Memory Verse:"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother'--which is the first commandment with a promise--‘that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'" (Ephesians 6:1-3)
Introduction:Sometimes it's hard for me to imagine that Jesus had parents. How do you parent the Son of God? And how does God in the flesh honor his parents' authority? This week we'll take a look at how Jesus responded to his earthly parents. This will be one of the most important parts of your journey to deepen your relationship with Jesus.
Your parents were put into your life for several reasons:
1. They see the real you no one else sees. They're the first ones to see if your walk with Jesus is real or if you only put on a front. Whenever you come home, you take off your mask and the real you comes out.
2. They're supposed to model godly character for you. Believe it or not, the majority of us will eventually take on most of the characteristics of our parents. That's good news if you have godly parents, and it's something you'll have to resist if your parents haven't been good role models.
3. God gives parents a unique ability to discern danger for their children. If you'll learn to listen to them objectively, then God will use them to protect you from destructive relationships and situations.
4. Most parents love their children and desire the best for them. All children desire a heart connection with their parents and need that relationship to be healthy.
If you don't live with your parents or if your parents have failed to fulfill their God-given responsibilities, then God will be your Parent. In fact, many of the Old Testament men and women whom God used were orphans or from one-parent families.
Okay, let's get ready for a week of learning more about Jesus. Remember, he designed you, and he knows how you're wired. Ask God to give you an open heart as he teaches you from his Word this week.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Day 1Luke 2:41-50
It's difficult to imagine God having to yield to his earthly parents' authority. In the passage you just read, Jesus didn't stay with his parents. After three days of searching, they finally found him in the temple. Then Jesus honestly told them he had to do the will of God.
A misunderstanding (common among parents and teenagers) took place, yet Jesus never raised his voice. The important thing is not that misunderstandings happen between you and your parents; the important thing is your response to them. God will use conflicts and trials to help you grow. It's almost like a test. Tests reveal both what you know and what you don't know.
Write down some of the weak areas in your relationship with your mom or dad.Spend a few moments taking these areas to God and asking him to improve them. Also, ask God to give you wisdom this week in relating to your parents.
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Taken from "Christ: The Life of Christ--The Basis of Faith" by Student Life, copyright 2008 Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here:http://www.youthspecialties.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=414
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