Week 5

When We’re Caught In The Rat Race

Many moms report feeling caught in a rat race - the endless, fiercely competitive struggle for wealth, prestige, and power. The race seeps into how we measure our worth, talk to our kids, even how we pray. Even when we know it’s a lie, we can’t seem to block out the whisper of shame that says: A better mother would do more. You are failing. You’re kids are falling behind. Run harder. 

These messages are not from God. The voice of God speaks love, not accusation. This week, as we study Jesus’ response to Salome, a mom caught in a first century rat race, moms will have the chance to:

• notice where and how Jesus responds to desires for our children to be great

• tell Jesus the “whole truth” about the identity, belonging, and purpose we desire for our children

• trust Jesus by walking slowly with him as we resist the culture’s admonition that we keep running

• experience the freedom of walking in faith and hope

• greet all we meet with peace

Prep

1. Read through the study.

2. Print Bible passage. (optional)

3. Cue up the video on whatever screen you will be using. (Scan the QR code in your book on page 106 to access the video.)

4. Pray for your moms caught in the rat race. Pray for them to experience the freedom that comes with stepping out of the race..

Session

1. Remind folks of group commitments. (2 minutes) 

2. Allow each participant one to two minutes to answer the Check-In questions on page 105. If your group is large, you may want people to share in groups of 3 or 4. (20 minutes) 

3. Have someone read the introduction on page 105. (2 minutes)

4. Complete the opening activity on page 106. If your group is large, you may want people to share their responses in groups of 2 or 3. (15 minutes)

5. Watch this week’s video. (11 minutes)

6. Have someone read Matthew 20:17-28 aloud. (4 minutes)  

7. Answer the study questions on pages 106-109. (30 minutes) 

8. Complete this week’s Holy Spirit Check-In on page 106 (5 minutes)

9. Practice the Breath Prayer on page 109 (2 minutes) 

10. Pray the Leader’s Benediction on page 109 over your group. (1 minute)