The Jesus Way Introduction
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Object Lesson: "My Way vs. The Jesus Way"
"Tonight we're going to discover something. Most of us want Jesus as our Savior, but the question is: Do we really want to live His way?"
I’m Going to read a series of situations. Your job is to move to the side of the room that represents how you would naturally respond.
Be Honest
There are no wrong answers.
Don't choose what sounds spiritual.
Choose what you would actually do.
Scenario #1: The Rumor
"Someone at school spreads a rumor about you that isn't true."
My Way
Get even.
Talk about them.
Embarrass them publicly.
The Jesus Way
Forgive.
Refuse revenge.
Pray for them.
Which response did Jesus command?
Scenario #2: The Excluded Student
"You notice someone sitting alone during lunch."
My Way
Ignore them.
Stay comfortable.
Let somebody else talk to them.
The Jesus Way
Invite them over.
Introduce yourself.
Include them.
Scenario #3: The Lie
"You forgot your homework. Your teacher asks why."
My Way
Make up an excuse.
Blame someone else.
The Jesus Way
Tell the truth.
Accept responsibility.
Scenario #4: The Social Media Post
"Someone posts something rude about you online."
My Way
Fire back.
Start an argument.
Post something worse.
The Jesus Way
Respond with grace.
Stay silent.
Refuse revenge.
Scenario #5: The Popularity Test
"You have a chance to fit in by making fun of someone."
My Way
Join in.
Protect your reputation.
The Jesus Way
Stand up for them.
Walk away.
Show kindness.
Introduction:
"Which side did you stand on most often?"
If we our honest with ourselves, we probably find ourselves responding My way more often than we like to admit.
"That's exactly why we need Jesus."
When we went to the Unite Youth Rally in Edmond a dew weeks ago we sang a new song called the Jesus Way. This song is where I got the theme for our Wednesday classes this year. As we begin I want us to listen to this song and I hope we can learn it over time and sing it as a group and as a congregation because I think it is a message that we need to be reminded of every day.
Play Song
What would it look like to actually live the Jesus Way every day of our lives?
As we begin this series there are a few things that we need to remember.
1. Jesus Didn't Just Come to Save Us. He Came to Show Us How to Live.
For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
Jesus isn't only our Savior. Jesus is also our example. He is our rabbi. Explain…
Our rabbi taught us how to live his way when it comes to how we are to:
· love
· forgive
· Serve
· Handle opposition
· How to trust God
If we are going to be students of Jesus than our job is to learn his Way.
2. The Jesus Way Is Different From The World's Way
Scripture
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
What do we learn from this verse?
The world says:
· Get even.
· Put yourself first.
· Fight for status.
· Hold grudges.
Jesus says:
· Forgive.
· Serve.
· Love your enemies.
· Put others first.
· The Jesus Way is often the opposite of what comes naturally.
3.
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Jesus said we are to follow Him daily. The Jesus Way isn't something we do once.
It's:
· How we treat friends
· How we respond to parents
· How we act at school
· How we post online
· How we handle conflict
The Jesus way it not something we do at church or with our Christian friends. If we live the Jesus way than we must choose everyday that we are going to respond to every situation in our life, the way Jesus would respond. Remember the old saying; what would Jesus do?
Every day we choose whose way we're going to follow.
Discussion Questions
What topic are you most excited to study this year?
Closing Illustration:
Lay two ropes on the floor leading in opposite directions.
Point to one rope.
"One path is easy, natural, and popular."
Point to the other.
"The other path is the way Jesus walked."
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
"During every class on Wednesday night this year, we're going to answer one question: Am I choosing my way or The Jesus Way?"
Which path or way will you choose?
Challenge for the Week
Every morning this week, pray:
"Jesus, help me live Your way today."
Then ask yourself throughout the day:
"What would Jesus do in this situation?"
Closing Prayer
"Jesus, thank You for showing us how to live. As we begin this journey of learning Your way, help us to become more like You. Teach us to love, forgive, serve, and trust You every day. Let our lives reflect Your heart. Amen."
