High 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: Your story doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Jesus will use it to reach others.
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: Your story doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Jesus will use it to reach others. 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 and how He can and will use anyone.
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? How does it change the way we see our story and its potential to help someone else?
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 and that Jesus wants to use our stories to help others.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter):
If you had to wear a t-shirt that described you with just one word, what would it say?
Open God’s Word:
As a group, read John 4:1-30. (Consider splitting up passages so everyone has a chance to read.)
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)
What’s one “label” you’ve felt defined by (positive or negative)? How has that impacted the way you see yourself or the way you think others see you?
Read John 4:7-10. Jesus didn’t let how the world defined Him or the Samaritan woman keep Him from talking to her. What “identities” have you been living in that aren’t what Jesus wants for you? (e.g., from a broken home, not smart, unwanted, unimportant, no one cares about you, etc.)
Look at John 4:16-19. Jesus knew her past but didn’t shame her — He invited her into something new. Why do you think Jesus wants to redefine our identity instead of leaving us as we are? What is our identity in Him?
In John 4:27-30, the Samaritan woman went from ashamed to outspoken — she started living out what it means to be “sent.” Where in your life do you need courage to be bold about your faith? How can your identity in Jesus help you be bold and live “sent”?