Theme

The qualities of fatherhood found in the Messiah

Questions

• Do you find thinking about God as a father-figure a positive image? What do you think it means for God to be described as Father?
• To call the Messiah the Everlasting Father is to say that he has the qualities of a father (remember, Jesus is described as the Messiah, but he is never described as father). Look at Psalm 103:13-22 & John 14:18-21 and pick out some words which describe the qualities of fatherhood.
• Compassion is the first quality described in Psalm 103:13.
  • What does compassion mean to you?
  • How is God’s compassion seen in the way ‘The Lord’ is described earlier in Psalm 103 (for example, v.9-12)?
  • Would you say that you have experienced the compassion of God?
• In Psalm 103:13-16, the psalmist describes God knowing his people.
  • Do you think v.14-16 are quite a bleak description of human life? Is the search for significance using platforms such as Instagram or TikTok an attempt to get away from this feeling of insignificance?
  • How does being known and loved by God give life significance and meaning (look at Psalm 8:3-9 & Psalm 139:1-10)?
• Psalm 103:17 describes the eternal love (or loving-kindness) of God towards his people. How can this verse encourage you as you try to live for him each day?
• Orphans, in the Bible, are often considered to be ones who lack security or a place to belong. How do Jesus’ words in John 14:18 offer his people security and belonging?
• Obedience is mentioned in both passages (for example Ps 103:18 & 20-21; Jn 14:21).
  • Would you expect children to obey a father – is that why we are called to obey God?
  • Is obedience to God an obligation, or does it come out of our love for God – or both?
• The psalm ends with praise (Psalm 103:20-22). Think of some things about the qualities of God’s fatherhood that make you want to praise and give thanks.