Youth Sermon: God Suffers with Us

Jesus Gets It

You know how sometimes life just sucks? Well, Jesus gets it. He knew He was about to go through some really rough stuff, like dying on a cross. But He also knew that by going through that, He'd be able to help a lot of people. Just like when you're playing a tough level in a video game, you know it's going to be hard, but you also know that if you beat it, you'll level up. Jesus leveled up for us.

Jesus, thanks for getting us and for going through all that tough stuff. Help us to keep going, even when life gets hard. Amen.

God's With Us in the Tough Stuff

God loves us so much that He didn't just go through tough stuff for us, He's with us when we're going through our own tough stuff. Jesus felt all the same things we do - sadness, anger, fear. He gets it. And He's right there with us, even when it feels like we're alone.

God's Power Shines in the Tough Stuff

You know how in movies, the hero always shines brightest in the darkest moments? That's like Jesus. He turned the cross, which was a symbol of shame, into a symbol of love and power. And then He came back to life, showing that nothing can beat God's love.

We're Called to Be There for Others

Jesus said that if we want to follow Him, we need to be willing to go through tough stuff for others. It's like when your friend is having a hard time and you stay up late to talk to them, even though you're tired. That's what Jesus did for us, and that's what we're called to do for others.

Life Application

This week, try to be there for someone else. Maybe it's a friend who's going through a tough time, or maybe it's someone at school who's being bullied. Show them that they're not alone, just like Jesus shows us we're not alone.

Small Group Breakout Questions

Breakout Group Questions:

1. How does knowing that God suffers with us impact your understanding of God's love?

2. Can you share a time when you felt God's presence in your suffering?

3. How can we follow Jesus' example and co-suffer with others?

4. What are some practical ways we can show compassion and empathy to others?

5. How does suffering reveal God's glory?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Ice Breaker: "Walk in My Shoes"
• Group Activity: Youth Group Activity: "Cross of Compassion"
• Youth Challenge: Weekly Challenge: "Co-Suffering Love in Action"