Date: June 4, 2023
Jethro and Moses
The Point: Be ready to give and receive godly wisdom.
Get Into the Study
Use this story after discussing Question 1.
About a month ago, surveillance cameras captured footage of a baby in a stroller rolling toward a busy highway. The frightening video quickly went viral. While the baby’s great aunt leaned into the backseat of her car, the stroller began to roll backwards down a slight incline, picking up speed as it headed straight for the road. When the aunt turned to retrieve the baby, she saw what was happening and moved rapidly toward the stroller, but she tripped and fell on the pavement. It became obvious that she wasn’t going to reach the stroller in time when she repeatedly struggled to get up. At this point in the video, it appears that the baby is going to roll right into oncoming traffic from both directions, certain to meet a tragic end. At the very last minute, a man comes into view, running to grab the stroller just in the nick of time.
Can you imagine the relief (and embarrassment) of the baby’s aunt? It’s possible that she didn’t notice the downhill slope of the pavement, but I’m guessing she will never again leave a baby stroller without engaging the brake system, even on flat ground. The multitude of viewers probably learned a valuable lesson as well. This certainly qualifies as a lesson learned the hard way.
https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/man-saves-baby-stroller-blown-into-traffic-172815429747
Get Into the Study [Option from Adult Leader Guide, p. 17]
Play a video showing someone who learned a lesson the hard way. Then ask Question #1.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzQ8jKZ6M-k&ab_channel=JamieTurner
Study the Bible
Use this article after discussing Question 5.
On April 24, Aaron Rodgers, the four-time MVP quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, was traded to the New York Jets. Rodgers will be the Jets starting quarterback, moving Zach Wilson into a back-up role for the 2023 season. No doubt, this was a humbling experience for Wilson, the number two pick in the 2021 NFL draft. With a ranking like that, his success seemed to be inevitable, but according to a recent article in USA Today, Wilson “struggled during his first two NFL seasons.” The article went on to say “the Jets hope Rodgers’s mentorship will help Wilson’s game reach the next level.” No doubt, this was a humbling experience for Wilson, having been sidelined several times last year and essentially replaced for this season. Wilson led the Jets to a victory over Rodgers and the Packers last year, but he has never wavered in his respect for Rodgers’s long-term and consistent success. In the article, Rodgers said of Wilson, “I think he’s super talented. I think a little humility is good for all of us at various times in our careers.”
Constructive criticism is essential to growth, but receiving it requires humility. Even in areas where we have experienced great success in the past, there is value to learning from others. The personal challenges (and even failures) we face can be an invitation to grow in our character. It is important, however, to choose our mentors wisely. As believers, we need godly people speaking into our lives, and it can be especially helpful to seek guidance from those who are further along in a particular area than we are.
https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/jets-gm-hopes-aaron-rodgers-185554484.html
Melinda Wallace lives in Shreveport, Louisiana with her husband Stan. They have two grown children,. Her passion is leveraging her love of language to exalt Jesus and invite others to enjoy Him as He is revealed by the Holy Spirit through Scripture.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- Who’s been able to teach you something you never thought you’d be able to learn?
- When have you benefited from someone else’s experience?
- How difficult is it for you to ask others for advice?
Exodus 18:9-11
- What do we gain when we acknowledge the work of God?
- When have you experienced believers celebrating God’s work in your church?
- What are some aspects of God’s work we often overlook?
- How do God’s wonders happen in daily life?
- How have you seen God’s work at hand in your family?
- Why is it so important to acknowledge God’s work?
Exodus 18:14-18
- What’s the difference between constructive criticism and just being critical?
- What do you appreciate about the way Jethro confronted Moses?
- When have you seen delegation help solve a problem?
- In your own words, what transforms criticism into constructive criticism?
- How can we know when it’s a good time to offer constructive criticism?
- What role does asking the right question play as we seek to help people grow?
Exodus 18:19-21
- How can sound counsel be a source of encouragement?
- What do you find challenging about giving advice?
- What can keep us from responding to good advice?
- What character traits should we look for in a Godly mentor?
- How can we arrive at sound counsel?
- What are some ways we arrive at sound counsel?
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
Four Great Ways to Invest in the Lives of Others
Magazine Article
This article complements the study. Share this link with your group members.
- HomeLife – Searching for Heroes
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
I loved llstening to this podcast each week . It helps so much and I have taught SS now for over 60 years ! Thank you !