As teenagers navigating through life, it is crucial to build a strong foundation of faith. Our Sunday school lesson today focuses on Luke 1:26-38, where we encounter the miraculous announcement of the birth of Jesus to Mary. This passage holds great significance for teenagers as it teaches us about trust, obedience, and the power of God’s plan in our lives.
Bible Reading: Luke 1:26-30
*”In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.'”* (Luke 1:26-30, NIV)
Explanation
- Mary, a young virgin, was visited by the angel Gabriel.
- The angel brought greetings and assured Mary of God’s favor.
- Mary was initially troubled but was comforted by the angel’s reassurance.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- How do you think Mary felt when she first encountered the angel Gabriel?
- Why do you think Mary was troubled by the angel’s message?
- What does it mean to find favor with God? How might this apply to our own lives?
- How can we trust God’s plan for our lives, even when it seems challenging or uncertain?
Bible Reading: Luke 1:31-35
*”You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.’
‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’
The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.'”* (Luke 1:31-35, NIV)
Explanation
- The angel tells Mary about the miraculous birth of Jesus.
- Mary questions how this can happen since she is a virgin.
- The angel explains that the Holy Spirit will come upon Mary and conceive the Son of God.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- Why do you think Mary questioned how she could conceive while being a virgin?
- How does this passage demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
- What does it mean for Jesus to be called the Son of God?
- How does this part of the story contribute to our understanding of God’s plan for salvation?
Bible Reading: Luke 1:36-38
*”Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.’
‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.”* (Luke 1:36-38, NIV)
Explanation
- The angel shares the news of Elizabeth’s pregnancy.
- The angel assures Mary that nothing is impossible for God.
- Mary responds with humility and acceptance of God’s plan.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- How do you think Mary felt when she heard about Elizabeth’s pregnancy?
- Why is it important to remember that nothing is impossible for God?
- What can we learn from Mary’s response of surrender and obedience?
- How can we emulate Mary’s faith and trust in God’s plan for our own lives?
Youth Group Game: “Faith Trust Walk”
In this game, blindfold one participant while another guides them through a simple obstacle course or maze. The blindfolded participant must trust their guide’s instructions and rely on their communication to navigate safely.
This game serves as a reminder of the importance of trust and obedience in our faith journey. It also encourages teamwork and effective communication within the youth group.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the example of Mary’s faith and obedience. Help us to trust in your plan for our lives, even when it seems confusing or difficult. Fill us with the power of your Holy Spirit, that we may follow you wholeheartedly and bring glory to your name.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.