Chapter One
What does it mean to be
a disciple of Jesus?
PARENT
PROBLEMS
Seems like every day I'm getting hassled
by my parents. We fight all the time. If it's
not my room, it's my homework, my music,
my clothes, my friends, my choices. I
guess there are good moments, but not
very many and not very often. I don't get it.
I'm not saying it's all their fault, I'm just
saying I thought Jesus would make my
family better. When I get into arguments
with my family, I try to stop myself, but it
never works. I always end up saying
something I wish I hadn't said. My parents
are always criticizing me. I never hear
anything positive or good about what I'm
doing. Course, I don't talk to them much
anymore, either. How can I make my family
better?
IN THIS SITUATION, WHAT
DOES IT MEAN TO BE A
DISCIPLE OF JESUS?
Jesus and his parents
Luke 2:41-52
Every year his parents went to Jerusalem
for the Feast of the Passover. When he
was 12 years old, they went up to the
Feast, according to the custom. After the
Feast was over, while his parents were
returning home, the boy Jesus stayed
behind in Jerusalem, but they were
unaware of it. Thinking he was in their
company, they traveled on for a day,
then they began looking for him among
their relatives and friends. When they
did not find him, they went back to
Jerusalem to look for him. After three
days they found him in the temple
courts, sitting among the teachers, listening
to them and asking them questions.
Everyone who heard him was
amazed at his understanding and his
answers. When his parents saw him, they
were astonished. His mother said to
him, "Son, why have you treated us like
this? Your father and I have been anxiously
searching for you."
"Why were you searching for me?" he
asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in
my Father's house?" But they did not
understand what he was saying to them.
They he went down to Nazareth with
them and was obedient to them. But his
mother treasured all these things in her
heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and
stature, and in favor with God and men.
Your turn .
Jesus went home and "was obedient" to his parents after he
ditched them for three days. They were very upset. What do
you think of Jesus' answer to his parents? Is obeying your
parents a non-negotiable, or are there some exceptions?
REAL-LIFE RESPONSE
Look for someone who appears to be really hurting. It doesn't matter whether or
not you know the person's name. Pray for that person. If there's anything you feel
you can do for the person, do it.
SO HOW'D IT GO TODAY?
1. Were you conscious of Jesus at all today? If so, when? If not, why not?
2. What, if anything, did you notice about yourself today?
3. What do you want to say to Jesus after today?
Dear Jesus,
4. What would Jesus say to you after today?
Dear ,
(Continues.)
