Middle School Week 3: Calling Over Cost

The Main Thing:

Following Jesus means letting go of what it costs you.

Start Talking (Conversation Starter):

You can pick ONE thing for the rest of your life that will never cost you money. Would you pick: groceries, gas, phones, or clothes?

Need some movement-based icebreakers for your group? Find some options here!

Explore the Scripture:

Read John 6:60-69, Acts 4:18-20, and John 9 as a group. Help students start talking about it together. What stands out? What doesn’t make sense? Are there things that confuse them or words they don’t understand?

Unpack It:

Discuss what you read and what you heard.

• Why do you think so many people walked away from Jesus? What did Peter mean by his response?

• The man who Jesus healed in John 9 was criticized for believing in Jesus, but he didn't back down. Why was this a tense situation? What do you think of the healed man’s response?

• Think back to the message you heard. What takeaways did you have?

Own It:

Make the Scripture personal.

• Following Jesus can sometimes make you stand out. Where is it hardest to follow Him instead of going along with everyone else? Why?

• “Calling over cost.” What can following Jesus cost you as a middle schooler? How do you deal with that?

• Share something from the message that challenged you to put your calling over the cost.

Live It:

Take action to apply what you learned.

This week, take the ALL IN CHALLENGE. Do at least one of the following!

• Invite someone to church or your eGroup.

• Choose to stand up for something you know is right, even if it's unpopular.

• Tell one person what Jesus has been teaching you lately.

Prayer:

End your meeting by reminding students that following Jesus isn't always easy, but He's always worth it. Invite someone in the group to pray for courage to choose Jesus, even when it costs something.