Family Expectations
Lesson Outline: “Who Is My Family?” — Matthew 12:46–50
1. Introduction: The Scene and the Question
- Scripture Focus: Matthew 12:46–50
- Context: Jesus is teaching when His biological family arrives.
- Key Question: “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?
2. Jesus’ Response: Redefining Family
- Spiritual Family Priority: Jesus points to His disciples as His true family.
- Core Principle: Those who do the will of the Father are His family.
- Clarification: Jesus is not dismissing earthly family, but elevating spiritual kinship
3. The Priority of God’s Will
- Main Goal of Life: Doing the will of our Heavenly Father.
- Contrast with Earthly Expectations:
- Families often have conditional expectations.
- God’s expectations are rooted in love and grace.
4. Loving God First Improves All Relationships
- Irony of Divine Order: Putting God first strengthens family bonds.
- Biblical Guidance: Scripture teaches us how to love and minister to one another.
- Unconditional Love: Reflecting God’s love in our relationships.
5. Navigating Family Tensions
- Reality Check: Family conflicts over unmet expectations.
- God’s Example: Even when we fail, He remains faithful.
- Call to Action: Prioritize God’s will over human appapprova
6. Application and Reflection
- Questions for Personal Reflection:
- Who do I consider my “true family”?
- Am I placing God above all other relationships?
- How can I better reflect God’s love in my family?
- Challenge: Adjust your priorities to align with God’s will.
- Encouragement: God’s love is constant—even when we fall short.
7. Conclusion: Living as God’s Family
- Summary: Our spiritual identity is rooted in obedience to God.
- Final Thought: When we live as children of God, we become family to one another.
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