–36  
Day 4: Luke 15:1–7  
Day 5: Ephesians 2:4–9  
Day 6: Colossians 3:12–13  

JAY R.

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors and churches
  • India

Partner Info

Jay R. lives and serves in India with Bible Believing Churches and Missions and REAP INTL, where he brings mentorship and leadership to support the growth of indigenous, reproducing churches across India and South Asia. His work focuses on training, deploying, and mentoring movement leaders who are passionate about seeing the Gospel take root in their communities. In addition to directing a missional church, Jay also leads a network of 60 training institutions that provide accredited theological and missiological education to equip the next generation of church leaders.

Prayer Requests

  • That Jay and his family would continue to grow in their ministry abilities.
  • For God to continue to bring safety and security to their family.

JONATHAN & SUZANNE WRIGHT

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors and churches
  • Central Europe & Middle East

Partner Info

Jonathan and Suzanne Wrights serve across Europe and surrounding regions with World in Need International, a mission focused on discipleship and indigenous church planting. When the refugee crisis escalated in 2014, they were ready to respond—stepping into evangelism and long-term discipleship among displaced communities. Today, they’re investing in first-generation church leaders and helping develop new churches, while continuing to see their ministry grow in strategic and unexpected ways that are advancing the Gospel far beyond what they imagined.

Prayer Requests

  • For God to continue to open locations and doors for ministry.
  • That God would produce fruit from the first generation church leaders being trained.

DAVE & SANDY WHITE

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors and churches
  • Northern California

Partner Info

After 40 years serving in the Philippines, Dave and Sandy White have transitioned back to the U.S.—but their work hasn’t slowed down. They now serve virtually, continuing to coach and multiply Filipino trainers who are helping plant churches nationwide. Their efforts include producing culturally relevant training materials and supporting a growing movement to see faith communities established throughout the Philippines.

Prayer Requests

  • For ease in their ministry transition
  • That virtual ministry would go smooth with the reliance on technology

JAMIE T

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Middle East

Partner Info

Jamie T. serves in some of the hardest-hit areas of the world—places recovering from natural disasters, conflict, and instability. Despite the challenges of frequent relocation due to visa restrictions, she continues to follow where she’s called, bringing hope and care to those in need.

Her work focuses on women’s ministry, church planting, and offering creative outlets through English, music, and art classes. Through each of these, Jamie creates space for healing, connection, and a deeper understanding of God’s love.

Prayer Requests

  • For God to continue to settle Jamie into her current location.
  • For the women’s ministry to thrive with local participation.

MATT & JESS S.

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • England

Partner Info

Matt and Jess serve in a small UK town with a large Pakistani-Muslim population, building friendships and offering support to those who’ve come from all over the world. Jess, who grew up at Journey of Faith, volunteers as a chaplain at the local foodbank, supports refugee families, and runs an intercultural coaching business that helps people connect across cultures with care and understanding.

Matt leads the Mobilisation Team at Frontiers UK, helping others explore cross-cultural missions. He also hosts the Raw Mission podcast, where he shares real stories from the field—heard by thousands of listeners across the globe.

Prayer Requests

  • That all of Matt and Jess’s ministry avenues would continue to grow and bring glory to God.
  • For continued safety as they serve.

M & L

  • Starting New Churches and Meeting Community Needs
  • The Middle East

Partner Info

Serving in the Middle East, M. and L. are passionate about reaching people who’ve never heard about Jesus. Through their mission organization, they help send and train new church planters to serve in unreached areas.

M. works as an Associate Director, equipping refugees with the tools they need to start faith communities of their own. Together, M. and L. care deeply for the refugee population in their neighborhood—helping families find stability, get kids into school, and experience the hope found in Jesus.

Prayer Requests

  • For M to have favor with the local government as he continues to collaborate with them for his ministry.
  • That the Lord would bring L all the right people for her to minister to

PAUL & HOLLY ZWIERZYNSKI

  • Translating the Bible Support
  • North Carolina

Partner Info

Paul and Holly Zwierzynski serve at the JAARS Center in Waxhaw, North Carolina, where they support Bible translation efforts around the world. Paul specializes in solar power and computer networking. He helps missionaries use low-power computers in remote areas and sets up reliable internet connections using tools like satellite and radio links. His work has supported over 180 field sites, allowing translation teams to collaborate across long distances. Holly works in the translation office as a project assistant. She helps develop Old Testament translation guides and reference materials used by Bible translators worldwide. Before moving to North Carolina, Paul and Holly served in Cameroon, where their passion for this work first began.

Prayer Requests

  • That God would protect the technology used to support the bible translation in remote areas
  • For Paul and Holly’s physical and spiritual health and wellbeing

JERRY & BETH TUCKER

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Southern California

Partner Info

Jerry and Beth help prepare new missionaries for the field by leading orientation, providing training, building teams, and offering mentorship during the first year of overseas service. They serve with Wycliffe, a Bible translation organization, and bring years of experience to this important work. Their work began in 1995 in the Philippines, where they served as dorm parents and teachers. Both Jerry and Beth grew up at Journey of Faith, and the church has been supporting their ministry for 30 years. They remain committed to serving for many years to come.

Prayer Requests

  • That the new missionaries thrive on the field through the support of Wycliffe
  • That the mentorship of Beth and Jerry would continue to be meaningful and fruitful to the new missionaries

TOM SHECK

  • Youth Development
  • South Bay

Partner Info

 Tom serves as the South Bay Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His goal is to see lives changed through the influence of athletes and coaches on middle school and high school campuses. FCA focuses on values like integrity, serving, teamwork, and excellence. The ministry equips students and coaches to grow in their faith and lead others by starting small group gatherings on campus, known as “Huddles.” These groups become places of encouragement, leadership, and spiritual growth within the school community.

Prayer Requests

  • That God would be working through Tom and FCA to make His name known to the youth in the South Bay.
  • For FCA to continue to pour its resources into each student to elevate the gospel in their school

CODY & LEXI SCRIVENS

  • Meeting Community and Church Needs
  • Dublin, Ireland

Partner Info

Cody and Lexie are serving in Ireland, partnering with a local church to build relationships and share the message of Jesus. Their work takes place in a culture shaped by both deep religious tradition and growing secularism. Navigating this tension is challenging, especially in light of Ireland’s complex religious history, but they remain committed to reaching people who often feel distant from faith.

Prayer Requests

  • That their ministry leaders can navigate cultural shifts.
  • For God to soften the hearts of the local people for them to receive the gospel.

BRYAN & JACINDA MARTIN

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Philippines

Partner Info

 The Martin family is planting churches in the Philippines through World Team. One of the key ways they serve is by caring for creation. They work with vulnerable communities that are struggling as natural resources become scarce. By teaching sustainable practices for managing the environment, they help meet practical needs while also creating space to share about God’s design for humanity and introduce people to the Creator.

Prayer Requests

  • That they would be able to enter five new communities in the next four years.
  • For continued and new partners to help support their ministry

BARBARA LEE

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • San Diego, CA

Partner Info

Barbara supports missionary families by helping their children access quality education and navigate the many transitions that come with cross-cultural life. She currently leads the Indonesia MK (Missionary Kid) Care and Education Team, providing guidance, resources, and support for families across the region. In late 2025, she will join the U.S.-based MK Care and Education Team, where she will train new missionaries, equip education consultants, offer academic testing, and provide personalized educational help for families preparing to serve.

Prayer Requests

  • For Barbara to continue to provide support and care to missionary kids going through important life transitions.
  • That God would continue to provide her ministry with helpful resources, tools, and educational materials.

K & L

  • Starting New Churches
  • Southeast Asia

Partner Info

L and K are working to start churches among ten large, unreached, and unengaged people groups in Southeast Asia. They also lead a growing team that has expanded from 11 to 22 units since the pandemic, increasing their reach and impact in the region.

Prayer Requests

  • That L and K to continue to see success in their partnerships with local people/businesses.
  • For God to bring them strong team members to serve alongside.

TIM & ERICKA HARRIS

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Oregon

Partner Info

 Tim and Ericka Harris understand the preparation, training, and lifelong commitment it takes to serve in missions. Their work has included cross-cultural ministry throughout Latin America, including eight years living and serving in Costa Rica with their family. Out of a desire to support those serving in demanding ministry roles, they provide pastoral care to missionaries, pastors, and ministry leaders around the world. Through their R.E.S.T. initiative—Retreat, Encouragement, Safety, and Transformation—they offer spaces for leaders on every major continent to step away, recharge, and return to their work with renewed strength and clarity.

Prayer Requests

  • That the Lord would bring the right people to R.E.S.T. ministry to be spiritually and physically rejuvenated.
  • For Tim and Ericka to continue to foster and grow their gift of hospitality

MARK & BRENDA HALL

  • Starting New Churches
  • Guadalajara, Mexico

Partner Info

Mark and Brenda Hall moved to Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2018, where Mark now serves as a teaching pastor at English Fellowship. The church brings together people from different cultures, backgrounds, and denominations, serving both international residents and Mexican nationals living in the city for work. Although their focus is now in Mexico, they remain connected to their previous work in Guatemala, where they spent 18 years investing in the lives of young people. Their move to Guadalajara opens new doors to build relationships, support the local community, and share the message of Jesus in meaningful and relevant ways.

Prayer Requests

  • For Mark and Branda’s church to continue to positively impact their local community.
  • That God would foster opportunities for His name to be known.

RICH FRAZER

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • Nepal and North India

Partner Info

Dr. Rich Frazer leads Spiritual Overseers Service (SOS) International, a global Christian leadership development ministry. Since 1979, SOS International has been driven by our Lord’s desire to reach every person with the gospel of Jesus Christ, develop believers into confident, credible and connected followers of Jesus and demonstrate compassion in times of need. SOS International is directed by the biblical mandate to equip leaders efficiently to carry out their ministries effectively. More than 7,000 leaders in more than 55 countries are equipped and resourced every year through SOS International’s expanding network of indigenous and Western-based trained Associates.

Prayer Requests

  • That Rich and Debbie would continue to utilize God’s discernment as they grow their ministry.
  • For their many local leaders to continue to be empowered through SOS’s support and ministry.

MARK & LISA DENEUI

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • France

Partner Info

Mark is a Bible teacher focused on the New Testament who trains church leaders and church planters in French-speaking Europe. Lisa teaches English as a Foreign Language and French, using her skills to build relationships and serve the local community while sharing her faith. Together, Mark and Lisa serve with a network of church plants in the city of Strasbourg. They are committed to making Christ’s love known by partnering with the local French church to love their neighbors, share the gospel, and disciple new believers.

Prayer Requests

  • That their disciple-making ministry would continue to grow.
  • For the local students, who are pursuing an education in English, to be receptive to receiving the word of God.

D & J

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Southeast Asia

Partner Info

D and J are building relationships with an unreached people group in Southeast Asia. They hope to see a new community of believers grow through intentional disciple-making and personal connection.

Prayer Requests

  • For their ministry to continue to flourish.
  • That they would have minimal obstacles with their local government

JOSEPH BRADFORD IV

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Los Angeles, CA

Partner Info

Joseph launched his nonprofit, B.A.R.E. Truth, Inc., in 2018 to serve individuals and families in Los Angeles facing homelessness, food insecurity, and other critical needs. Through mentorship, independent living support, housing assistance, and wellness services, Joseph and his team help people move toward healthier, purpose-filled lives. They also host weekly feeding events on Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles. B.A.R.E. stands for Balance, Ambition, Respect, and Encouragement.

Prayer Requests

  • For a continual positive partnership with LA County.
  • For the physical and mental well-being of his ministry recipients, and that their hearts would be open to hearing the gospel.

BILL ANKERBERG

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • Estonia

Partner Info

Bill leads a missions movement in the Nordic-Baltic region, focusing especially on Estonia, where fewer than 2% of people identify as Christian. His work includes supporting church planters, developing local leaders, strengthening compassion ministries, and mentoring pastors and missionaries across both the Baltics and Scandinavia. This ministry began in 2008 and continues to grow in reach and impact.

Prayer Requests

  • For personal health and safety.
  • That Estonian church leaders would be receptive to the leadership and training Bill and his team provide.

PAT & BETH ANDREWS

  • Bible Translation
  • Arlington, TX

Partner Info

Pat serves with Seed Company, a subsidiary of Wycliffe Bible Translators, as Director of Field Projects for the Pacific Region and as a Translation Consultant. He helps oversee translation work in more than 60 languages, coordinating efforts across 11 organizations and 28 internships. Many of Pat’s teams are based in remote island communities, which often presents communication and travel challenges. Even so, Pat makes it a priority to visit his project teams and interns each year.

Prayer Requests

  • For continued safety when visiting project teams.
  • For God’s word to continue to prevail over translation obstacles.

DENNIS & DENISE AHERN

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Washington State

Partner Info

Since 1992, the Aherns have provided counseling and care to missionaries in more than forty countries. They have a deep understanding of the unique needs, challenges, and opportunities that come with full-time ministry. Their commitment to supporting ministry workers led them to open a retreat center in Washington state called Selah Glen, where they host and lead pastoral care retreats. Through this work, the Aherns can care for those who spend their lives caring for others.

Prayer Requests

  • To continue to thoughtfully care for ministry workers with counseling and spiritual direction.
  • For personal wisdom for Denise and Dennis

MIGUEL & MARIA ADAME

  • Church Planting
  • Baja Mexico

Partner Info

Pastor Miguel leads a growing church in Mexicali, Mexico, where he and his family have been serving the community since 2013. Their church runs weekly Bible studies, and monthly outreach events, and provides a steady, welcoming presence in the neighborhood. In 2024, they opened a free private Christian elementary school that supports students with special needs or who are considered at-risk. Journey of Faith has partnered with this ministry through more than a dozen short-term mission trips.

Prayer Requests

  • To achieve effective local outreach.
  • To support the ongoing growth of their school.

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