KNOWN SS Parent Discussion Guide- Sept 2009

Do You Know This Man?
A Study on Jesus Christ

A Guide for Parents


Note: There is a free KNOWN Parent Podcast available at www.lifeway.com/known—just follow the podcast link. You can subscribe to the podcast for free or just listen online.

Use the following information and questions to reinforce the truths of this month of Bible study at home. Use one or two of the discussion starters to begin a conversation. Look for teachable moments—at home, in the car, or at a game. Pray and ask God to provide you opportunities to have spiritual conversations with your teenager(s).

Session 1
The Visible God — Colossians 1:15-20
THE QUESTION
Who is Jesus?
THE POINT
Jesus is God in the flesh.

DISCUSSION STARTERS
In what ways do you see God?
How is Jesus the image of the invisible God?
What is your understanding of how Jesus is God?
What role did Jesus play in creation?
What does it mean to you that Jesus is the Creator?
What does it mean for Jesus to be Lord?
How is His role as Lord different from that as Savior?
What does it mean for Jesus to be head of the body of Christ, the church?

Session 2
The Caring God — Mark 2:1-12
THE QUESTION
What did Jesus do while on earth?
THE POINT
Jesus showed us the heart of God.

DISCUSSION STARTERS
Why did Jesus love teaching the people?
What did He teach them?
What has Jesus taught you?
What is Jesus teaching you these days?
Why did the crowds gather each time Jesus taught them?
What was so important about Jesus healing the sick?
Why did Jesus get so much criticism for healing people?
Do you think Jesus was being rebellious against the laws of the day? Why or why not?
In what ways did Jesus challenge the way the people thought?
What are some teachings today that are challenged by Christ’s teachings in the Bible/

Session 3
The Saving God — Matthew 26:36-46; John 10:14-18; Colossians 1:21-22
THE QUESTION
Why did Jesus have to die?
THE POINT
Jesus died to reconcile us to God.

DISCUSSION STARTERS
Based on what you know or have been taught, why did Jesus have to die?
Why was Jesus so obedient in doing His Father’s will?
What was God the Father thinking in this process of sending His own Son to die?
Did Jesus have a choice in the matter? Explain.
Why did He choose to die for us—for you?
Why were we in need of a Savior?
Why couldn’t we just reconcile our relationship with God ourselves?

Session 4
The Living God — 1 Corinthians 15:12-23
THE QUESTION
What does Jesus’ resurrection mean for me?
THE POINT
Jesus defeated death to give us purpose and hope.

DISCUSSION STARTERS
What does the resurrection of Jesus mean to you?
What does His resurrection provide to you?
How does it give you purpose?
How does it give you hope?
Why is there no purpose or hope without the resurrection of Jesus?
What does the resurrection of Jesus guarantee us? Why?

From Living with Teenagers

What to Know About Jesus
“I am an historian, I am not a believer,” English author and teacher H.G. Wells once wrote, “but I must confess as a historian that this penniless preacher from Nazareth is irrevocably the very center of history.”

Fellow historian Kenneth Scott Latourette agreed with Wells’ assessment: “As the centuries pass, the evidence is accumulating that, measured by his effect on history, Jesus is the most influential life ever lived on this planet.”

Those words can stir the hearts of believers. But the challenge for parents comes in helping teens understand not just the influence of Jesus, but also the power of Jesus. That challenge begins with us because we can’t pass on what we don’t personally embrace. What do we need to know about Jesus? Here are four key truths.

This is a preview of the full article available in the September 2009 issue of Living with Teenagers magazine.

Living with Teenagers is a monthly magazine designed to provide relevant information, practical ideas, and biblical encouragement to parents of teenagers. Go to www.lifeway.com/magazines and click on the Living with Teenagers link under "Parenting.”