Sending Them Out
Prepare for Launch
get ready with these Helpful Resources
Luke 15:11-31; John 17:6-19; Ps. 23:4-6
“Bubble Wrap”
Almost everything seems life-threatening to a newborn baby, especially when you're a first-time parent. A loose blanket in their crib, a small toy, stairs, pets, coffee table corners, and especially the dreaded electrical outlets all seem to pose a mortal danger to small children. You might wrap your child in bubble wrap if it wasn't such a potential choking hazard! But it doesn't get easier as our kids grow up. There's always danger lurking around the next corner. Though "helicopter parenting" is tempting, someday they'll need to face difficulties without you. So, as we prepare to send our kids out into the world, how do we empower them and guide them through life's obstacles?
As we send our children into the world, we can't protect them from every danger.
THE BIG IDEA
Our kids, like all of us, may travel "through the valley of the shadow of death" someday (Ps. 23:4). We may grieve over the life they've chosen, as David did with Absalom (2 Sam. 19:4). Maybe we'll mourn for the treatment they've unfairly endured, like Mary at her son's crucifixion (John 19:26). With storms on the horizon, let's build our homes on solid ground now, shepherding and shaping them according to the Lord's pattern.
Be there for them, always available to step in and help when they're ready for our support. Our kids should know that we'll always love them, no matter the mistakes they've made or the situation in which they've found themselves. Remember how the prodigal son's "father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him" (Luke 15:20)?
But here's some good news: we have a helper who cares about them even more than we do. So get on your knees every day, pleading for his protection over them, as Job did for his children (Job 1:5). When we feel powerless to step in and rescue them, call on the Almighty Father to "keep them from the evil one" (John 17:15).
How will you respond when your child fails their tests?
THE BIG QUESTION
Guiding Through Trouble
Guide Your Kids Through Life's Difficulties
INTRODUCTION
Launch the study with a CONVERSATION STARTER on the Big Idea.
Read or watch “Bubble Wrap” (above). What do you take from that Big Idea and Big Question? ICE BREAKER — Get everyone engaged and talking.
What modern day child safety devices did you survive without?
ACT I
JESUS SAID — John 17:12-19
What’s the main point of this passage?What insights and applications do you take from these words of Christ? What do we need to get from these words that — if understood and applied — has the power to change a life or a family?Is there anything else here you find helpful or interesting? Anything you’ve never noticed before — or have always loved about these words?
ACT II
Here’s the Story — The Prodigal Son
In your own words, summarize each section of the story identified below.In group studies, take turns summarizing the sections until the group has told the whole story. Then discuss your answers to the questions at the bottom.Luke 15:11-12Luke 15:13-16Luke 15:17-21Luke 15:22-24Luke 15:25-30Luke 15:31-32
How might a father in this situation would feel when his son takes his inheritance and goes?How did the father view his long-lost son while away (15:24, 32)? What does that tell you?What do we learn about God from this father’s response to his younger son — both at the beginning and the end of the story?What can you learn from the Father about parenting?What’s the main point of this passage? What key truths did Jesus want his hearers to take away from the story?ACT III
REACH OUT — Connect with each other with this question.
What do you learn about God as you watch your children make their own decisions?
WRAP UP
THE CHALLENGE — Ready to put it into practice?
Make a plan with your spouse about how you'll handle your own "prodigal moments," before they happen.REQUEST — Go to God in a closing prayer.
For example: "Dear Lord, lead our little ones to always return home" (cf. Luke 15:24).NEXT SESSION — Lasting Direction
Prepare by reading 1 Sam. 1:1-28; Ps. 139:1-16; John 15:4-10