Dealing without

Read Matthew 3:1-6, 13-17, and 11:1-6 together as a group. Consider dividing the different sections among your students so several people have a chance to read.

SAY SOMETHING LIKE: In the first passage, from Matthew 3, we read about John the Baptist baptizing people, and we see what happened when Jesus was baptized: God the Father’s voice boomed from heaven, saying he was proud of Jesus, his Son. But just a little while later, in the second passage (MAtthew 11:1-6), we find John wondering about who Jesus really was.

1. It’s normal to have questions about Jesus

ASK:

Imagine being there when Jesus is baptized—and having the ability to use social media back then. You hear God the Father’s voice, saying Jesus is his Son, and that the Father is pleased with Jesus. What message or image would you send out to all your followers? Why?

John was the person who baptized Jesus, yet he later had doubts and sent messengers to question Jesus. At that time, John was in prison—when has a stressful or overwhelming situation created doubt in your life?

In the Matthew 11 verses, it doesn’t appear that Jesus is upset or disappointed in John, even though he had doubts or questions—why is that important?

SAY SOMETHING LIKE: So if it’s both normal and okay to have doubts about Jesus or other faith stuff, we have to figure out what to do with our doubts. It doesn’t seem all that helpful to let them just sit there, unaddressed and unexamined. There must be some action we can take that will help us.

2. Honestly bring your doubts to Jesus

ASK:

What risks do you take by talking to Jesus about your doubts? What risks do you take by not talking to him?

When have you felt that it was wrong or even sinful to doubt? Do you still feel that way? Explain.

What do you know about Jesus that might tell you he’s okay with any doubt or question you might have?

What do you do with your questions or doubts about who Jesus was or is?

Don’t answer this right away. Just answer to yourself: What doubts do you have about Jesus? What are you unsure of? [Pause.] Would anyone be willing to share any of your doubts? If not, that’s okay—what’s most important is that you honestly take those doubts to Jesus. [NOTE: Don’t force the issue—the goal is simply to provide an opportunity for anyone who wants to talk.]

SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Jesus’ response to John’s question is very interesting. Notice that Jesus didn’t directly answer the question. Instead, he instructed the messengers to notice what he was doing—healing the sick, performing miracles, sharing the Good News—and report that back to John.

3. Look at the life and actions of Jesus

SAY SOMETHING LIKE: Jesus seems to be saying that if we have questions or doubts about who he is, we can look at his actions—we can learn about his character by seeing what he does and doesn’t do. For us, that means reading about Jesus in the Bible, and looking at Jesus in action in our world today.

ASK:

Based on what you’ve read about Jesus in the Bible—not just what you’ve heard about him—what matters most to Jesus?

Based on what you’ve read about Jesus, what does Jesus think about you?

How do you see Jesus in action in the world today? Be as specific as you can.

Once you identify where Jesus is in action in our world today, how does that help you deal with your doubts about him or about faith?

EXTRA DISCUSSION [optional]

Ask students to form groups of two or three for these questions.

ASK:

Talk together to identify a doubt or question about faith that you all share, or one that is common for junior highers.

What do you know about Jesus that can help you with that doubt or question?

Bring everyone back together, and ask for volunteers to share answers to the previous questions, as time permits.

LIVING IT OUT

ASK:

What adult could listen to your doubts and questions and help you think about them?

How can you make it a habit to take your doubts to Jesus?

How can we make our group a place where it’s really okay to be honest about our doubts—or make it an even safer place, if you already feel comfortable talking about your doubts here?

SAY SOMETHING LIKE: We want this to be a place of honesty, where all of us can safely talk about our questions and doubts. We believe Jesus is pleased when this happens. If you think our group doesn’t feel like a place where you can be honest, I’d love to talk about that, so we can grow together in that direction.

Ask students to each find a quiet spot in your meeting area for a few minutes of prayer and reflection about their doubts. Consider praying together as a group or asking if any students would like prayer from the rest of the group.

SUMMARY

Provide a quick summary or take-home challenge based on (1) this lesson’s content, (2) the dialogue that took place today, (3) your understanding of the issues and struggles your teenagers are facing, and (4) the big picture of your youth ministry and what your leadership team wants accomplished with the teaching and discussion time.

FOR KEEPS [MEMORY VERSE]

Encourage and/or challenge your teenagers to memorize the Scripture below.

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest’ ” (Matthew 11:28).