July 05, 2026
Assigned Scripture
Exodus 20:12
12 “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
Matthew 12:46-50
46 As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. 47 Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to speak to you.”[a]
48 Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” 49 Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. 50 Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!”
1 Peter 5:1-6
And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: 2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. 4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”[a]
6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.
Group Response
Discussion Questions
When you hear “honor your father and mother,” what did you grow up thinking that meant? How has that understanding helped you, complicated things for you, or changed over time?
The sermon says honoring our parents includes “stewarding our beginning.”
What are some things you inherited from your family that you’re grateful to carry forward? What are some things you’ve had to learn to carry differently?
What does healthy honor look like when family relationships are painful, complicated, or limited?
How do truth-telling, mercy, forgiveness, and boundaries belong together?
Jesus widens the meaning of family in Matthew 12.
Who has been “family” to you in the kingdom of God — a spiritual mother, father, sibling, or child — in a way that shaped your life?
Where might God be inviting you to “open your life” to someone who is not yet part of your circle?
What would it look like to make room at your table, in your schedule, or in your concern?
Peter says younger people should make room for wisdom, and elders should carry their authority like shepherds.
Where do you find it hard to receive wisdom from another generation? Where do you find it hard to use your influence gently?
The sermon imagines the church as people who apologize and make it right.
What relationship would change if you put down grievance, silence, resentment, or the need to win — and picked up humility instead?