Family Values - The Invitation 

Readings 

Exodus 33:12-14 (New Living Translation) 
One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favourably on you.’ If it is true that you look favourably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favour. And remember that this nation is your very own people.” 

The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.” 

Jeremiah 6:16 (New Living Translation)
This is what the Lord says:
“Stop at the crossroads and look around.
Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it.
Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. 

Matthew 11:28-30 (New Living Translation)
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” 

Prayer 
Loving God, we thank you that you yourself are with us every day, and alongside us every step of the way on our journey of life. Thank you that you fit us for purpose, and that you want us to find rest with You. Thank you for your invitation to come and follow you. Help us by your Holy Spirit to extend that invitation to others. Build your church in this place, we pray. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Questions to Consider:
1. What are some of the ways in which we might follow Jesus?
2. What do you make of Jesus’s statement that his yoke is easy and his burden light? 
3. How do you find rest for your soul?
4. Compare and contrast the words “servile” and “servanthearted” – what are the key differences, and which do you think best describes Jesus’s own attitude and his desire for us? 
5. Think of a time when you have faced a really tough season, or situation. What did you do – and what did following Jesus look like at the time? Did it help? 
6. Jesus emphasised loving God and loving others – saying that all the rest of the teachings of the Law and the prophets hang on this loving approach. How might that sit with the idea of following the “old godly way”? 
7. When did you last invite someone to come to church?