- Have you ever thought to yourself, “when I’m a parent I will definitely do this” or “when I’m a parent I will never do that?” Give some examples. (Students may want to avoid blow-ups and repeat open conversation; they might want to avoid certain punishments and repeat certain fun activities or celebrations. Accept all reasonable answers while making sure that comments about parents are respectful.)
- How would you describe what it means to be a parent? (In one sense, being a parent is simply having a child. Good parents might be described as those who care for their child, set appropriate boundaries, make sacrifices, are selfless, trustworthy, a teacher, and a cheerleader. Accept all reasonable answers.)
Let’s take a look at an unexpected dad.
Play the following video [5:13; start at 2:45 stop at 3:55]: Meet the single dad who adopted 3 young siblings
- Following the death of his father, Tucker, Jason decided to become a foster parent and eventually adopted his three sons. What makes him a good dad to his children? (This dad fostered children and adopted his three sons to love them and make a difference in their lives. He had experienced kindness from other people and wanted to share that with young people.)
In similar ways, God may interact with us as a good Father. In prayers and in Scripture we speak of God as our Father, or we speak of ourselves as God’s children. For some, these analogies are helpful; for others—who may not have a positive experience with an earthly dad—they are hard. Let’s dig deeper and see what the Bible really says.