Pastor Matt reminded us that Jesus will care for us forever, like a healthy father cares for his kids.
MY STORY
How has your father shaped your perception of what God is like, for good or ill?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
““Behold, I and the children God has given me.” (Hebrews 2:13)
Read the account of Jesus healing the woman in Luke 8:43-48; pay attention to how he affirms her . [Jesus] said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”
In what sense was this woman like a daughter to Jesus? Why would have that have been meaningful to her?
The passage in Hebrews states that God the Father has given “the children” to Jesus…
Who are these children? Are you one of them? In what sense can you consider Jesus to be like a father to you?
In what ways was your own Dad like Jesus? Not like Jesus?
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passage and the questions above, what “takeaways” do you think God has revealed to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
How does seeing Jesus as our father change the way we present ourselves to the people of the world, who longs for the healthy love of a father?
With Jesus as our “Dad”, how should that impact how we get along as siblings?
How can we avoid the sometimes-deserved warning, “Just wait until your father comes home!”
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit’s leading, call us to?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
What are some ways you can demonstrate Jesus’ father-love to those in your circle of influence—especially those whose Dads are physically or emotionally out of the picture?
Why is it important not to speak of absent fathers with contempt, especially to their children?
If you need to forgive your Dad, whether he is living or passed away, tell a believer you trust about that struggle, and ask the Holy Spirit, together, to help you move toward healthy resolution.
Bonus: If you are struggling to forgive your earthly father, listen to Thomas’ speech at the end of the movie Smoke Signals, and think about how his words might help move you toward closure.
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?
Message Notes
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