Sending Them Out
Prepare for Launch
get ready with these Helpful Resources
1 Sam. 1:1-28; Ps. 139:1-16; John 15:4-10
“Mona Lisa Smile”
Imagine if your job was to take care of a priceless work of art. When da Vinci painted the world's most beloved portrait, he couldn't have known that over six million people would flock to see that famous, enigmatic, Mona Lisa smile every year. Experts say it's worth over $860 million — a treasure the Louvre staff have the immense responsibility of protecting and sharing with the world. But we're called to take care of even greater masterpieces, created by an Artist beyond comparison. So before we send our children into the world, let's prepare them for a life dedicated to their Maker.
God made our kids for his glory, not ours.
THE BIG IDEA
Though we're glad they belong to us, we want them to belong to him. As Hannah said, "For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord" (1 Sam. 1:27-28). Hannah didn't know who Samuel would become or his significance in God's work. But she dedicated him to God and instilled a sense of identity as God's servant.
God knew our kids before we did, forming them "fearfully and wonderfully" in the womb. All their days are in his book (Psalm 139:1-5, 13-15). He's the source, the vine that'll make their lives fruitful. And as they abide in him, he'll answer their prayers and keep them in his love (John 15:4-10). When they believe God works mightily in them (Eph. 3:20; Phil. 2:13), it changes how they see themselves.
Devote your kids to God in your heart, training them in his way, surrendering their future to his care, and praying for his will to be done in their lives. We're stewards entrusted with these precious souls, readying them for life beyond our care. So as we receive children from the Lord, may they give themselves to him.
Do you see yourself as a steward, preparing your kids for life without you?
THE BIG QUESTION
Lasting Direction
Prepare Your Child for a Life of Service to God
INTRODUCTION
Launch the study with a CONVERSATION STARTER on the Big Idea.
Read or watch “Mona Lisa Smile” (above). What do you take from that Big Idea and Big Question? ICE BREAKER — Get everyone engaged and talking.
What's one thing you don't miss about when your kids were small?
ACT I
FINDING JESUS — 1 Sam. 2:1-10 & Luke 1:46-55
Compare the circumstances and content of these two songs — one from Hannah and one from Mary. How are the circumstances similar? How are the songs similar?As you read through these two passages, consider: Where do you see Jesus in these texts? What parts of these passages remind you of the character and actions of Christ?What do we need to get from this passage that — if understood and applied — has the power to change us?
ACT II
HELLO, MY NAME IS — Hannah
Before we dive into this character study of Hannah, read 1 Samuel chapters 1-3. Setting The Stage
Hannah’s story takes place in the time of the judges (cf. Judg. 21:25) in the hill country of Ephraim, right in the middle of Israel, where Hannah’s husband is from and also where Shiloh was — the place where the ark and tabernacle rested during this period.Telling The Story
SET UP: Two Wives of Elkanah (1 Sam. 1:1-2): What do you learn about Hannah’s family here?
SCENE 1: Hannah Grieves (1 Sam. 1:3-8): What is the family dynamic? What’s Hannah’s state of mind? Anything else jump out at you in this section?
SCENE 2: Hannah Prays (1 Sam. 1:9-20): Imagine the scene as the family feasts before the Lord. What does Hannah do? What does Eli see? How is she changed at the end of this scene?
SCENE 3:Hannah Lends (1 Sam. 1:21-28): When God answers her prayer, what does Hannah do? What strikes you about this passage?
EPILOGUE: Who Samuel Becomes (1 Sam. 2-3): What do you notice about the young Samuel’s life and character?Applying the Scripture
How do you think Hannah’s sacrificial devotion impacted Samuel?
What do you take from the contrast between Eli’s parenting (e.g. 1 Sam. 2:22-25, 29) and Hannah’s relationship with Samuel? What do you think the inspired writer wanted us to take to heart from the interweaving of these two families’ stories?ACT III
REACH OUT — Connect with each other with this question.
How does the thought of an "empty nest" sound to you?
WRAP UP
THE CHALLENGE — Ready to put it into practice?
Check in with a young person about how they want to serve God when they grow up.
REQUEST — Go to God in a closing prayer.
For example: "Holy Father, keep our children from the evil one as they go out into the world" (cf. John 17:15).NEXT SESSION — Joyful in Obedience
Prepare by reading Matt. 12:46-50; Titus 1:5-9; 3 John 2-4