Youth Sermon: Love Starts with a Name

Remembering Names

How cool is it when someone remembers your name? It makes you feel seen, right? Like you matter. That's where love starts - with a name.

Imagine you're at a party, and there's a bowl of M&Ms. You're told you can only pick one. You pick one, and it has a name on it. That's right, a name. That M&M represents a person in your life. Remembering their name is the first step to showing them love.

That's where love starts - with a name.

The Story of Zaccheus

Remember Zaccheus from the Bible? Dude was a tax collector, not exactly Mr. Popular. He was short and couldn't see Jesus in the crowd, so he climbed a tree. Jesus, knowing his name, called out, 'Zaccheus, get down here. I'm coming over.' People were ticked because Zaccheus was a sinner. But Jesus saw past that. He knew his name.

[Read passage]

Jesus knows the names of everyone in our lives. Your ex, the kid who bullies you, your annoying neighbor, the stranger you pass on the street. He knows their names, and they matter just as much as you do.

The Challenge

To love someone, you gotta know their name and their story. You gotta put them first, just like Jesus did.

Here's your challenge. In the next 6 hours, learn someone's name. Ask about their story. Pray for them. Get to know them.

Remembering someone's name is powerful. It makes them feel seen, loved, and important. Let's start building relationships by learning names and stories. Let's put others first and show them Jesus' love.

Prayer

God, help us to remember names, to listen to stories, and to show your love. Amen.

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. Why is knowing someone's name important in showing love?

2. How did Jesus show love to Zaccheus by knowing his name?

3. Who is someone you can get to know better this week?

4. How can knowing someone's name lead to deeper relationships?

5. What are some ways you can remember people's names?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Name Bingo
• Group Activity: Name Story Circle
• Youth Challenge: Know a Name Challenge