Middle School Week 3 (September 17): Go Big
Series Verses:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” (Romans 1:16-17)
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us… ” (Ephesians 3:20)
Discussion Goal: Big steps require boldness, but they also build it.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter)
You get to take a very bold step: You can change one big rule or law, and EVERYONE has to follow it. What change would you make? (e.g., no work or school on Mondays, you can get your driver’s license at age 12, school stops after 8th grade, etc.)
Optional activity: Bold Steps
Movement challenge: See who in the group can take the longest step without falling over! For it to be considered a step, they have to be able to take another step directly after. (e.g., Doing a split wouldn’t count, because you can’t take another step after you get into that position.) Online groups, use your cameras to show your steps, and the group will vote on whose looked the longest!
Think It Through (and Talk It Out)
Leader Tip: Choose questions that resonate with your group’s age, experiences, and current understanding. There’s no pressure to cover all the questions — pick the ones that fit your group the best.
Read Mark 12:41-44. What might have looked like a small thing was actually a very bold step by the widow. What can we learn from this?
Big steps require boldness. When you think about faith, what could be some examples of “big steps”? How can those also build our faith when we do them?
Read John 12:3-6. Mary showed a bold example of public faith that others looked down on. What keeps us from being bold in our faith? What acts of worship or devotion feel risky to you because others might judge them?
Are there small steps you can take to begin building your boldness?
Pray: Jesus, give us the courage to step out in bold faith. Help us, like Mary, focus on You over what others think. In Your name we pray, amen.
Additional Questions
What’s something big or challenging you feel God might be asking you to do, even if it feels scary or uncomfortable? (e.g., get baptized, invite a friend to church, tell a family member about the gospel, changing your friend circle, stopping a certain behavior, etc.)
What helps you find the courage to take on something that feels too big for you?
Tell the group a “big step” you’d like to take by the end of the year. How can the group support you?