Middle School Week 1 (October 8): Saved & Called
Series Overview – Saved & Sent
When students know who Jesus really is, they’ll understand who they really are — and realize they’re called to show the world what He’s done. They will learn they’re not just saved by Jesus. They’re sent by Him.
Series Verses:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
“Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” John 20:21
Discussion Goal: You don’t have to know everything to share Jesus. Just be willing to follow where He leads.
Leader Tip
This series is designed to help students engage in scripture for themselves. That means your role isn’t to give all the answers but to guide students as they notice, question, and apply what they read. Encourage honest reflection and give space for discussion.
As you listen, look for ways to connect their insights back to this week’s discussion goal: You don’t have to know everything to share Jesus. Just be willing to follow where He leads.
If conversation drifts, redirect with a question like:
How does this story show us that Jesus really sees us?
What would it look like to live authentically because of what Jesus says about you?
Remember: the goal is not just a good discussion, but helping students see how this passage connects to the bigger truth of the week. Celebrate their discoveries, and remind them they are both saved and called.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter):
You have to follow someone around all day and do exactly what they do. Who would you choose and why?
Optional Icebreaker Game: “Spot the One”
Have one student leave the room briefly. While they’re gone, the group quietly agrees on a simple movement pattern (like clap twice, stomp once, spin, then sit). However, one person will intentionally switch the order of two of the actions (like clap twice, spin, stomp once, then sit) or do something else in place of one of the actions.
The student returns and must quickly figure out who isn’t following the same pattern. Then select a new person to sit out while the group decides a new pattern and someone who won’t quite follow it.
SAY: The person sitting out didn’t know everything at the start — they just had to pay attention and watch for one person. Following Jesus is like that. You don’t have to know everything, you just have to pay attention to Him and be willing to follow His lead.
Open God’s Word:
As a group, read John 1:43-51. (Consider splitting up the passage so everyone has a chance to read.)
Leader Say:
“We just read about how Jesus called Philip and Nathanael. Jesus saw Nathanael completely — even his doubts — and still chose him. This reminds us that Jesus sees us fully too, and He still calls us to follow Him. Let’s talk about what that means for us today.”
⬆️ Leader Tip: Take your time reading the passage, and encourage your group to ask questions as you go if they need help understanding something. The "Leader Say" will help you connect what they just read to what we're learning this week.
Think It Through (and Talk It Out)
What are some things you noticed in this scripture? What stood out to you the most?
How did you feel challenged or encouraged? Why?
How can you apply what you read? What will you do differently moving forward?
Pray: Jesus, thank You for seeing us fully — every doubt, every weakness, every strength — and still choosing us. Help us believe that You’ve called us on purpose and for a purpose. Give us courage to invite others to know You, not from a place of faking it, but from living honestly in Your love. Use our authentic lives to point people toward You. Amen.
Additional Questions (use as needed)
Read Psalms 139:1-4. Think about your daily life. (e.g., school, sports, online, etc.) Where do you feel most unseen? What would it look like to live with confidence that Jesus sees you there?
Look back at John 1:43-45. Philip meets Jesus and immediately goes to Nathanael. Have you ever invited someone to church or shared about Jesus? What made you want to do that (or what might make you want to in the future)
Do you have to know everything to share about Jesus? Why or why not?
How might sharing Jesus with those around you change things? For you? For others?