Sunday, March 30, 2025

Think of a time when you've discredited someone older or younger than you. We've all done it whether we intended to or not.

The truth is there is value and wisdom from all ages. A few examples we can pull from the Bible are those found in Job 12:12, where gathering wisdom and respecting elders is discussed, and 1 Timothy 4:12, which encourages the young to live by example so they are not looked down on because of their age.

This week's message looks at some passages in Mark that display Jesus' anger at the line being drawn by the disciples between him and the children approaching. We look at the possibilities that brought the disciples to create generational divides and how Jesus reacted to their actions.

As you approach this week, consider ways to build bridges between those in other generations rather than dividing or drawing a line between yourself and the wisdom and understanding they may bring to your perspective.

Discussion Questions:

Ice breaker: Share a time when someone younger or older than you said something valuable. Share how it impacted you, and what you learned from their perspective?

How can we appreciate the perspectives of the seven living generations and use what we've learned to invest in others in our community?

Read Mark 10:13-16. What does this scripture tell us about how Jesus views different generations, and what can we learn from the disciples’ mistakes?

How can you be more like Jesus in how you treat people of all ages?

Reflect, pray, and journal about potential generational divides in your relationships. What prompting is God placing on your heart, and what will you do about it?

Prayer:
Dear Lord, Thank You for the wisdom and value found in every generation. Help me listen with an open heart, whether learning from those older than me or encouraging those younger. Teach me to see others as you do and to build bridges instead of divides. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Hebrews 4:15
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.

This post was written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content for the LivingItOut Devotional.