#1 – Keep reading the daily passage from Foundations 260
#2 – Come Wednesday night where we will dive deeper into our core values.
We believe generations matter to God.
Jesus flips the culture’s social order on its top, and He elevates the value and importance of children to be as the adults.
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“Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” – Mark 10:14 (ESV)
Supporting Scripture: Mark 10:15 (ESV)
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Real growth and real maturity in faith looks like the humble dependence of a child.
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In the world, we look at one another in terms of . In the Kingdom of God, God looks at us in terms of .
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In the world, we think age=maturity.
In the Kingdom of God, our maturity isn’t dependent on age, it’s dependent on transformation that comes by and the Spirit.
You are not yet fully formed and sanctified in the faith.
You won’t become fully formed and sanctified by yourself.
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Supporting Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV)
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How is this lived out in the life of the church?
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We care for one another’s growth and maturity across age groups.
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We need to ask… what do people in other generations need? How can I help provide it?
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There is an immature aspect of your faith that God has brought you here into this Body of Christ to mature.
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There is a mature aspect of your faith that others here need, and God is calling you to share for the sake of their maturity.
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Mark 10:13-16 recounts the story of people bringing children to Jesus, and the disciples rebuking them. Jesus, however, welcomes the children and uses the moment to teach about the Kingdom of God. Here are some reflective questions that can help in group discussions about this passage:
- Understanding the Passage:
- What do you think motivated the people to bring their children to Jesus?
- How do you interpret the disciples’ reaction to the children being brought to Jesus?
- Why do you think Jesus was indignant with the disciples?
- Jesus’ Teachings:
- What does Jesus’ response to the disciples teach us about His view of children and their place in the Kingdom of God?
- How does Jesus’ teaching in this passage challenge or affirm your understanding of what it means to enter the Kingdom of God?
- What does Jesus mean when He says, “the kingdom of God belongs to such as these”?
- Personal Reflection:
- How do you relate to the idea of receiving the Kingdom of God like a child? What qualities of children might be significant in this context?
- Are there ways in which you or your community might unintentionally “rebuke” those who are seen as less important or vulnerable?
- How can we, as individuals or as a group, better embody the openness and humility Jesus describes?
- Community and Application:
- How can this passage inform our approach to children and those who might be marginalized in our communities?
- What practical steps can we take to ensure that everyone, regardless of their status or age, feels welcomed and valued in our faith community?
- How might this passage inspire us to reconsider our attitudes towards those who are often overlooked or undervalued?
- Theological Implications:
- What does this passage suggest about the nature of God’s grace and inclusion?
- How does this teaching fit with the broader message of the Gospels about the nature of the Kingdom of God?
- Reflection on Jesus’ Actions:
- How do Jesus’ actions in this passage reflect His broader mission and message?
- In what ways can we follow Jesus’ example of welcoming and valuing others?
These questions aim to encourage deeper understanding and personal connection to the passage, fostering meaningful discussion and reflection within the group.