Hey teens! Today, we’re going to dive into an important topic that will help you grow in your faith: understanding discipleship. In our modern world, it’s easy to get caught up in the distractions and pressures of life. But as followers of Jesus, we are called to live differently. We’re going to explore Matthew 10:24-39 to see how Jesus teaches his disciples about what it means to follow Him and how this can impact your life as a teenager.
Bible Reading: Matthew 10:24-26
“The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.”
Explanation:
- Jesus reminds us that as His followers, we should expect to face the same challenges and opposition that He faced.
- We shouldn’t be surprised when the world misunderstands or even hates us because of our faith.
- Jesus encourages us not to be afraid because the truth will ultimately be revealed.
Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean to be a student of Jesus or a servant of God?
- Have you ever faced opposition or challenges because of your faith? How did you respond?
Youth Group Game: Truth Revealed
Objective: To reinforce the idea that truth will be revealed and that we should not be afraid.
Materials Needed: Index cards, pens, a small prize (optional)
Instructions:
- Divide the group into two teams.
- Give each person an index card and a pen.
- Have everyone write down a little-known fact about themselves on the card.
- Collect the cards and shuffle them.
- One at a time, read a card out loud and let the teams guess who wrote it.
- The team that correctly guesses the most cards wins a small prize (optional).
Bible Reading: Matthew 10:27-31
“What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Explanation:
- Jesus calls us to boldly share the truth of the gospel, even when it’s difficult or unpopular.
- Our fear should not be of people, but of God, who ultimately holds our eternal destiny.
- God deeply cares for us and values us as His children.
Discussion Questions:
- How can you be bold in sharing your faith with others?
- What does it mean to fear God rather than people?
Bible Reading: Matthew 10:32-39
“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”
Explanation:
- Jesus emphasizes the importance of publicly acknowledging our faith in Him.
- Following Jesus may cause division within families or relationships, as not everyone will accept the truth of the gospel.
- True discipleship requires complete surrender and willingness to sacrifice for the sake of Christ.
Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean to take up your cross and follow Jesus?
- How can you prioritize your relationship with Jesus above all else?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, and for His teachings on discipleship. Help us to be bold in sharing our faith and to fear You rather than people. Give us the courage to take up our cross and follow You, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. We ask for Your guidance and strength as we navigate the challenges of being a teenager in today’s world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.