Youth Sermon: Unity In Him

Introduction

Start by showing the teenagers a bundle of pencils. Ask them if they think they can break the bundle of pencils in half. Most likely, they won't be able to do it. Now, take out one pencil and ask if they can break just one pencil. They should be able to do it easily. Explain that when we are united, we are stronger, just like the bundle of pencils. But when we are divided, we are weaker, like the single pencil.

Today, we're going to talk about something that Jesus really cared about - unity. That means getting along with each other and working together, even when we're different. Jesus prayed for unity among His followers, and we can experience the power of His resurrection when we choose to live in unity with one another, despite our differences.

When we are united, we are stronger, just like the bundle of pencils. But when we are divided, we are weaker, like the single pencil.

Jesus Prays for Unity

So, in John 17, Jesus is praying for His disciples and for all the people who would believe in Him in the future - that's us! He prayed that we would be one, just like He and the Father are one. Jesus wanted us to be united in love, just like He and the Father are united in love.

Now, I know what you're thinking - it's not always easy to get along with everyone, right? We have different opinions, different interests, and sometimes we just don't see eye to eye. But Jesus knew that when we are united, we are stronger, just like that bundle of pencils.

Living in Unity

In Ephesians 4, Paul talks about how we should live in unity with one another. He says we should be humble, gentle, and patient with each other. We should make every effort to keep the unity of peace that Jesus gave us. And why should we do this? Because we all have the same Spirit, the same hope, and the same God and Father.

So, how can we apply this idea of unity to our lives? Well, think about your friends, your family, and even the people at school or church that you don't get along with. What if you chose to be humble, gentle, and patient with them? What if you chose to focus on the things you have in common, rather than the things that divide you?

When we choose to live in unity with one another, we can accomplish so much more than we can on our own. We can be a powerful force for good in the world, just like Jesus wanted us to be.

Let's remember that Jesus prayed for us to be united, and He gave us the power to do it through His resurrection. Let's choose to live in unity with one another, even when it's hard, and see the amazing things we can accomplish together.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for praying for our unity. Help us to be humble, gentle, and patient with one another. Give us the strength to focus on what we have in common, rather than what divides us. Help us to be a powerful force for good in the world, just like You wanted us to be. Amen.

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. Why is unity among believers important to Jesus?

2. How can we work towards unity in our own lives and relationships?

3. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate unity with other believers?

4. How does unity in Christ impact our witness to the world?

5. Share a time when you experienced unity with other believers and how it impacted you.

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Unity Puzzle
• Group Activity: Building Bridges
• Youth Challenge: Unity Challenge