If an alien landed on the planet and wanted to know about Christianity, the Zelborkian may just walk away convinced that the natural family is the top priority for every believer. Books, music, articles, sermons, posters, and ministries are often aimed directly at strengthening the nuclear family, but what did Jesus experience with his family in Nazareth? What did he say about family? This Sunday we look at natural families with “Rejected By Family,” part of The Gospel According to John Series.
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MESSAGE STUDY NOTES (also as PDF download above)
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WARM UP
How would you describe the relationships in your family of origin?
READ
John 7:1-9; Matthew 19:29; Mark 3:21, 33-35, 10:21-22; Luke 12:51-53
KEY INSIGHTS
Three Takeaways:
1. Perfection is not convincing
2. Family can tempt you from faith
3. Never lose hope for natural family
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Why do you think Jesus couldn’t convince his family about the truth of who he was and what lessons can we learn from that?
2. Why do you think Jesus talked of divisions and betrayals within natural families?
APPLICATION
Do you think Christians today are finding the right priority between natural family and church family? Why or why not?
FOR MENTORING
What might be some signs that natural family has become your God?
