The Family

Luke 8:19-21

What stood out to you from the testimonies of the five people from two families who were baptized? What do these testimonies say about the influence of family and the church?

Do you think it’s wrong to say that the first priority of our lives should be God’s kingdom not our family? Is this license to neglect our family? Why or why not? How does putting God’s Kingdom first actually benefit our family?

Jesus’ words about his mother and brothers (Luke 8:21) can be explained when we understand that our primary relationship in life is with God and our relationships with other believers is deepest because of God. How do you regard your relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you see them as if they were your family? Are these relationships centered in a common commitment and response to God’s Word? Is it OK to have relationships with other believers that are simply social in nature? How do relationships with other believers help you to hear and obey God’s Word? How does Scripture impact your personal family life?

People naturally assumed that Jesus would give first place to his family. But with one sentence, he revealed that every human being could become a member of his family. Closeness to Jesus does not depend on social standing or academic achievement or financial affluence. It depends on ‘hearing the word and doing it’. What is ‘the word’? How do we ‘do it? Who is someone you want to invite to be a part of the family of outsiders who hear God’s word and do it?