As teenagers, you’re going through a lot of changes and challenges in your life. It’s a time when you’re trying to figure out who you are and where you belong. This is why it’s essential for you to understand and experience the love, compassion, and power of Jesus Christ. Today’s lesson will help you grow your faith by diving deep into the stories of Jesus’ encounter with Matthew, the tax collector, and His healing miracles.
Bible Reading: Matthew 9:9-13
9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Explanation:
- Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, who was considered a sinner and outcast in society.
- Jesus eats with tax collectors and sinners, showing His love and compassion for all people, regardless of their past mistakes.
- Jesus’ mission is to heal and save those who recognize their need for Him.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think Jesus chose to call someone like Matthew to be one of His disciples?
- How does Jesus’ response to the Pharisees challenge our own attitudes and actions towards others who may be considered “sinners” or outcasts?
- In what ways do you need Jesus’ healing and forgiveness in your life?
Bible Reading: Matthew 9:18-26
18 While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.
20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”
22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.
23 When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, 24 he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. 25 After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 26 News of this spread through all that region.
Explanation:
- Jesus shows His power over death by raising the synagogue leader’s daughter back to life.
- Jesus heals a woman with a bleeding issue, demonstrating His power to heal and restore.
- Jesus’ miracles reveal His divine authority and compassion for those who are suffering.
Discussion Questions:
- What do these two miracles teach us about Jesus’ power and authority?
- How does the faith of the woman with the bleeding issue and the synagogue leader inspire you in your own walk with Jesus?
- How can you experience Jesus’ healing and restoration in your own life?
Youth Group Game: “Faith Walk”
Instructions:
- Divide the group into pairs, with one person being blindfolded and the other being their guide.
- Create an obstacle course using chairs, tables, or other objects.
- The guide must lead their blindfolded partner through the obstacle course by giving verbal instructions only.
- The goal is to complete the course as quickly as possible without touching any obstacles.
This game illustrates the importance of trusting and following Jesus, even when we can’t see what’s ahead. Just like the woman with the bleeding issue and the synagogue leader, we must have faith in Jesus’ power and compassion to guide us through life’s challenges.
Closing Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for showing us Your love, compassion, and power through the stories of Matthew, the woman with the bleeding issue, and the synagogue leader’s daughter. We ask that You would help us to grow in our faith and trust in You, even when we face difficulties and challenges. Help us to extend Your love and mercy to others, just as You have done for us. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.