Teenagers need to know that Jesus can take away sin in order to understand their purpose and what God has planned for their lives. Through recognizing and accepting Jesus as the one who takes away our sins, teenagers can have a greater understanding of why Jesus died on the cross and how He redeems us from our transgressions. Knowing that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away sin helps teenagers develop a deeper faith in Him and strengthens their relationship with Him. It encourages them to live a life of obedience and holiness, trusting in His grace and mercy to get them through any situation.
Lesson Introduction:
John 1:29-42 tells the story of how Jesus came to be known as the “Lamb of God”, who takes away the sins of the world. In this passage, we can learn what it means to recognize and accept Jesus as our Savior and to follow Him in faith.
Youth Group Game Idea: Follow the Leader
For teens playing the Follow The Leader game related to this lesson, here are some tips and instructions:
- One person is designated as the leader and they will act out a scene from the passage (e.g., Jesus recruiting disciples).
- Everyone else must copy the actions of the leader, such as walking around and asking for people to come follow Him.
- The group can start off slow and gradually increase in speed until it becomes an almost frantic session of mimicking each other!
- Make sure that everyone has a chance to be in the lead role, then switch back and forth between players throughout the game.
- Have fun with it! Enjoy recreating scenes from scripture passages together with your friends or family members.
Scripture: John 1:29-42 (NIV):
Explain: Jesus is the Lamb of God, our Savior! This is something we know now, but when Christ first appeared on the scene, not everyone was sure about who He was. John the Baptist pointed to Jesus, clearly proclaiming Him as the promised Messiah foretold in scripture and as the fulfillment of God’s promise. We are called to carry on this message, telling others of Christ’s coming and inviting them to accept Him as their own Savior. It is a great privilege to be able to point others towards Jesus, and thank God for His great love and mercy for sending His only Son for such a noble cause – To save us from our sins. For those who accept Jesus and his free gift of salvation have been promised everlasting life with Him in heaven!
Ask for students to volunteer reading a portion of the Bible passage.
John 1:29-34 NIV The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (30) This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ (31) I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” (32) Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. (33) And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ (34) I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”
Explain: In John 1:29-34, we are reminded of Jesus’s incredible identity as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. This passage also speaks to John’s part in revealing Jesus to Israel by baptizing with water, and his testimony of seeing the Spirit come down from heaven and remain on Him. This is an incredible reminder that Jesus is God’s chosen one and that His plans for our salvation are already in motion. We can take comfort in knowing that He hears us when we call upon Him, and that He chooses us to be vessels for sharing His grace with others. May we never forget or neglect the profound power and love of Jesus Christ!
Ask for students to volunteer to continue reading the Bible passage.
John 1:35-42 NIV The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. (36) When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” (37) When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. (38) Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” (39) “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. (40) Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. (41) The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). (42) And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).
Explain: In John 1:35-42, we are reminded of the tremendous grace that God bestows upon us and how He reveals Himself to us. This passage speaks of the signifying title ‘Lamb of God’, a reminder of Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Jesus asked two disciples what they wanted from Him and invited them to stay with Him for a day – a demonstration of His ever-present presence in our lives. Andrew went forth to proclaim to his brother Simon that “We have found the Messiah”. This is an example for us all to take heed and spread the good news about Jesus. Finally, when Jesus saw Peter, He gave him a new name – Cephas – fulfilling prophecy. Through this passage we can be thankful for God’s plan for salvation through His Son and celebrate being able to share it with others.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean for Jesus to be known as “The Lamb of God”?
- Why do we need a Savior?
- How does knowing about Jesus change our lives?
- What does it mean for us to follow Him in faith?
- How can we share our faith with others?
Practical Applications for Teenagers:
- Spend time reading scripture and reflecting on what it says about Jesus being our Savior
- Practice living each day in obedience to God’s commands – honoring Him with our thoughts , words ,and actions
- Seek out opportunities to share your faith with others through acts of kindness or talking about your beliefs.
- Pray daily asking for guidance in your relationship with Christ
Prayer & Closing:
Lord , thank You for sending Your Son as a sacrifice for us so that we may have eternal life . We praise You for loving us enough to redeem us from our sins . Help us to stay focused on You each day so that may live in obedience . Amen .
More Teaching Ideas:
https://ministry-to-children.com/john-1-sunday-school-lesson/
https://sundayschool.store/products/jesus-is-the-lamb-of-god-lesson