How to Use Case Studies as Jesus
1. He allowed people to put themselves in many different difficult identities, roles, and responsibilities. This allowed the people to repeat this story imagining how the woman must have felt in such a desperate condition. Jesus highlighted the fact that the woman’s faith provided liberation from the evil spirits for her daughter. The faith of parent’s, teachers, and leaders can make a dramatic effect in freeing people from all types of bondage. He emphasized the regardless of a person’s background they are not limited from experiencing the best from the Lord. He taught the disciples an important lesson in overcoming their discriminatory tendencies by showing them that even a woman Gentile (A woman gentile would have been avoided at all costs by any self-respecting Jew during the times of Jesus) and her daughter were important for the Lord of the universe to care about.
2. Jesus showed that case studies do not always have easy solutions, but involve many complex factors. Even Jesus hesitated at first to address the woman’s need. It realized the difficulties of cross-cultural ministries. He was fully aware that His primary focus was to the Jews and not to the Gentiles. Yet, He trained His disciples in integratively solving problems with wisdom, knowledge, and faith.
3. Jesus used case studies as opportunities for the disciples to learn how to link theory and practice. One of the most difficult aspects of teaching in a theological seminary in Africa is nurturing the student’s ability to bridge theoretical abstract truths with their real lives and ministries. Case studies have a way of bringing the theoretical into practical terms that most students can really get their teeth into. Yesterday, I gave a case study about the dynamics of king-making in Africa for a Cultural Anthropology final exam. The students worked for four hours drawing links between the practical case study borrowed from Paul Hiebert’s Case Study book to principles learned in the class. They unanimously shared, ``This was the most meaningful exam we have ever taken in our life!’’
4. Jesus used case studies to broaden the horizons of His disciples. Most of the disciples rarely had the opportunity to move much beyond their home region. They lacked a greater global perspective that many of us have today thanks to global - satellite television, newspapers, and radios. A broadened perspective helps one see that failure in one aspect does not have to mean defeat in all elements of life. Macro perspectives lift our eyes beyond the problems of one’s immediate circumstances. The first verse that I read this morning challenged me to consider lofty perspective above my own closed system. Col. 3:1,2 said,
``Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.’’
While at the same time I am focusing my attention on heavenly concerns I am automatically putting to death my earthly evil desires. Jesus knew that parables and case studies have a medicinal affect on people’s thinking. Broadened horizons rid ourselves of the unregenerate practices, thoughts, and even feelings of those bound by their earthly passions.
5. Jesus used case studies to help alleviate people’s fears of the unknown. When the other disciples watched Peter walk on the water to meet the Lord, they would have been greatly inspired by the power of their Master over all forces in nature. In Africa, many people live in a constant state of paralysis of fears. These fears usually center around alarm about death, ancestral spirits, sickness, suffering, oppression, hunger, pain, disasters, or attack from numerous human and supernatural enemies.
``One student of Jos E.C.W.A. Seminary in Nigeria, recently shared with me that in his tribal history, people believe that when someone dies his soul does not migrate very far away from the family. Many of these ancestral spirits take up dwelling places in trees, rivers, rocks, or chosen burial sites. Their duties include keeping watch over their families to see if they are properly venerated and obeyed. Punishments are meted out by the ancestral spirits to those who are neglectful, disrespectful, or disobedient to the customs and culture of the tribe. Serving as watchdogs, the ancestors keep the people in line through a complex system of fear. Since, few people in the village are aware of how or why the ancestors become offended, intercessory priests constantly need to offer appeasing sacrifices to the ancestors. This acts to alleviate the fears of many villagers, but also keeps them under a cloud of apprehension. Since, the ancestors do not take advice from the living, they are a constant threat to all who are under their powers. Ancestors are seen to do whatever they deem necessary in order to keep the cultural heritage of the tribe preserved. They seen as being easily annoyed or offended so the people are gripped with a continual sense of terror over what the ancestors might afflict them upon them or members of their families!’’ (Titus Turaki, class assignment, 1992)
Jesus urged people not to fear for He assured them of His protecting presence. Paul reinforced this when He said, ``The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he has put everything under his feet.’’ ( I Cor. 15:26,27) This complete conquest is continually supported through the indwelling power and ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives as shown through contextually developed case studies.
6. Jesus used case studies to help people retain, transfer, use and deepen their faith in God. No doubt, the case studies exhibited through Christ and His parables have been told millions of times throughout history. Transfer is an ability to take information learned in one situation and convey it usefully to another. Many people have little trouble learning new information, but most struggle with the ability to transfer that information to practice. These powerful stories have a way of helping people illustrate, apply, instruct, persuade, and inspire others unlike propositional truths. This deductive teaching emphasis was a common trait of Christ’s. When people hear about Jesus stilling the winds, and the waves with three simple words, ``Hush, be still!’’ They are comforted by the fact that God’s power is greater than any problem, person, or circumstance. One day, when we get to heaven, we will learn about the dramatic effects Christ’s stories have had in helping people throughout history illustrate, explain, and apply God’s complex truths in the simplest of forms. It does not take a Ph.D. to learn myriads of similar lessons from the power of Christ’s word during our storms of life as in Mark. 4:34-37 - ``And the winds died down and it became perfectly calm. Then the disciples said, ``What manner of man is this that even the winds and seas obey Him!’’ Hallelujah!
7. Jesus used case studies to enhance the disciples abilities to analyze motives and solve problems. Analysis is the detailed examination of person, substance, or structure to ascertain its component parts. When one has the ability to analyze and discern, then one can see beneath the surface to the root causes behind something. Jesus was a Master at analysis. He knew what the thoughts and motives of mens’ hearts were. He used case studies to help His disciples gain skill in analysis into ideas, events, and people. When the disciples came back from their first evangelism experience in Luke 10, they said, ``Even the demons are subject to us in your name!’’ Jesus said, ``Do not rejoice in that, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven!’’ He wanted them to look for the deeper reasons behind the events. Case studies give us the benefit of going beyond description to interpretation, analysis, and evaluations. A much needed element in contextualizing theology in Africa.
8. Jesus used case studies to help people correlate truths and events to their own. It is easy to see little problems as bigger than they are unless we have the benefit of comparisons and contrasts. Correlations bring into mutual relationships complimentary events or ideas for the purpose of enhancement. When we are well connected to one another and to the body of Christ we are able to get a bigger picture of greater plans of God than simply getting myopic about our own selfish concerns. Without correlations we tend to skew truths out of proportion. Jesus knew that case studies provide a continual supply of correlations that help provide balance of perspectives. Often Jesus would correlate the realities of the disciples lives by correlating God’s care for nature. Once Jesus said, ``Consider the lilies of the field. They do not sow or toil and yet even Solomon in all his array was never clothed as beautifully as one of these!’’ (Matt. 6:30) Contextual theologians do not need to be afraid of using analogies in their ministries. It is perhaps the single most effective means of teaching and learning styles found in traditional African education. For instance, many Africans see correlations between their cultural views of sin, sickness, and suffering. No wonder, it is rather easy to connect the Biblical views of sin, spiritual sickness, and spiritual judgment to those of the traditional African view. One Tangale student from Jos E.C.W.A. Seminary in Nigeria writes the following descriptions about their tribal views that can be easily linked to the Biblical basis for the sin, sickness, and judgment:
1. Tangales believe that SIN is sassalap - This means living contrary to the accepted norms of the culture. Any offense against the will of society, the gods, or the ancestral spirits will result in punishments. The Bible makes it clear that sin is living contrary to the laws and nature of God. Any offense against God and His standards will result in spiritual death. In the light of this tremendous need the majority of Tangales have embraced Christ as their Savior. John Hall, the first missionary connected the two concepts through numerous case study illustrations of sin in culture and against God.
2. Tangeles believe that SICKNESS is pada - This means the abnormal condition of the body. It could also mean being afflicted by the gods. Sometimes the Bible links sickness often a consequence of sin, ignorance, or wrong behavior. When the early missionaries showed how the Lord provides healing both through miraculous and through the use of medicines, the Tangales hearts were touched.
3. Tangeles believe that suffering is sihim koro - This means that one is living under difficult conditions either physically, psychologically, intellectually, emotionally, or socially. Suffering in the scriptures is looked at for just and unjust reasons throughout the scriptures. The link that the early missionaries provided showed the Tangales that much of their suffering was caused by sin and a failure to have a right relationship with God.
4. Tangales believe that healing is wadpada - This means that one is freed from any difficulties or infirmities. Many Tangales believed that the gods had given magic (boka) to certain power to heal. These people interceded for the sick persons to the ancestral spirits for restoration of health. Many Tangales have been able to link their physical healing with the spiritual healing that they have received through Jesus Christ and His ministers.
9. Jesus used case studies to allow the disciples to test out ideals with minimum risk. Many of us hesitate to try out new ideals unless we have seen others experiment with them first. When the Peter saw Jesus walking on the water, he was willing to venture out into the deep. No doubt, this innovation gave the other disciples more confidence in the Savior. They wanted others to test the solutions and promises offered by the Master before they would try them out completely. Case studies offer the majority face saving examples of others who have undertook a new adventure. When the venturing is accomplished we will have encouraged many more to offer salvation to the lost, edify the believers, and disciple the future leaders of the church. Without the benefit of experimentation by faith we will be stuck in the mire of our own fears of change.
Case Study - For instance, one student shared that in his village of Nyanya in Nigeria, the Lord used a miracle to demonstrate His ideals through the faith of one courageous man. It seems that one day a man crossing a road was struck by a car which shattered his right leg. Most of the villagers immediately assumed that the man must have been associating with the occultic secret societies. Despite persuasions from the few believers in the village, the council of elder declared that the man’s accident was a signal of disapproval from the ancestral spirits. Throughout Africa, there are many who assume that nothing occurs without a spiritual cause. However, the Christians decided to use this as an opportunity to witness of God’s grace through their prayers and actions. When everyone in the village disassociated themselves from the man, the Christians visited the man taking food to him in his time of need. Several men even humbled themselves to bathe the man and assist in helping him put his clothes on in the morning. Some of the youth got busy clearing his farm at the height of the rainy season. All of these actions were viewed mysteriously and with wonderment by the non-Christians. Many of them assumed that the Christians must also belong to the secret societies if they are bothering to assist this man. Eventually, their puzzling manner turned into abuse of the Christians. The majority of the villagers felt that the Christians were impeding the ancestral spirits from exacting their punishment on the man for his sins. But the believers persevered with the assurance from Christ’s promise, ``Love your enemies and do good to those who despitefully use you and your reward in heaven will be great.’’ (Luke 6:38)
When the man recovered completely from his accident, the community marvelled at completeness change in his attitudes. He was a changed man on the outside and the inside. People who were not related to this man, helped restore him without charge or duplicity of motives. Love lifted the man and the community to new heights. Soon the entire community, especially the council of elders sought out the Christians for advice. They asked, ``How can we find security, healing, and deliverance from the evil forces like this man experienced?’’ The gospel penetrated through the area because of this evidence of the grace of God and the love of a handful of believers.
10. Jesus used case studies to successfully encourage problem solving faith and obedience. Jesus asked Peter if he also wanted to defect in John 6:66-71 by saying, ``Surely, you too do not want to go away?’’ But Peter responded with the precedent setting statements that would stem the tide of defection, deterioration, and defeat when he said, ``Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life and we have believed and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God.’’ Peter paved the way for men to apply determined commitment to Christ above all others when presented with problem of abandonment. Perhaps many today, need to be questioned about the subtle ways that men are allowing an erosion of their commitments. Could it be a philosophical, social, political, emotional, cultural, or theological erosion of our faith? Contextualizers should collect hundreds of useful case studies of ways that men reinforce the barriers of their allegiances to Christ against the waves of deteriorating commitments.
Case Study - One seminary student shared with me that in his area, there are procedures for discovering the cause of people’s sicknesses. In this particular part of Nigeria, a sick man, who happened to be his grandfather, was perceived to have offended one of the gods or the ancestral spirits. To discover which spirit has been grievously offended, the grandfather was taken to the Juju house with sacrifices to be offered to appease the spirits. The traditional priest will then speak to the ancestral spirits on behalf of the grandfather or his family to identify the offended spirit. Occasionally, the priest will say, ``He has offended the great grandfather spirit. When the messenger returned with the findings, the family were required to prepare sacrifices of wine, food, and chickens to appease the spirits. The student shared the story of John 9:1-41 with his family which taught that once there was a man born blind. The people asked Jesus, ``Who sinned, this man or his parents?’’ Jesus replied, ``It was neither that this man sinned or his parents, but it was so that the WORKS OF GOD COULD BE DISPLAYED IN HIM.’’ Then Jesus healed the blind man who gave a powerful testimony before the religious leaders who asked the man accusingly about Jesus, ``Give God the praise; we know that this man is a sinner.’’ The Jews had agreed to debar everyone who had confessed that Jesus was the Christ. However, the man stood firm in his belief saying, ``Whether He is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that I was blind and now I see . . . We know that God does not respond to sinners, but He does hear one who reveres Him and does His will. Through the ages this has never been heard of, that someone opened the eyes of one born blind. If He were not from God, He could do nothing.’’ Later the man asked Jesus, Who is the Son of Man that I may believe in Him? Jesus told him, You have looked at Him; in fact, He is talking with you now. He said, ``Lord, I believe!’’ and worshipped Him. Jesus turned and said to the Pharisees, ``If you were blind you would be blameless; but since you claim to have sight, your sin remains.’’
The student showed that the way Jesus solved the problems of the blind men and the resistant Pharisees was the way the Tangales should solve their own problems. The emphasis on Jesus’ teaching were on the fact that this occurrence happened in order that God’s works, power and glory could be displayed. Man’s human comforts are secondary to the greater purposes of God. The blind man first knew Jesus as just a man, then he understood Him to be a prophet, but then He came to see Him as the Son of God. The more we learn about the Lord, the greater we see His abilities to solve problems no matter how difficult.
11. Jesus used case studies to explain the patterns, trends, and tendencies of people. A pattern shows a progressive similarity between experiences, ideas, or people’s behavior from one setting to another. Jesus analogized His own life to that of Jonahs and to a temple when He said, ``As the temple is destroyed, so will the Son of Man be killed and resurrect from the dead. Jesus likened His own life to the paradoxical rejection and exaltation of those who had come before Him and would follow Him. He said, ``As the Father has sent me so send I you.’’ Case studies allow contextualizers to learn a great deal through the models of others, both for good and bad. Extrapolations (Estimates from known values to unknown results) become possible through analysis of trends in ways that we can predict the response of some to various kinds of ministry approaches. Without contextualized understandings of cultural patterns, communicators may find themselves going against the trends of traffic.
12. Jesus used case studies to show cause and effect relationships. Some people have a hard time intellectually, socially, or spiritually connecting reasons and results. Jesus knew the terrible consequences of living underneath fear so He often said, ``Fear not for I am with you!’’ He wanted men to know that His presence should be linked with peace, responsibility, and empowerment. Throughout the Old Testament people who lived underneath fear were deprived of many blessings encountering paralyzing defeats. In Numb. 13:31- Numb. 14:1-18 the Israelites who lived under the cloud of fear of their enemies tended to experience the following problems:
A. They tended to walk by sight and not by faith. (Numb. 13:31)
B. They tended to live in defeat spiritually and socially (Numb. 14:1-2)
C. They tended to be rebellious and stubborn to their leaders (Numb. 14:9-10)
D. They experienced harsh judgment from God. (Numb. 14:34,35)
Christians, by their spiritual natures, are built to live by faith and not by fear as seen by the consequences throughout the scriptures, as well as in life. Contextualizers will learn to use case studies that connect the principles of cause and effect such as ``Whatever a man sows that will he also reap!’’ Failure to make connections between cause and effects or to presumptuously link wrong causes to certain outcomes will end in confusion.
Case Study - A famous missionary from the Evangelical Missionary Society of E.C.W.A suddenly fell sick from a serious stroke. Quickly, one of his sisters, who was renowned traditional doctor came to visit him on his sick bed. She looked at him and said, ``Look, you are suffering because you have forgotten our traditions. You have even refused our medicine, but I have brought some to given you one last chance.’’ She slowly removed a small bottle of a liquid concoction and two small amounts of a powdery substance from her clothe. ``The reason why you have fallen sick is this. When you were recently visiting some missionaries you vehicle broke down on the way and you were forced to sleep in the bush. During that time, the evil spirits of the forest came and inflicted a serious sickness on you to show their displeasure. To our people, sickness can come as a result of an enemy invoking the power of spirits to bring sickness on one seen to be an invader of their territory. Without this medicine that I brought to you. The power of the curses place against you cannot be dispelled!’’
The missionary shared the story of Job with his sister. He explained that God allowed the devil to test his faithfulness. However, when he was tried he came forth as gold and God multiplied his prosperity greater than ever before. Even though his sister was not convinced, the missionary distinguished between evil causes and heaven sent ones. He showed everyone that a believer has the capacity to do the following with problems:
A. If there is sadness God can gladden your heart.
B. If there is anger God can calm your emotions.
C. If there is sickness God can heal you.
D. If there is sorrow God can bring gladness
E. If there is sin God can forgive you through Christ
F. If there is stress God can bring peace.
G. If there is hunger God can bring nourishment
H. If there is suffering God can relieve it.
I. If there is emptiness God can bring meaning.
J. If there is brokenness God can bring wholeness.
13. Jesus used case studies to help people think innovatively, adaptively, and practically. Once John observed someone casting out demons in His name and he said, ``We forbade him, because he does not follow along with us.’’ (Luke 9:49) But Jesus said, ``Do not forbid him; for whoever is not against you is for you.’’ Jesus recognized the fact that unity in the Spirit does not necessarily require unanimity of methods. Case studies allow us to see that God use variety of people, backgrounds, and methods to accomplish His kingdom’s purposes. Without an innovative, adaptive, and practical mindset toward contextualization of theology, we will be stuck in the molds of others. Typically this has occurred throughout African theological educational institutions. Well meaning missionaries translated their Bible college and seminary notes and gave them to their African students faithfully as given. Without the contextualization of materials, we may fall into the same trap of the disciples condemning those who do not teach as we do. Narrow mindedness in communications’ content, delivery, and organization continues to be some of the greatest stumbling blocks for contextualization throughout the world.
14. Jesus used case studies to plant seed thoughts that would grow into great enterprises. Jesus knew the power of faith in great ideals to transform people and countries. One day a man came up to our Lord saying, ``I will follow you, Sir, but first allow me to say good-bye to those at my home.’’ Jesus told him, ``No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’’ (Luke 9:61,62) Many people in Africa enjoy basking in the glories of their histories. No man, Jesus said, is able to plow a straight furrow if he is looking back. A contextual theologian will be able to help the people focus on where they are going in planting seeds for eternity. Case studies help men see the benefits of forward thinking rather than wishing for the good old days to return. Christ wants us to march forward to the building of His kingdom in the hearts of men. No one ever harvested a crop without someone planting the seeds by faith. Lots of great churches, disciples, and ministries are not developing today because of the failure of contextual seed sowing in days gone by. Proverbs 24:3 in the Living Bible says:
``Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts.’’
15. Jesus used case studies to see how the little pieces of the puzzle contribute to the creation of the big picture. Synthesis is the ability to combine elements to form a whole. Today’s computer architects are able to synthesize new hardware and software by synthesizing ideas of others to make equipment that has transformed communications. It is possible to send an entire theological library to Africa through telephoned linked computer modems in minutes with the proper equipment. Someone had to have the vision of putting together the parts of the puzzle to see a bigger picture than others had never imagined before. Jesus gave us the Lord’s prayer from Luke 11:1-4 through synthesizing the essential elements of praise, confession, thanksgiving, reconciliations, consecration, commitments, dedication, and supplications into an easy prayer to remember. His prayer has become a model for all other prayers. He capsulized the essence of prayer in 10 sentences. His prayer covers all the needs of life. It deals with the past sins, the present concerns of life, and the future trials that prepares us for victory through His power. Contextualizers will learn to master synthesis of African theologies for sickness, suffering, and healing etc. through the wise use of case studies. Caution must be used in allowing one’s contemporary case studies to take precedence over the truths of scripture.
16. Jesus used case studies to make learning enjoyable. Many of my students at Jos E.C.W.A. Seminary have come to believe that learning is painful, but necessary. Perhaps, this accounts for some of the reasons why many do not continue their formal learning after graduation. The joy of doing the will of God may at the time seem difficult, but afterwards there is the sweet fruit of righteousness that replenishes one’s inner batteries. Jesus knew that if learning is to continue it must offer rewards. Jesus grew up in a Jewish culture that believed that the present age was wholly bad, and wholly under condemnation. They believed that the golden age of happiness lay only in heaven. They often referred to their terrible waiting period at ``The birth travail of the days of the Messiah’’. They actually conceived of their waiting period like the terrible labor pains of a woman. Jesus knew these pictures and yet help His disciples enjoy their learning experiences with Him. He promised that their sorrow would be turned to joy. He helped them see that life for a believer sometimes seems difficult, dark, and full of uncertainty. Times are especially miserable when the unrighteous seem to be immune from this suffering. But, one’s relationship with Christ makes joy possible in the midst of hardships. Jesus said, ``In the world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.’’ Christ’s power, knowledge, and enabling grace sets us above the mundane level of basing our happiness on externals. Often Jesus would say, ``I have told you these things so my joy might be in you and that your joy might be full.’’ (John 15:11)
Case Study - A contextualizer will exhibit the joy of the Lord as His strength regardless of the circumstances. Yesterday, I got a first hand look at one such man. This missionary is working in Taraba State where half the state is embroiled with a Muslim-Christian war and the other half is engaged in a fierce Tiv-Jukun tribal war. Despite these seemingly overwhelming odds, the man is joyous at the opportunities to communicate Christ. At the risk of his own life, he travels throughout the State ministering cheer where there is gloom. He shared with me that the opportunities for ministry have never been so great! He has learned to be a living example of how Christ can make growing an overcoming experience rather than a burden!
17. Jesus used much of the Old Testament as case studies for His message. Just as David was exiled by his own followers so Jesus came to His own and they failed to receive Him. Just as the mighty men of David’s kingdom were those who came to him in his rejected circumstances, so were Christ’s disciples willing to follow Him regardless of what the religious leaders thought of Him and His message. David’s companions were outlaws, murderers, and criminals of all types, but they were loyal to their King. Similarly, Christ ate with tax-gatherers, sinners, and prostitutes, because He came not for the righteous but for sinners who recognized their needs. It was said of David, ``Everyone that was in distress, and everyone that was in debt, and everyone that was discontented gathered themselves around David and he became their captain. And there was with him about four hundred men.’’ (I Sam 22:2) Jesus said, ``To the one who is forgiven much, this one will love intensely, but to those who think they need no forgiveness are incapable of loving.’’ Jesus recognized David as a forerunner to His ministry. His was a gospel to the poor, the hurting, and to those who recognized their helpless condition. Jesus came to give hope to the worst and the lowest. His was a transforming power that made men willing to die for Him and His purposes. Transforming power is seen best through the lives of men connected to Christ and His message.
Case Study - One student recently shared the powerful need some of his people have for finding a source of reconciliation. To the Gus people of Plateau State, sacrifices are needed to restore harmony between two estranged parties. The abisku anu refers to a sacrifice that is done based on one’s sayings or pronouncements by a man of authority. He gave a specific example of a father who recently made a declaration that his daughter will not marry any man from a certain tribe. Within months of his pronouncement, his first daughter unsuspectingly fell in love with a handsome young man from that particular tribe. Because the father loved his daughter so much he decided to offer a sacrifice to the spirits in order to reconcile himself to them and to allow his tribe to be reconciled to the tribe of the young man. Without the sacrifice everyone in the village believed that the girl could not have a happy or successful marriage. Furthermore, the father feared continual harassments from the family spirits for breaking his oath! A contextualizer will be able to describe Jesus as the Great Reconciler of all men, tribes, and families. He came to provide a means of ending the enmity between nations, genders, and ethnic groups. He can show how Christ used examples of the breaking down the wall of hatred between the Jews and Gentiles in Old Testament belief’s that regarded separation as synonymous with holiness. Even Paul states in Eph. 2:11-14:
``Keep in mind, therefore, that once you were physically Gentiles and were called uncircumcision by the so-called circumcision that is made with human hands in the flesh; that in those days you were separated from Christ, aliens without the right of Israel’s citizenship, and strangers to the covenants of promise, living in the world without hope and without God. But now in Christ Jesus you, who were once far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace. Breaking down the barrier that separated Jews and Gentiles He united the two sections. He brought the hostility to an end. And through the cross reconciled them both in one body to God bring the hostility to an end by the cross.’’
For further insights into using the Old Testament as case studies for contextualization, please refer to A.M. Hodgkin’s Christ in All the Scriptures, published by Pickering, Basingstroke, U.K., 1987
SOME POSSIBLE SOURCES OF GOOD CASE STUDIES
1. Look for appropriate stories in newspapers, magazines, or popular literature.
2. Read the advice columns in newspapers to get an idea of the issues and approaches people are currently taking to their everyday problems.
3. Ask students or church members to anonymously record some of the events they are currently struggling with. Ask them to prescribe some suggested line of action.
4. Ask people for similar experiences they have faced related to the issues at hand. Some people will take from their history which should be compared and contrasted with the current situations.
5. Research in the library for good case studies. It is amazing how rich of resource of case studies one can find in biographies.
6. Write down things people say especially about their observations and experiences.
7. Read widely current fictional stories to enhance your resource bank of case studies. Recognize that truthful case studies are better, but fictional ones have special significance in certain occasions.
8. Search the New and Old Testament for case studies that can shed light on your present experiences. Be careful that you are able to place the Biblical case studies in their proper context and that you are using proper hermeneutics to interpret their primary meanings.
