LESSON FOLLOWUP | November 6, 2016

GRADES 9-12 | The Most Important Question

We just finished our series focusing on four different questions Jesus asked in the Gospels. In this final lesson, we explored John 9:1-38, where Jesus healed a young man who was born blind. This miracle of Jesus actually created a measure of trouble for the young man as he was looked down upon by his friends, abandoned by his family, and kicked out of his religious community—all because his sight was restored!

The beautiful end of the story shows Jesus meeting him at a time of need and bringing things back into focus with an on-target question: “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” There’s a lot going on in this passage, but one truth is clear: Despite what’s happening in the lives of our students, Jesus wants to know if they believe in him.

This week, I encourage you to spend a few minutes talking with your teenager about our lesson. Consider building your conversation around these questions:

• What has Jesus given you a vision to do or to be?
• Do you ever struggle with your identity as a follower of Jesus?
• What are some similarities between physical blindness and spiritual blindness? What are some differences?
• What can we do as a family to make sure we’re constantly answering the question about whether we believe in Jesus?

GRADES 6-8 | What Is the Bible & Where Did It Come From?

We’ve started a new series titled “Bible 101”—it’s designed to help teenagers develop a love for Scripture. In this series we’re talking about knowing what the Bible is all about, where it came from, why it’s trustworthy, and how it relates to our lives. We want to help teenagers become comfortable—or more comfortable—in navigating the Bible and encountering Jesus throughout its pages.

In this first lesson we talked about 2 Timothy 3:14-17, where the Apostle Paul encouraged his young friend and protégé Timothy to remain faithful. Paul was sitting in a prison and knew he would die soon, and he challenged Timothy to remain faithful to what is true. In the light of the persecution that Paul knew Christ-followers would face, he pleaded with Timothy to hold onto his faith.

This week, I encourage you to spend a few minutes talking with your junior higher about our lesson. Consider fueling your conversation with these questions:

• Do you think Scripture is less relevant to you today than it was for people who lived hundreds or thousands of years ago? Why or why not?
• Tell me about a time you felt a deeper love for Jesus because of something you read in the Bible.
• What’s one specific way Jesus is using Scripture to change you or help you grow?

​Have a great week!