Middle School Week 2 (October 15): Identity
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: What Jesus says about you matters most, and that’s the message others need to hear too.
Leader Tip
This week’s passage shows how Jesus redefines identity when He meets the woman at the well (John 4:1-30). As students share what they notice, remind them that Jesus meets us where we are but doesn’t leave us there — He gives us a new future.
As you facilitate discussion, connect their observations back to the discussion goal: What Jesus says about you matters most, and that’s the message others need to hear too. Encourage students to name labels or opinions they feel weighed down by, then point them back to the truth of who Jesus says they are.
If the conversation gets stuck, try asking:
What new identity did Jesus give the woman at the well?
How does it change things when we see ourselves the way Jesus sees us?
Your role isn’t to correct every thought but to help students discover that identity in Christ is stronger than any label the world gives.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter):
If you could be known as one thing (or something people would say is an important part of your identity), what would it be? (e.g., funny, athletic, smart, dependable, honest, etc.)
Optional Icebreaker Game: “True or False Labels”
Write silly labels on cards. (e.g., “banana eater,” “world’s best dancer,” “can talk to squirrels,” etc.) Students draw a card and stick it to their forehead without looking. One at a time, they ask yes/no questions to figure out their label.
SAY: People can stick all kinds of labels on us, but the only one that really matters is what Jesus says about us.
Open God’s Word:
As a group, read John 4:1-30. (Consider splitting up passages so everyone has a chance to read.)
Leader Say: “In this story, Jesus meets the woman at the well right where she was, but He didn’t leave her there. He redefined her story and gave her a new future. What Jesus says about us matters most — more than labels, opinions, or mistakes. Let’s dig into how that changes the way we see ourselves.”
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: Lord, thank You for meeting us right where we are and loving us too much to leave us there. We confess the times we’ve believed labels that weren’t from You. Remind us daily that our true identity is in what You say about us, not in what the world says. Help us live boldly and confidently in that truth. Amen.
Additional Questions (use as needed)
Make a list of how the world defines you and how Jesus defines you. Share at least one thing with your group about how the world defines you and how it’s different from the way Jesus defines you. Encourage each other.
Read John 4:7-10 again. How did others see the woman at the well? How did Jesus see her?
After speaking to Jesus, the woman went and shared His words to the very people that rejected her. Why do you think she was willing to share what she learned with people who had rejected her?
The Samaritan woman went from ashamed to outspoken. Where in your life do you need courage to be bold about your faith? How can your identity in Jesus help you do that?