Sunday Class Followup - 5/9/17

Grades 9-12 | Jesus' Job Description
We’ve finished the last of four lessons that dig deep into how Jesus described himself in Scripture, in a series called “In His Own Words.” We’ve been discovering the ways Jesus “framed” who he is—his purpose, motivation, and intentions.

In this last lesson, we paid “peculiar attention” to the five “bullet points” in Jesus’ job description—this proclamation of his mission kicked off his public ministry. Quoting a prophecy in Isaiah, he said: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” We explored together the incredible truth that Jesus is determined to set us free from whatever imprisons us. He can’t help himself, because he loves us.

This week, spend a few minutes talking with your teenager about our lesson. Consider asking these questions:

• Which “bullet point” in Jesus’ job description means the most to you, and why?
• It’s hard to think of ourselves as “captives,” but what’s something in your life that makes you feel like a prisoner sometimes?
• Based on his mission statement, what do you know for sure about Jesus?

Grades 6-8 | Learning to Forgive Others
We’ve wrapped up our series on the important subject of forgiveness. In this final lesson, we looked at a parable in Matthew 18:23-35 that helps us appreciate the depth of God’s forgiveness and how we ought to willingly forgive people.

Forgiveness is not an easy thing. We have a natural tendency to withhold forgiveness, to seek revenge, or to just avoid the person who has hurt, offended, or betrayed us. But Jesus says there’s a different, better way to live.

This week, I encourage you to keep the conversation going at home. Here are some questions you might want to ask your teenager:

• How does forgiving other people help you grow closer to Jesus?
• Why is Jesus pleased when you forgive other people?
• Think of forgiveness as a habit or a lifestyle—the more you forgive little things, the more easily you can forgive big things. How can that idea help you?

Have a wonderful week!