Bible   READ:  John 6:32-35

slideshare DISCUSS:  Talk to your youth about your favorite foods. What foods do you have that remind you of your childhood? Do you still eat them regularly? Beyond just taste and nutrients, do these provide you with anything in particular like memories? In these verses, Jesus is talking about Himself as the Bread of Life. Why do you think He is comparing Himself to something so common or so mundane? What do you think is the point he’s trying to emphasize here?

Praying Hands   PRAY:  God, help us to see your involvement in our lives as being as necessary to us as simple nourishment. We pray that we don’t see you as something ‘additional’ to our day-to-day lives but, rather, as something essential and daily.

Bible   READ:  John 8:12

slideshare DISCUSS:  Talk to your youth about whether you/they were ever afraid of the dark when you were younger? If so, how long until you grew out of it (if you did)? What is it about the dark that is so frightening to begin with? Is it just that you’re in the unknown or could it be something deeper? Jesus uses another comparison here to explain who He is. What connections do you see between Jesus’ guidance and a light?

Praying Hands   PRAY:  God, we pray that we might follow your light as a guide in the world. Even when things seem at their darkest, help us to remember your light that is always with us.

Bible   READ:  John 10:14-18

slideshare DISCUSS:  Talk with your youth about how well you think you know each other. Maybe ask a few questions about your ‘favorites’, your histories, or opinions. Who knows each other better? Why do you think that is? In these verses, Jesus is talking about Jesus knowing His flock (us). Do you feel like Jesus really knows who you are on a deep, personal level? Do you know Him? If not, how can you learn to know Him better?

Praying Hands   PRAY:  God, thank you for being a part of our lives. We pray that we can learn to follow you and know you better than we do now. 

Bible   READ:  John 11:25-26

slideshare DISCUSS:  This is a heavy one but take a few minutes to talk to your youth about where you may have experienced death in your lives. A family member, a friend, even just a pet. How do you both feel around losing someone you care about? Are these words from Jesus comforting at all? Have you ever thought about the resurrection Jesus promises here?

Praying Hands   PRAY:  God, we pray that we can look to you for comfort when we are experiencing loss in our lives. Help us to remember your words here and accept you at your word.