Are Fathers Necessary? | Reframe Parenthood | Week 3
Opening
Consider opening by making space for our group members to share about their relationship with their fathers. Celebrate with those who are able to celebrate and mourn with those who are sad.
Overview
Culture often denigrates fathers but God designed fathers as essential for the well-being of children, nations, and generations. Fatherhood declines because of poor models of fatherhood, the role of the father being reduced to procreation, and divorce cutting fathers out of families. But building strong children, nations, and generations lies in the strength and responsibilities of fathers.
Bishop Robert Barron states this: “The greatest male saint in the history of the church was not a pope, bishop, priest, or deacon, not a hermit or monk. The greatest male saint was a husband, layman, and simple worker: Joseph of Bethlehem. Joseph never speaks in the Gospels. Rather, he listens and does what he’s told. For Joseph, there’s not; hey, look at me; let me tell you what I’m doing. He listens, does what he’s told, gets about the mission God gives him.”
God gives fathers the influence to build up their children’s identities, the instinct to protect their children from dangers, and the insight to create a home and community for children to thrive in.
Discussion Questions
- If you did not experience this from your earthly father, how have you opened yourself up to the love of your heavenly Father? Have you done this?
- How can you encourage the fathers in your life?
Practice
Matthew 1 20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:
23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,
which means ‘God is with us.’”
24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.
Prayerfully read the Scripture passage out loud. What do you observe about Joseph? How is Joseph’s response to God’s word a model for us? What character traits do you see in the story of Joseph that you would like to see in your own life? How can you make space for the transformation of the Spirit in those places?
Closing
Pray for the fathers in your group that they would continue growing Spirit-led followers of Jesus. Pray for everyone to meditate on the example of Joseph throughout their week.