Baptized in the Father

‘Baptized in the Name’ Overview:

Jesus tells us to ‘baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit’. In our culture, "name" refers primarily to what a person is called. But in Hebrew the thought that underlies Jesus' usage, "name" has a deeper meaning. To be baptized “in the name” of another person is to receive the essence of that person’s identity. We are called to die with Christ to our old life and be raised to new life and new identity in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

KIDS RESOURCE

LEADERS GUIDE

REMEMBER (30 min)

Remember God: Worship, Prayer or Communion

• Worship Songs

  • Reckless Love

  • Abba - Helser

  • “Is He Worthy” Chandler Moore & Nate Moore

• Kid Friendly

  • Wild About Us

• Breath Prayer

  • Breath in: God is merciful.

  • Breath out: He loves forgiving me.

Remember each other: Care

• Optional- break up into smaller groups for 10 min Hi/Lo check in

Remember the Liturgy:

• Following Jesus Liturgy

Remember what we learned and put into practice last week: Accountability

• Topic: What is a Disciple: Share how you intentionally chose to follow and be formed by Jesus in this last week

REFLECT (30 min)

Prepare (See the Leaders Guide for a brief commentary and context for the scripture and core truth from the topic)

• Introduce today’s topic and any commentary or context for the scripture

  • Topic Title : Baptized in the Father

  • Share the Summary Scripture for the topic if you want : 1 John 3:1- “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

  • Share “Core Truths from the topic” in the leaders guide where needed

  • Share context for the Scripture: Luke 15:11-32 (The Prodigal Son)

Discover

• Read the Scripture: Luke 15:11-32 (The Prodigal Son)

• Discussion Questions

  • What is the biblical and historical context?

  • What does this reveal about God the Father? Sometimes this parable is called “The Prodigal Father.” Why do you suppose that might be a better title?

  • What can we learn from the younger and older son?

RESPOND (30 min)

Experience and Encounter

• Share and Pray:

  • Take some time to consider if you relate to or identify with one of the sons in this passage.

    • The younger son who left the Father and felt like an orphan…rejected, alone and ashamed. He believed there was no place in the family and he was unworthy to be a son.

    • The older son who felt like a slave. No matter how hard he tried to please the Father and perform, he could never live up to the standard. Therefore, he felt jealous, exhausted and like he was not celebrated by the Father..

• If comfortable, share with one another who/what you relate to in this story.

  • this could be done in smaller groups

• Pray for one another to experience the Father as the One running to you, pursuing you, embracing you, restoring you and celebrating you.

• Lord’s Supper (Communion)

Practice and Obey

“Unlike a fairy tale, the parable provides no happy ending. Instead, it leaves us face to face with one of life’s hardest spiritual choices: to trust or not to trust in God’s all-forgiving love.” *Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming

• This week take time to ask the Father to show you an area that you are not trusting in God’s all forgiving love and acceptance. Ask God to show you where you are living out of the identity of an orphan or a slave. Repent from this wrong belief or mistrust and receive the Fathers love.

Pray

• The Lord’s Prayer