Today’s Sunday school lesson is all about understanding the cost of following Jesus, a topic that is crucial for teenagers as you navigate your faith journey in a world full of distractions. In Luke 14:25-33, Jesus challenges us to consider the true cost of discipleship. Let’s dive in and explore what this means for us as teenagers seeking to grow in our faith.
Bible Reading 1: Luke 14:25-27 (NIV)
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them, he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
Explanation For Teenagers:
- Jesus uses strong language to emphasize the priority of our commitment to Him.
- “Hate” in this context means prioritizing Jesus above all relationships, even those closest to us.
- Carrying the cross symbolizes willingly embracing sacrifice and hardships for the sake of following Jesus.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- How do you interpret the concept of “hating” our family in this passage?
- Why do you think Jesus emphasizes the idea of carrying a cross in relation to discipleship?
- In what ways might following Jesus impact your relationships with family and friends?
Bible Reading 2: Luke 14:28-30 (NIV)
28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.'”
Explanation For Teenagers:
- Jesus uses a practical example to illustrate the importance of counting the cost before committing to discipleship.
- Building a tower requires careful planning and commitment, just like following Jesus requires intentional dedication.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- How can we practically “count the cost” of discipleship in our daily lives?
- What might be some challenges or sacrifices involved in following Jesus for you personally?
- How does the concept of “finishing what we started” apply to our faith journey?
Bible Reading 3: Luke 14:31-33 (NIV)
31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.”
Explanation For Teenagers:
- The analogy of a king going to war emphasizes the strategic and intentional nature of discipleship.
- Surrendering everything to Jesus is a key aspect of true commitment.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- How does the analogy of a king going to war help us understand the strategic nature of discipleship?
- What are some things that might be difficult for you to “give up” for the sake of following Jesus?
- How does surrendering everything to Jesus contribute to our growth as disciples?
Youth Group Game: “Discipleship Challenge”
Create a game where participants face challenges that mirror the concept of counting the cost of discipleship. Each challenge can represent a potential sacrifice or commitment required in following Jesus. Encourage discussion about the game’s parallels with the lesson.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for revealing to us the true cost of discipleship through the teachings of Jesus. Help us, as teenagers, to embrace the challenges and sacrifices that come with following you. Grant us the strength and wisdom to prioritize our commitment to Jesus above all else. In His name, we pray. Amen.