Who is Jesus? If someone asked you that right now, what would you say? Maybe you’d call Him Savior, Shepherd, or Son of God. But, have you thought about how John calls Jesus “The Word” and “The Light”? This part of Scripture dives into what that really means and why it matters to us today.
Understanding who Jesus is changes everything for how we see God, ourselves, and the world around us. For teenagers, this is huge because you’re at a stage where you’re figuring out your own identity and what you stand for. Knowing Jesus as “The Word” means knowing He’s been with God since the beginning. Knowing Him as “The Light” means understanding He’s the hope when things feel dark.
Today, we’re unpacking John 1 to see how Jesus shapes our faith, identity, and relationship with God.
Bible Reading and Teaching
1. Jesus Is The Word (John 1:1-5)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Key Points to Discuss
- Jesus is eternal. He’s been around since before the world began.
- When John calls Jesus “The Word,” it means Jesus is the ultimate communication and expression of God. Want to know what God is like? Look to Jesus.
- Jesus brings life. Not just physical life, but spiritual life—the deep satisfaction of knowing God.
- Jesus is the light that breaks through the darkness in a world full of sin and struggles.
Discussion Questions:
- What do you think it means for your life that Jesus has been around since “the beginning”?
- Why do you think Jesus is called “The Word”?
- How has Jesus been a light in your life, especially in tough times?
2. Jesus Came Into the World (John 1:10-13)
“He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”
Key Points to Discuss
- Even though Jesus made the world, most people didn’t recognize Him or accept Him.
- Today, it’s still easy to ignore Jesus or not see who He really is. Why? Distractions, doubt, and fear can cloud our view.
- The amazing news is this—when you believe in Jesus, you become a child of God. This means your identity is forever secure in Him. You belong, you’re loved, and you’re never alone.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think it’s hard for some people to recognize who Jesus is, even today?
- How does it feel knowing that you are called a “child of God” when you believe in Jesus?
- What can we do to help others recognize who Jesus really is?
3. Jesus Is God With Us (John 1:14-18)
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. … No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.”
Key Points to Discuss
- Jesus is fully God, but He chose to become human to live among us. That’s how much He loves us!
- Jesus is filled with grace and truth—He forgives us with open arms but also leads us in truth so we can grow.
- Through Jesus, we finally get to know God personally. Jesus shows us who God really is—what He values, how He loves, and His plans for our lives.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think it’s important that Jesus became human?
- What stands out to you about Jesus being full of grace AND truth?
- How can you grow closer to God by looking at the life of Jesus?
Game Idea: “Light in the Darkness”
How It Works:
- Take the group to a dimly lit or dark room (bring a flashlight or glow sticks).
- Split the students into teams and tell them each team has to “find the light” (hidden glow sticks or flashlights placed around the room).
- The twist? Each team can only use small clues or rely on their teammates guiding them. The game illustrates how Jesus is our light guiding us when we feel lost.
At the end of the game, gather together and tie it back to the lesson. Just like they needed light to find their way, Jesus is our ultimate light in life’s darkness.
Closing Prayer
“Dear Jesus, thank You for being the Word and the Light that shows us who You are and who we are in You. Help us to see You more clearly when life gets dark. Help us share Your light with others. Remind us every day that we are loved, chosen, and called children of God when we believe in You. Be with us this week and guide us in Your truth. Amen.”
Wrap-Up
Encourage the group to reflect on one way they can live like a child of God this week. Remind them that Jesus is always with them, shining brightly even when things feel dark. Hand out glow sticks or small lights as a reminder of today’s lesson—Jesus, the true Light, lives in them!