April 23 - Middle School
What we’re learning this week:
One of the most well known titles of Jesus is that he is the “Light of the World” While many have seen this to be true in their own life with the joy, direction, and fulfillment that he has brought them; there are still many who look at him and reject him: why? This week, we will look at two reasons people reject Jesus’ light and take an honest look on if we are truly embracing the light that Jesus brings.
Bottom Line: Embrace the light of Jesus.
Scripture: John 12:42-43, John 3:19
Small Group Time:
Similar to many small group times this year, if it seems that your students really resonated with one point over the other one, feel free to unpacking that specific conversation! End by talking about next week’s invite night!
Jesus is the light – in what ways have you seen Jesus bring light to your life? Whether that is joy, direction, or eternal life in faith in him?
Of the two ways that the people rejected Jesus, which one can you most relate to and why?
We like what we want (that is, our tendency to be selfish can make us think Jesus is a downgrade to the life we want)
We want to be liked (that is, our desire to fit in or be liked by people can make us think following Jesus will make us a weird outcast)
We like what we want. – If you were to take an honest look at your life, is there an area you have not allowed Jesus to have influence over?
We want to be liked.-- What do you think would change about your life if you were not preoccupied by what other people think of you? What do you think would change about your faith?
What change is Jesus inviting you to make to more fully embrace his light in your life?
Next week is our last “invite night” of the year! Is there anyone in your life who doesn’t know Jesus that we could welcome into our group?
Next week preview:
Jesus is the resurrection and life! Next week, we will revisit the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead to highlight the reality that death has no power over Jesus. As followers of Jesus, we do not have to fear death because our story ends in resurrection and new life!
Extra Info
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Don’t forget about the Lifeline Leader Toolkit. To learn more about this, check out this information page.
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If you’d ever like to reference the Lifeline handbook, we have a digital version of that available here on our website.
