WHO'S YOUR DADDY?
- Key Verse
- "For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother." (Matthew 12:50)
READ THE PASSAGE
Central Truth
We are a family of believers with a shared purpose, Savior, and Father.
Reflections
Being a new dad, I see this passage in a different light. I am really working hard to create a sense of unity, love, and connectedness in our new family. I have thought through how I would like for our family to celebrate birthdays, Christmas, Easter, anniversaries, or any other opportunity to establish traditions. I want our daughter to know that we love her and that we care about what she remembers of her time in our care. I think about how as parents our attitude in good times and bad will affect her impression of our relationship. I want our family to be the closest relationship she has on this earth. I want to do the hard things so that I will be a good daddy. It seems like a lot of work, but I am willing to do it.In Matthew 12:48-50, we read: "But Jesus . . . said, 'Who is My mother and who are My brothers?' And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, 'Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.'" But wait. What about the work His family did to create unity, love, and connectedness? Is Jesus saying all that is meaningless? Is my heart wrong to long for my family to love one another?
I don't think so. Jesus is not dismissing His family. He's just making sure we understand that His Daddy comes first. Dr. Tom Constable's notes put it this way: "Spiritual relationship takes precedence over physical relationship." Putting the spiritual over the physical relationship does not weaken the value of the physical relationship, but instead shows the higher value we should put on our spiritual relationship.
In the end, I want my life to be about the Lord. I want to do His will. The thing I have to remember is that as I work to create a united, loving, and connected family life, it must have as its purpose a desire to do the Lord's will. It does.
Discussion Questions
1. What does "doing the Lord's will" look like in your life? Read Romans 12:1-2.
2. What value does doing the Lord's will have in your life?
3. Compare that to the value you put on the physical relationships in your life.
4. Do you need to reorder your values? if so, where and how?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. In verse 40, who is speaking? And who is He speaking about? Does this prophecy come true?
2. Do you believe that all of Jesus’ words are true?
3. How does it help you to trust Jesus more knowing that everything He says comes true?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Watermark Community Church.
Courtney Vorel
February 10, 2010 12:27 AM
I was wrestling with this passage and really appreciate the way you fleshed it out.
Mary Wall
February 10, 2010 05:58 AM
Bobby~ What a perfect chapter for you right now in your life. You said it so well " does not weaken the relationship, but shows a higher value". Blessings~ Mary
Sue Bohlin
February 10, 2010 07:36 AM
It's amazing how parenthood can open our eyes to all kinds of spiritual truths, isn't it? Because the Holy Spirit indwells you, your eyes are open to see things and make connections that the world would miss. Like not fighting against the truth that family relationships are important but spiritual relationships--family on another level--are even more important because they are eternal. So excited for you and Stacie!
Truby
February 10, 2010 07:44 AM
Bobby, great words my friend. Thanks for helping lead our children so well. Just another great thing about living as a part of God's body.
Truby
February 10, 2010 07:44 AM
Bobby, great words my friend. Thanks for helping lead our children so well. Just another great thing about living as a part of God's body.
Troy Dandrea
February 10, 2010 07:48 AM
Great reminder this morning Bobby! I continually realize that putting my Daddy above all else seriously deepens and grows my affection and the way I serve my family...and all others. See ya soon bro!
Stacie Rodriguez
February 10, 2010 07:50 AM
Well said by the best "Dad" and "Husband" in this earthly world! Lily and I could not be more blessed to have a man lead our family who understands the value and commandment of God first in our lives. We love you so much!!
brandy kilpatrick-patterson
February 10, 2010 08:47 AM
So glad you're a daddy! So glad Staci is a mommy. So happy you had a baby girl. I know you see it all different now! ...and yes, your wife is a balla...but you knew that already. Thanks B-Roddy. Good perspective!
jake
February 10, 2010 09:08 AM
I'm challenged by the "higher value placed on the spiritual relationship"...just the reminder I needed today. Great devo brother! (you could also add to the list, "Best Roomate in the world"...at least I think you were)
Marcus
February 10, 2010 09:30 AM
Best journey entry in the world.
David
February 10, 2010 12:03 PM
Bobby! Our INTIMATE relationship with others, is a direct REFLECTION to our INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS! Amen?
Todd Wagner
February 10, 2010 02:55 PM
Grateful for the best OYM director in the world and for a Savior that leads us in such a way that when we do the "will of His father" it creates a stronger, truer, more enduring relationship with earthly fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters.
Eric Colton
February 10, 2010 04:57 PM
Great stuff Bobby! Thanks for allowing the Lord to use you in very creative ways to lead, challenge and encourage all of us who are a part of the Crossroads45 family. We love you! Keep going...Keep seeking to do His will!
Daniel Bembenek
February 10, 2010 10:43 PM
I like the idea of such a large extended family... that is the joy I find in this passage, where I have lost contact with some of my 'physical' family through bad feelings and deeds from the past