(5-10 minutes)
Learners will commit to following Jesus above everything else they are preparing to do in life.
(5–10 minutes)
Provide paper and a pen for each learner.
Ask: Since so much of your high school years is about preparing you for future things in life, what do you think are the types of things you’re being prepared for? Allow for responses (College, jobs, families, household responsibilities, parenting, etc.). Inquire as to whether or not there are some current areas of their life where they have to sacrifice what they want, knowing that it will pay off further down the road. Ask a few volunteers to share what those areas might be. Say: While you might be preparing for jobs, families, and responsibilities in the future, most of you don’t have to concern yourselves with them too much right now. However, Jesus isn’t calling you to follow Him later on when you feel like you’re ready or after you’ve gotten whatever you desire out of life. He is entreating you to come and be His disciple right now.
Lead learners to list everything they can possibly think of to abandon in order to follow Jesus wherever He leads. Once they have made their lists, direct learners to write Jesus’ name in bold, block letters over their lists. Challenge students to make their journey with Christ take precedence over everything else in their life whether they have to literally give up their life or not. Encourage them to begin by choosing one thing from which they need to let go to work on over the course of the next week. Direct them to keep track of their progress and celebrate each step they take along the way.