Introduction & ice breaker
What’s the worst thing you have broken or lost that didn't belong to you?
Has someone broken or lost something of yours that was valuable?
Themes to Consider
We can make God just like us.
We can make God a harsh and distant taskmaster who us ready to pounce on us with Judgement. But we are invited to see God in the person of Jesus.
In this parable we are talking about faithfulness, not success in producing results.
God is interested in sharing His life with us.
Your picture of God is crucial. He is:
One who entrusts us with gifts.
One who values faithfulness over perceived results.
One who went to the far country for us - in death and in ascension.
One who is coming back.
One who died and rose for us.
We are accountable for what picture of God we let live in our hearts.
If your theology makes you care less or love less its bad theology.
Discussion Questions
What do you think when you think of God? What descriptors would you use?
Does your picture of God align with who Jesus is?
What do you have that needs to be invested in the world in faith?
What have you buried that needs to be stewarded?
Guided Prayer
Pray the Lord’s Prayer together or by yourself, considering the elements and what they mean to your life right now.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
Supplemental Content
Shomer: In Genesis, back in the Garden of Eden, God had given human beings the tremendous privilege and calling to have dominion over the earth, the exercise authority given by God in the world.. God had given Adam and Eve a role to play. We use the English word steward or guardian to describe it but the word in Hebrew is Shomer. To be a shomer is to be a legal guardian with a sacred duty to care for and cultivate what you are entrusted with - to make the most of it.
