Mom and Pop, Brother and Sister

(Back to Study Home Page)   Sermon February 1, 2004
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February 1, 2004 - Matthew 12:46-50

Open It

  1. What is your fondest family memory?

  2. If you had to belong to a family other than your own, what family would you choose to join? Why?

  3. What is ideal Christian fellowship or community to you?

Explore It

  1. What was Christ doing when his mother and brothers came to speak to Him? (12:46)

  2. Who was in the crowd? (12:38-46)

  3. Who came to find Jesus? Why? (12:46)

  4. Why did Jesus' family want to see him? (12:46)

  5. How did Jesus find out about his visitors? (12:47)

  6. What two rhetorical questions did Jesus pose when he heard about his family's arrival? (12:48)

  7. How did Jesus answer his own questions? (12:49)

  8. What makes a person a member of Jesus' family? (12:50)

  9. Who can become a member of Jesus' family? (12:50)

  10. How did Jesus refer to God? (12:50)

Get It

  1. In what ways (if any) are you closer to certain Christian friends than you are to your own family members?

  2. What circumstances led you to want to become a member of God's family?

  3. What special bonds does the family of God have that earthly families do not?

  4. What are the dangers if we neglect our families?

  5. What are the risks if we become obsessed with our families?

  6. How are we sometimes guilty of neglecting our blood relatives?

  7. In what ways is it possible to idolize the family?

Apply It

  1. What could you do today to strengthen the bonds you have with another Christian brother or sister?

  2. To what family member could you communicate your love and concern this week?

  3. What steps can you take this week to ensure that your family ties do not hinder God's will for you?

NOTES

Matthew 12:46-50: Jesus was not denying his responsibility to his earthly family. On the contrary, he criticized the religious leaders for not following the Old Testament command to honor their parents (Matthew 15:1-9). He provided for his mother's security as he hung on the cross (John 19:25-27). His mother and brothers were present in the upper room at Pentecost (Acts 1:14). Instead Jesus was pointing out that spiritual relationships are as binding as physical ones, and he was paving the way for a new community of believers (the universal church), our spiritual family.

(Back to Study Home Page)   Sermon January 25, 2004
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