DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Follow Me

Series Memory Verse: Matthew 4:19-20 (NLT)

“Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!’ And they left their nets at once and followed him.”

  • Big Truth: Jesus calls: “Follow Me out of your past.

    Key Verse: Jesus calls Matthew (Matthew 9:9–13)

    1. Matthew had made some bad choices before Jesus called him. Have you ever made a mistake? How did it feel to know you were still loved? (Parents model and share as well)

    2. Jesus said “Follow me” to Matthew. What do you think it means for our family to follow Jesus today?

    3. Our lesson said: “My past doesn’t stop Jesus from choosing me.” What does that sentence mean in your own words?

  • Big Truth:  Jesus calls Follow Me into a new purpose

    Key Verse: Matthew 4:18-22


    1. Where did Jesus meet the fishermen in today’s story?
       Follow-up: Where do you think Jesus is with you during your day? At home? At school? When you play?

    2. Jesus used the fishermen’s nets for a bigger purpose.
       Ask: What is something you’re good at or something you like to do that God could use to help others?
      For younger kids: What’s something you like to do?

    3. The fishermen followed Jesus right away.
       Ask: What is one way our family can follow Jesus this week?
      For younger kids: How can we show love or kindness this week?

RISE

Series Memory Verse: Matthew 4:19-20 (NLT)

“Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!’ And they left their nets at once and followed him.”

  • 1. Jesus talked to the Samaritan woman even though others might not have. Why do you think Jesus talks to everyone? How can we show kindness and talk to people like Jesus does? (Parents give simple answers from your own life, relationships or workplace)

    2. The woman ran to tell others about Jesus.
    Who is someone you could tell about Jesus this week? What could you say to them?     (Parents and kids share one or two people you have in mind and maybe take a moment to pray for them)

    3. Jesus gives us important work to do and He gives us help.
    What do you think it means to say “yes” to Jesus’ important work? How does the Holy Spirit help us?     (This could be as simple as his assuring presence,  receiving the fruit of the spirit, wisdom, prophetic pictures or words…)

  • Big Truth: Jesus invites us to a new life

    Key Verse: Acts 3:1-10

    1. The man couldn’t walk or go into the temple, but God came to him through Peter and John. Can you think of a time when God helped you through another person? Parent tip: Help kids name everyday examples—encouragement, help from a teacher, prayer, kindness from a friend.

    2. When the man could walk, he jumped and praised God right away. What are some ways we can show God we are thankful for the new life Jesus gives us? Parent tip: Let kids choose physical responses too—singing, praying, helping, being kind, obeying.

    3. Following Jesus is like learning to walk—sometimes we fall, but we keep trying. What is one small way our family can “walk with Jesus” this week? Parent tip: Choose one simple action together (pray before bed, help someone, read a Bible story, show love at school).

  • Big Truth: Jesus invites us to follow Him

    Key Verse: Matthew 4:18-22, Matthew 9:9, 

    John 1:35-39

    1. When Jesus said, “Follow me,” the fishermen left their nets right away. What do you think it means for us to follow Jesus today as kids and families?
       Parent tip: Help kids name concrete actions—praying, being kind, reading the Bible, or choosing what’s right even  when it’s hard.

    2. In the lesson, we learned that Jesus sees the whole maze from above, He sees the big picture. Can you think of a time when you didn’t know what to do, but following Jesus helped show you the right way?  Parent tip: Share a simple personal example (a choice, a hard day, saying sorry, trusting God).

    3. Jesus’ disciples learned by spending time with Him and trying to live like Him. What is one way we can spend time with Jesus this week and live like Him?  Parent tip: Let kids choose one practice—prayer, a Bible story, helping someone, or showing love at school or home.

THE ROYAL PRIESTHOOD

Series Memory Verse: Hebrews 7:24-25a

“But because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”

  • Big Truth: God invites us to come close to God and help people.

    Key Scripture: Exodus 32-34

    After Moses was close to God and he helped God’s people, but he wasn’t perfect. Jesus brings us close to God forever!God’s plan is for His people to come close to Him. Jesus is the perfect priest making a way for ALL people to come close to God and stay close forever.

    1. God invited Moses to come close to Him, and Jesus makes a way for us to come close to God forever. What is one way you can practice being close to God this week—talking to Him, listening, reading the Bible, or worshiping?

    2. Moses tried to help the Israelites by listening to God and sharing what God said. What is one way our family can help or encourage someone this week?

    3. The Israelites forgot God and chose the golden calf instead. What is something that sometimes distracts you from God—like wanting your own way, getting frustrated, or being impatient? What are distractions for you? How can we remind each other to choose God instead?


  • Big Truth: God invites us to represent Him and bless the world

    Key Scripture: Genesis 13-22

    As God’s Royal Priests, we are called to reveal God. Abraham’s story teaches us about being a blessing to the world and revealing God to others. As we receive Jesus’ perfect love, we are restored to being God’s image bearers and joining Him in His work! God invites us to represent Him and bless His world

    1. Abraham wanted to follow God but sometimes tried to do things his own way. Jesus is the perfect Royal Priest who always trusts God, and He invites us to be a ‘royal priesthood’ with Him. What is one way you can practice relying on and trusting Jesus today—at home, at school, or with friends?

    2. Abraham trusted God on the mountain, and God provided exactly what he needed. When have you needed help, and God (or someone God sent) provided for you? How did that make you feel?

    3. God made us in His image so we can show His love and bless the world. What is one small way our family can bless someone this week—maybe with kindness, help, or encouragement?

  • Big Truth: God made us in His image to work with Him

    Key Scripture: Genesis 1-3

    Jesus is our perfect King and Priest — He shows us who we are and how to love God and care for others. 

    1. Parents and Students, share some ways you know you are made in God’s image? What are ways God made you really well? What are ways He made others in your family really well?

    2. God has made us on purpose for His purpose. Where do you think God is inviting you to work with Him right now—at home, at school, or with friends?

    3. When you mess up (like Adam and Eve did), how does knowing Jesus is perfect and always with you help you try again?

THE KNOWN COMMUNITY

Series Memory Verse: Romans 12:10

'Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. '

  • Bible: Genesis 37:23-28, 50:15-21, 1 John 1:9

    Big Idea: Because God loves me, I can forgive others.

    1. How do you think Joseph felt when his brothers were mean to him? What helped him choose to forgive them?

    2. When someone hurts your feelings, what helps you forgive them? How can remembering God’s love make it easier?

    3. What’s one kind thing you can do this week to show forgiveness or love? How can our family practice forgiveness together?

    4. Jesus forgives us completely. How does it feel to know that Jesus always forgives you?
    How can we thank Him for that forgiveness?

  • Bible: Mark 10:13-16 (Jesus welcomes the Children)

    Big Idea: The King Loves Me!

    1. What did you learn about Jesus and the children in the story?

    2. How does it make you feel to know that The King loves you right now — just as you are?

    3. When or where do you think you might need to remember God’s love this week? Where will you take your plush heart hug to remind you that Jesus is always with you and loves you right now?

    4. What’s one way we can show Jesus’ love to someone this week? As a family, how are we building healthy community?

  • Bible: Genesis 3:8-10, Proverbs 18:10

    Big Idea: I can run to God no matter how I’m feeling

    1. When have you felt afraid, embarrassed, or made a mistake? How can you run to God instead of hiding?

    2. God invites us to be honest with Him. What’s one thing you could tell God today about how you really feel?

    3. How can our family help each other be honest with God and with each other?