Youth Sermon: He is the Way

Introduction

Hey everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super cool that happened in the Bible. But first, let me show you something. (Hold up a flashlight.) You see this flashlight? It's pretty useful when it's dark, right? It helps us see the way and not trip over stuff. Keep this flashlight in mind as we dive into our message today.

Keep this flashlight in mind as we dive into our message today.

The Transfiguration

So, in the Bible, there's this story about Jesus and three of his closest friends, Peter, James, and John. They went up on a mountain, and something incredible happened. Jesus' face started shining like the sun, and his clothes became super bright! It was like Jesus was the ultimate flashlight, showing his true identity as the Son of God.

We're going to read about this in Matthew 17:1-9. (Read the passage.)

Isn't that an awesome story? Jesus showed his true self to his friends, and even God spoke from heaven, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" That's a big deal, guys. God was telling them that Jesus is the real deal, and they should listen to him.

Jesus, The Spiritual Flashlight

Now, remember our flashlight? Just like the flashlight helps us see in the dark, Jesus is like a spiritual flashlight, showing us the way to God. In fact, he even said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). That means Jesus is the only way to have a relationship with God and get to heaven.

So, what does this mean for us? Well, first, we need to see Jesus for who he really is - the Son of God and our Savior. We need to trust that he's the way, the truth, and the life. And we need to follow his teachings and live like he did, loving others and showing them the way to God.

But sometimes, we might be scared or unsure about following Jesus. That's okay. Remember when Peter, James, and John were terrified on the mountain? Jesus told them, "Don't be afraid." He's telling us the same thing. We don't need to be afraid because Jesus is with us, guiding us like a flashlight in the dark.

Conclusion

So, let's make a commitment today to trust Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. Let's follow his teachings and show others the way to God. And when we're scared or unsure, let's remember that Jesus is with us, shining his light and guiding us every step of the way.

Let's pray together:

"Lord, thank you for showing us who you really are. Help us to trust you as the way, the truth, and the life. Guide us like a flashlight in the dark, and help us to show others the way to you. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. How do you see Jesus in your own life? Is He just a mentor or truly the Son of God and your Savior?

2. What does it mean to follow Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life?

3. How can you better honor Jesus as your Savior and follow His teachings more closely?

4. In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust Jesus as the only way to salvation?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Secret Identity Charades
• Group Activity: Create a "Who is Jesus?" Collage
• Youth Challenge: Read and Share