Use this free Bible study in your youth group ministry to teach about choices from Matthew 4:18-22. The discussion and teaching will help High School and Middle School students realize how the calling from Jesus leaves them with a choice to obey.
This lesson is part 2 of 3 in a Bible study on Jesus calling his disciples in Matthew 4:18-22.
Teaching Supplies
- Time 30 minutes
- Step by Step recording sung by Rich Mullins
- Copy of the lyrics of the Step by Step song
- A note card and pen for each youth to write the refrain of Step by Step
- Bibles or let the youth use their cell phones to look up Matthew 4:18-22
Previous Lesson Review
Reread Matthew 4:18-22 from the first lesson in this series.
Matthew 4:18-22 NIV As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. (19) “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (20) At once they left their nets and followed him. (21) Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, (22) and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Is anyone willing to summarize the last lesson about being called?
Bible Lesson: God Gives Us Choices
Once you start on the path you will continue to hear God’s call. Each time you are called you have a choice to stay on the path where you hear most clearly. The Way, the path is where you strengthen your spiritual life.
But……
Choices……
Should I go to Youth group today or not? I’m _______________________ (Have the youth fill in the blanks)
- I should go to church, but ________________________
- I could go to Sunday school, but ____________________
- I could sing praise songs, but_____________________
- I should pray everyday, but_____________________
- I want to accept Jesus as my savior, but___________________
- I feel called to read the scripture, but___________________
- I feel I should tell the truth about how I messed things up, but______________
These are all calls to walk forward on the path. God gives you freedom. Freedom means you get to make decisions for yourself on moving forward. Do you ready a Bible verse of the day?
Youth Group Activity: Obedience & Choices
Think back to the scripture. When you are called to do the things and question them, what are you missing that Jesus tells us in the scripture?
Act immediately without questions or excuses. Did the disciples tell Jesus they were too busy, didn’t feel like it or say someone else needed them?
Question: Will God keep calling if you don’t listen and act?
What do you think?
What happens if you do nothing? Are you taking a step back from Jesus? And the more steps you take back what happens?
Do you ever feel like you don’t hear Jesus? Just silence? Do you ever feel that way during worship?
You either keep pace with the opportunities Jesus gives you or you stop and get left behind.
Let’s go to the sanctuary.
Everyone stand in the back of the sanctuary.
Where are you on your journey?
Pause for a few seconds
Everyone go and sit where you sit during worship. If you don’t attend worship go and sit where you think you might sit.
You as their leader, go and stand in the front of the church.
Why do you choose to sit there? Anyone willing to share?
Now get up and sit in the front row.
You did it because I asked. And you did it immediately without asking questions.
Anyone willing to tell me what is different up here in the front?
(Maybe less distractions, closer to the action, feel closer to Jesus, can see the alter/candles/christian symbols better, no barriers to God)
Have you ever been in church and the pastor asked the congregation, which includes you by the way (smile), to come forward and pray?
How did you feel when the pastor asked?
Anyone willing to share how they felt?
Everyone get up and come to me.
Again you didn’t wait. You acted immediately.
Do you feel like Jesus is showing you something here today?
Anyone willing to share?
Let our youth group community be an example to the rest of the church. Next time the pastor asks people to come forward to pray or lay hands on someone, let’s all get up immediately and do it. Hint: it helps if you are sitting in the front of the church so you don’t wait to see if anyone else is doing it.
Please choose to participate in the kingdom of God. We are part of a youth group community. It’s safe.
When we discuss a scripture and you get it. How do you feel?
When we finish a service project how do you feel?
When you are willing to pray for our group, how do you feel after?
Act immediately and take those steps. Every step you take makes it a little easier and your light shines brighter.
Form a circle and hold hands in the front of the church.
Play Step by Step written and performed by Rich Mullins.
After the song, pass out the note cards and pens. Quote the refrain of the song and have them write it down.
Close with Prayer