Youth Sermon: Faithfully Follow Jesus

Introduction

Today, we're going to talk about what it means to go all in for Jesus. You know, sometimes we think we know Jesus, but we don't really follow Him. So, let's dive in and see what happens when we decide to follow Jesus completely.

Object Lesson: Grab a backpack and fill it with random items (books, clothes, snacks, etc.). As you pull out each item, explain how these things can represent different parts of our lives that we might be holding onto instead of fully following Jesus. The goal is to show that when we go all in for Jesus, we need to let go of these things and trust Him with every part of our lives.

The goal is to show that when we go all in for Jesus, we need to let go of these things and trust Him with every part of our lives.

Following Jesus Gives Us a New Identity

Think about who you look up to and try to be like. Maybe it's a celebrity, a friend, or a family member. But when we follow Jesus, He gives us a new identity. Check out this story in the Bible:

Read Matthew 4:18-20

Jesus called Peter and Andrew, who were fishermen, to follow Him. He didn't ask them to stop being fishermen, but instead, He showed them how to use their skills for a higher purpose - to fish for people and change the world. So, when we follow Jesus, He can use our passions and talents for His kingdom too.

Following Jesus Makes Our Wrongs Right

We all mess up sometimes, right? But the good news is that when we follow Jesus, He forgives us and makes our wrongs right. Let's look at another story about Peter:

Read John 13:37-38 and John 21:15-17

Peter messed up big time by denying Jesus three times. But Jesus forgave him and gave him a new mission. So, when we mess up, we can turn back to Jesus, and He'll make things right again.

Following Jesus Makes Us Whole

Sometimes we try to fill our lives with stuff that doesn't really satisfy us. But when we follow Jesus, He makes us whole. Listen to what the Bible says:

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:23

God wants to make us whole in every way. When we decide to follow Jesus, He'll work in every part of our lives to make us more like Him.

Conclusion

So, what does this mean for us? It means that we need to go all in for Jesus. We need to trust Him with every part of our lives and let Him lead us. This week, think about one area of your life where you can go all in for Jesus. Maybe it's your friendships, your hobbies, or how you spend your time. Ask God to help you follow Him in that area.

Let's pray: "Lord, thank you for giving us a new identity, making our wrongs right, and making us whole. Help us to go all in for you and follow you in every part of our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. How has following Jesus changed your identity?

2. Can you think of a time when Jesus made a wrong right in your life?

3. In what ways has Jesus made you whole?

4. How can you use your passions and talents to serve God and others?

5. What does it mean to you to go all in for Jesus?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Identity Charades
• Group Activity: Passion Pursuit
• Youth Challenge: Follow Jesus Challenge