First SemesterIntro

• Who is God? Why did God Create?• Acts 17:24-28a, Genesis 5:1-2

Person of Christ• Parable of the Sower - Mark 4:1-9 &

13-20

• The Temptation of Jesus - Luke 4:1-13

• Jesus Cleanses the Temple - Mark 11:15-19

• Jesus Heals the Paralytic - Mark 2:1-12

Need/Sin• Peter Falls Asleep - Mark 14:32-41

Cross/Resurrection• The Cross - Mark 15:21-32• The Resurrection - Mark 16:1-8 (4-7

main)

Appropriation • Rich Young Ruler - Mark 10:17-22

Walking with Jesus• Parable of the Talents - Matthew

25:14-30

Second SemesterIntro

• Jesus the visible image of the invisible God

o Colossians 1:15-17o John 1:1-5

Person of Christ• Jesus completely human

• Matthew 13:53-57• Other references:

• Physical needs - Matt 4:2• Emotions – John 11:33-35

• Jesus Calms the Storm - Mark 4:35-41

• Luke 9:18-24 - Peter Confession of Christ

• John 14:6 Jesus is the Way, Truth & Life

Cross Talk Sequence (each cross talk has a sin component in it)

• Last Supper - Luke 22:14-23

• Christ Suffering - Matthew 27:27-36

• Two Criminals - Luke 23:32-43

• Crucifixion Story - Matthew 27:45-54

Resurrection • Empty Tomb & Mary Magdalene -

John 20:1-18

Life Signs Week

Young Life Club Talks for the 2011-12 School Year

What does this passage have to do with where kids are at?

There are so many theories and questions around how the world was created. As followers of Jesus Christ we believe that God created the is the ONLY way in which we become into existence. Kids have been feed many different theories on how we ended up in this world at this time. It is important for us to acknowledge these theories and to explain why we believe that God created the world.

God created us in His image because He loves us and wants to have a relationship with us. The very being of God is Love. He knows no other way.

Acts 17:24-28 (TNIV)

 24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.

Genesis 5:1-2 (TNIV)

 1 This is the written account of Adam’s family line.     When God created human beings, he made them in the likeness of God. 2 He created them male and female and blessed them. And when they were created, he called them “human beings.”

Acts 17:24-28 (The Message)

 24-29 "The God who made the world and everything in it, this Master of sky and land, doesn't live in custom-made shrines or need the human race to run errands for him, as if he couldn't take care of himself. He makes the creatures; the creatures don't make him. Starting from scratch, he made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn't play hide-and-seek with us. He's not remote; he's near. We live and move in him, can't get away from him! One of your poets said it well: 'We're the God-created.' Well, if we are the God-created, it doesn't make a lot of sense to think we could hire a sculptor to chisel a god out of stone for us, does it?

Genesis 5:1-2 (The Message)

 1-2 This is the family tree of the human race: When God created the human race, he made it godlike, with a nature akin to God. He created both male and female and blessed them, the whole human race.

Who is God? Why did God Create?

Media you can use

The following is a Clip from the TV show “Planet Earth” on the BBC.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwwioJhQzeg

Illustration - Have two different clocks. Take one completely apart to itʼs individual pieces. Put the clock pieces in a box with a lid on it. Have the other clock out in the open. Bring a kid up front. Have them look in the box and tell the audience

what is inside. Ask them, how you get the clock in the box to look like the clock in your hand. Ask them to put the lid on and shake the box, is the clock back together?

This is a direct reflection of our world and how it was created. It takes someone to put all the pieces of the clock in the right places to make the clock work. Shaking the box, does not put the clock back together (Big Bang theory). Like the clock, our world can only exist if it was put together by God.

• In what ways do you see beauty in our world? Why do you think these things are beautiful?

• What do you believe about how the world was created? Do you think it was by chance or by a creator?

• Do you think that God is the creator of the world? If yes, how do you see His creation? If no, why don’t you believe that God is the creator?

• If God created the world, then did He create us as well? How purposeful was He in creating us?

• How does God show that He cares for us by creating us?

• Is there a relationship between how God created the world and how He created us?

Thoughts on this passageGod has a perfect plan for us. His desire is for our world to be one family. He is God the designer. God who made the world and everything in it, including mankind. He identifies this one true God as superior to all the lesser and competing deities.

God differentiates himself by being the creator. Only, a true God can create, the world and us as humans. Beauty is found in Godʼs creation.

it is easy to imagine him gesturing toward the magnificent temple, the Parthenon, that stood just above him and his hearers on the acropolis. Paul was claiming that the true God of heaven and earth does not live in temples like the Parthenon and is not served by the sacrifices which the Athenians regularly brought to their temples.

There is a God to find, and he is not hard to find, having revealed himself to us through His story.

Campaigner Questions

Parable of the Sower Mark 4:1-9 & 13-20TNIV1 Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water’s edge. 2 He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: 3 “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.”  9 Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”   13 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? 14 The farmer sows the word. 15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.”

The Message 1-2 He went back to teaching by the sea. A crowd built up to such a great size that he had to get into an offshore boat, using the boat as a pulpit as the people pushed to the water's edge. He taught by using stories, many stories.  3-8"Listen. What do you make of this? A farmer planted seed. As he scattered the seed, some of it fell on the road and birds ate it. Some fell in the gravel; it sprouted quickly but didn't put down roots, so when the sun came up it withered just as quickly. Some fell in the weeds; as it came up, it was strangled among the weeds and nothing came of it. Some fell on good earth and came up with a flourish, producing a harvest exceeding his wildest dreams.  13He continued, "Do you see how this story works? All my stories work this way.  14-15"The farmer plants the Word. Some people are like the seed that falls on the hardened soil of the road. No sooner do they hear the Word than Satan snatches away what has been planted in them.  16-17"And some are like the seed that lands in the gravel. When they first hear the Word, they respond with great enthusiasm. But there is such shallow soil of character that when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it.  18-19"The seed cast in the weeds represents the ones who hear the kingdom news but are overwhelmed with worries about all the things they have to do and all the things they want to get. The stress strangles what they heard, and nothing comes of it.  20"But the seed planted in the good earth represents those who hear the Word, embrace it, and produce a harvest beyond their wildest dreams."

What Does This Have to Do With Where Kids Are at?

This is the moment for kids where they will be analyzing their current situation with Christ, and what it will look like this coming school year, or even for the rest of their lives. The Parable of the Sower is a way for them to take a look at themselves and decide what they are going to do about their relationship with Christ. Using the analogy of the different types of soil to show kids what could happen to new-found faith, or even faith that they’ve had for a long time. This is the moment where we start to really plug campaigners, coming to club regularly, reading scripture, and going to church – the things that will help their faith (and our faith too!) continue and grow, otherwise it will wither and die, just like in the parable.

This passage might be really simple for some kids and really complicated for others. While it may be obvious to some that we want to be, have, take care of our “good soil,” it may not be that way for others, who may wonder why they should be good soil in the first place. In that situation, explaining what Christ does for us, and the full life He gives us as a Christian, is the motivation for keeping good soil.

Using the phrases “deep soil” and “shallow soil” may help in place of “good soil” or “rocky soil.” Kids already know what it means to be deep or shallow, so to use those words in this analogy for their faith will help them understand the “growing roots” necessity and being deep vs. shallow.

Campaigners Questions• What do you think your soil is like right now? Are you putting the effort in to help your faith grow or are you being shallow about your faith, and not doing the work to help make it deep? Are there thorns in your soil, distractions that keep you from pursuing your faith? Either share this aloud or think about to yourself.

•• What are some “thorns” – distractions that are making it difficult for your faith to grow?

•• What are some ways you can think of to help make and keep your “soil” deep – to help your faith grow and prevent it from withering away?

•• Why do we want to be or have “deep soil”? (Leaders! You may want to think of how you would answer this to a kid before asking it)

Thoughts on this Passage Notice that we start the story with a setting: Jesus has drawn so many people that He has to take a boat out to sea in order to be able to speak to them all properly. That’s an incredible visual for the demand to hear Jesus speak. We have an advantage with this parable, that in Mark, Jesus explains the parable’s meaning. This parable that he tells is one for self-reflection. It makes us ask, what kind of soil am I? Am I doing the necessary things to maintain “good soil”? Am I letting the cares of the world suffocate the message of Christ inside me? Am I not taking care of my faith, like the rocky soil, and letting the message of Christ wither inside of me? Am I even listening? Or am I bearing fruit, can others see Christ working inside and around me, through my persistence to keep my faith alive?

One idea for a talk might be to have four friends (either leaders, your own kids, or other volunteers) come up on stage to help you exemplify how a person can look like the different types of soils. Have Friend 1 be the “path”: He has headphones on, takes them off for a second to hear, says “eh” and puts his headphones back on. Friend 2 is really excited about their new found change, but they feel so changed that they don’t feel the need to do anything about it, they may say something like “I know I’m changed, so what else do I need?” Friend 3 is also excited, but has a lot to battle back at home. Friend 3 might be too stressed out to deal with their faith right now, or have too many distractions that they forget about their faith. Friend 4 is excited, and wants to keep that feeling like they are a new person in Christ, and they have a purpose, and meaning in their life, so they are going to campaigners, reading their Bible, and looking into church. To go even further with this display, have potted plants that each person is holding, with little seedlings (except Friend 1, who didn’t grow at all), and have them all go off stage, and come back with new potted plants, Friend 1 has no plant, Friend 2 has a dead plant, and Friend 3 just has weeds, while Friend 4 has a full, growing plant.

Media to Use YouTube Clips http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9IOhGPrRvY&feature=channel_video_title (a good, 3 minute visual animation of the parable. Kinda Veggie-tale-ish)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aWwu7qjz9g&feature=related (good for campaigners as a real short refresher on the passage)

Song suggestion “Your Love is Deep” by Jami Smith

Luke 4 TNIV

1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted[a] by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.

3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”

4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘People do not live on bread alone.’”

5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.”

8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you

  to guard you carefully;

11 they will lift you up in their hands,

  so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

Luke 4 The Message

1-2 Now Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wild. For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by the Devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when the time was up he was hungry.

3 The Devil, playing on his hunger, gave the first test: "Since you're God's Son, command this stone to turn into a loaf of bread."

4 Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: "It takes more than bread to really live."

5-7 For the second test he led him up and spread out all the kingdoms of the earth on display at once. Then the Devil said, "They're yours in all their splendor to serve your pleasure. I'm in charge of them all and can turn them over to whomever I wish. Worship me and they're yours, the whole works."

8 Jesus refused, again backing his refusal with Deuteronomy: "Worship the Lord your God and only the Lord your God. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness."

9-11 For the third test the Devil took him to Jerusalem and put him on top of the Temple. He said, "If you are God's Son, jump. It's written, isn't it, that 'he has placed you in the care of angels to protect you; they will catch you; you won't so much as stub your toe on a stone'?"

12 "Yes," said Jesus, "and it's also written, 'Don't you dare tempt the Lord your God.'"

13 That completed the testing. The Devil retreated temporarily, lying in wait for another opportunity.

The Temptation of Jesus Luke 4:1-13

Thoughts on this passage:

To prepare for His three year public ministry Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness without food. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that focuses the mind and soul on God.  While spending time with God in the desert, Satan tempts Jesus with lies trying to make him disobey the commandments of God.  If Jesus were to disobey and sin, He would not be perfect and His death on the cross would not fulfill the sacrifice for the world’s sins.  Instead, Jesus fights temptation by quoting scripture and revealing God’s eternal truth to Satan.

Where kids are at:

Our sinful nature gives way to temptation on a daily basis.  Everyone has their struggles and are more prone to sin in certain areas of life. But in order to fight any temptation, Christians must know the Word of God and live out its truths. Gratifying the Holy Spirit and praying diligently aids this process.

Campaigners Questions:

1) How do you act when you crave your favorite food?

2) How would you react to spending 40 days in the desert with no food? What is the purpose of Jesus doing this?

3). Why does the Devil tempt Jesus?

4). How does Jesus respond to temptation?

5). How are you tempted on a daily basis to disobey the commandments of God?

THE BATTLE JESUS HAS IN HIS TEMPTATION IS BOTH A PHYSICAL BATTLE AND A SPIRITUAL BATTLE.

The Temptation of Jesus Luke 4:1-13

MEDIA: HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=P-6A25YO2WE

40 DAY CARTOON BUT MIGHT NEED TO SPEED IT UP?

Media to use:★ h t t p : / / w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / w a t c h ?

v=TJHAWUDd0JE  (longer clip)★ h t t p : / / w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / w a t c h ?

v=Ufq7srkz1sc  (short clip)

Jesus shows us a side of who He is that is generally outside of our normal view of Him in this story.

Mark 11:15-19 - The Message15-17 They arrived at Jerusalem. Immediately on entering the Temple Jesus started throwing out everyone who had set up shop there, buying and selling. He kicked over the tables of the bankers and the stalls of the pigeon merchants. He didn't let anyone even carry a basket through the Temple. And then he taught them, quoting this text: My house was designated a house of prayer for the nations; You've turned it into a hangout for thieves.

18 The high priests and religion scholars heard what was going on and plotted how they might get rid of him. They panicked, for the entire crowd was carried away by his teaching.

19 At evening, Jesus and his disciples left the city.

Jesus Cleanses the TempleMark 11:15-19

Mark 11:15-19 - TNIV15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”

18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.

19 When evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city.

Jesus Cleanses the Temple - Mark 11:15-19

Thoughts on this passage:Worshipers of God at this time were required to make sacrifices using animals.  The issue in this passage is that inside the temple it was similar to a flea market with people buying and selling animals for sacrifices and exchanging money.  Worship was supposed to take place, but how could it with all the ruckus going on in the background.  Allowing people to purchase animals to sacrifice did help people out in a way, but those selling animals charged unfair rates and the money changers did the same.  Not only was Jesus upset that worship was difficult in this setting due to distractions, but unfair practices were taking place as well.  Jesus also shows us that sin bothers Him and that it will not be tolerated, especially in the Temple of God.  The chief priests did not appreciate Jesus interrupting the way the temple was working because the chief priests profited from the exchange of money and goods.  Towards the end of the passage the chief priests and teachers of the law attempt to figure out a way to kill Jesus.

What does this passage have to do with where kids are at?In the same way people at this time were distracted as they tried to worship due to what was going on around them kids today are distracted too.  Kids are distracted due to numerous influences going on around them.  Examples are social networks, cell phones, friends, sports, as well as many others.  Some distractions appear to be good activities or

things, but when they take away kids opportunities to worship the one true God it becomes an issue.  This is the beauty of taking kids to Young Life camp in the summer.  Distractions are taken away and kids get to hear the Gospel in a setting that is pure and holy.  If we can help kids notice and navigate around the things in their lives that are distracting them, then they can see a true picture of who Jesus is and His desire for their lives.

Campaigner Questions:

๏ Have you ever been in a situation where someone walked into the room you are in and became very upset?   If so what was it like and what did this person do?

๏ What are things in your life or our lives as Americans that distract us from worshiping God?

๏ What is your reaction to how Jesus reacted to this situation?  Does it surprise you how upset he got?  Do you think his reaction is appropriate and called for?

๏ What point do you think Jesus is trying to make as he clears the temple and does what he does?

๏ What is one distraction that you think you need to get rid of or change that is preventing you from seeking out Jesus in way that is not distracted?

Jesus Heals the Paralytic - Mark 2:1-12

Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man - Mark 2:1-12 (TNIV)

 1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered

Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside

the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they

made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith,

he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

 6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting

there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

 8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this

was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this

paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has

authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed

everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

A P a r a p l e g i c - Mark 2:1-12 (The Message)

  1-5 After a few days, Jesus returned to Capernaum, and word got around that he was back home. A crowd

gathered, jamming the entrance so no one could get in or out. He was teaching the Word. They brought a paraplegic to him, carried by four men.

When they weren't able to get in because of the crowd, they removed part of the roof and lowered the paraplegic on his stretcher.

Impressed by their bold belief, Jesus said to the paraplegic, "Son, I forgive your sins."

 6-7 Some religion scholars sitting there started whispering among themselves, "He can't talk

that way! That's blasphemy! God and only God can forgive sins."

  8-12 Jesus knew right away what they were

thinking, and said, "Why are you so skeptical? Which is simpler: to say to the paraplegic, 'I forgive your sins,' or say, 'Get up, take your

stretcher, and start walking'? Well, just so it's clear that I'm the Son of Man and authorized to do either, or both . . ." (he looked now at the paraplegic), "Get up. Pick up your stretcher and

go home." And the man did it—got up, grabbed his stretcher, and walked out, with everyone there watching him. They rubbed their eyes,

incredulous—and then praised God, saying, "We've never seen anything like this!"

YOUNGLIFE

Jesus Heals the ParalyticMark 2:1-12

Thoughts on this PassageJesus is created a new home in the region called Capernaum. This becomes Jesus’ main area for ministry from here on out.

The house is packed and Jesus is teaching. Four men, best friends of the paralytic bring him to the house on a mat. They have heard of the things Jesus has done and are hoping that Jesus will do the same for their friend.

When they arrive, there is no room for them in the house. Desperate to get their friend at the feet of Jesus, they dig a hole through the roof of the house and lower the man down on his mat. The roof consisted of branches or sticks, combined with clay, and Luke adds the detail that this roof also had clay “tiles”, which were used on some houses at that time.

I can only imagine that the paralytic is confused when Jesus doesn’t heal the man right away. Jesus always uses the situation to teach, even if we are confused by the process.

Which is easier? This the main question raised in this passage. On the surface, of course, it is easier to say the words, “Your sins are forgiven,” because that is something invisible and impossible to disprove. But it is harder to say, “take up your bed and walk” because, if the man does not get up, the one who said the words will be shown to have no authority to heal. On a deeper level, however, it is harder to forgive sins, because only God can forgive sins—at the cost of Christ's death on the cross. The logic here is that, since Jesus can do the visible miracle (heal the paralytic), this is evidence that he also has the power to do the invisible miracle (forgive sins).

Jesus' healing of the paralytic verifies that he also has divine authority … to forgive sins.

Campaigner Questions:

• What is true friendship to you and how would you define it?

• When has been a time you have seen “true friendship” in your life or in the life of someone else?

• How do you think the paralytic (man on the mat) reacted to his friends bring him to Jesus? What was the paralytic looking for from Jesus and what is his reaction?

• When Jesus begins talking about sin, what do you think the paralytic is thinking? And why?

• What does it mean that Jesus heals this man? What does it tell us about who Jesus is? What do you think this man was thinking after being healed by Jesus?

What does this mean for kids?Friendships are a key thing in our lives and in the lives of kids. We base much of our lives around the pursuing of them including our time, energy and money. Jesus often does things that are out of what we think He might do. He is never going to be put in a box for our concept of what that looks like.

The friends, the paralytic and the crowd are all expecting Jesus to do one thing and then He does something completely different. Although this is not the theme of the passage, it is a great basis to begin your talk on.

The main theme is “Which is Easier?” Jesus being fully God is the only one to forgive sin. Jesus healing of the man verifies that He is God, because God alone can heal someone and forgive their sins at the same time.

Media to use

• Karate Kid -

Peter Falling Asleep in Gethsemane

Mark 14:32-41 - TNIV

32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch." 35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 "Abba", Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." 37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." 39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. 41 Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners

Mark 14:32-41 - The Message

32 They came to an area called Gethsemane. Jesus told his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33 He took Peter, James, and John with him. He plunged into a sinkhole of dreadful agony. 34 He told them, "I feel bad enough right now to die. Stay here and keep vigil with me." 35 Going a little ahead, he fell to the ground and prayed for a way out: 36 "Papa, Father, you can - can't you? - get me out of this. Take this cup away from me. But please, not what I want - what do you want?" 37 He came back and found them sound asleep. He said to Peter, "Simon, you went to sleep on me? Can't you stick it out with me a single hour? 38 Stay alert, be in prayer, so you don't enter the danger zone without even knowing it. Don't be naive. Part of you is eager, ready for anything in God; but another part is as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire." 39 He then went back and prayed the same prayer. 40 Returning, he again found them sound asleep. They simply couldn't keep their eyes open, and they didn't have a plausible excuse. 41 He came back a third time and said, "Are you going to sleep all night? No - you've slept long enough. Time's up. The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of sinners.

40 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. 41 Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners

Peter Falling Asleep in Gethsemane

Thoughts on this passage:The story of Peter falling asleep despite Jesusʼ request to stay awake relates to our own habits of ignoring Jesus, even if we donʼt intend on directly disobeying. We were all called to do something, called to be for God, to live for Christ, and thatʼs the fulfilled life, but we arenʼt being who we were called to be.Its obvious the when you know what right or wrong is, but sometimes we donʼt care, and do things we know are wrong anyway, thinking it wont hurt anyone.  How often do you find yourself thinking, “I know Iʼm not supposed to but why does it matter?” Or even sometimes there are things we are supposed to do, that we let slip.  Like keeping up with Christ, are you giving Him attention?  He wants your attention constantly, and often we might only give him one day a weekThis could also be used for another type of lesson.  Are you paying attention to Christ in your life?  Like right after you listen to a club talk, or go to church, do you think about what you learned or just let it slip out of your mind?  What about the Lord working in your life?  Do you know about it, or are you not paying attention?

How This Relates to Kids:We were all meant for something, and kids often donʼt know what that is yet.  They were meant for a life with Christ!  As a kid however, itʼs easy to know this and ignore what it means, just like Peter.  Kids are in this awkward time of learning responsibility, and responsibility to Christ may not seem appealing, but itʼs not only necessary but also vital.  Be careful about talking about following rules too much though – itʼs not about rules, (and kids hate rules, though donʼt we all?) Christianity is more about good news.

Media to Use:

This is almost (but not totally) irrelevant but funny and kids will get the reference if you deem it appropriate: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-nM5243FIoYou can relate falling asleep in class to what Peter did: falling asleep in class is easy to do but you might be missing out on something important.  But be careful with this as kids may find falling asleep in class appealing.  (as I would)

Campaigner Questions/Suggestions:

Start campaigners this time with a moment of awareness.  Have everyone be quiet, and close their eyes and tell God they are listening.  Ask God to open your and their eyes, ears, hearts.  Have your kids then pay attention to their surroundings, looking for things they didnʼt notice before, or listening for the Holy Spirit.

1. What are things you notice that are different than what you noticed before?2. Did God speak to you in some way? If so, what did He say? How did He tell you?3. Now think about the previous week.  What are things God may have been teaching you or trying to lead you, that you werenʼt paying attention to?4. Now what about other events of the past, what are some instances you can think of that God was teaching you something or leading you somewhere?

End in prayer similar to how you started, having a moment where you are listening for what God may want to tell you.  Have them practice this frequently, daily, as it is important to take notice to what God is trying to tell you.

The Cross

The Message - Mark 15:21-3921 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. 22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). 23 Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.25 It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. 26 The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!”31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! 32 Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

The Death of Jesus33 At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).[a]35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.”36 Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said.37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died,[b] he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

TNIV - Mark 15:21-3921 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. 22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). 23 Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.25 It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. 26 The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!”31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! 32 Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.33 At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.” 36 Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said. 37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. 38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

The CrossThoughts on this passage:In the first century, Roman crucifixion was a punishment reserved for the worst criminals- it was the death penalty at that time. The Romans would nail a sign above the criminal’s head explaining what crime he committed. Jesus’ sign read, “King of the Jews.” Because Jesus did claim to be the Son of God and the saving Messiah.Though the Jewish leaders initiated Jesus’ trial, they had no political power to actually sentence Jesus to death. Instead, the Roman officials indirectly accused Jesus of challenging Caesar’s rule and authority, because Caesar was technically the “King of the Jews” and all the people inhabiting Jerusalem.

“Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”In some sense Jesus had to be cut off from the favor of and fellowship with God the Father, because he was bearing the sins of the world while enduring God’s wrath. Surely Jesus knew why he was dying, for this was the divine purpose of him coming to earth. But we cannot begin to understand what this separation meant to Jesus because for all eternity past knew no separation from his loving Father.

Where kids are at:Thinking about Jesus’s death on the cross can become discouraging and even make us angry or sad. But ultimately, the message of the Cross is one of compassion and grace. Christ humbled himself to the worst of all deaths to take on the wrath of God for the world’s sins. We are undeserving of God’s forgiveness just as Christ was undeserving of his crucifixion. But this was God’s divine plan all along! For you, for me, for the entire world! Everyone needs God’s compassion and grace, are you willing to accept it?

Campaigner Questions:

★ When have you had to make a sacrifice?

★ What is your reaction to the physical and emotional pain Jesus endured?

★ W h y w a s i t a b s o l u t e l y necessary for sinless Jesus to die?

★ What is the significance of the temple’s curtain torn in two?

★ Imagine yourself at the foot of the cross before a dying Jesus, what would you be thinking? What would you say?

The Resurrection Mark 16:1-8

TNIV - Mark 16:1-81 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesusʼ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”

4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

6 “Donʼt be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ʻHe is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.ʼ”

8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

The Message - Mark 16:1-81-3 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could embalm him. Very early on Sunday morning, as the sun rose, they went to the tomb. They worried out loud to each other, "Who will roll back the stone from the tomb for us?"

4-5 Then they looked up, saw that it had been rolled back—it was a huge stone—and walked right in. They saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed all in white. They were completely taken aback, astonished.

6-7 He said, "Don't be afraid. I know you're looking for Jesus the Nazarene, the One they nailed on the cross. He's been raised up; he's here no longer. You can see for yourselves that the place is empty. Now—on your way. Tell his disciples and Peter that he is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You'll see him there, exactly as he said."

8They got out as fast as they could, beside themselves, their heads swimming. Stunned, they said nothing to anyone.

The

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The ResurrectionThe Resurrection Mark 16:1-8

Thoughts on this passage:

It took three days for anyone to attend to Jesusʼ tomb because once the Sabbath (Saturday) was over, the women could buy oils for delayed embalming after sunrise on Sunday morning.

Jesus resurrection is absolutely necessary for salvation. If it did not happen, our faith is meaningless (1 Corinthians 5:17). Jesusʼ sacrificial death is the atonement of Godʼs wrath for our sins. But what good is a dead savior? Christʼs resurrection shows that sin had no power over him and that he ultimately defeated death and conquered sin. Because Jesus first resurrected into new life, we too can raise into new life in eternity with God.

Where kids are at?

Students may be skeptical of the resurrection. I mean, really- when have you ever seen a dead person walking? The resurrection is a miracle performed by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11), which seals our salvation.  Believing in Jesus Christ means believing in power of the resurrection!

Campaigner Questions:• Have you ever been surprised? What happened?• If you were the first to witness the empty tomb, what

would you have done?• What did the angel instruct the women to do? Why go tell

these people?• Why is the resurrection of Christ absolutely necessary for

our salvation?

T h e R i c h Y o u n g R u l e r

TNIV - Mark 10:17-2217 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”

20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”   22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

The Message - Mark 10:17-2217 As he went out into the street, a man came running up, greeted him with great reverence, and asked, "Good Teacher, what must I do to get eternal life?"

18-19 Jesus said, "Why are you calling me good? No one is good, only God. You know the commandments: Don't murder, don't commit adultery, don't steal, don't lie, don't cheat, honor your father and mother."

20 He said, "Teacher, I have—from my youth—kept them all!"

21 Jesus looked him hard in the eye—and loved him! He said, "There's one thing left: Go sell whatever you own and give it to the poor. All your wealth will then be heavenly wealth. And come follow me."

22 The man's face clouded over. This was the last thing he expected to hear, and he walked off with a heavy heart. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and not about to let go.

T h e R i c h Y o u n g R u l e rM a r k 1 0 : 1 7 - 2 2

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39

Thoughts on this passage:

The rich young ruler desired eternal life and thought he had done all the right things to earn it. However, Jesus confronted his unbelief because the man replaced direct trust in God and its reward (treasure in heaven) with his own earthly riches. This passage does not mean every Christian must sell ALL he owns; rather, the heart must be focused on God, and every possession yielded to God with a thankful heart. If our ‘stuff’ gets in the way of us worshiping and loving God, we must rethink what’s most important to us.

Where kids are at:

There are a lot of distractions in the World that keep our focus and worship off God. We desire instant gratification. It just so happens that money, popularity, clothes, video games, and other “stuff” gives us good feelings- only to send us searching for the next best thing. Kids are easily distracted away from God, and we need honestly evaluate the idols we serve. What do we truly love more?- the World or Jesus Christ?  

Campaigner Questions:• What is the most awesome

thing you own that you cannot be separated from?

• How would you respond to Jesus if you were the rich young man?

• Is it enough to be a “good” person to get to heaven?

• What “earthly possession(s)” is keeping you from whole heartedly following God?

Media to use: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu-1SrYGfkU

Derek Webb’s Rich Young Ruler Music Video

P a r a b l e o f t h e T a l e n t s

Matthew 25:14-30 - The Message

The Story About Investment

14-18 "It's also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master's investment. The second did the same. But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master's money.

19-21 "After a long absence, the master of those three servants came back and settled up with them. The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. His master commended him: 'Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.'

22-23 "The servant with the two thousand showed how he also had doubled his master's investment. His master commended him: 'Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.'

24-25 "The servant given one thousand said, 'Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.'

26-27 "The master was furious. 'That's a terrible way to live! It's criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest.

28-30 "'Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this "play-it-safe" who won't go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness.'

Matthew 25:14-30 - Today's New International Version

The Parable of the Bags of Gold 14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and

gained five bags more. 17 So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 18 But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ 21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ 22 “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’ 23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ 24 “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ 26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. 28 “‘Take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. 29 For those who have will be given more, and they will have an abundance. As for those who do not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Thoughts on this passage:

In this passage the three servants are given different amounts of money or talents based on their ability. A talent in this parable is the name given to a large amount of money. The master in this instance expected each of the servants to take what was given them and use it wisely. Each was given the responsibility to work while the master was gone. Two of the servants did well and both doubled the amount that there were given. The amount didn’t matter, but what the servants did with what they were given mattered. Fair is not always equal. The lesson to look at here is what the third servant did, well rather did not do. They were given the responsibility to take what they were given and increase this amount, but instead the servant hid the talents and waited until the master got back. Each servant was expected to make the most of what they were given, but only two out of the three completed the task.

Campaigner Questions:

• If you were given a large amount of money and asked to take care of it, what would you do with it?

• What do you do with money that you earn or receive?

• How does the master react to the third servant? Do you think this is a fair reaction to the situation? Yes or no and why?

• Does it matter that each servant is given a different amount of money to handle? Why?

• What lesson can we take from this parable that Jesus told? How can we apply this to our lives today?

What does this passage have to do with where kids are at?

This passage allows kids to take a stock of where they are spiritually. With the multiple examples of faith or lack of faith in this story, there is an opportunity for kids to identify with at least one. It allows kids to see where they are putting their time and energy. They are putting their time and effort in other things than spiritual things, can make kids feel empty.

The lesson that kids can take from this passage is that we should make the most of what we are given. Taking what we are given and working hard displays responsibility, as well as being a good servant. God does not tolerate laziness, which is displayed in verse 26 where it states, ““His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant!” Hard work, discipline, as well as a servant like attitude are what God wants from His people.

Media to use:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUtXrQ_ZAOk(lego clip of parable of the talents 2 minutes long)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0LzqB1ehTE(business owner 2 minutes)

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=9020C1NU(cartoon story)