Youth Sermon: The Way of the Cross

Introduction

You know how in a game of Mad Libs, you have a million choices and it's all a bit crazy? Well, life can feel like that too. But in the middle of all that, Jesus is like, Hey, forget about yourself for a minute, and follow me.

Hey, forget about yourself for a minute, and follow me.

Object Lesson

Imagine you're at a crossroads with two paths. One path is smooth, easy, and full of fun stuff. The other path is rocky, uphill, and looks tough. Most of us would choose the easy path, right? But Jesus is pointing to the rocky path and saying, This is the way. Follow me.

Main Teaching

In Mark 8:31-38, Jesus is straight-up about how He's going to die, and Peter just can't handle it. Jesus tells Peter off, saying that the cross, as tough as it is, is part of God's plan. We might not like the idea of suffering, but sometimes it's what we need to grow and heal.

The Way of the Cross

Jesus says that if we want to be His followers, we've got to forget about ourselves and carry our own cross. That means we've got to stop being selfish and start living like Jesus did, putting others first.

What's a Soul Worth?

You've seen those rich and famous people who seem to have it all, but they're still not happy. That's because our souls need something more, something deeper. And that's where God comes in. When we find joy in God, we find real satisfaction.

Wholeheartedly and Unashamedly

Jesus warns us not to be embarrassed about Him or His words. We should put Him first, no matter what anyone else thinks.

Life Application

So, what does this mean for us? It means living for Jesus, not just on Sundays, but every day. It means standing up for what we believe in, even when it's hard. And it means finding our real joy in God, not in stuff or popularity.

Conclusion

Let's be real, living for Jesus isn't always easy. But it's the best way to live. So let's be bold, let's be brave, and let's live for Jesus, no matter what.

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. What does it mean to you to deny yourself and take up your cross? 2. How can you prioritize your relationship with God above all else? 3. What are some ways you can live unashamedly and passionately for Christ? 4. How can you find true contentment in God?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Mad Libs: Life Choices
• Group Activity: Self-Sacrifice Challenge
• Youth Challenge: Unashamed Declaration