Introduction: What It Means to Follow Jesus
Following Jesus isn’t always easy. He asks us to prioritize Him above everything else—even things we love or worry about. For teenagers, this is a crucial lesson because you’re making choices that shape your character and your future. Understanding what it really means to follow Jesus helps you grow strong faith and make decisions that honor God.
Bible Reading 1: Luke 9:23-24
“Then He said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.’”
Explanation for Teenagers:
- Deny yourself: This doesn’t mean stop having fun—it means choosing God’s will over selfish desires when they conflict with Him.
- Take up your cross daily: Every day, you’ll face challenges, tough decisions, or peer pressure. Following Jesus is a daily choice, not a one-time decision.
- Lose your life to save it: True life comes from letting go of selfish ambitions and trusting God. Your purpose and joy grow when you live for Him.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- What does “taking up your cross” look like in your life right now?
- Have you ever had to choose between doing what’s right and what’s easy? How did it feel?
- How can you make following Jesus a daily habit, not just something you think about on Sundays?
Bible Reading 2: Luke 9:25-27
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”
Explanation for Teenagers:
- Gaining the world but losing yourself: Chasing popularity, money, or fame may seem tempting, but they don’t satisfy your soul.
- Boldness matters: Don’t be ashamed of Jesus. Speaking up, acting with integrity, and living for Him even when it’s unpopular is powerful.
- Kingdom perspective: Following Jesus may not always be easy, but it aligns you with eternal life, joy, and purpose.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- What are some things in your life that you might be putting above God?
- How can you be more bold in living out your faith at school or with friends?
- Why do you think Jesus says following Him may cost you in the short term but give you life in the long term?
Youth Group Activity: “Cross Challenges”
Objective: To help teens identify personal challenges in following Jesus and brainstorm ways to overcome them.
Materials: Paper, pens, sticky notes.
Instructions:
- Each teen writes one thing they find hard about following Jesus on a sticky note (peer pressure, social media, temptations, etc.).
- Place all notes on a large poster or wall.
- As a group, brainstorm practical ways to “take up your cross” in each situation.
- Close by encouraging each teen to pick one challenge they will commit to working on this week.
Key Takeaways for Teens:
- Following Jesus is a daily choice that sometimes costs us comfort or popularity.
- True life is found in surrendering selfish desires and trusting God.
- Boldness and integrity in faith matter—don’t be ashamed of Jesus.
- Challenges can be overcome with God’s help and by supporting each other as a community.
Closing Prayer:
“Lord, help us to take up our cross each day and follow You faithfully. Give us courage to live boldly for You, to choose Your ways over the world’s ways, and to trust that the life You give is far greater than anything we could gain on our own. Amen.”