Youth Sunday School
Lessons for February 2023
Feasting On The Word
Feasting on the Word provides opportunities for youth to explore
their personal and communal identity in Jesus Christ. Students will learn to approach God’s word in each lesson using the following:
- What is Important to know?
- Where is God in these words?
- So what does this mean in our lives?
- Now what is God’s word leading us to do?
Biblical stories will come alive in new and creative ways. In response to God’s amazing, unconditional love, youth will be challenged to put their faith into action as they grow to understand themselves as Christ’s disciples. Each session includes a media connection section that ties the week’s Scripture passage to a film, song, or Web site.
Youth Sunday School
Lesson for February 5
Are there differences between learning in school
and acquiring wisdom about life?
Discuss what you think!
Wisdom for living is often conveyed through short sayings and figures of
speech.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
A penny saved is a penny earned. (By not spending money, you are saving money.)
Every cloud has a silver lining. (Be optimistic, even in difficult times.)
Never bite the hand that feeds you. (Don’t hurt anyone who helps you.)
Variety is the spice of life. (Enjoy different experiences for a more exciting life.)
You can’t judge a book by its cover. (Decisions shouldn’t be made on appearance.)
Let us share salt. (Display friendship and hospitality.)
TALK ABOUT THESE SAYINGS ABOVE!
These sayings convey wisdom, common knowledge that endures over time. (Proverbs are sometimes referred to as short sayings that are long on wisdom.)
Name any of the above sayings that describe the kind of person you are the and the values you hold.
The Sundays between Epiphany and Lent proclaim the good news of God’s
presence with us. The Scripture readings for these Sundays call us to embrace a whole new
life called discipleship. Jesus uses figures of speech to help us understand what discipleship
means and how we are to live for him.
Pray:
O God, open our minds and our hearts to your Word and fill us with your
peace. In Jesus’ name.
Amen
Matthew 5:13-20
New International Version
Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
The Fulfillment of the Law
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
LET’S TALK ABOUT IT!
“Salt of the earth” and “Light of the
World” are figures of speech.
WHAT’S the difference between saying “you are to be ‘like’ salt and light” and “you are
salt and light”?
What do you think Jesus might have meant about disciples being “salt of the earth”?
What do you think Jesus might have meant about disciples bring the “light of the world.”?
In what ways can you be salt in your homes, schools, and communities?
In what ways can you be light in your homes, schools, and communities?
The word “you” in today’s Bible passage is plural, “y’all.” How can we be salt and
light together?
How can we encourage each other to live for God in the ways we’ve
identified today?
PRAY
God, help us to be salt and light wherever we are. In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
ENHANCEMENT
WATCH
As a symbol, what does salt represent for the British government?
For the Indian people?
What would Jesus think of Gandhi’s actions?
In what way did Gandhi behave as the
“Salt of the Earth”?
Youth Sunday School
Lesson for February 19
LISTEN TO HIM!
MATTHEW 17: 1 – 9
Youth will explore the story of Jesus’ transfiguration and delve into ways to listen to Christ in their lives.
WHAT’S THAT NOISE?
HOW DO YOU HANDLE ALL OF THE NOISE AROUND YOU?
Listening vs Hearing
- What is the difference between hearing and listening?
(Hearing is perceiving sound; listening is paying attention to the message.) - When in your lives are you more likely to hear than listen? More likely to listen than hear?
Today’s story from the Bible highlights the significance of listening for and listening to Jesus
*
OPENING PRAYER
God, teach us new ways to silence the noise around us and to truly listen to your Word today. Amen
Think of one word that describes the word” listen”.
*
EXPLORING THE SCRIPTURE
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Sundays between Epiphany and Lent proclaim the good news of God’s presence with us
Epiphany ——————————–🡪——————————–🡪 Lent
(NOTE: Epiphany begins with JESUS’ Baptism and concludes with JESUS’ Transfiguration)
Transfiguration ~ Christ’s appearance in radiant glory to three of his disciples
Read Matthew 17: 1-9 aloud.
How do you listen with your eyes?
Name your thoughts, observations, and comments on the story as you listen with your eyes.
Matthew 17: 1-9
The Transfiguration
17 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. 3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son,[a] with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
9 And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.”
Now Reread Matthew 17:1-9
This time, “listen with your ears” and pay attention to their mental images as you read the story.
Name your thoughts, observations, and comments on the story as you listen with their ears.
What is the difference between listening with your eyes and listening with your ears?
When are you more likely to listen for and to Jesus?
Activities
“Listening for Jesus’ voice”
Imagine what Jesus might be saying that needs to be done
in each case or life event on the Resource Sheet.
CLOSING PRAYER
Go from this place as God’s beloved children.
Listen to one another and to the voice of Jesus in your life. Amen.
Enhancement
How does this song help you understand more about Matthew 17:1–9?
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