This week, we’re going to tap into two opposing desires that most middle schoolers have. The first is their desire for comfort. Because, let’s be honest, the middle school experience already comes packed with more than enough awkwardness and discomfort for a lifetime. Of course, people of all ages try to avoid discomfort whenever possible, but a desire for comfort is particularly strong in middle school when students are insecure, emotional, very sleepy, and very, very hungry. (Seriously. It’s a fact.) But there’s another desire that can combat the desire for comfort that we’re going to try to tap into today. And that’s the desire for significance. The desire to do something that matters. So don’t try to guilt your students because of their desire for comfort, because isn’t a great motivator. Instead, try inspiring them by tapping into their desire for significance.
Share a high and a low from the past week.
Describe your ideal “comfort zone” – literally. What’s the most comfortable, relaxing, coziest place you can imagine?
What do you think about when you hear the word “uncomfortable”?
What’s one way someone in need might experience physical discomfort?
What’s one way someone in need might experience emotional discomfort?
Describe your ideal “comfort zone” – literally. What’s the most comfortable, relaxing, coziest place you can imagine?
What do you think about when you hear the word “uncomfortable”?
What’s one way someone in need might experience physical discomfort?
What’s one way someone in need might experience emotional discomfort?
Matthew 25:37-40 New International Version
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
How might helping someone in need sometimes make us feel uncomfortable?
Why do you think Jesus wants us to care for people in need?
Why do you think it’s so hard for us to choose between being comfortable and being courageous?
What’s one thing you can do this week to choose courage over comfort?
Why do you think Jesus wants us to care for people in need?
Why do you think it’s so hard for us to choose between being comfortable and being courageous?
What’s one thing you can do this week to choose courage over comfort?
God of all Creation, we praise you for creating this world in all beauty, for redeeming the world through Christ, our Lord, and for sending us the gift of your Spirit to encourage, instruct and sustain us. We long for your Spirit to work among us now, to inspire us, to challenge us with your truth, and to equip us for service in the world. And together as your people we say, AMEN.
Mark the Cross of Christ on each others foreheads as a remembrance of your baptism and say these words...
"(Name) you are a beloved Child of God."
"(Name) you are a beloved Child of God."
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