For teenagers, growing in faith can be a challenging journey. They are at a pivotal stage of life where their beliefs and values are being shaped, and it’s crucial for them to understand the significance of the Bible and its teachings. The passage we will be studying today has a powerful message that can help teenagers grow in their faith and walk with Christ.
Bible Reading: Acts 1:6-8
“So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Explanation
- The disciples were asking Jesus if he would restore the kingdom of Israel to its former glory.
- Jesus explained that it was not for them to know the exact time of his return, but instead promised them power through the Holy Spirit.
- He also gave them a mission, to be witnesses for him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Bible Reading: Acts 1:9-11
“And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Explanation
- Jesus was taken up into heaven in front of the disciples.
- Two men in white robes appeared and told the disciples that Jesus would return in the same way he left.
Bible Reading: Acts 1:12-14
“Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.”
Explanation
- The disciples returned to Jerusalem and gathered in an upper room to pray.
- The group included the original twelve disciples, Mary the mother of Jesus, and some other women.
Discussion Questions
1. Why did the disciples ask Jesus about restoring the kingdom of Israel? What were they expecting?
2. How did Jesus respond to their question about the timing of his return? Why is it important for us to focus on the mission he gave us instead of trying to predict when he will come back?
3. When Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples were told that he would return in the same way. How does this give us hope and assurance?
4. Why do you think the disciples gathered in the upper room to pray? How can prayer help us grow in our faith?
Youth Group Game: Bible Scavenger Hunt
For this game, split the group into teams and give them a list of clues related to different Bible verses. The teams have to race each other to find the correct verses and write them down on a piece of paper. This game will encourage the teenagers to explore the Bible and become more familiar with its content.
Closing Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for this time we’ve had to learn more about your Word. Help us to understand its teachings and apply them to our lives. As we go out into the world, may we be witnesses for you and share your love with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.