Today, we’re exploring Genesis 11:1-9, the Tower of Babel. Now, you might be wondering, “What does an ancient tower have to do with my life?” Well, buckle up because this story is more relevant than ever for us today!
In the teenage years, you’re navigating a world that’s often confusing and filled with diverse voices. The Tower of Babel teaches us about the consequences of misplaced priorities, the power of unity, and the importance of seeking God’s guidance. As you grow in your faith, understanding this story can equip you to stand firm in your beliefs and make wise choices.
The Tower of Babel: Bible Readings and Explanation
Bible Reading 1: Genesis 11:1-4 (NIV)
1 Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. 3 They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”
Explanation For Teenagers
- Common Language and Ambition: At this point in history, humanity spoke a common language and shared a common ambition: to build a city and tower that reached the heavens.
- Self-Glorification: Notice the motivation behind their plan—to make a name for themselves. Their focus shifted from glorifying God to self-glorification.
Bible Reading 2: Genesis 11:5-9 (NIV)
5 But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6 The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language, they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” 8 So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel—because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there, the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth.
Explanation For Teenagers
- Divine Intervention: God intervenes to prevent the people from achieving their self-centered goals. He confuses their language, causing division and scattering them.
- Importance of God’s Plan: This narrative underscores the importance of aligning our plans with God’s will rather than pursuing our desires without seeking His guidance.
Youth Group Game: “Tower of Unity”
Now, let’s bring the lesson to life with a game that illustrates the power of unity. Divide into teams, and challenge each team to build the tallest tower using only the materials provided. The catch? Team members must communicate using a made-up language! This fun and slightly chaotic game will help you grasp the impact of communication on unity.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- In what ways do you see people today trying to “make a name for themselves” rather than glorifying God?
- How does the story of the Tower of Babel relate to the challenges we face in a world with diverse beliefs and opinions?
- Why do you think God intervened and scattered the people? What lesson can we learn from this about the importance of seeking God’s guidance?
- Reflect on a time when miscommunication caused division. How can we, as a youth group, strive for unity despite our differences?
- What are some practical ways we can ensure our ambitions and plans align with God’s will?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the powerful lesson from the Tower of Babel. Help us, as teenagers, to seek Your guidance in all we do and to prioritize unity over self-glorification. May our actions and words reflect Your love and wisdom. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.