As teenagers, it’s crucial to explore and deepen our faith in order to develop a strong foundation for our spiritual journey. John 1:6-8, 19-28 introduces us to the figure of John the Baptist, who played a significant role in preparing the way for Jesus Christ. This passage not only highlights the importance of John’s ministry but also provides valuable lessons on humility, identity, and purpose. Understanding these concepts can empower teenagers to embrace their calling as followers of Christ and live out their faith boldly.
Bible Reading: John 1:6-8
“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.”
Explanation
- John the Baptist was chosen by God for a specific purpose—to testify about the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ.
- The role of John the Baptist was not to bring attention to himself but to shine a light on Jesus, the true Light of the world.
- As teenagers, we can learn from John’s humility and understanding of his purpose in pointing others towards Jesus.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- Why do you think God chose John the Baptist to be the one to announce the arrival of Jesus?
- How can we apply John’s humility to our own lives? What are some practical ways we can point others towards Jesus?
- In what ways is Jesus the light of the world? How does this impact our daily lives?
Bible Reading: John 1:19-28
“And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ And he answered, ‘No.’ So they said to him, ‘Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord,” as the prophet Isaiah said.'”
Explanation
- The religious authorities questioned John the Baptist’s identity, mistaking him for the awaited Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet.
- John humbly acknowledged that he was not the Christ but rather the messenger preparing the way for the Lord, as prophesied by Isaiah.
- This passage teaches us the importance of knowing our identity in Christ, embracing our unique calling, and fulfilling our purpose.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- Why do you think people mistook John the Baptist for the Messiah or other prominent figures?
- How can we discover our own identity in Christ? In what ways can we discern our unique calling and purpose?
- How does understanding our identity in Christ impact the way we live our lives and interact with others?
Youth Group Game: “Identity Scramble”
Divide the youth group into pairs. Give each pair a set of index cards. On each card, write a different aspect of a person’s identity (e.g., student, sibling, athlete, friend). Shuffle the cards and distribute them to the pairs. Set a timer for three minutes and challenge the pairs to unscramble the cards and arrange them in the correct order, representing a person’s identity in Christ. The pair with the most correctly ordered cards wins.
Closing Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of John the Baptist and his humble service in preparing the way for Jesus. Help us, as teenagers, to find our identity in Christ and embrace our unique calling. May we shine your light brightly in the world, always pointing others towards Jesus. In His name, we pray, Amen.