Check out the video above. ​This video helps us enter the world of people who have been labeled as “outcasts” by others. Many of us can relate to her life story—or we know people whose lives mirror the words she spoke. We sometimes forget all the emotions and feelings behind pain. Often when we experience pain, we try to numb it with some kind of escape or release, but it is only a temporary fix to our problem. Fortunately, God offers a true answer and solution.

​This past Sunday we began a three-lesson look at  "Jesus and the People." The stories of our Savior's interactions with others promise to be an incredible exploration of some awesome encounters with Jesus.

The first encounter we discussed was between Jesus and a Samaritan woman, found in John 4. It’s incredible and exciting to read about Jesus’ interaction with this woman and the transformation that took place. Jesus helped her realize that what she was searching for in her relationships could only be found in him.

This week, help reinforce this teaching in your childs life by asking the following questions as you have the opportunity:

• The woman in John 4 tried to fill the gap in her life through her relationships with men—what are some specific ways teenagers try to fill the gap in their lives?
• Why is a changed life such powerful evidence that God exists and offers forgiveness through Jesus?

​Have a blessed week!

Yesterday, the WSYM continued in our series on Jesus talking about the beginnings of his ministry. This week’s conversation focused on the way Jesus handled his temptations in the wilderness, in Matthew 4. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness without food, and during that time the devil tempted him. Even though Jesus was hungry and tired, he resisted the temptation. Knowing this can help us understand the grace and mercy of God.
All of us encounter situations when we are tempted. This week we studied the temptation of Jesus and had some great conversations regarding temptation and what situations and circumstances are tempting. In order to continue the discussions about Jesus, consider asking your teenager the following questions:

• How does knowing what Jesus went through help you when you are going through your own struggles with temptation?
• Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. What are some surprising ways God has helped you escape from temptation before?
• If you resist temptation today, it may return tomorrow—is that discouraging? Why or why not?

​Have an amazing week!

We have started a new two-lesson series on the beginnings of Jesus’ ministry. This week we talked about Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3. Jesus had no reservations about getting baptized by John the Baptist. In fact, Jesus was validating what John was doing. Although Jesus was sinless and had nothing to confess, his getting baptized showed others—and us—the importance of confessing our sins, choosing to follow Jesus as Lord, and committing our lives to that calling!

In order to continue the discussions about Jesus and his baptism, consider asking your teenager these questions this week:

• What people have been role models for you in your spiritual journey, and did you learn more through their words or their actions?
• Why is baptism an important part of the adventure of following Jesus and committing your life to him?

If you have been baptized, it would be great to tell your teenager about your baptism and what it means. 

Have a great week!

We’ve finished our two-lesson study on the birth and early years of Jesus’ life. This week we looked at Jesus as a 12-year-old. Although Scripture doesn’t give a lot of details about his adolescent years, the Bible does give some insight into how Jesus grew during that critical season of life.

Specifically, this week we discussed Luke 2:39-52 and saw how Jesus used his teenage years to grow in wisdom, stature, and in favor with God and people. He demonstrated obedience toward God and toward his parents, and his teenage years prepared him for adulthood and his years of ministry.

Sometime this week, We’d love for you to keep the conversation going by discussing these kinds of questions with your teenager:

• What are some specific ways your teenage years can shape the rest of your life?
• How are obedience and wisdom connected to your spiritual preparation?
• How can you balance the desire to enjoy your teenage years while also preparing for the rest of your life? Are these goals in conflict? Explain.
  

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And as a family this week, consider reading Proverbs 2 together and discussing when we need wisdom in life and how we find God’s wisdom.

Have a blessed week!