Shepherding & Shaping
Prepare for Launch
get ready with these Helpful Resources
John 1:35-51; 10:7-18; Matt. 28:16-20
“Jesus' Twelve Kids”
Ever heard about Jesus' twelve kids? No, he never married or had children, but he wasn't a typical bachelor either. From the beginning of his ministry, he "adopted" a dozen men from various backgrounds into his inner circle. They followed him around, listened to his teaching, and watched him work. They asked a ton of questions, like most children do, and were usually confused by his answers. He gave instructions and watched as they obeyed or failed. Jesus wasn't a parent, but in a way, he was the perfect example of practical parenting. So, let's look to the Good Shepherd to show us how to shepherd our children well.
Your life speaks volumes to those following behind you.
THE BIG IDEA
Our kids need someone to show the way. So, we take a cue from Jesus' playbook and invite them to "Follow" (John 1:35-51). Or as Paul said, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1). We're not perfect, but they're watching whether we realize it or not. Some people are sent to foreign soil to bring the gospel. You're sent to disciple your kids, "teaching them to observe" Christ's commands (Matt. 28:19). Like disciples spent every day with the Master, learning to "follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:21), our kids spend their formative years right next to us. But, as they study you, what do they learn? Do they see consistent joy, gratitude, and prayer (1 Thess. 5:16-18)? Are they learning to see people with generosity and patience (1 Cor. 13:4-7)? What will they learn about work, friendship, money, and the opposite sex? And will they come to love Jesus and the story of salvation?
Shepherding isn't glamorous; it's messy, costly, and exhausting. But in his limitless love, Christ committed himself to the gritty, sacrificial work of leading his sheep (John 10:11). And as we spend ourselves in the thankless job of parenting, may our kids see Christ in us!
Are you comfortable telling your children to walk like you?
THE BIG QUESTION
Example & Influence
Show Your Children What Life Is All About
INTRODUCTION
Launch the study with a CONVERSATION STARTER on the Big Idea.
Read or watch “Jesus' Twelve Kids” (above). What do you take from that Big Idea and Big Question? ICE BREAKER — Get everyone engaged and talking.
Who has been like a parent to you, that wasn't a parent themselves?
ACT I
LIKE THE TEACHER — John 1:35-51
What do you see Jesus doing and saying here?Why do you think it’s recorded in the book? What’s the point of the 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
SCRIPTURE DU JOUR — John 10:7-18
First, let’s summarize what Jesus says in this passage, giving each section a title:John 10:7-9John 10:10-13John 10:14-16John 10:17-18
What’s your favorite verse in this passage, and why?What does this passage teach you about how Jesus shepherds? How are parents like shepherds and children like sheep?How could the principles revealed in this passage make a difference in your life this week?ACT III
REACH OUT — Connect with each other with this question.
What challenges have you faced while shepherding your children?
WRAP UP
THE CHALLENGE — Ready to put it into practice?
Choose an activity to do with your child that Christ did with his disciples.
REQUEST — Go to God in a closing prayer.
For example: "God, help me shepherd like your Son" (cf. John 10:11).
NEXT SESSION — Parenting Goals
Prepare by reading Matt. 7:12-27; 2 Tim. 1:3-7; Ezek. 18:1-32