WHAT YOU’LL FIND ON THIS PAGE:

– Small Group Discussion Questions
– Family Discussion Questions & Activity Pages from the Children’s Message
– A Youth talk/link from Pastor Conor

QUESTIONS THAT WILL HELP YOU DIG DEEPER INTO THE MAIN MESSAGE FOR YOUR FAMILY DEVOTIONS OR SMALL GROUP:

MESSAGE SUMMARY: There is a word that Jesus used to describe a disciple that just might surprise you; the word is shrewd. When describing what a disciple is, we’re much more comfortable using words like ‘meek’, ‘gentle’, ‘nice’, and ‘mild’. But how can words like ‘realistic’, ‘astute’, ‘tough’, and, yes, ‘shrewd’ show us another side of God’s will for His followers? Please join us as we continue our journey to be authentic, radical disciples… by taking aim at something perhaps considered controversial and a little shocking.

Read the text: Luke 16:1-13. We’re told in verse 1 that Jesus was talking directly to His disciples, why would it be important for Jesus’ disciples to hear this particular parable?

Why did the master commend the manager? What is Jesus teaching here?

What do you think Jesus means by “trustworthy in handling worldly wealth” in verse 11?

How do you view your money? a) ‘It’s mine – keep your hands off!’ b) ‘It’s my creditors’. c) ‘It’s God’s – I just manage it.’

Are Jesus’ black and white words in verse 13 something you agree with? What practical changes can you make in your life to make you less of a servant or slave to money?

Family Discussion Questions for the children’s message: “Ezekiel Gave Hope”

Choose a volunteer to read aloud Ezekiel 37:11-14.

Ask the following questions and Lead your family to discuss:

How do you think God’s people felt when they were taken to Babylon? Invite kids to share how God’s people—taken far from their homes—probably felt scared, sorry, or alone. Emphasize God’s grace in giving His people a message of hope through Ezekiel. (Option: Choose a volunteer to read Ps. 31:23-24.)

How does this story change how you think about God’s discipline of His people? Remind kids that even though discipline is hard, God uses discipline to teach us and change us. God does not abandon His people. He is with us and does everything for His glory and our good. (Option: Choose a volunteer to read Ps. 94:12-14.)

What does it mean to be “dead in sin”? How can people dead in sin come to life? Guide kids to discuss how sin separates people from God. Life comes from hearing and believing the Word of God, which tells us the good news that Jesus died for our sins. (Option: Choose a volunteer to read Rom. 10:17.)