Youth Sermon: Can I Get a Witness?

Introduction

Hey guys! Today we're diving into the book of John. Now, don't get confused, there are two Johns we're talking about here - John the Baptist, the dude who baptized people in the desert and John the Apostle, the guy who wrote this book and was super tight with Jesus. Today's passage is all about John the Baptist.

Read John 1:6-8

John the Baptist was sent by God to be a witness, to tell people about Jesus, the light. Even though John the Baptist didn't say Jesus was the light, John the Apostle tells us that's why he was here.

John the Apostle knew Jesus way better than John the Baptist did because he hung out with him more. We've got the same advantage because we know Jesus through the Holy Spirit, our own experiences, and the Bible. We've got a lot going for us, but just like John the Baptist, we're called to be witnesses of Jesus.

We've got a lot going for us, but just like John the Baptist, we're called to be witnesses of Jesus.

Object Lesson

Imagine you're in a pitch-black room, and you can't see anything. It's scary, right? But then, someone turns on a flashlight. Suddenly, you can see everything clearly. That's what Jesus does. He's like that flashlight, showing us the way in a dark world.

Main Teaching

So, how do we become witnesses for Jesus?

John the Baptist knew his role. He knew he wasn't the main event, but he was there to get the crowd ready. He didn't let his ego get in the way. We need to understand our role too. We're not the light, but we're here to point people to it.

How can you live out your calling? Maybe it's being kind to the new kid at school, standing up for someone who's being bullied, or just being there for a friend who's having a tough time. When they ask why, you can point them to Jesus. That's being a witness.

God is light. There's no darkness in Him - no anger, revenge, or hatred. Jesus shows us exactly what God is like. And if there's no darkness in Jesus, there's no darkness in God.

Isn't that awesome? We get to show others this God of light and love. We can live in a way that shows others what God is really like.

Keep it simple. Love and serve the people around you. When they ask why, just say you're passing along the love you've received. That's being a witness to the light and love of Christ.

Life Application

This week, think about how you can be a witness. Maybe it's helping out at home without being asked, or being kind to someone at school who's having a tough time. Remember, you're not the light, but you can point people to it.

Conclusion

John the Baptist was a witness to the light, and we know even more about Jesus than he did. We know that God is light and there's no darkness in Him. Let's be known as witnesses to the light. Let's love and serve those around us, pointing them to Jesus. Let's pray together.

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. How do you understand your identity in Christ?

2. What do you think it means to be a witness for Jesus?

3. How can you be a light in someone's life this week?

4. What are some ways you can point others to Jesus?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Light in the Darkness
• Group Activity: Identity and Calling Collage
• Youth Challenge: Be a Light Challenge