Ending Hunger in America, 2014 Hunger Report Study Guide | Page 9

CHRISTIAN STUDY GUIDE – 2014 HUNGER REPORT

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SESSION 4: MULTIPLIERS TO MAXIMIZE RESULTS
The Word
Read Matthew 13:31-33 and I Cor. 1:26-36
In God’s economy, an investment in something small can make a big difference. Jesus
likens the kingdom of God to a tiny mustard seed that grows into a bush or a bit of yeast that
can leaven a whole loaf. Investing in a mustard seed can lead to a place large enough for birds
to make nests, lay eggs, and hatch new life. In his ministry, Jesus focused his attention on
seemingly unimportant people with significant results. For example, his “investment” in an
outcast Samaritan woman alone at a well in the middle of the day resulted in one of the most
prolific evangelists in the gospels. When Paul was writing to the Corinthians, a few people
were wealthy and powerful, but most were poor and lacked social status. The apostle noted
how God’s grace uses that which is small and lowly to make a difference.
1. In your life, have there been times when a small investment has led to a surprising
payoff?
2. How does your church decide what ministries to support (i.e., what to invest in)? How
do you yourself decide?

The Issue
Just as corporations seek to maximize their return on investment, our country’s economic
policies should build on previous policies and programs that have proven multiplier effects
(as the name suggests, “multiplier” means that they extend and maximize the value they produce). The Hunger Report offers examples such as investing in Pre-K education; investing
in manufacturing; reducing the “output gap” (the difference between what the economy is
producing and what it is capable of producing at full capacity); and reducing the high odds
that having a disability will lead to hunger. Such investments produce a high rate of return
for the common good.
1. Why might elected officials resist investing in programs that have been shown to be
effective?
2. The Hunger Report points out that investments in clean energy technologies (see Box
1.3 on page 51) have a significant multiplier effect. What are some of the ways individuals
and society at large would benefit from such investments?

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