Introduction: Sharing the Good News
In Luke 9:1-6, Jesus calls His twelve disciples together and sends them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. He gives them power and authority to do these things, but He also gives them specific instructions on how to go about their mission. This passage shows us that Jesus wants us to be His messengers, sharing the good news of His Kingdom with others, and trusting that He will equip us for the task. It challenges us to think about how we share our faith and serve others in our daily lives.
For teenagers, this lesson is especially relevant because you are at a stage in life where you are forming your own understanding of faith and how to live it out. Whether through small acts of kindness, sharing about your faith with friends, or serving in your community, Jesus is calling you to be part of His mission. This lesson encourages you to respond to that call and trust Jesus to guide you as you share His love with others.
Bible Reading 1: Luke 9:1-2
“When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”
Explanation for Teenagers:
- Jesus empowers His followers: Jesus didn’t just ask His disciples to go out and share the good news; He gave them power and authority to do it. This shows that when God calls us to do something, He also equips us with what we need to succeed. Whether it’s sharing the gospel, helping others, or serving in the community, Jesus gives us the power to make a difference.
- Our mission as followers of Jesus: Jesus sent the Twelve to proclaim the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. As His followers today, we are also called to share His message and serve others in practical ways. This reminds us that our mission is not just about believing in Jesus but actively sharing His love and helping those in need.
- God’s authority in our lives: The disciples were given authority to heal and cast out demons. Similarly, Jesus gives us authority to live out our faith and make an impact on the world around us. When we trust in His power, we can confidently step out in faith to do what He has called us to do.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think Jesus gave His disciples power and authority to do these things? How does that relate to what He calls us to do today?
- How do you think the disciples felt being sent out with such a huge responsibility? How can we handle the mission God gives us today?
- What are some ways you can share the Kingdom of God with others, whether it’s through your words or actions?
Bible Reading 2: Luke 9:3-5
“Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money; no extra shirt. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”
Explanation for Teenagers:
- Dependence on God: Jesus instructs the disciples to travel light and rely fully on God’s provision. They weren’t supposed to take anything extra, which teaches us about trust and dependence on God. When we follow God’s call, we can trust that He will provide for our needs, even when things seem uncertain.
- Welcoming others with hospitality: Jesus’ instructions also emphasize the importance of hospitality. The disciples were to stay with those who welcomed them, showing that God’s Kingdom is about building relationships and connecting with people. We are called to serve others with open hearts and love, just as Jesus did.
- Dealing with rejection: Jesus also tells them how to respond if people reject their message: shake the dust off their feet. This teaches us that not everyone will accept the message of the gospel, but we should continue sharing it with others, knowing that some will reject it. Our job is to be faithful in sharing the good news, regardless of the outcome.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think Jesus told the disciples to travel without extra supplies? What does that teach us about trusting God?
- What does it mean to welcome others into our lives and homes, as Jesus instructed His disciples to do?
- Have you ever faced rejection when trying to share your faith or help others? How can we handle rejection in a way that reflects Jesus’ love?
Bible Reading 3: Luke 9:6
“So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.”
Explanation for Teenagers:
- Obedience and action: The disciples followed Jesus’ instructions and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people. This shows that faith requires action. It’s not enough to just believe in Jesus; we must also go and do what He calls us to do. We are His hands and feet in the world, sharing His love and helping those in need.
- Bringing the Kingdom of God to others: The disciples were sent to bring the Kingdom of God to others through their words and actions. Similarly, we are called to bring God’s Kingdom to our communities by living out the gospel and making a difference in the lives of others.
- Every believer has a role in the mission: Jesus didn’t just send a select few; He sent all His disciples to proclaim the good news. In the same way, God calls each of us to be part of His mission, whether it’s through serving, sharing our faith, or showing kindness to others. We all have a role to play in spreading His love.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- What do you think it means to proclaim the good news in your everyday life? How can you live out the gospel in your school, neighborhood, or social media?
- What are some ways you can take action in your community to make a difference, just like the disciples did?
- How does it feel knowing that you have a part to play in spreading God’s Kingdom? How can you be more intentional about living out that mission?
Youth Group Game: “Mission Possible”
Objective: To practice sharing the good news and serving others in a fun, engaging way.
Materials Needed: Cards with mission tasks (such as “help someone in need,” “share a kind word with someone,” “invite a friend to church,” “pray for someone who is struggling”).
Instructions:
- Write down different “mission tasks” on cards, each one representing an action that would help share God’s love or proclaim the good news.
- Give each participant a card with a task, and have them complete it during the week. They should share how they completed their mission in the next meeting.
- Afterward, discuss how fulfilling these small “missions” can make a big difference in the lives of others and how we can continue to live out the mission God has given us.
Discussion After the Game:
- What was your mission task, and how did it help you share God’s love with others?
- How can we continue to carry out these small missions every day? How does it connect to the bigger mission God has given us?
- What are some practical ways we can serve others and share the good news in our everyday lives?
Closing Prayer:
“Jesus, thank You for calling us to be a part of Your mission. We pray that You would empower us to share Your love with others and to live out the good news in our daily lives. Help us to trust You to equip us for the tasks You give us and to go wherever You lead us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”