Hey, awesome teenagers! Welcome to another exciting Sunday school session where we dive deep into God’s Word and explore how it applies to our lives. Today, we’re going to explore Matthew 10:40-42 and discover the significance of welcoming Christ’s messengers in our lives. As young believers, this topic is particularly important because it challenges us to be open and receptive to the work God wants to do through others. So, let’s dive right in!
Bible Reading: Matthew 10:40-42
“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:40-42 ESV)
Explanation: Welcoming Christ’s Messengers
- When we welcome someone who is sent by Christ, we are welcoming Jesus Himself (Matthew 10:40). This means that the way we treat others, especially those who bring God’s message or represent Him, reflects our attitude towards Christ.
- God desires us to be receptive and hospitable to His messengers because they carry His message and purpose (Matthew 10:40). By doing so, we become part of God’s mission and His work in the world.
- Jesus assures us that there is a reward for those who receive His messengers. Whether they are prophets or righteous individuals, when we open our hearts to them, we receive blessings and rewards from God (Matthew 10:41).
- Even the simplest acts of kindness, such as offering a cup of cold water to a disciple, do not go unnoticed by God. He promises that those acts will be rewarded (Matthew 10:42).
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think it’s important for us to welcome and receive Christ’s messengers?
- Have you ever experienced a time when you felt God speaking to you through someone else? How did you respond?
- How can we practice hospitality and receptivity towards those who bring God’s message or represent Him in our daily lives?
Bible Reading: Hebrews 13:1-2
“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:1-2 ESV)
Explanation: Practicing Hospitality and Receptivity
- The book of Hebrews encourages us to continue showing brotherly love and not to neglect hospitality towards strangers (Hebrews 13:1-2). In doing so, we might unknowingly entertain angels or encounter messengers from God.
- Practicing hospitality involves creating a welcoming environment, showing kindness, and being open to meeting the needs of others. It requires us to be attentive and responsive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to bless others.
- Welcoming Christ’s messengers also means recognizing that God can speak to us through different people, regardless of their age, background, or appearance. God can use anyone as His vessel to deliver a message or demonstrate His love.
Discussion Questions:
- In what ways can we show hospitality and love to others, especially strangers or those we may not know well?
- How can we overcome our biases and prejudices to be more receptive to God’s messengers, even if they come in unexpected forms?
- Have you ever encountered someone who seemed ordinary but turned out to have a profound impact on your life? Share your experience.
Youth Group Game: Messenger Relay
In this game, we’ll divide into teams and create a relay race where each team must pass a message from one person to another. The catch is that the message will be shared by whispering it into the person’s ear, just like how messengers deliver information. The last person in each team will then share the message out loud. The team that accurately passes the message wins! This game encourages effective communication and emphasizes the importance of accurately delivering messages.
Closing Prayer
Gracious God, thank You for this time we’ve had to explore Your Word and learn about welcoming Christ’s messengers. Help us to have open hearts, ready to receive those You send into our lives. Grant us the discernment to recognize Your messengers, whether they come in familiar or unexpected forms. May we practice hospitality, love, and kindness, showing Your love to others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Remember, awesome teenagers, when we welcome Christ’s messengers, we not only bless them but also open ourselves to receiving the rewards and blessings God has in store for us. Stay open, receptive, and expectant of the work God wants to do through others, and be ready to make a difference in the lives of those you encounter. Have a fantastic week!