Questions for Individuals/Connect Groups:

• Last week we talked about the unjust judge (Luke 18:1-8) and this week (Luke 18: 15-17) we are talking about little children. These two examples are opposites of each other and yet the second is what Jesus says is necessary for people to enter the kingdom of heaven. Reflecting over the last two scriptures, what are some interesting things you find different about these passages? 

• Now read past our scripture for this week. Read Luke 18: 15- 29. The little children and the tax collector in this section, do not interact but are related to each other. Why do you think Jesus used a tax collector to contrast a child’s heart? What could the tax collector learn from children? Think of today. What job would you relate to being a tax collector today? How can our independence in life affect our spiritual lives?

• Scholars say the infant mortality rate for people in the time of this parable were 30% up until 6, it went up to 60% from ages 7- 16. It was custom for mothers to bring their children to rabbis (Jewish teachers) in order to bless them. We also know the disciples weren’t acting out of selfish intent, but out of care for Jesus. How can we relate to the disciples in this story? Why might be they be concerned about Jesus’ time and energy? 

• Jesus asks us to reflect on how children approach the kingdom. This weekend you heard Brad say overthinking your faith can misplace our trust. How do we act opposite of children and over think things about our faith? What is the solution to this? (HINT: Use a child’s example to know the answer.)

Questions for Families:

• This week we talked about prayer and how God gives us everything to grow our faith. Let’s think about it in another way. Think about a plant. What are the things that plants need to grow? When we buy a plant, who is responsible for giving it these things? How much more do you think God cares about us and what we need?

• In Children’s church they talked about a cowboy and his rope. Explain to your family how they said the rope was like our faith. What do you think about that example? Do you agree or disagree?

• This week we talked about how children have the kind of faith that God wants us to have, can you think of something that is easy for you to believe in? What does God say about your trust? Does it please Him?

• Sometimes we have hard things happen and we don’t understand why. Sometimes we don’t get what we ask for, and God seems quiet. Now understanding this lesson, how do you think we are to look at those things?