(10 minutes, easy set-up)
Students will consider the vanity of placing hope in the “good” things of this world according to King Solomon’s wisdom.
(10 minutes, easy set up)
Preview “Spitting in the Wind” on page 9 of the Rootedstudent book OR download the “Spitting in the Wind” activity sheet. Also provide pens.
Learning Goal: Students will learn that life-changing power is available to all people who put their hope in the gospel.
Say: While it might be easy for some of us to see that the hope found in the gospel is the only thing worthy of defining and filling our lives, we sometimes seem to place our hope in many other things. Ask students what it means to put their hope in something. Explain that it most simply means to seek our security or worth and put our motivation or passion into something.
Direct students’ attention to page 9, then explain that King Solomon was considered the wisest man in the world and also the wealthiest and most powerful. Say: Even though he lived thousands of years ago, see if King Solomon’s quest for meaning and satisfaction doesn’t sound familiar to you. Ask: In what did Solomon place his hope? Guide students through the text on the page, then pause at each blank to write a summary for each previous description. (For example: knowledge/education, partying/pleasure/fun, intoxication/altered states of mind, home/property/nature, wealth/possessions/collections, art/creativity/entertainment, sex/beauty, popularity/status/reputation, extravagance/accomplishments/hard work.)
Challenge students to consider which of these things they are most prone toward. If anyone is willing, ask for volunteers to share candidly which vain pursuit they most often place their hope in. You may choose to share any of your own past or current struggles. Ask: What was the ultimate conclusion after trying everything under the sun? (Answer: vanity/empty/meaningless) Say: Solomon concluded that putting our hope in any of these things is as productive and worthwhile as spitting into the wind or trying to catch smoke in our hands. These vain efforts will never satisfy. Nothing in this world gives real hope. It is all hopeless.