High School Experience #2
Discussion Goal: Gratitude isn’t just felt — it’s expressed. We respond to God’s goodness with thankfulness in our words and actions.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter)
What’s one small thing this week that made you smile — even if it felt random or unexpected?
If you had to write a thank-you note to someone right now (e.g., friend, teacher, coach, etc.), who would it be and why?
Review
Ask youth to share their favorite points from the sermon, what spoke to them, a phrase or moment from the sermon they related to the most, or questions they have. If youth have a hard time recalling the sermon, talk through your notes and share your favorite points.
Think It Through (and Talk It Out)
Leader Tip: The goal of discussion is to have youth talk about God, ask and wrestle with questions, and grow and own their faith. Below are three questions to get the group talking. Use additional questions as time allows.
Read Luke 17:11–19. Why do you think only one man came back to thank Jesus — and what made him different from the other nine?
We’re living in the very days the prophets talked about – days full of distraction, division, and negativity (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Why do you think gratitude matters now more than ever? How can it help you stay close to God instead of being pulled away by everything else?
We heard that "gratitude isn't just a thought — it's expressed." What’s one way you can express your gratitude to God this week. What difference do you think it would make?
Pray It Out
God, thank You for all You’ve done — for healing, for saving, and for being so patient with us. Help us to be like the one who came back, not just feeling grateful, but expressing it. Teach us to choose joy, even in hard moments, and to live each day with a heart that honors You. May our words, worship, and actions reflect the gratitude we carry for who You are. Amen.
Additional Questions
When you’re going through hard times, do you find it easy or difficult to be grateful? Why do you think both grieving and gratitude can exist at the same time?
Pastor Michael said, "You are one 'thank you' away from your next breakthrough." What’s something you haven’t thanked God for yet — and how can you return to Him with gratitude?
Who in your life do you feel you haven't shown enough gratitude toward? What would it look like to change that this week?
Read Exodus 15:22-26. Have bitter waters — like disappointments, stress, or comparison — made you forget the goodness of God lately? What can help you remember what God has already done?
Pastor Michael emphasized two big truths: “Gratitude makes you the minority.” and “Gratitude will move you.”
Which of those is most challenging for you right now, and why?
What’s one step you can take to lean into gratitude instead of grumbling this week?